End of summer BLAST

Today was really the end of summer for me, sure we may have a few more nice days, and the kids won't be back in school until the 7th of September, but I'm already in the classroom (unpaid) getting ready. Sure I work a little slower when I'm not on the clock, but things are getting done.

I hadn't done one of my favorite summer activities so I squeezed a baseball game in tonight. It was Salem Volcanoes VS Boise Hawks, and the game was terrible. The Volcanoes played like crap. Boise won 5-0. But we ate ice cream, we had popcorn, we sang during the 7th inning stretch, we heckled (politely) and we cheered, stomped, and clapped.

We hung out after the game for the fireworks and just as the fireworks started the rain started too. So as I sat there in the dark, getting slightly damp, watching a fabulous fireworks show.

I was overcome with emotion. This was the best summer of my life. The summer that finally made going back to school to be a teacher worth it. The summer I got back my boat, and more than that the ability to feel comfortable back in my hometown. The summer I let go of stress and had the least amount of anxiety I ever remember. Maybe in the past I've sang more, hiked more, camped more, played more, hung out with friends more,  but I can't remember any times as good as the ones I just had.  I let the rain hit my face felt it mix with tears as the fireworks went on an on. The little baby on my right was pointing and saying "Ohhhh". I thought about how fortunate I am to be watching fireworks, with Ruben, on our last day of summer together.

They look like they are doing poorly

Roofman tossing out t-shirts

Lame Game