This week's challenge is to write about summer or our favorite thing. What's the difference? Being a teacher, nothing's better than ten weeks of blessed summer vacation. I look at it like New Years as I resolve to accomplish tons over the summer months. Believe it or not, I am now entering my last week of vacation so here's a reflection of my goals and accomplishments: pfft!
(1) This summer I had planned to exercise, diet, and shed unwanted weight. Reality: I sat, ate, and gained a pound or two. Blame it on eating out and vacationing, especially since we traveled everywhere by car. I clocked a full week butt sitting in four wheeled vehicles. Sometimes driving, sometimes sleeping, sometimes stuck in traffic--especially in Birmingham. Once I got my act together with a running regiment, I got strep and couldn't swallow. Achaha! That's when I lost weight. At least I can now go back to work no fatter than I was before.
(2) I was going to clean my house. The first step was to vacuum dog hairs. I did. The next day, more dog hairs covered the rug. With three dogs (two of them goldens), vacuuming is as worthwhile as shoveling snow in a snow storm. So the house is still dirty, but what do you expect? I can barely wash my toes, you think I'd be washing windows? Plus there's a mysterious white substance raining into the corner of our porch. Future Wordless Wednesday Topic: Identify the Substance.
(3) Of course I was going to get my novel in shape and send out queries. I've made a little bit of progress on Mrs. Zimmerman's Donuts, sent one Bompsy query to an agent, and nothing in the magazine department. So I can still brag that I have the best book that's never been published. Even a friend of mine told me she couldn't sleep because she was so worried about poor Bompsy. She stayed up reading my manuscript late into the night . . . but the agents and editors don't want to hear that.
So basically summer's over and I've accomplished next to nothing, which means it was a darn good break. Since I told you what I didn't do, you'll have to listen to this video if you want to know what I did do during the last nine weeks.
If you like my blog, please VOTE for me on the Picket Fence 'cause what else have you got to do?
(1) This summer I had planned to exercise, diet, and shed unwanted weight. Reality: I sat, ate, and gained a pound or two. Blame it on eating out and vacationing, especially since we traveled everywhere by car. I clocked a full week butt sitting in four wheeled vehicles. Sometimes driving, sometimes sleeping, sometimes stuck in traffic--especially in Birmingham. Once I got my act together with a running regiment, I got strep and couldn't swallow. Achaha! That's when I lost weight. At least I can now go back to work no fatter than I was before.
(2) I was going to clean my house. The first step was to vacuum dog hairs. I did. The next day, more dog hairs covered the rug. With three dogs (two of them goldens), vacuuming is as worthwhile as shoveling snow in a snow storm. So the house is still dirty, but what do you expect? I can barely wash my toes, you think I'd be washing windows? Plus there's a mysterious white substance raining into the corner of our porch. Future Wordless Wednesday Topic: Identify the Substance.
(3) Of course I was going to get my novel in shape and send out queries. I've made a little bit of progress on Mrs. Zimmerman's Donuts, sent one Bompsy query to an agent, and nothing in the magazine department. So I can still brag that I have the best book that's never been published. Even a friend of mine told me she couldn't sleep because she was so worried about poor Bompsy. She stayed up reading my manuscript late into the night . . . but the agents and editors don't want to hear that.
So basically summer's over and I've accomplished next to nothing, which means it was a darn good break. Since I told you what I didn't do, you'll have to listen to this video if you want to know what I did do during the last nine weeks.
If you like my blog, please VOTE for me on the Picket Fence 'cause what else have you got to do?
22 comments:
I love Bruno Mars! Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the visit. At least Bruno Mars makes money doing nothing.
I'm spending my RETIREMENT like that. Well, I did get my novel sent off, and I have a couple of short stories being prepared to publish, but that's not much in three years!
Well, I was going to tell you about my intentions for retirement, but so far, in 3 years, I have done nada except write. My sewing room still needs a major organization, as do all of my too many books. All that weight I was going to lose??? I quit smoking and gained 20 pounds. Need I go on?
Loved your blog!
Well you had a great summer indeed. That's what it's all about.
I've always wondered why it's so easy to gain a pound (can be done with one meal) and it's takes a week to get that pound off. Doesn't make any sense. Also how can you eat something that weight a half pound and you gain three. It just isn't right.
Have a terrific day. :)
I think as long as you enjoy your break, it's all worth it. Don't you? "At least I can now go back to work no fatter than I was before." (hahaha.) Going to vote for you at the picket fence. ;)
Thanks for all the comments and votes. I really want to play some more. I need to retire.
wow i didn't know you were a teacher!what grade and subject? that video was hysterical..at first i thought it was going to be a "jibjab" of you and your family!! LOL cute lyrics! ENJOY THE LAST FEW WEEKS and pssssst can't wait till your NOVEL IS PUBLISHED!! MUAH!
Thanks, Brenda. I teach intellectually gifted kids mostly in grades 3-5. Last few weeks? Oh how I wish! We go back on MONDAY. Like August 1, Monday.
This post cracked me up. Im glad you to hear you didnt waste your time in the gym when the summer awaited. Thats what cold winters are for! Enjoy yourself...you deserve it :)
Thanks for the comments. I reposted the Sparkfest icon. Reality: I posted it to begin with because it sounded like a fun event for me, but I knew I'd never remember it so far in advance if I didn't post myself a reminder. ;)
When I was teaching, I used to have all kinds of things on my 'to do' list for the summer vacation. Most never actually got done, but one thing became a sort of tradition. The first week I would always clean and tidy the cupboards and drawers in my kitchen. When my daughter started teaching, she called me during the first week of her first summer vacation and said, 'Guess what I've just been doing?' Yes, I guessed it right!
So the best way to lose weight is to get sick? We really need to find some negative-calorie foods.
Okay--this was great!! I have to smile and sing with Bruno. At least you enjoyed not doing anything--right?? LOL
Cheers!! Jenn
Gotta tell ya...that is what summer is all about! Nothing days and more nothing days. Eating all the good stuff and seeing anything you love or haven't seen before. Sounds like you did that and I applaud you!
Teaching is difficult and I respect all who love doing so, that said, I also think whatever you do on your down time should be all about YOU. <3
I'll bet that when kids get out of school for the summer, they never consider that the teachers are every bit as happy as they are for the break! :O)
That sounds like exactly the sort of summer vacation any teacher should have... busy doing nothing ;)
Yeah, this sounds about right. It's kinda how my summer's been going as well... which means it was an excellent break!
We have 2 cats and I have to vacuum like every day, but I'm one of those weirdo freaks that can't sit still until my house is clean. lol
This sounds familiar. Not my summer, I have to work through it all, but my wife's who is a fellow teacher. Particularly the part about goals going unmet. Pretty much every day I get to hear about all the stuff she intended to do and didn't. I don't stress, I say "no big deal, it'll all happen." She says "but I had such *big plans* for today." Oh well!
Joyce,
A great post as always. Glad you got a good break.
Pam
Love to know the shoulda, coulda, wouldas of life affect others as well! In my case, it's cat hair.
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