Community

Olivia and I are part of a play group in the summers that is connected to our church. We've been going for the past 3 summers, and as we attended our last one of this summer, I reflected on how much this group means to us. To me, especially.

Today, after play group, I reflected on what a special thing we have together. I took a step back from the immediate moment-by-moment of what happened, and saw something beautiful, for which I found myself overcome with gratitude.

Today, I arrived late. I am late to everything, and these folks know that. No one gave me a hard time, and the conversation started instantly and easily. Olivia clung to me almost the entire time - wanted to sit on my lap, eat the breakfast I couldn't convince her to eat all morning, watch and listen to the adults. They engaged her in our conversation, asking her questions about our recent vacation, etc.

No one was bothered by the presence of little eyes and ears as they drifted in and out of conversations, and when my child finally left my lap, someone else's was on theirs. And no one minded when we all, inevitably, had to take turns stopping mid-sentence to attend to sandy feet, wet bottoms, hungry tummies, or little bodies demanding swings.

One parent had to work, so the babysitter brought those kids. She knows us all and we brought her into the fold. She knows our kids, too, and they enjoyed having her there to play and help.

A few other parents had been gone most of the summer but were there today. We made sure they didn't feel out of the loop just because they hadn't been involved in every single playtime for the past 9 weeks. The group does this for me every summer, too, as I rejoin while they've carried on throughout the school year.

Everyone helped someone else's kid. Everyone disciplined someone else's kid. "Leave the sand on the ground." "Wait your turn." "Share the toys." "Do you need help?" "Can I help you while your mom/dad is busy?" "Would you like some _____" (fill in the blank here: snack? sunscreen? toys?...)

One parent's child had a meltdown, and when we all asked how to help, they simply said, "I don't know what to do. We might just have to leave." But they didn't leave. And there was enough trust in that group to admit not knowing, and to stay through the difficult part, knowing that the community would support them. It was profound and powerful.

We shared stories of our insecurities as parents, as people. We sat with our common wish that sometimes, someone would just tell us exactly what is right for our kiddo and exactly how to do that, when we all know that there's no way to know until you guess and check and get it right.

We laughed about times when we've messed up and we shared happy stories of things we've done this summer and summers past. All of our kids ate one another's snacks because we've all had a week where we've forgotten a snack and that is, of course, the week that our own kid is ravenous the moment we arrive to the park.

Today was not special. Today was not unique. I find this community every week when I bring Olivia to this group. A place where we can feel understood and welcomed and vulnerable and human and that's all OK. We get to be with people who love us and we love them back. And for that I am so thankful.

Olivia, not playing in the water today at our last session for the summer. Because reasons.

On Gun Safety

I remember as a kid in elementary school, feeling safe. We lived in a safe community and neighborhood, and the school was no different. Then one day in 5th grade, we were at lunch and suddenly all the adults became tense and closed all the doors. They told us we couldn't go out to recess, and that we had to go straight back to the classroom. We were confused and annoyed, but went along with it.

Later that day, we found out that we'd had to lock down the school because there had been an armed robbery at the mall down the road, and that the robber had run toward the school in his escape. At that time, our doors were never locked, always left open to let in the breeze, and to welcome our community into our school. Within days of the incident, the entire school had automatic locks installed and our teachers had to carry their keys everywhere with them to get in and out of breezeways and back into the classroom. That was the beginning of the changes in our schools. I remember thinking... but my school will still be safe. The adults will make sure we're safe.

When I was 12, Kip Kinkel brought guns into Thurston High School and shot his fellow students before being brought down by other kids, and eventually arrested. (I did not attend Springfield Public Schools). The shock that went through our community was indescribable. My mom worked at the hospital where some of the students were treated. She came home in tears, hugging my sister and I tightly. My dad works in violence prevention in schools specifically. He was on the news shortly thereafter, and I was home from school. I'm not sure why I was home, but I remember hovering in the other room, listening to the interview. It was surreal. A kid had gotten a gun. He had killed his parents. He had killed other kids. A kid had gotten a gun. ...but my school will still be safe. The adults will take action to make sure this doesn't happen again.

