The simple pleasures of summer

Even if you don't worship the sun, you've got to love summer. I mean come on. What's not to love?After the winters NY has known, I think we all welcome the summer months once they roll around. Everyone looks their best in the summer, once the glow of vitamin D comes back to our faces! A little tan, some accidental highlights in your hair, and we are all almost beautiful. Here are some of my favorite aspects of summer. I hope they don't sound cliche. The feel of grass, sand or even concrete beneath your bare feet. Changing back into clean clothes after a swim....aaahhhhhhh. The sound of lawn mowers telling you it's Saturday morning- time to get up. Taking a walk and purposely walking closer to the neighbor's sprinklers for a splash! Hot dogs on the grill. Sun-kissed shoulders and beach hair. Being at the beach late enough to watch it empty.

New routines...

It's incredible how human emotions are often such a mixed bag. I want to be happy and excited and joyful and jubilant and relaxed that school is over, but I'm not only those things. I'm also antsy, sad and nostalgic. I miss my kids! I miss teaching! I miss planning lessons and the excitement of a school day. Am I a maniac? This job has always felt like two extremes to me. While I'm glad my job is winding down and the summer is finally here, I somehow go from feeling extremely stressed and busy to just useless. I hate to say I'm bored- I'm not! It's not the right word. I'm used to all year NOT having any time for myself, so the new found unencumbered time is something I don't know how to use. I need direction. I'm almost finished with all my grading and then my days will be mine. I will be free to do whatever I want, but I am not sure what that is yet! Beach, tennis, walks, parties, BBQ's, pool, tanning, reading, writing, movies, shopping, home improvements, seeing friends, late nights, breakfast out, Montauk, flip flops, free time.

Easter week in Italy