The Countdown is On...

The students have started a countdown on the board in my room...only 30 days till grad. Wow. That also means 8 school days until the applied math 40S exam, 18 school days until exam week, 4 days until the big DragonBoat race, and perhaps most concerning for me, is 25 school days left until I have to really face the reality that I won't be back there next year. It's a bittersweet feeling. I have shed many tears over the reality of leaving the awesome kids in that school. Although I'm excited about the opportunity for next year, part of me hurts. Those kids have been the world to me, and the thought of leaving is hard to accept. Telling them was probably harder for me than it was for them. I am excited about seeing them on the rare occasion for sporting events and whatnot, but it won't be the same. I could say a lot, but I really have to avoid getting myself all worked up. The end of the year will run high with emotions of leaving and the fear of the uncertainty ahead.

I finished my paper. It was probably my least favorite part of the weekend. Actually...it WAS the least favorite part of my weekend. I hate the feeling knowing that I've done poorly. I did what I could, but it wasn't enough. Maybe the next assignment will be less taxing. Maybe I should try and stop feeling guilty.

As far as the status of the house goes, there is not much to report. It was supposed to get moved on Friday. It got loaded up, but that's where it stayed. The soggy grounds postponed that ordeal. I want it to dry up, and not for the house so much as for my dad to be able to resume seeding. That's more important. There is not urgency for the house. I do have my apartment until the end of July. Actually, I already forgot the colors that we chose for paints. It will be a surprise to walk in! A surprise I'm looking forward to!

Here are some pictures of the most recent work:

My to do list for the summer is quite expansive. I am thinking that it will fly by as I foresee myself being rather busy. I'm going to enjoy it though. Lots of things will change in the next few months and I'm looking forward to all of them with much excitement!

Time to unwind. It was a hectic day. This pace will continue for the remaining days I'm sure. The good thing is that it makes the time go faster and the weekends come sooner.

Overwhelmed

This week has been exhausting. It's one of those week where everything just piles up. I think it's a combination of having restless students who are waiting for summer, along with my own need for a long weekend. I have so much that I want to get done, and even more that I need to get down. Time for a slow down...but that won't happen for another 6 weeks. One day at a time.

I got my course materials in the mail. It came on a day I was already overwhelmed. I was excited, until I saw that the first assignment needs to be completed by May 26. I guess that gives me a week and a bit to find someone to interview and then write a 15 page paper on my insights regarding cross-cultural education. It's been a while since I've had to do that - could be an interesting transition. I'm scared.

Next Tuesday we start practice for Dragon Boat. It should be a good time - so long as it is a little warmer. I can't imagine it would be too much fun out on the water on days like today.

My mind is busy and I really have nothing to write. The real reason I even logged in was to post some pictures. The basement is dug! It's exciting! I climbed the ladder to see what I could see - and this is what I saw....

Mom's Week

This week is about my mom. Aside from mother's day on Sunday, tomorrow is her birthday! Happy Birthday!

I'm sure I probably wrote some of the same words about a year ago. That goes to show that she is a pivotal and essential part of my every day. That doesn't change, it just gets stronger. The last year has been filled with curves, highs, and lows. Through it all my mom continues to be there offering support, encouragement, and her friendship, in any capacity possible. Her warm words encourage me, her expectation and standards challenge me, and her warm embraces comfort me. Her love inspires me.

My mom is a unique one. Her fascinations and infatuations with little things make me smile. Most recently it has been her dedication to the addicting world of FarmTown that has provided me with hours of entertainment. It's yet another place for us to interact while not always being able to see each other. I love it.

Mom, I love you lots, and couldn't ask for a better friend! Words don't express how thankful I am. Have a very happy blessed birthday and a wonderful mother's day!

Just this week she sent me an e-mail. With all that has been going on, it just seems appropriate. This is just a portion or an e-mail, but still the message is clear:

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

On a different note, well the paint issue is still stressing me. Not a major stress, but rather a "I don't know what to do" kinda stress. I'm still waiting for some grand inspiration. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.

The school days are flying by. I believe we only have 22 more math classes left until the provincial exam. That's crazy and the deadline is pushing us to proceed at a fast pace. Soon things will slow down. Maybe.

I'm looking forward to a weekend....again. As the weather slowly begins to warm the days inside the school are getting longer and longer. Just a few more months (which will end up going way too fast!)

Time for some rest. Hump day tomorrow!