staying put

I have been thinking this summer that this is the FIRST summer in 9 years that I am not in the midst of total transition. This fall marks the first fall since High School where I have not moved, begun at a new school, started a new job, etc. I am SO thankful to be staying put this fall.

Although there are a lot of NEW things in my life and a lot of transition happening within my job, there is a deep sense of familiarity this year. Although I am anticipating many surprises and un-expected things this year, I have a sense of what this year will hold. Walking into class last week for the first time and seeing all familiar faces was a blessing. I am realizing for the first time that I am not in the midst of transition... this is what it feels like to remain. I definitely could get used to this! :-)

Labour day really was the end of summer for me! I spent that day at the Wheaton Pool, where I spent MANY hours this summer. I was looking back and thinking about what I was most thankful for this summer. Here is a brief list describing my summer (and things I am thankful for):

1. Rest
2. Reflection
3. Visiting old friends in Philly
4. Boston
5. Getting lost in Connecticut
6. Bike riding
7. Jim's tour of Manchester, NH
8. Coming home
9. Lazy afternoons at the pool
10. New furniture!
11. New carpet!
12. Experimental cooking
13. Flowering trees
14. Sweet time with Michael and Terese before they moved
15. Grilling with Dan and Sarah
16. Bunnies
17. Sewing pillows
18. Taking care of a kitten
19. Memories of my puppy Mackenzie
20. Seeing my grandpa one more time
21. Seeing all of my cousins in one room (save one)
22. My good friend Josh is now a husband!
23. Movies in Grant Park
24. Walks to Starbucks
25. Garage sales
26. Heroes
27. Hiking at home
28. Seeing my dad's new home
29. Holding down the fort in Fischer
30. ACSD conference--seeing that others love to do this job too!
31. Meaningful conversations
32. Giant cupcakes
33. Celebrating my sister's 30th birthday
34. Flowers
35. Reading for fun
36. Painting
37. Breakfast at Egg'lectic
38. Swimming
39. Rob in New York
40. Red Kitchen Aid mixers
41. Toile
42. A clean apartment (and time to keep it that way)