About a year later, 2 students brought guns to Columbine high school in Colorado, and shot their classmates. Virtually the same exact scenario, only more were hurt and killed by kids. Kids with guns. Around the same time, some kid trying to get attention at my school wrote a threat on the wall of a bathroom stall. We went into lockdown at my middle school until it was resolved. We were scared, then angry. But mostly scared. ...but my school will be kept safe... right? Surely now the adults can see that we have to do something about access to guns.

In high school, we had an open air campus. There was a scare almost every year where a weapon was brought to school - typically a knife - threats were made, suspicions arose, or we locked down. Some years after I graduated, the school got walls with sliding doors put onto the front, which I assume have automatic locks if necessary. But I only assume that because I now work for a school in the same district, and that's what we have. ...but my school will be kept safe... sort of. When are schools going to be safe again? What are the adults going to do? They're the ones with the power.

I was a student at the UO when a shooter killed many fellow students at Virginia Tech. My first thought was how terrifying it would be to be trapped in one of the many huge lecture halls on the UO campus if something like that were to happen here. ...Will my school be kept safe? What can we do to stop this?

I trained to become a teacher. I got my license in 2011. Since I have begun teaching, there has been at minimum one instance of lockdown at the school where I teach each year. Some years there is more than one. At minimum one time each year where I, rather than worrying about reading outcomes and math scores, I think to myself: "Is this it? Is this the day someone in my school dies? Is this the day shit gets real?" It's terrifying and heartbreaking to look out at 27 terrified faces and try to be brave. To not know what to tell them because saying "It's OK" might not be right. Fortunately for my community it's only ever been a precaution. But other schools have not been so lucky - Sandy Hook and Umpqua Community College come to mind, among others. ...but will my school be safe? I am the adult now - how will I protect my students? How will I protect myself? How do large quantities of very dangerous guns keep landing in the hands of people who clearly shouldn't have them?

I remember the first time after Olivia was born, that we did a lockdown at our school for a potential threat to the building. As I herded my students into our little closet, I kept my phone near me, checking for text updates. I found out that there was an incident along a road near our school. Along the same road as Olivia's daycare. I froze. Her daycare was not a public school. What if they didn't know? What if someone walked in to that small white building and shot my daughter? My baby. ...my school is not guaranteed safe. No place is. No one is doing anything. 

A few months after that lockdown, we did an extensive, extremely well-conducted training, led by the Eugene Police Department, for our entire staff, teaching us new and vital information and skills for protecting ourselves from an active threat in our building. But the whole time I was thinking: "Wait, the response to increased school shootings is to further train teachers on how to deal with them? Shouldn't we be doing something about HOW THE GUNS ARE GETTING INTO THE SCHOOLS?"

It's here that my thoughts get jumbled. The words I try to say cease to make sense due to my fear, and, honestly, my anger. It's here that I am baffled by the folks who believe that the argument for stronger regulations on how, when, and who can buy a gun and how quickly suddenly means that what we're demanding is to take away all guns from everyone and give the government all the power.

I believe in the 2nd Amendment. I believe in citizens' right to bear arms, and to protect ourselves if and when necessary, and to hunt for our own food. But, we don't need assault rifles to hunt deer. We can no longer sit back on the 2 most common arguments I hear, and count those as valid:

1. "Guns don't kill people, people kill people."

2. "This isn't a gun issue, it's a mental health issue."

Fine, blame people. But somehow, "those people" are getting their hands on very dangerous guns. They are not being used for hunting food. They are not being used to defend themselves from intruders, thieves, or enemies. If we're going to blame people for misusing guns, then we have to take care of the people we're blaming, or make it harder for them to get guns in the first place. I could go on (again) for days about the treatment - or lack thereof - of people in our society with serious mental health issues. But the plain and simple truth is this:

We can't ignore both. We can't fail to increase regulations on gun availability and also fail to prevent, protect, and treat mental illness by failing to fund and provide vital services. Because if we're going to use individuals with mental illness as a scapegoat for why gun violence has increased so heavily, we're going to have to do something to stop them from getting their hands on guns. On the flip side, if we're not going to do anything about the regulation of guns in our country, then we're going to have to seriously support and bolster our social services to prevent and treat mental illness. Something has to change.

