• good news upon walking in to work today - an extra long weekend!
• feeling over prepared for a new school year, did not know that was possible
• hearing about my husband's day
• a surprise at the cash register
• new shoes
• girl talk
• an inspirational blog, today's reminder that God does not ask me to be perfect, just to praise
• "this is me," being who I'm meant to be

• faculty gathering in one place, the blending of voices in harmony as we worship our God together
• stories of encouragement from parents and students, a reminder of why all the work is absolutely worth it
• sharing a dream, gaining affirmation and support
• a sweet boy's smile
• missing keys: providing an opportunity to walk and talk with a friend
• an extra day of summer!
• grateful for continued electricity and a now-dry basement, prayers for those in much worse conditions
• Shaun Groves singing "All is Grace"

• 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