The End of Another School Year

Today ends another school year which always comes with mixed feelings. There is a sense of joy of all the things the summer holds for us and the excitement of being able to begin anew in the fall, but also the sadness as a chapter of my life and my students' lives come to an end. I have really enjoyed getting to know my 6th and 7th grade students this year. I was lucky enough to actually have a bunch of my 7th graders two years in a row. I will miss many of them next year.

As summer begins, it is a good time to sit back and set some goals for myself. Here are a few goals I have:

Intellectual—

• Finish at least 6 more books.
• Learn something I can implement immediately at each of the 10 meetings/conferences/trainings I am going to this summer.  Update 6/16: 3/10 meetings done and have learned something at each
• Finish FPU at my church strong.  Update 6/17: Finished week 8, 5 weeks to go!

Social—

• Go on a mini trip with my family.  Update 6/6: We are planning a trip to the Omaha Zoo in July
• Schedule time together with friends over the summer.  Update 6/16: several are scheduled!
• Go on at least three date nights this summer. 

Emotional—

• Read at least one book to improve myself. 
• Continue reflecting and updating this blog.
• Laugh each day.

Physical—

• Participate in RAGBRAI.
• Train for 10K (September) and ½ Marathon (October).
• Finish one of the Warrior-Run Races at Sleepy Hallow in less than 30 minutes.

Spiritual—

• Read the Bible daily.
• Participate in a small group study.
• Find ways to serve others and make a difference.

I hope to make time this summer, even though very few days are not already taken up with school/work related activities, to focus on creating balance.  I hope you will join me!  What are some of your goals this summer?