The Kohlmans

Early in the summer I got to see a bunch of my fantastic extended family at Grandma and Grandpa's 60th anniversary party . That day, my Uncle Kerm (my great-uncle, actually) said to me, "So I hear that the one-cent tax increase I'm going to be paying has saved your job." "Yep," I wittily replied. "Well, then I'll pay it proudly." I am touched. (I almost cried right then and there.) So thanks to Uncle Kerm. And thank you to everyone who is happily or proudly paying the extra sales tax, whether you've noticed it or not. And thank you to those of you who are paying it reluctantly or in frustration or angrily. I've only known them for a couple days, but if these kids aren't worth a little bit more in line at the store, then I don't know who or what is. If you want to come meet them, I'd love to have you visit my classroom sometime. For real. I love my job and "my" kids and my coworkers. I am so gratef...

oh, yeah. that starts today. it's weird to "start class" without actually going to class. i'm pretty sure i just completed my first two assignments. pretty sure. i'll have to double-check, though. i've been nervous, but this comment in the "welcome" from one of my professors makes me feel a lot better: "I want you to "get started here" by giving yourself permission to relax and enjoy this learning experience. We have a responsibility to each other to do what we can have fun and learn a great deal." thank. goodness. (i don't know what's up with my "no-caps" mood this week. oh well.)

***disclaimer: in no way is this post sarcastic. it is real. it is honest. but not sarcastic. life is not always peachy keen, but i have to admit that my life is pretty darn good. i am choosing my attitude. some days will be hard. this year will be different, but i am excited to see how i tackle these challenges. nervous. scared. but really excited. day 1. (of inservice, that is) i made it. there were a few surprises along the way. but life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. right, darrel? (i'm not saying i buy into that 100% of the time, but it's working for me right now.) i made it. health insurance went up? no problem. (i have health insurance.) sure, i'll try co-teaching. in three days, with someone i've not yet met. (it sounds like a fun challenge. intimidating, but rewarding.) of course i can wait until thursday for my computer at ams to be functional. (as long as i have one at central.) i made it. and i wi...

This picture is from Friday night, when the clouds passed us by, but it's finally raining here!  Last night we celebrated Brad's grandpa's birthday. Dale's only 70... The grandkids minus Jordan and Tyler. Justin, Dawson, Brad, Leah, Maddie. I just realized that I might not be able to complete one of my 25 items. Tami, I know I told you last night that the Wingnuts play until September, but apparently I made that one up. There is maybe one day we can make it to... oops. :( I love a nice, clean car, inside and out. It's almost as good, I suppose, as a nice, clean car with an operational radio.  My master's classes start in three days. I suppose I should get on blackboard and glance at the syllabi. I have no idea what to expect. And I have not ordered any books yet (which is not as crazy as it seems - a friend is in the same program, just two semesters ahead of me, so I'm waiting to see if she has books I can borrow). I really don't want to order...

I guess it's only been a few days. When you're busy, it seems like so much more. I feel like I have so much to tell you. And show you. But we're on our way out the door, so the yellow rose will have to do... for now.

We came back from vacation. My mom's parents have a cabin. On Beaver Lake. It is amazing. We drove down last week for our one last hurrah before school starts. I didn't really want to leave. This year's trip was especially great. I love it there.  We came back from great food and quality time with the family (but we really missed Hannah and Jason). We left reading on the dock and jumping in the water when it go too hot and skiing and reading in the hammock. We left it.... and came back to a truck in dire need of four new tires and a car with a dead radio and the stress of getting ready to start school again in a completely new way. (Yesterday was a bit stressful, but today things are looking up.) I really do love my "real" life. But sometimes it's nice to have a little break from reality. Right, Brad?!

weeks run into weekends smoothly,  effortlessly. indistinct in sameness. sun blazes dawn to dusk. swelter through each  lazy day consumed by  choice, obligations absent. summer held loosely  slips through open fingers. breathe deeply now. it's not yet gone. -mk