Wherever you stand on the issue, please consider that my story is not unique. I belong to a generation of people who grew up watching our schools become potentially dangerous places in a way that no other previous generation has known. Not on the same scale. Something must be done, because we can not go on like this, year after year. 

If you're looking for more information regarding gun safety, violence prevention, or mental health resources, I encourage you to follow these links:

Every Town for Gun Safety - an organization dedicated to education about gun safety

Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior - a local institute focused on violence prevention in schools and communities

Mental Health Services for Adults - Oregon.gov's mental health resources for adults

Mental Health Services for Children - Oregon.gov's mental health resources for children

If you know of others, please post links in the comments below.

Take care, my friends, and be safe. 

Today

Today I had the most wonderful day with my students. It's been a hard year but we've worked really hard together and I love them. Even on the hardest days I love my students with a fierceness that only another teacher would understand. And today we triumphed together. I almost cried at morning recess I was so proud of them.

Today my daughter used a new phrase - "How about..." and gave choices for dinner. Today we snuggled before school and laughed until we had tears coming down our faces in the evening.

Today I let myself admit that I'm behind on my work. So, so behind. And even though I work well under pressure, this is too much pressure. Something might have to give that really can't afford to.

Today I gave in to the feelings of fear, helplessness, and despair that sometimes overwhelm me in our current political climate. The feeling that even though I'm doing SO much more than I was to resist, to act, to stand up for myself and others, to be peaceful...it feels in vain. My actions fall on deaf ears and blind eyes and empty souls. That my little actions are insignificant, even when combined with the actions of others.

Today I let someone's words destroy me. Someone who should not matter to me at all. But someone who knew just what to say to somehow make me question what I know in my heart is right. Today I could not respond calmly. I could not turn the other cheek. I could not stand down - but I also could not stand up. I did nothing to respond to this person's words. And the fact that I've been unable to come up with a response is also painful in its own way.

Today I failed at helping my daughter get to bed peacefully. It's a long, drawn out battle and it's impossible to know what's right or wrong. My husband finally got her down and instead of being grateful I only felt jealous and upset that my last interaction with my daughter at the end of the day was negative. And I snapped at him.

Today I worked late into the night, and I still won't have everything together for tomorrow. Today I ran out of time for so many things I'd wanted to do.

Today I cried.

Today I leaned on a lot of people for support. For the rest of today I give my thanks to everyone I know who supports me and my family in so many ways, whenever we need you. I believe that in gratitude we can begin to remember the things that are good and right in all the yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows. Friends and family mean the world to me and you all stepped up to the plate today. Thank you.

I'll be there for you, too. Today and always.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Olivia!

Hey my girl. You're a "big kid now. A To-o-o-o-ddler." You told me yourself. You're not a baby anymore. Here we are, nearing your second birthday, and I haven't been able to slow myself down enough to soak that in. You are You, and You are TWO. Well, almost. Your birthday isn't until Tuesday.

Here is your Year Two letter, my dear. Likely as jumbled as your first year's letter, but also just as heartfelt and sincere.

I joke that I drink lots of coffee because I'm a mom. That is true, but I love that I have to work hard to keep up with you. I have to keep up with your spirit, your physical speed (seriously, you're fast), and your totally illogical trains of thought. Ok, that last part isn't actually possible. I have no idea how you think, but, like I said last year, when you are thinking, it's almost like we can actually see your brain working. You are amazing.

You are in a really fun and exhausting age. You wear us out at nearly the same rate you wear yourself out. I say nearly because we are always done before you are. When you are in "go mode" there is no stopping you. You will find whatever you're looking for, you will finish what you're doing, you will put your pants on by your self and no we will not be helping you. On the other hand, you will snuggle close and give endless hugs and kisses before bed, you will read books with us for hours, and you will "help" with chores like feeding the pets, rinsing the dishes, and putting away the silverware. The dichotomy of toddlerhood is strong with you.

You are strong. You love to run, jump, climb, and move things around. This year we enrolled you in gymnastics classes, and you have taken to them like a fish to water. (Speaking of water, you've loved swimming this year too - check it out below!) This past week, your dad and I watched you return to lessons after a few weeks away with a fresh determination and ability to follow the directions. We were impressed that you did so well, and quickly congratulated ourselves on our superior parenting that makes you such a good student. Ha! Although we don't think we're failing at this parenting thing, we have lots of help.

