Hello, again.

Guess who's back. Back again. (Guess who's back, guess who's back...)

Well, here we are folks. The Roman calendar1 has quietly communicated to me that it is already the mid-end part of September and I simply can't believe how fast time has been moving lately. And just as a recap, I really had a wonderful summer. I couldn't be happier with how things turned out; the people I was able to see, places I was able to visit, the laughter I was blessed to enjoy...

And now I'm back. Back in Texas. Back to my home, my friends I've missed, and a job that is off and going. Here's a little summary, for your reading pleasure, about what has been going on as of late.

The back-porch: The quaint, screened-in back-porch at mine and Courtney's house has been seeing a lot more action this year. This lovely place has proved to be the ending spot of most days. There has been something so relaxing and enjoyable about sitting out there lately. The mixture of friends, rest, and a visible sign of the day's closure has been gladly welcomed. So, yes. The back-porch has been a gracious host for wonderful late night conversations, a cool breeze, a good glass of wine, and a few games of DDM.

The work: There has been a refreshing, good start to work this season. We have a much larger staff than we've ever had in the past. We finished up our first full-week of work this past semana and I left the office on Friday feeling happy. I am just so blown away by the faithfulness I've been so lucky to watch when it comes to our staff and our department. Faithfulness in watching a fabulous staff, with amazing attitudes, great humor, good hearts, and a lightness I haven't felt in a while. I'm looking forward to the year.

The campers: Holy moly. The hilarity is back. I asked one of my classes this week to share with me what their own definition of "challenging" would be. One boy quite promptly responded with "Girls. Girls are challenging." And then later this week I had another boy tell me about his heartbreaking relationship saga that ended at his four years of age, but that he quickly got over during his 17 hour car ride to his new state that he moved to. "Yeah, I'm dating around, you know. I'm ten years old." Oh- and let's not forget the boy who wanted me to call him "Godzilla" and his detailed explained of his birth. "Yeah, you need to know that I wasn't born in a hospital. I was born in a bathroom. You need to know that it wasn't in the toilet. Oh and my mom didn't know; she thought she had to go number 2. Oh. And you need to know that I was on the news for it." Atta way fifth graders. I salute you.

What I'm doing right now: So, here I am enjoying the Packers vs. the Cowboys with my friend Drew after a nice, little dinner. I am excited that fall is around the corner and that football season is here. I know there are going to be frustrating times ahead, good times ahead...I anticipate that. But right now, I'm going to enjoy my Sunday evening, try to finish knitting a scarf, and then sleep to dream.

Hope you are well, too. :)



1 Thank you, David Lankford, for your knowledge that far surpasses Cha-Cha any ole' day.