Not even a week ago we up to our elbows in exams, last minute appointments with kids and graduation. Strolling through the halls of Seneca there are no students, posters announcing meetings for clubs are down and there is a definitive silence that fills the air. Summer is here and with that comes the longing for 24-7 flip flop usage, the yearning for the smell of the Atlantic and the opportunity to take a few deep breathes savoring a little 'peace train' even if only for a brief window of time.

Life is fleeting and my greatest life lessons have recently been found walking the halls, sitting through graduation ceremonies and being around teens. What better source of learning? Life, opportunity and future is what we make of it. Some will squander and others will embrace, but the choice is so often a large part of that outcome.



Free Counter

With the school year winding down at a rapid speed sometimes the act of getting there seems daunting. Kids are ready for summer as are their teachers, but it just doesn't seem to come quite quick enough. Friday brought a little taste of 'crazy train central,' but we managed as we usually do.

But as the clock hit 2:44 there was an overwhelming surge of Friday goodness that hit the air. I headed over to our annual softball game with a number of fellow teachers and it was a great time to unwind, laugh and be together. Saturday the fam headed over to Philly for a wedding. Although I do embrace the flip flop mentality, it is nice once and awhile to do the dress up thing. I'd have to say we represented pretty well on the dance floor & it was a whole heap of fun being together.

Sometimes I forget how jam packed my life can be, but that is in a very full, rich sense that I am very grateful for. From tail gating in Philly before soaking in the tunes of James Taylor & Carol King, to family time and our first annual Philly Full Fledge Feed at Seneca - it seems life is brimming with richness and events that leave me so frequently speechless.

Last week we rolled into Philly with two buses jam packed with 60 kids, staff and a whole lot of pb & j sandwiches. Many of these guys had never been to Philly and here they are now smack dab in the middle of Love Park handing out sandwiches, clothing and compassion to over 100 individuals without homes. Having the opportunity to watch these young people's eyes open before me gave me chills.

We take so much of what we have for granted on a daily basis; there is so much excess that is more want than need. These young kids took time after school hours to give of themselves and I feel, in my heart, they will never be the same. It was not about pity, but compassion. It was not out of obligation, but desire. My hope that these action will not stop after one experience, but will be contagious and a drive to make this a part of their life style will impact people for years to come. How awesome is that?

Flip Flop Fever

I am officially declaring it to be pre-summer madness. With less than two weeks until the bell chimes for the last time before summer break I find myself entering a state of flip flop fever. "I thought that you wear flip flops all year round?" As a matter of fact, I do. But the reality is that my 'it's all good' mode kicks in right about the time you can walk through your neighborhood and catch the smell of steaks grilling, or fire flies can be spotted as you sit on the porch and just about when you realize that you are long over due for placing your toes in the sand.

This past weekend we rolled into NYC to catch a Broadway performance of Wicked. We caught lunch in Little Italy beforehand indulging in a very unhealthy amount of carbs and olive oil. And there was much rejoicing! The show, food and company was awesome.

With summer beckoning it is a great time to break out the flip flops (if you haven't already) and track down a Mister Softy truck, take a long stroll around the neighborhood with the stars looming over head or let your feet go free (flip-flop free zing:) and take a few strides on a patch of green grass. There's a whole lot of goodness that accompanies summer, you just have to take the time to realize it.


Free Counter