This is your favorite trampoline. Here you are mid-air, jumping away at gymnastics!

Swimming in your kiddie pool. You got so brave this summer in the water!

Which brings me to your community. My girl, never, ever forget your community. The people around you shape who you are, whether you like it or not, whether you realize it or not. We as a family are fortunate to have an amazing community raising us. I say us, because your dad and I are still learning and leaning on our friends and family, too. I feel this part of your letter is better represented by photos.

You have your family, who love you dearly:

Yoga with Aunt Sarah and "Papa" Jeff

Fancy drinks with Auntie Sarah

Outside with "Mimi"

It's always fun and games with Papa!

Of course Mommy and Daddy!

Your Godparents, who mean the world to us, and who you have combined into "Jonny-Kayla":

Uncle Jonny isn't pictured, but you love him just as much!

Your school. Oh boy, do we love your school. And you love it there too, and you love your teachers. Such a great place:

Your Itty Bitty friends. Short for Saint Mary's Itty Bitty Bible Study friends. And your church in general. These people are our people, and they take such good care of both mommy and you. I hope they know how much we love them, and how much we look forward to seeing them on Tuesdays in the summer and on breaks.

Your extended family, who show you love in so many ways.

With your Coos Bay cousins Meghan, Max, and Lauren

Cousin Katie

Cousin Sydney

Cousin April

Finally, my dear, we come to the list of all the things you like. As with last year, I have no other vessel except to just list them:
Cinderella. Like is an understatement. Obsessed is more accurate. We spend a lot of time watching with you, saying things like "Men can sew too, if they like, and women don't have to." and "Remember that if you get married you don't have to do it because other people think you should have kids, unless you want them." But whatever. The weird mice make you happy, and you cackle with laughter every time that horrible cat bonks his face on something. I never realized how often that happens.
Daniel Tiger. Still. Forever. "DT" may be your first tattoo. He's a weird feline dude, but you love him, and the lessons are solid and the jingles tolerable.
Gymnastics. You recently stopped calling it "Nacky," which made your dad and I sad, because we loved it. Trampolines are your favorite, of course.
Busses. You know the difference between a school bus and a city bus. I think this has to do with your buddies at school, and I don't get it at all, but you totally love looking for and naming any bus we see on our commute home.
The Ducks! Anytime you see green and yellow, or the O, or football in general, you shout "Go Ducks!" And tailgates are called "Go Ducks Parties."
Art. You like to draw, paint, do play dough, play with your musical toys, sing, anything. You are creative and focused when you do art activities.
The pets. We got a new dog in December, after saying goodbye to Jack-dog. Risa is a firecracker; the perfect match for you! The two of you wear each other out. Which is awesome. You love Manny, but the feeling is NOT mutual. That's ok, you don't take it personally as you yank his tail and then feed him.

Your language has exploded this year, and your hair has gotten suddenly so long. We have watched you move from a baby to a kid, and it has been heartbreaking and liberating at the same time. You have always been curious and it is wonderful to watch you explore more and more. Keep exploring, keep learning, keep loving, and keep playing. We love you, our girl, and Happy Birthday! Here are just a couple more snapshots of your year. Here's to being two!

Summer Bucket List Follow-up

Well, I made a summer bucket list, and when I made it, I was afraid that I wouldn't get through it all. But we've had an awesome summer, and as it comes to a close, I thought I'd check in and see how I did. Below is the original list, green means I did it, red means I didn't. Plus some notes and/or photos about each one!

1. Itty Bitty Bible Study with Olivia. - YES! We loved going, and made it to almost every session. I can't say enough great things about this amazing group of parents and kids. Hurray for Saint Mary's!

2. Hiking weekly with the Buena Vista Hiking Club. Yep! Did this too. Once Olivia and I were the only hikers, but we've had some great hikes with my colleagues from work and it's gotten us outside at least once a week.

3. Camping for 2 weeks in the Wallowas. This vacation was blissful and so hard all at once. We were there 14 days, 13 nights. With an under-two-year-old. Yes, we are crazy. But we did it!

