Good News and more good news!

Well, we have a new guest at Brannon Manor (aka Funny Farm)! Jeremy came home from three months of training and brought another soldier home to stay with us until they both deploy late summer. Jeremy is a kind-hearted soul like his mother and asked if Harris (of course his last name) could stay with us because he didn't have any where else to go since his other arrangements fell through. With Christopher being overseas, I thought it would be nice to have another "son" around the house for while. It is actually been a blessing to have Harris with us. He is a very kind 22-year-old young man who is very respectful and helpful around the house. We all get along exceptionally well. I actually have no complaints about the current living arrangements. By the way, I finally learned his first name is Brandon.

More good news is that we are losing one member of our household at the beginning of August. It is time to say "Goodbye" to dear Philip and his three vehicle entourage (PT Cruiser, motorcycle and giant work truck). It has been a long three years and to save any level of friendship, the time has come to go our separate ways!

All else is calm and quiet at the moment. Only 8 more days of school; lots of summer travel planned and some much needed time with family and friends is on the calendar. I am headed to Orlando, Florida; Marina Del Rey, California; Houston, Texas; Eagle River (Anchorage), Alaska and Tulsa, Oklahoma at various times this summer!

I am actually pretty excited about my new schedule for school this fall! I am only teaching honors classes! That is an entirely different level of students. I was at first a bit stressed at teaching Language Arts (writing only) since I have taught mostly reading the last six years, but I will have 7th graders in the morning and 8th graders in the afternoon. This is especially awesome since the 8th graders don't have a state test for writing. The 7th graders do, but with the honors kids that won't be a problem. I have already gone through the training this year for the writing program and my "partner in crime", Mr. Marley, will be teaching the same kids for reading! The honors classes will be our own department, we'll be continuing our school newspaper, moving into a brand new building and getting a new principal who has a reputation for being a pretty tough on disciplinarian! WOW!!

For now I am just waiting for this horrible school year to wind down and summer to heat up with fun and relaxation! Call or drop by to hang out with me... that is if you can catch me this summer!