Summer coming to a close

I can feel it down deep in the pit of my stomach. My summer is slipping away. Where did it go? Under the couch? Behind the tree? Nope. Into the wind, I say. It flew right on by. So yes, it is that time of year again. Time when I am sick of trying to look decent in my swimsuit and ready for the warm comfort of my sweaters and hoodies. Time for buying out the penny and ten cent sale items at Staples and Office Depot. Time for my trunk to stop looking like a large office supply store and for the goodies to go in their right places. Time for updating the school website with start dates, times and lunch menus. Time to start thinking of what to wear on the first day of school, even more important the Open House for the new little ones that night. It is that time again. School is here again.

What a pain in the KNEE!

Today was my appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. Too bad I won't be having his services any time soon. That's right. Today I found out I have significant wear and tear of the knee cap. It will hurt me off and on for the rest of my life. An option is major knee surgery with all the bells and whistles. He didn't offer the surgery. He told me he couldn't guarantee that the surgery would make it better.

I am a complete mess. I feel like I have been given a life sentence. My knee won't get worse; it won't heal; it won't develop arthritis. It will just hurt like the dickens several times a year or month or day. I am now going to start an exercise program to strengthen my legs and get into the best shape I can to take pressure off as much as possible. This just isn't what I needed.

Second opinion you may ask... Well I thought about that until I remembered I was with the Head Team Physician for the University of Illinois... I think he has his credentials in order. Enough blabbering from me. Any happy thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

Goals and Intentions

Today is a post on goals. As a teacher, I have goals each day, and it is easy to point out goals in the classroom. But as I sit here, I realize that I have many goals in my personal life as well. I try to be a pretty outgoing person and I think that is what helps me to accomplish my goals.

Goals I have accomplished:

1. Marry my bestfriend. complete (Good thing my bestfriend happened to be a guy :), and a wonderful one at that.) - This goal seems to be a simple one, but knowing this world and how people change and grow apart I consider myself to be very lucky in life to be married to my husband. We were fortunate to meet young in life and grow together instead of apart.
2. Do something extreme. complete - On July 22nd of this year I took the plunge. I flew out of a plane and went skydiving. I had this surreal calm about it. My husband was freaking out, my mom was beside herself, but I did it (with little sister at my side) and it was great. I am so proud of myself because I conquered my fear of flight and not many people know that about me. I secretly want to vomit when on a plane during take off and landing... well this time I canceled out the landing part and dealt with the take off :)
3. Be happy. complete and ongoing - This is actually a major feat in my life. I have dealt with depression from an early age and I really seem to have it together lately. Junior High was not kind to this gal, but I have used my experiences to make me stronger and better for the wear.
   
4. Become a teacher. complete - I teach at a wonderful Junior High in Illinois and I have a blast. I get to entertain and educate all day long. 12 year olds are so fun to be around. They are growing at an incredible rate and it is wonderful to be a part of their becoming young adults. I don't think I could give this up.
5. Make a difference. Hopefully each day - With my background, I made it a point to be in a profession that could help young people. After careful thought, I knew being a public school teacher was right for me. I promise each year to be there for each student. Someone to talk to for any child in need. It melts my heart each student smiles after a conversation, whether it be a light-hearted chat or a deep conversation. I love being there for our young people.

Goals to be completed:

1. Become a homeowner - Spring 2007 ! ! !
2. Obtain my Masters degree - starting the program next summer
3. Become a mother - Even though I feel like I have about 170 kids each year to mother, I am awaiting the say to have my own. My husband will be a wonderful father and I can't wait to be a part of that.
4. Visit a volcanic island - big stuff for an Earth Science teacher!
5. Life life to the fullest - I want to live life for what it is. I don't want to wish for tomorrow. I want to make the most of today. Each day is something new and anyone can try to make the best of it.

Thanks so much for reading my short novel. We had a great mini vacation this past weekend with the inlaws. Lots of baseball, outdoors and fun. Here are some pics from the weekend. Have a good one!