4. Run twice a week. Sans stroller. Just for me. ...No. I did do quite a bit of running, but often with the stroller. I did get in a few solo runs though.
5. Speaking of running... This is a two-parter
   a) Run the Butte to Butte 10K. Because tradition. YES! And I had family do it with me for the first time ever! So fun

   b) Run my dream half marathon: Fueled by Fine Wine in Dundee - half marathon in the morning, wine at the finish line! No longer my dream - it was all hills. No flat. But the wine was extra delicious at the end.

6. Blog weekly. I have had a lot on my mind lately, but am still working out how to get it out. I'm hoping to do some good writing during nap time this summer. Well, I never did figure out how to get it all out. I still have a lot on my mind, but the weekly blogging definitely did NOT happen.
7. Start, if not finish, my first quilt. Nothing fancy, but now that I've done some sewing, I'd like to have an ongoing project, and I just know I'd be proud to have a quilt that I made in the house. I'm making this one blue, because although I didn't start a quilt, I did pick up some fabrics, and I did sew a couple of little things - a dress and 2 skirts for Olivia. So I did sew. Just not a quilt. I'll work on it though. I'm slowly collecting my fabrics.

8. Sleeeeeeeeeeeeep. So many naps for me. Somehow still not enough, but I think I am just one of those people who could always sleep! I do feel rested and (almost) ready to go back to work next week.
9. Take Olivia swimming. My goal was to do weekly pool swimming, which didn't happen, but we did go to Amazon once, and she swam in the hotel pool and Wallowa Lake, and her little kiddie pool, so we got the water covered.

10. Take Olivia to open gym at the gymnastics places around town. We only did open gym once. But that's because none of the under-3 open gyms were happening in the summer! We continued lessons until we went on vacation, then did open gym when we got back. She still loves it - and is the self-proclaimed "Queen of the Trampoline."
11. Set a weekly schedule for O and I. Technically, yes. I did set a schedule, but we really only loosely followed it. But I never said "set and follow" a schedule, I just said "set." So, yeah. We did this one.
12. Read a book. Or more than 1. Either some old favorites or some new ones. Excited to say I did this one. My reading had fallen off there for a while, but I read Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," and Marc Seigel's "The Whole Brain Child," (highly recommend!) plus returned to some of my favorite Sherlock Holmes short stories. Ahhhh... reading.

13. Teach my dog to sit, stay, and lay down. Just tested her skills the other day - we're good! Still working on staying for longer than a few moments, but we're making progress! Smart puppy!

14. Do some sort of personal Professional Development. I've been really interested in two things lately: the merit of homework in primary grades (or potential lack thereof), and involving play in the classroom to boost engagement and retention. I'm hoping to find some research based information on one or both, and potentially make some changes or additions to my teaching practice for next year. I did find many articles about homework and decided to change my homework policy for this year. My students will still do a reading log, because that is proven effective, but will work on a chore or personal responsibility task rather than doing paper homework this year. Not as much research on purposeful play, but I think I can work into that as the year goes on. Also the Whole Brain Child has opened my eyes in a lot of ways about how to work with my students, too.
15. Matt Nathanson and Philip Phillips concert with Rob. Celebrated 5 years together at this awesome concert. Loved it!

16. Watch some movies. Does Cinderella daily for 4 straight weeks count? Kind of kidding, but we watched a few others as well as caught up on some shows we like, and watched a lot of Olympics!
17. Fireworks on 4th of July. Olivia's usual bedtime is 7pm, and she made it all the way to the 10:15pm fireworks! I loved them. I think she did too. I was happy on the 4th. 

18. Swim in fresh water. Yes! And got in trouble for jumping off the boat dock, too. Oops. Sorry not sorry - it was great.

19. Sunbathe. With SPF 55. Done!

20. Preserve something. Pickles (probably fridge pickles) or jam (not likely), I want to put something pickled in a Mason jar and Instagram it. (and also eat it) Did this! I made verduras en escabeche with veggies from our garden - fridge pickles, but still. I think they are delicious and I had fun making them. Maybe someday I'll get to "real" canning.

21. Garden, garden, garden. I've got a lot going on, and I'd like to focus on many parts of my garden, not just the veggie part. Another blue. Well, I did a lot of gardening. But it was still just in the veggie section - to be fair, I expanded that this year. It has not let me down! We have lots of fresh veggies daily to eat. It's been fun getting creative with eating the same veggies in different ways.

