#sol17 Commencement Day

I purchased my eight,

Distinctive, marbled notebooks,

One for each of my groups,

One extra, just in case,

Space for goals, plans, 
Running records,

Conference notes, 

Informal assessments 

Planning for progress monitoring

Way back in July 

In anticipation of this day.

I purchased a new, 

Back-to-school-style dress,

Sleeveless, just in case it's hot,

At an end-of-the-summer sale

Then cleaned out my closet,

Organized shoes,

Sorted mismatched socks

Knowing I will not need them for awhile,

Way back in August

In anticipation of this day

I swam, yesterday, even if it was cool,

Noting I would be in school in 24 hours,

I soaked up the last rays of summer vacation,

Before I showered and headed to bed,

Noting I would be leaving home in the dark,

I felt those ol' familiar butterflies of excitement

Mingle with saying goodbye to a long respite

Filled with new adventures, sights and books.  

I cleaned the fridge,
Did a load of laundry,
Loaded the dishwasher,
Ran the vaccuum
Gave myself a pep-talk,

Promising to find time to exercise,

Pack lunches, eat breakfast,

As I headed to bed, 

Anticipating a fitful sleep.

Grateful for another opportunity

To make a difference.

Thankful for this

Commencement Day.
Thinking that good endings

Make good beginnings
Yet, secretly wondering about
The chance for a "snow day?"