I have one more set of final projects to grade and grades are due by noon tomorrow. So, as they say, it’s all over but the crying. The 2014-15 academic year is in the books, and I am so ready for summer.
Summers are the best thing about being an educator. Notice I didn’t write “summers off are the best thing about being an educator?” Whoever thinks teachers get summers off obviously never has been a teacher.
My summer workload, once I finish grading final exams and projects, will consist of serving on a university committee, prepping three classes for next semester, advising the student media staff through a redesign, and daily work on my dissertation.
But I admit those things will happen mostly on my schedule, which also will be filled with sun, swimming, barbecues, and hanging out with my children. In this blog’s annual tradition, here are 5 Things I’ll Need to Survive the Summer:
1. Car
It looks like I’ll spend a lot of my summer in my car. I’ll add my children’s athletic camps and daily basketball workouts to my regular summer errands. Perhaps my husband is correct and it’s time to invest in a new vehicle. I mean, if I’m going to live in it…
2. iPhone
My iPhone is an appendage. I spend time on social media, reading books and blogs or just managing my life on it. With everyone involved in so many summer activities, I won’t be without my phone anywhere.
3. Flip flops
I spend pretty much the entire summer in my flip-flops. They are the most comfortable shoes I own. I wish I could wear them everywhere, all the time, but I’m pretty sure teaching in flip-flops is frowned upon. Perhaps it would be better if I dressed them up with a suit? As it is, I’ll just wear them with gym shorts or cutoffs.
4. Sunscreen
We’ve had multiple friends and family members affected by skin cancer this year. Intelligence, maturity and age means you won’t find me or my family outdoors without sunscreen.
5. Audiobooks
Did I mention all of that time in the car? It’s the perfect time to listen to audiobooks. I also like to listen to books while I do housework. I need to stock up on Audible credits.
This is the short list of things I’ll need to survive the summer. I probably should have put an umbrella on the list, given how much rain Oklahoma is getting. But, then again, I’ll probably be in my car.
Jennifer Jackson Linck says
I’m surprised you didn’t list your patio and a good glass of wine. Zen! U0001f609
Prof KRG says
I started to list wine, but I figure it’s implied with me. U0001f601