22. Go to the beach. Of course! Yep! Coos Bay and Florence.

We did almost everything on this list and then some this summer. It's been so fantastic, and I'm so grateful to have had time with my family this summer, and that I've been able to do so many things that fill me with joy. I'm not entirely ready to go back to work, but I'm never truly ready. When next week rolls around, I'll return to the classroom refreshed and rejuvenated from a fulfilling summer. Now I'm really glad I made a summer bucket list. Maybe I'll start making these lists more often...

My Facebook Life is Awesome

I often hear or read of people lamenting on Facebook or in conversations that no one shows what is real anymore. Everyone shows their perfect life on social media: "Here are my kids doing all amazing things all the time!" "And here is my perfect vacation!" "And this is a photo of my spotless home and well manicured lawn!" And people are tired of seeing that. Where is the realness? They ask. Why are people so afraid to show that their life isn't perfect?

But is that really fair? Of course we put out there what we want people to see. That's what we do in our daily routine, too. People don't go to work in their pajamas. We don't simply stop showering, or brushing our teeth, or combing our hair - because if we did, the world would see that something is not right. And we would be ostracized for those kinds of behaviors. What is the difference between the performance we put on in the physical world, and the posts we put on Facebook?

I think there is no difference.

In the same way that we've all stopped talking to that one friend because he or she is "always complaining" or "never has anything positive to say," we've all deleted friends from Facebook or other outlets because their posts are "too dramatic," or "always negative." We present ourselves the way we want the world to see us, both physically and online.

I am privileged to have a wonderful community of women and other mothers around me who I can call my friends. We often get together, kids in tow, and talk about our small children's accomplishments or challenges, but it's still all surface conversation. Facebook update worthy material. In fact, we often talk about what's been on Facebook. Everyone acts like we're all doing fine. Everyone is supposed to think we're all doing fine, right?

Recently, though, I've had the opportunity to spend time with several of those same friends, without our kids, without time constraints. And while we always start with the Facebook stuff, lately we've gotten into the meat of our lives as individuals. As women. And the truth comes tumbling out of our mouths, perhaps slowly at first, but then suddenly we can't stop and we're all saying the same thing in different words:

We're barely holding on.

We know we have a lot to be thankful for, and we are so, so thankful for those things. A roof over our heads. A steady job. Healthy children. Friends and family.

But there is so much under the surface of those things, and we're working so hard just to keep up. We feel like we're sustaining but not thriving. We're exhausted, physically and mentally and emotionally. We feel guilty because we're trying to balance everything but feel we're not fully succeeding at anything. We can't keep up with our lives but we have to because if we don't, who will? We are mothers, wives, employees, caretakers, providers, and we have our own needs as well.

In one way or another, my friends and I have said this to each other time and again. And the weight of it all just hits us sometimes. It's the only predictable thing some days: Life will be hard today. My kids will challenge me today. I will let someone down today. I will fail, somewhere, today.

Most days, though, we carry on. And how? Those perfect moments we end up posting to Facebook. The little moments throughout the day that keep us going. Flowers from our husband. Coffee with a friend or family member. Our kids doing crazy-funny-adorable things. A delicious meal. A fond memory.

Because those things reflect the work we put into this life: we push through all the tough stuff so that we can live inside the moments we've worked so hard to create. Whether it is a fleeting moment or a few hours, we cherish it. And why not share the things we treasure with our friends - online or in person?

Stress, sadness, disappointment, failure... they will never go away. And what is a life without a range of emotions? But we can't dwell there too long. Although sometimes we feel alone, we are not. We have friends and family who will give us the grace that we are afraid to afford ourselves.

No one's life is as perfect as we make it out to be on Facebook. It doesn't need to be. We all choose what we present to the world, and for many of us, we choose to present the good. So yeah, my Facebook Life is awesome - and so is yours. Let's move through the not-awesome bits together, too, friends. I'm here for you and I know you're here for me. Thanks for being my village.

