winding down

Well, it's almost that time. Summer is coming to an end in a few days. In a weird way, I am excited to get back into a routine and have a job to go to each day. For the first time in a while, I am getting to stay in my same subject area and grade level! So, I will hopefully be able to recycle some stuff from last year and not feel like a first year teacher for the 8th year in a row :) But, there will be one slight change...I am now the math department head. Yes, what a nerdy title to hold, however, it should be a nice challenge and there is even a tiny stipend involved. Yea!

Since my last post, a lot has happened. First off, my sweet friend Melissa got married last Saturday. Words cannot describe how breathtaking Melissa looked on hr big day. Her dress was seriously on of the most gorgeous wedding dress I've ever seen. I wish I had a picture but she was a beautiful bride. Next up is Hillary, who I know will be stunning as well!!! I can't wait to see Millary become official ;) **Hillary--you need to start a blog now**

A lot has also happened around my house. It turns out that I did need foundation work. It was pricey. The good news is that the work is guaranteed for a lifetime. Just as I was digesting that, more bad news came in the form of a plumbing leak. Ouch. Thank goodness for savings! It's good to have all that taken care of but I could have easily used that same amount of money to redo my fireplace and my floors. That part stings a little bit. Oh well...in due time. All I know is that I am never leaving my little house because I do not want to inherit the problems of another home :)

This summer has been expensive, but, I will be challenged to really tighten up my budget and reevaluate where my money goes. I think the biggest changes will be with little things and unplanned, though small, purchases. Today I sold some books at Half-Price Books and got $29 for them. I got to clean out some clutter and get paid for it! I think my new thing is going to be to simplify. I don't want to acquire a lot of stuff, but rather, learn to enjoy what I have. I am ready for this challenge and to see how much I can save with some simple lifestyle changes.

Sorry for another rambling post, but that's all I've got right now. Here's to the last days of summer....it has been a hard, but good one. Oh, and if you know any kids in my area who need math tutoring, please let me know...I'm looking for a little extra income :)