Final Thoughts on the End of Summer

"Summer is gone, memories long
We're afraid and hold on desperately
To the last of hopes and memories
Time moves on, how I wonder
Even perfect moments slip away
And may leave us empty and afraid"

- The Flower Kings, "The Way the Waters are Moving"

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That's not how I work.

It's the last day before students come back here to school, and I'm never one to cling to the moment when a big inevitable change is on the way. Bring it, I say. Let's get this thing started. Going back to work like this, the biggest stress is just the unknown. So let's know already. Once I know what I've got, I can start figuring out how to deal with it.

No amount of preparation can make going back feel 'normal'. Only time can do that. As long as your recent memory is filled with days of wandering around the house with little or nothing to do, having constant responsibility IS a shock to the system. Being away from your family IS hard, even if you'll see them tonight. But after a couple weeks, this will all feel normal and will be my new life.

I'm cautiously confident. I know what I'm doing, after all. I've done 'first day' stuff at this school, what, 50 times now? It comes back to me quicker every year.

I'm ready for fall. Cooler temps. Football weekends. The girls constantly talking about Halloween. So let's get this thing moving.

I'm ready. Bring it on.

Matt