Sunday, August 13, 2006

JOURNAL: August 13, 2006

The last few days have been delightfully cool and refreshing, perfect for any activity. Every time I went outside, I noticed the cooling air and the trees tossing in the pleasant breeze. The temperatures couldn’t have risen much above the high 70’s – just right for the beach, for walking in the park, or just for feeling the enjoyable air passing through the window and into the house. These days were wonderful gifts, and I used them well, I think. Yesterday Matt and I drove to the mall to do some “school shopping”. This will be his first year as a classroom teacher (3rd grade), and it’s an exciting time both for him and me. I love helping him as he prepares for the start of the school year. To me, there’s nothing more thrilling than getting organized for another year of teaching, and now I get to experience it for myself and for another son. (My older son Jaimie has been teaching 8th grade English for several years.) Matt and I went to several stores yesterday, just browsing to get ideas for our classrooms. I bought a set of inflatable blocks that I can use to promote book discussions, and Matt bought an excellent soft office chair, which he plans to use in his classroom for read-alouds and circle talks. It was a joyous experience for me to travel around on such a beautiful afternoon with my son the teacher, helping him get set for the beginning of a great adventure in September.

Later, I went to an outdoor party at a friend’s house, and it was lovely to stand on their lawn and talk with friends under the quiet and colorful evening sky – a perfect way to bring a perfect day to a close.

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