I had one official goal this summer (finish ALOS) and one unofficial goal (publish DEAD). Obviously, I’m good on the second one, but crazy as it sounds, since I was about 75% of the way done back in June, it looks like I will NOT be able to finish ALOS “this summer.”

Apart from the intrusion of grad school into my life, aided and abetted by a super fun but time-sucking Spanish class, and the two equally fun but time-consuming trips we took, I did a ton of revising on that first 75% before adding any new words. I’d say I’m around 85% done now, but school officially starts tomorrow, and within that context, I’m essentially starting a new position in a new hall, on a new team.

All GOOD things, but (as happens every year at this time….) I’m feeling very unprepared for the reality of students in my room in roughly 46 hours. About 100 new names, personalities, learning styles, needs, etc., to learn and manage. New curriculum, new room, new furniture/configuration, 100+ degree weather, second year in a row with central AC in our building that isn’t actually working, yada-yada, blah-blah-blah.

So what am I doing? Blogging about the crazy-busy-ness of my life, instead of doing something…not “more productive”…that’s the wrong term, since actually, writing about all this helps me feel calmer about it. And feeling calmer means I can do something, instead of being paralyzed with overwhelmed-ness.

That and the fact that the DD, while also being Very Busy, has learned how to make almond milk fruit smoothies. They are AMAZING, and very restorative. This is a terrible pic, because I’m feeling too lazy to get up and find a better background, but here it is nonetheless:

Okay, now that I’m feeling better, I really will go do something. Probably not finish ALOS, but maybe I’ll get at least a little more done on it after I finish a few more pressing items on my list. Like this smoothie….  ;)

How about you? Is September a time for new beginnings and new-old goals? Or is it just another day in the life?