• getting back into routine
• walking from class to class to socialize with colleagues
• an immediate hug from a new student
• meeting my new crew of 2nd graders, seeing their excitement
• visitors from last year's class
• setting goals for a new school year, sticking to them on day one
• making dinner for my husband

• shelter and safety in the storm
• a diligent husband working and working to get our basement dry
• family that lives nearby to lend a helping hand
• only a brief power outage
• a cleaning spree
• cuddling with my love on my last night of summer

hanging home made signs

completing a long overdue craft project

• getting laundry and errands done before the rain fall
• seeing progress in the apartment downstairs
• surprise guest at the door, spontaneous meal with family
• refreshing on curriculum, need to do less and less with each passing year
• laughing at some of the ridiculous media coverage for incoming Irene
• no water in the basement... yet!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2011

• sunshine before the storm, relaxing on the shore line
• enjoying one last non-working weekday
• crashing waves, watching boogie board surfers
• "Firefly Lane" by Kristin Hannah
• leaving early enough to avoid the evacuation rush
• dinner at Blue Moon Cafe
• sitting around the camp fire, spotting lightning bugs

• cherry butter jam from Ithaca
• stranded at home with my husband, semi-hourly hugs and kisses
• set plans for the first week of school, and even beyond - it is a foreign feeling to be ahead of the game in lesson planning - I hope I can keep this motivation going!
• unlimited photo archiving on shutterfly
• getting our car back in time to run errands and go to the in-laws' for dinner
• discovering an old coin and stamp collection

• the scent of mint chocolate brownies filling my kitchen
• a running start into my lesson planning, feeling confident about where I am going
• the company of colleagues before our lives become crazy again
• gorgeous temperatures for sitting outside and driving with the windows down
• my dad's AAA card - sure came in handy this summer! helping hands and willing drivers to help me cope with car trouble
• mom's home cooking and grandma's baking, amazing combination
• a conversation to clear the air and get all on the same page

• finding the school alive with teachers, doing more chatting than working!
• two sweet little boys taking my hand to show me the way
• snaggle teeth, and toothless grins
• brain storming with my 2nd grade team
• crafting and catching up with a close friend, making projects for me! (pictures to come)
• a.j.e.less designs blog up and running