A Summer Bucket List (That I said I wouldn't make)

So, I've had a few friends come out with Summer Bucket Lists. These are the real ones. Then there are the ones that have been all over my social media - Facebook, Pinterest, etc. "Do ALL THE THINGS with your kids, or you're a bad mom! Smiley face emoji!" So I sort of vowed not to do one, because I made a list of things I wanted to do before I turned 30 - and if memory serves me, although all of them were well intentioned and I totally wanted to do them all, I didn't even finish half of them. And then I felt like crap.

But when you're training for a half marathon, you have a LOT of time to think. Like I did today. Ten miles is a lot of running, you guys. Especially when you're slow, like I am. But I digress. On my run today, I thought of a Summer Bucket List, since I had some time on my hands...

Summer Bucket List. I do have a lot of things that I want to do this summer, and I felt the need to write them down. Perhaps since summer is only a couple of months long, I'll be more diligent in keeping to them. Or maybe I should call it a Summer Wish List - because I do want to do them all. I just don't know if I will.

Here goes...

1. Itty Bitty Bible Study with Olivia - Duh. So looking forward to Tuesday mornings with this special group. Plus we're spending each week at a different outdoor park or activity. Fun!
2. Hiking weekly with the Buena Vista Hiking Club. Which we still have to create, technically. I know for sure one colleague is in - it was her idea! I'll rope in the others too...
3. Camping for 2 weeks in the Wallowas. This is a low-hanging fruit. It's already booked. Check!
4. Run twice a week. Sans stroller. Just for me.
5. Speaking of running... This is a two-parter
   a) Run the Butte to Butte 10K. Because tradition.
   b) Run my dream half marathon: Fueled by Fine Wine in Dundee - half marathon in the morning, wine at the finish line!
6. Blog weekly. I have had a lot on my mind lately, but am still working out how to get it out. I'm hoping to do some good writing during nap time this summer.
7. Start, if not finish, my first quilt. Nothing fancy, but now that I've done some sewing, I'd like to have an ongoing project, and I just know I'd be proud to have a quilt that I made in the house.
8. Sleeeeeeeeeeeeep. I know I won't be sleeping in anymore ever for eternity (#momlife), but my kid still takes a solid nap daily. WIN. I'm all over that.
9. Take Olivia swimming. We opted not to do swim lessons this summer because we already did the parent-child last year, and she's not old enough for independent lessons yet. So we'll do a mix of pools and fresh water, I think.
10. Take Olivia to open gym at the gymnastics places around town. We have done lessons since February, and although she adores them, she really just wants to jump on the trampolines until she falls asleep. Which is fine with me. It's her summer too, right? We'll get back to classes in the fall.
11. Set a weekly schedule for O and I. Since I have a lot of things in mind that I want to do with her, I think a schedule will be helpful. That way we can get to checking things off this growing list!
12. Read a book. Or more than 1. Either some old favorites or some new ones.
13. Teach my dog to sit, stay, and lay down. No, seriously. She wasn't trained, and I've basically been lazy since we got her in December, and I'm really sick of her not doing ANYTHING we ask. Sit, stay, and lay down seems like a good place to start.
14. Do some sort of personal Professional Development. I've been really interested in two things lately: the merit of homework in primary grades (or potential lack thereof), and involving play in the classroom to boost engagement and retention. I'm hoping to find some research based information on one or both, and potentially make some changes or additions to my teaching practice for next year.
15. Matt Nathanson and Philip Phillips concert with Rob. Another low-hanging fruit. We've got the tickets. And it's on our anniversary and Matt Nathanson sang our first dance song at our wedding! So excited.
16. Watch some movies.
17. Fireworks on 4th of July.
18. Swim in fresh water. Seriously, I love it. Lake or river? I'm there.
19. Sunbathe. With SPF 55. Hi, I'm an Oregonian.
20. Preserve something. Pickles (probably fridge pickles) or jam (not likely), I want to put something pickled in a Mason jar and Instagram it. (and also eat it)
21. Garden, garden, garden. I've got a lot going on, and I'd like to focus on many parts of my garden, not just the veggie part. Plus, as one of my fridge magnets says, "Gardening is cheaper than therapy, plus you get tomatoes." I love tomatoes.
22. Go to the beach. Of course!

Well, 22 things in a 10-week summer? I better get crackin'! Thursday is the last day with kids, Tuesday is my official first day of summer. Here we go...!