The warm weather has arrived, the school year is winding down, and summer-itis has hit my students. I am not counting down the days until summer like I was last year but am also looking forward to the break. I really like my students this year and am going to miss them when they're gone, so that helps me enjoy the last few weeks a little more. Yesterday was the last day for seniors which was actually kind of bittersweet for me. I have a few seniors in my 11th grade classes that are there because they've failed in the past, so they're generally a pain in my butt, and I'm rid of them now. But a lot of the kids who gave me so much trouble last year spent the week stopping by to say goodbye and tell me what they're up to after school, so that was fun. It kind of makes me sad that they'll all be gone because when I see them around the building it makes me feel like I accomplished something by getting them all through 11th grade English.
We also had our "goodbye to the seniors" barbeque for student council, which was fun. We have a lot of really good kids in there who are going on to college, so it was cool to have the chance to sit down and talk to them about that stuff. They surprised me with a card that they had somehow been passing around school and having people sign. I almost always find out about things like that ahead of time, so it was a nice surprise. We had elections for the officers next year, and we have a great group of kids lined up to run things next year. We also have two extra weeks in the fall before homecoming, so the year should go quite smoothly.
The weather has warmed up and will continue to do so, and the days are getting longer and longer. I really like living somewhere that has a distinct spring. It is beautiful out here this time of year because all of the trees are really green. Everyone always comments on how green Oregon is, and it certainly is, but out here all the green leafy trees give it a different look. It's nice to see big green trees lining the highway in daylight as a drive to work instead of the barren sticks in the dark that I see in the wintertime.
We're beginning to work on planning the wedding and sorting everything out. We are going to get married next summer, so there's no big rush, but it seems like these days you almost have to have a year to plan your wedding. The plan is to have a wedding and reception like normal out here and then to have another reception of sorts back in Oregon. I am looking forward to dress shopping while I'm home for Vickie's graduation and I think that will really make it sink in that I'm getting married! It will be fun to have the chance to see everybody at Vickie's graduation and have Billy along to spend some more time with my family.
I hope everyone is well and looking forward to the summer. The pool opens next weekend so I am excited about getting a start on my tan!
