Our last day of school was June 4.  I had dreams of coming right home and starting to clean out closets and cabinets---things I have not gotten to all school year.  Instead, I did what I do every year---collapsed on the couch and the next two nights I slept for 12 hours each.  My body and mind were exhausted.  I've taught many years and it seems to be this way every year.  (The mind is willing, but the body is not.)

After a week and a half, I now feel rested and ready to get on with my life.

Part of my mental exhaustion came from having to retain FIVE of my first graders.   For four of them it was a good decision, but for one of them it was very "iffy."  He's an intelligent boy, but he lives with his brother and single dad and education has not been a priority in the past few years at his house. I knew (after teaching 2nd grade for 23 years) that he does not have the skills to be successful in 2nd grade next year. His dad was very kind and supportive of me, but it was still a difficult decision.

If you're wondering, "Why FIVE retainees?" you know why I was stressed.  I figured after having them in my class a full year they should be able to read.  I think they were just not ready.  They came to first grade knowing few letters of the alphabet and their homes are filled with struggles.  My class was 100% low income this year.

Two days after school was out, I woke up with a pain in my wrist and I figured I slept on it wrong.  As the day went on, I could not write, peel vegetables, or pick up anything because of the pain along my arm and down through my little finger.  That whole area became swollen and red.  It scared me, especially since I couldn't write, and I went to the doctor.  He figured it was tendinitus and the only thing I know it could have been was cleaning out my school room and carrying heavy books and things around.  It is clearing up now.  I believe our bodies say to us "Hey, you need to sit and do nothing for a while."

So, I have been drinking coffee, reading (and reading and reading), talking to old friends on the phone and email, and eating good food.  I've also added a 7 a.m. exercise class with a wonderful drill sargeant-like instructor, so I will get up and get going instead of sleeping until 9:00.

After a little more of this good life I will be ready to tackle my house and get it in order.  Until then, I am going to enjoy June!