As Summer Progresses

It's been raining here in Area 52. That's okay, we really needed the rain. Today it is overcast, with the sun peeking in and out. It's not too hot. This afternoon I am singing with my men's quartet at our annual "park and praise" in our church parking lot. It should be fun. It's always fun to get together with friends, and I think Lil Bro and Sistah will be there for a while. Too bay Professor won't be there to share. She has never heard this group of mine sing. Even when she lived in Area 52, she never quite managed to make it to one of my concerts. My grandson, Kiddo won't be there either. We just can't seem to make contact with him. I am not sure of the reason, but wonder if it is a resentment because his mom isn't here, or if it is a matter of just being a 14 year old. I work with 14 year olds, and I know they are very "peer oriented" and sometimes don't want to be seen in public with family. It doesn't sound like Prof wants to make it home anytime soon, I guess we will have to rethink our summer plans. It just isn't possible for us to go to her, so we will remain homesick and confused.
By cutting back on my driving transit, I have been able to accomplish a little more at home. As a home owner, there is always something that needs to be done. I have successfully trimmed trees, powerwashed the decking on our porch and the sidewalks, have done weeding and mowing. We have accomplished some heavy-duty cleaning inside, and are getting ready to have carpets cleaned.
Earlier this weekend, I walked in the "Walkathon" to raise money to fight cancer. It was an impressive journey along the walking trail lined with luminaries lit in memory of people who have perished to cancer, or in honor of cancer survivors. I walked from 11 pm to 12 am and managed to walk about 4 miles. There were hundreds of walkers at that hour. Some strolling and some walking in earnest. I was not a stroller, but I couldn't keep pace with some of the younger walkers, so I did my own thing for a good cause.
I figured it up and I have 49 more days until I have to be back in the classroom. I am so not ready. Hopefully, the days will slow down, and by the time school starts, I will be ready to don the smile and welcome students with open arms. Too bad they won't feel the same way. I love the job, tho, and look forward to it. It's my way of making a difference. At my age, one looks for ways to make a difference.
The singing gigs keep arising. My mixed quartet is going to be busy if we manage to sing everywhere we are wanted. Sometimes, in the summer we just have to say "no." Vacations, and other obligations just won't let us do all of what we could do. Both groups I sing in are contemplating cutting a CD. At every concert, we are asked if we have on available, and it looks like it is time we give it some thought. This is exciting, but also a BIG commitment. We will see how it plays out.
Summer seems to be progressing, doesn't it?

Grace!
JE

This Quote Rocks!

Tilly has the most interesting friend, Lovelylady. She is a true friend. She comes to visit almost weekly, brings lunch for them, and bits of wisdom. I don't know her well, but I know that she is one gal to be reckoned with. She is her own person, and I think the adage, "when I grow old, I will wear purple," will fit her to a "T" when she is old.
Anyway, today she sent Tilly a card with a kind, thoughtful message, and on a hot pink note card had included this quote:
"I've just encountered public opinion and discounted it! I've ceased caring how I look to other people or what they say about me. I've stopped letting faceless groups demand my adherence to imaginary standards. They cannot be with me while I die, therefore, they have no right to set rules for me while I live."
I read this quote over and over and the more I read it, the more it rang true. If we would all live by this, and make it our mantra, wouldn't the world be a lot better place to live?
Tilly is so lucky to have Lovelylady for a friend. We should all be so blessed.

Grace!

JE

It's Summer Time and the Living Ain't Easy

Yes! It is official. School is OUT! The little beasties came back on Tuesday for a 1/2 day due to having a SNOW DAY to make up. We finished up our final exams, fed them lunch, and set them free for the next 77 days. The aides met in my room and there was much rejoicing and dancing. It's a good thing they don't allow Margaritas in the school!!
Now, I am once again driving a transit bus more or less full time. I must be nuts, but I told our manager that I would work as many hours as he wanted to give me. Wednesday I worked 6 hours, Thursday, I worked 10 hours and 56 minutes actual driving time, and today I drove for 9 hours straight. Is it any wonder why my butt is sore? I know driving sounds easy, but when you get in and out of a 14 passenger bus to help clients in and out about 35 times a day, one could say "whew." It's fun to see all the people I don't usually see and to meet some new riders, or at least new to me.
Tomorrow is Saturday, and Tilly and I are planting flower boxes and I am cutting the grass and weeding the flowerbeds. Now this is summer activity that I really enjoy. It's good to feel the earth in my fingers and even mowing, a job I usually loath, is not so bad.
I am making a life changing decision next week. It has caused some sleepless nights, but I have finally decided to sign up for my Social Security. I intend to keep on teaching, but the transit job will go, or at least will be cut way back, so I don't go over my allowed earning amount. Since I am a teaching assistant, and paid by the hour when the kids are in the building, my salary won't be a problem. I will have more time to be home, and will be able to do some of the things that need doing, and things I want to do, like working in my wood shop and maybe doing a little painting again. I haven't touched a brush to canvas for years. I will keep up the singing, though, for that is my real outlet and I love it.
So, for the next 74 days I intend to relax, enjoy being with Tilly, pet the dog, and drive the bus. When the time to resign comes, I will do it with some trepidation, but I will hold firm and get on with my life.