Sept. 21 I cannot wait to retire!

Five classroom days remaining before a chance to catch my breath and reconstruct my mind, body, and (maybe) soul. I thank God for these two week breaks. If I were alcoholic a long binge would be in order.

Theoretically, I have recovered from my trip to Colorado. I stay tired anyway. Between the heat and the students, I feel a melted super hero.

Fortunately, I face the adventure of sailing with Sailor Boy on his frigate from Cape Canaveral to Orlando. It will not be a long cruise, but it won't be Mesa, AZ. either! Afterwards, I will spend 5 days exploring that little spot of escape from reality. (If only I could afford to miss the plane that is committed to bringing me back.

For now, my task is to keep the chin out and the smile forced as I finish up this semester that definitely brings me closer to the end of this school year.

Jacob has deployed to Iraq for third tour.

I got back from Colorado Springs, Co. on Saturday after 5 hectic days helping Jacob vacate his apartment and prepare for his new trip to Iraq. The payoff for me was that I got to drive his Ford Explorer to Arizona for tour storage. The 17 1/2 hour drive was relatively easy but long and tiring. I am totally wiped out. I don't feel like a basket case but a casket case. A long sleep sounds really good right now.

To top things off my classroom got used to my absence and wanted to maintain their new attitudes upon my return. Nice try, kiddoes!

After a dragging, bad luck day, I am beginning to feel that I will survive. That is good to know.

Anyway, I guess I will have to return his Ford Explorer to him in Colorado Springs around Labor Day of next year. I wonder if that will create a new cycle in the classroom.

As far as school goes, I am way motivated to retire. Unfortunately, I lack the funds to maintain the fun when I go out.

Tomorrow night the fatigue will be reinforced as I begin the class to get my Math Teacher's endorsement in Arizona. Then I can retire and teach math part-time at the junior high or high school level. I love math so the kids should love me. Right?

Love and Logic Conference

The Love and Logic Conference in Colorado Springs, Co. last week was inspirational. It lifted my mood and should help the return to work on July 17.

While in Colorado, my youngest brother Tim passed away after a two year struggle with cancer.

I took fewer photos in Colorado Springs than expected. The light and weather were erratic. I had a car available, so I did all of my exploring on the day that I arrived and avoided the common tourist sites such as Pike's Peak. Unfortunately, I was a little tight on the budget and hesitant to wander off to find imagery. Nevertheless, I have almost finished a second roll of images that include shots in Denver. If you want to see more, search rusty_tripod on Flickr.com.

Nichole, Jacob's wife had surgery for cancer scarring yesterday. It sounds like all is going well although there will be follow-up surgery next month. It is too early to know how it will impact Jacob's ability to return to Iraq later in the year.

School is out!

I do not have to do any official teaching again until we return to work on July 17. In the meantime, it is my turn to take a few district classes.

On June 14 I will fly to Denver and then somehow get down to Colorado Springs for the Love and Logic Conference. Unfortunately, Jacob and Nikki will be elsewhere getting help with Nikki's health challenge.

Tyler is back at sea and headed for South America to chase the druggies.

Hopefully, Jacob and Nikki arrived home last night or early this morning from their quick Memorial Day visit with us. They brought their two dogs Jersey and Mesa with them. One result is that our calico cat has disappeared and we are now down to 3 cats from a high of 6 earlier in the year.

Carl will get his car out of the shop today or tomorrow. This will help him in his search for a job. Then, my car needs to go into the shop since it is running badly. That will facilitate my poverty.

Lorraine is busy doing things organic. Now she is seeking organic milk because of its many wonders. I wonder?

And life goes on.

Go to love those Brooksby boys.