First Week

Thus far, everything is OK. I feel a bit behind than my norm, but feeling fine.

Students seems enthused, although nervous (as usual)- but once we get into the swing of things, I know they will do well. My HS Spanish I class is a mixed group and we shall see how things go for them after the first unit. The majority of my Spanish II class are those from last year, so it should be good, but a few of the others may not be ready. Review is planned for all of them for the next week or so. I will meet with each student individually as well.

We have to turn in lesson plans this year, which is fine for me, and I actually like the spread-sheet format. I have more time on the weekends- although, as today, I am procrastinating a bit.

The new HS principal is doing well thus far. I have seen changes in the HS, at least my perceptions of the HS are changing. We shall see what happens once parents get into the mix.

Saturday

Last weekend before school begins.

Cleaning house, organizing.... I have a lot to do for classes before the official first day, but I have a few days still.

Another transition period, which bring out the "this time is the time" mentality to get everything clean, organized, started, finished, better, etc. Really a mind-fuck, and I always question why I waited for this moment, wasting time procrastinating/ doing other things.

Its gotta stop. 40 is hovering.

Montreal and End of Summer

In Montreal earlier this week to visit Great Aunt Jean. It was a last-minute trip, as my summer Spanish class was canceled (only had 14/15 students), and although expensive, it was well worth it. Visited with family (Grandmother's side) I had not seen for at least 25 years and saw a lot of the city. In addition, it was good to spend some time with Adam and Martina.
Aunt Jean turned 100 in January, so it could be the last time I see her. She is doing fine, considering her age, using a magnifier to see anything, oxygen, and the need to repeat over-and-over so she can hear. Her stream-of-thought is a bit slow, but she talked a lot about her life experiences. If it was just me, I would have asked her more things- questions about the family that Grandma does not disclose.
In any event, it was a good trip. Great Aunt Lillian is a bit of a controller, but she is the "matriarch" of the family. Lots of money there- although some in the larger group did not receive any of the funds from Aunt Jean, not sure why. Lillian gave me a piece of artwork from her collection. There was another one I was eying, but we shall see.
I would like to go back, but then it is another annual trip to take- Monroe, Vegas, Montreal. Not a bad drive, only 17 hours or so, so it is do-able.

Spending time with them, noting the longevity on that side of the family, made me think of my own mortality and things that I want to do. I brought up the idea of adoption, again, to David- it's been over 10 years since we really discussed it. We´ll see. All of my other things are the same- the lists have begun.

School begins in a couple of weeks, the 23rd for me- 25th for students, so next week begins the throws of prep. I am not as ready as I was last year at this time, but I will catch up before the year starts. Excited, nervous.