Day 1: Amsterdam to Basel on the SS Antoinette

It was the trip of this girl's lifetime.

Up until the day my bosom buddy, Sue, and I left, it had been only a dream, but beginning on July 12th, it became very real (although I kept pinching myself throughout).

My son Parker took us to the airport in Oklahoma City. He knows a lot about airports, especially Will Rogers World Airport, so when he decided to pull in the parking garage and find a spot, Sue mentioned to him that there was an easier way. She suggested he could have parked up at the top (where we usually park, actually). I was confused by his parking in the garage too, but later we both realized what he was trying to do, or not do.

You see, BrieAnn and the little grandgirls were trying desperately to get to the airport to surprise us as we left and Parker was concerned the surprise would be spoiled if he parked on top and BrieAnn did too.

Two darling little granddaughters came up with their ever-so-thoughtful mama, carrying a glittered over-the-top cute banner that read "Bon Voyage Gram & Sue!" We snapped a couple of pictures and did some kissing and hugging, then went on our way. What a blessed way to begin our trip.

Is this not the cutest thing? Magnolia was still sleepy from her afternoon nap, but Cora was pumped about the surprise.

Looking back at my waving family, I couldn't help but think I was the luckiest girl in the world. Such love.

Our flight from OKC took off a little late, so we narrowly made our connection in Detroit (1 minute to board). That was too close! No restroom break even! We were served a big meal (10:00 p.m. by now) and attempted to sleep while flying. So many people around us were totally zonked. We decided they must have been medicated.

I tried not to let the turbulence over the ocean and the fact that it was Friday the 13th by now get to me. We landed around 11:30 a.m. (their time...7 hours ahead of Oklahoma time) and headed through customs. The guy at the desk asked us why we were in Amsterdam...we told him a river cruise...he said to have a good time. That was all of the interrogation Amsterdam could muster, I guess. I had heard Amsterdam was a pretty do-whatever-you-like place and so far it was proving to be just that.

Anticipating School

I have already had one of those back-to-school dreams. The I'm feeling unprepared nightmare. 

Sometimes in my back-to-school dreams,  I'm trying and trying to get to school on time, but wind up there without my clothes on. Other times I can't find my things in my classroom. I've had lots of these kinds of dreams throughout my teaching career, but the week before school is usually when they flair up big time.

Last week I had a dream I was teaching kindergarten (which I never have), and I had 34 students. No matter what trick I pulled out of my teacher skill bag, nothing worked to settle them down. I'd think of a fun way to get their attention and try it, just to have them roll their eyes at me (imagine) and continue on with their unruly selves. I woke up feeling worn out and totally freaked out.

So the dreams have begun, even in early July.

Next year our social studies standards are changing, so I brought home some curriculum to review. I'm pretty excited about teaching Oklahoma history to 3rd graders. Not a whole lot of time, but some, has been given to thinking and studying new things to teach. 

Many people think summer is one giant vacation for teachers, but let me tell ya, no matter how hard I try to stop thinking about school, ideas float in and out of my mind the whole time I'm off. Pinterest is totally contributing to this, Friends. I'll just be minding my own business, looking at recipes and home decorating ideas and wham, someone has pinned a great idea for getting kids to put their names on their papers. (Anything to manage kids, I'm a sucker for!) Before I know it, I click on it, search out the original posting (and maybe 4-5 other posts from that blogger), and there I go again, consumed in school and better ways to do this thing I do.

I'm looking forward to another school year, but this tired teacher needs her sleep. Sweet dreams, please. No more back-to-school nightmares.