End of Summer (not quite yet)

So, this weekend is kind-of the last one of my summer. I still have a few weeks before classes officially begin, but I have to start preparing and go in to get my room ready.

Mom is taking me "school clothes" shopping tomorrow.

Wednesday I am going in to school.
First day plan is just to unpack the boxes I packed up at the end of the year last year. I will also be figuring out ideas for my bulletin boards and display areas. I have ideas already.

I've been thinking about setting up the class based upon feng shui principles. I bought a book about it for the house (actually considering having a master come to the house) and then found information about apply feng shui to a classroom. Interesting. Actually, my room is somewhat set to the principles, while other things need some tweaking.

I've already started planning a bit for students. For the first couple of weeks, I really have to set my procedures and establish expectations (I was a bit lax last year) and I want to get some informal teaching with the basics before we begin the textbook.

I went through the textbook when I was called for jury duty (I was chosen, then excused). Thank goodness I have the lesson plan book- it will make my life easier. Still, there are almost too many options. There is just not enough time to get through all of them. I am not quite sure what activities to select. I think I will set some sort of basic plan system, and mix up activities to prevent boredom. I think this textbook is much more user friendly.

As for the gardens, at least the back perimeter beds are finished (back yard fence and west). I will continue to work on them. I told Sara that I will probably be working on them until October. Something tells me that I am probably not so off-base.

Coneflowers blooming: a group of purple and some white. I don't know if the other ones will bloom this year. I think I have some black/brown-eyed susans as well.
I need more mid/ late summer flowers. I guess that is what annuals are for.

As for today, it is almost too dry to work in the yard, especially in full sun. Perhaps, I am just procrastinating.

I think today is going to be house cleaning (its been a week).
We decided to fire Teresa. Not because she was not doing a good job (she did an OK job), but rather to save money ($120 a month).

In hindsight, quitting the restaurant was probably not the best thing to do. I should have worked the summer. But, I will say that I do not miss it all that much. I really do not miss the headaches. Still, the extra money could have helped and I have considered looking for something else.
I did apply for a few paid advisory/ assistant coach positions at school, but I have not heard anything. I will still do Spanish Club (Foreign Language/ International Club), even though it is not a paid position. I will sign up for tutoring as well (paid).

Excited to return to some sort of set schedule.