The End of the Dog Days of Summer

When people learn that Doug and I are both teachers, the first question that comes out of their mouths is, "Wow. What do you guys do all summer long?" This is a common misconception that the general public has-- that teachers have three months off. Those in education know that this is not the case whatsoever. Summers are typically  filled with trainings, classes, and lesson planning. These are things that are all work-related. Surprisingly, teachers do have personal lives, which typically get put on hold during the school year. Most of my teacher friends, not unlike myself, compile a huge to do list that we save for summer time. Everything gets too hectic during the school year to tackle many of the projects that need to be accomplished.

This past summer was the strangest summer that we've had so far, but Doug and I have had vastly different experiences. I took 10 credits and worked most of the summer. I had two weeks with no work. My summer was short. As I start work tomorrow, I am not quite ready to return. I do, however, have the excitement and trepidation that begins with a new job. I am leaving my comfortable, cozy home at McNary and am trading them in for experiencing life as a McKay Royal Scot. With all of the changes made in the district, this year will be difficult; but like most teachers in my district, I am thankful to have a job.

My summer experience definitely juxtaposes Doug's. He kicked off his summer with a termination letter effective June 17. He has been at home with the girls and has been doing a good job at it as well. For example, I came today, only to find him playing Pretty, Pretty Princess with the girls. Had he been gainfully employed, today would have been his first day back at work. We hope that a recall phone call or letter appears soon.

That to do list I mentioned? Yeah, it didn't really happen. Between working most of the summer and adding Preslyn into the mix, it has gotten that much harder to accomplish anything. I return to work with a half painted downstairs, a cracked windshield, a broken seat belt, a broken A/C, two unfinished baby books, one baby book that hasn't been started yet, caulking that needs to repaired, and the list continues. But our lives go on, and there will always be another summer.