Summertime

As an educator who does not need to work during summer, I get to continue to enjoy summer break. It looks a little different than when I was a kid, but it's loads of fun all the same. My children are almost 9 and 11.5. We are all home together, all the time, as I teach cyber school from my home. My kiddos attend a different cyber school from home. We are all home, all together, all the time. When we're not we're in the car or at a rink (ice or roller). Therefore, we don't do a lot of gaming and sit at the computer because we have to do it 3/4 of the year. We make a Summer Wish List (or Summer Bucket List) at the start of every summer, at least we have for three or more years, now. This year it was shorter than usual, but still it seems like there's not enough time to do everything we want, professionally or personally.

This summer is all about not rushing and ENJOYING the time we have, the moment we are in. We look forward to things, but not at the cost of losing the now. We have crossed off six items, have scheduled many more through August, and of course have added impromptu fun.

Between appointments, camps and other commitments in summer we have found ourselves killing time, hitting nearby libraries. So it's unofficially become the summer of new libraries. We've all been reading a lot, which I love; and it's hard for me to find time to do it. When I'm at the library with the kids, we all read.

We have tried new foods, visited our favorite lake/beach spot, made home made pasta and completed a family 10k, charity bike ride. We have caught up with friends who we don't see often and spend some quality time with cousins we don't see often enough.

This summer break is essential to bond with my kids outside of school and their sports. This break is essential so that I can refuel, breathe and remember why I work like a mad woman for over eight months. I am reminded to appreciate life, slow down and look at life from the perspective of my kiddos. I like many educators, like many women, many parents, am a human. It's easy to burn out and rush and forget to enjoy what's out there. I know not everyone gets a chance to have this time. I promise I am appreciating it for everyone of you.

Enjoy the rest of your summer days.

Best,

Keri