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?