50 Shades of Leehe

I started reading the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy when I got home to Chicago and although I devoured them rather quickly, I wasn't all that enamored by them.  Seriously folks, what is the big deal?  So the guy likes to have kinky sex and a lot of it, but why all the media and attention?  It was no better than Twilight.  Adolescent junk for my brain.  In the book, the lovely Anastasia refers to her boyfriend as 50 shades of fucked up.  I liked the reference of 50 shades of something and it made me think a little about my year and the 50 shades that I've experienced.  For those of you who decide to waste your time reading those books, I hope you enjoy them but don't have high expectations!  It was however the perfect read for the summer...

Today is August 10th and I am almost in awe that the summer has flown by so quickly.  It feels like yesterday that I arrived back in Chicago.  On one hand I feel like I've been rather lazy (like waking up around 11 every day) and haven't done much this summer, but I know this isn't really true.  I compiled a list last week to make myself feel better and actually see all that I've accomplished.

-Got a job to keep me busy
-Finished a painting
-Started two more paintings
-Read 50 Shades trilogy, Tao of Pooh, City of Thieves, Hunger Games, Catching Fire (and I'll be done with Mockingjay in a few days)
-Went strawberry picking
-Made strawberry jam
-Baked bread for the first time ever (and then again!)
-Rode my bike
-Listened to new music
-Went to Ravinia twice
-Went to the Aquarium to see the Jellies
-Visited the Art Institute and saw the Lichtenstein exhibit
-Participated in iPad training
-Learned and compiled a new curriculum for a "Foundations of Jewish History" course
-Tried new burgers at BurgerFest
-Went on a mini road trip to West Bloomfield, Michigan
-Visited Camp Tamarack for the first time
-Looked for bugs with Libby in the park
-Made new friends and reconnected with old ones
-Hit softballs at Sluggers
-Ran 4.5 miles (the most I've done in over a year) and consistently ran 3 miles this whole summer
-Taken long walks by the lake and watched a few sunsets while listening to my favorite music
-Got a blender and made all kinds of creative smoothies (including spinach!)

and most of all.... have been super inspired!!  Not bad, right??

Even though I don't feel completely grounded yet, I think thats a really good thing.  Life isn't supposed to fall back into place because I returned to Chicago a completely different person than the one I left.  I've still had some moments of instability this summer but I've found that in those moments if I channel that energy into a really good run or activity I feel much stronger.  I have 2 weeks left of vacation before the summer officially ends and school goes back into session.  I'll admit that there are some nerves, but I think that beyond the nerves is a lot of excitement as well.  I'm eager to get back into routine and to be in the classroom.  I miss making such a big difference in the lives of others.  I am really looking forward to meeting my new students and to the whole year of inspirational teaching that lies ahead.

August has always been a hard month for me... its the month before September, the worst of them all.  Its always around mid-August when I start to feel that pain well up in the pit of my stomach.  And although its started already and my eyes get teary just thinking ahead to the 11th anniversary I have had many signs this summer, a protective hand and warm encouragement from beyond.  (Especially during those runs where I haven't felt I could break a new record!)  And I've seen so many dragonflies...

When I was in Israel I made myself a list of things I wanted to always remember and have with me.  I've turned back to it in moments when I felt like I needed some encouragement.  I wanted to share it with the world because everyone has days and moments where they can use a little extra help.

Make memories.  

Laugh often.

Compliment someone.

Share your feelings.

Take long walks with a friend.

Breathe in clean, crisp outside air.

Run.

Paint something.

Appreciate beauty.

Be thankful.

A special shout out to the friends who have been such an amazing part of my life these last few months, both old and new.  Thank you for bringing your music into my adventure.