The Last Week of Summer

Of course I know that summer doesn't really end until near the end of September, but I still run on a teacher schedule, so summer ends on the Labour Day weekend. Then the kids go back to school and I get my days back, which means finally catching up on paperwork and such. It also means working more regular hours (not "normal" hours from, say, an office worker's perspective, but I can settle back into routine).

I have been sleeping better the past few nights, including a full 8 hours Saturday night (and it's been a really, really long time since that happened). It's always easier to deal with life when I'm at least a bit rested.

Yesterday was Sunday School registration. From the best I can figure, 2 families were there and didn't register, 1 family was away, and there are a few others who came sometimes near the end of last year that I'm not sure about (the didn't register, but they may not be planning to attend). I think my numbers are fairly accurate, so I can start organizing classes and materials.

As I left church yesterday, I noticed one of the little guys (he's around 3) wandering outside. He was just at the edge of the parking lot, and had obviously escaped whoever was supposed to be watching him. I suggested that he should go inside, and he just looked at me, so I asked one of the older boys to bring the little guy in and hand him over to his mom. The older boy was willing, but the little guy still wouldn't go until the older guy said, "Let's race to see who can get inside first!" It worked (of course). When I told the big guy's mom, she was pleased that he had that figured out, but then realized why that trick no longer works on him.

That's about it for now. Life at work is about to settle down; life outside work is about to get busy (Bible study, women's Wednesday morning group, Sunday School, and counselling class are all ready to begin next month).

First Lines

I'm tired. The summer schedule at work is always brutal, in part because the days are long, and in part because there are always people around. I also didn't sleep well last night, so I'm counting down the hours until I can try sleeping again (there's no point in going to bed too early as that always makes for a broken night's sleep).

So...this is the best I can do for you right now.

"The roar of thunder was deafening."

"'Well, if there be any truth in the old adage, young Herman Brudenell will have a prosperous life; for really this is a lovely day for the middle of April -- the sky is just as sunny and the air as warm as if it were June,' said Hannah Worth, looking out from the door of her hut upon a scene as beautiful as ever shone beneath the splendid radiance of an early spring morning."

"Any Christian who is feeling down or discouraged about anything should study Paul's great letter to the Philippians."

"Wendy and I stepped out of a creaky, multicolored boat onto the dust-packed bank of the Tungabhadra River."

At the Start of Another Week

There are 3 weeks before school goes back in my area. Some of the outlying school districts start back the week before, but my kids go back the day after Labour Day. I know most people don't count down to the end of summer, but I'm ready for a break. During the summer, we have students in the centre all day (10-2, 4-8, and sometimes 2:30-4:00 as well). I like the kids and I love teaching, but there is paperwork that never seems to get done, and having people around all the time is really, really tiring. So I'm looking forward to having quiet days again.

Also, summer means longer days at work most of the week, so I'm looking forward to more regular work hours. I don't get as much done in the summer because I'm at work a lot; also, the heat drains me. From most to least, I like spring, fall, winter, and summer. I'm not a fan of extreme cold or hot, but I function better with cold. It's possible to bundle up enough to avoid the cold. Last night had some fabulous thunderstorms. This morning is nice and cool, and it's not supposed to get very hot today, so I'm happy.

This week will be crazy-busy. There's a lot going on at work and away from work. We need to plan Sunday School for the fall, and I'm babysitting on my day off. And I know that 2 things don't seem like a lot, but the Sunday School stuff will take a lot of time. It always does at this stage of preparation.

And that's my life right now.

Sunday Update

Today has been a pretty low-key Sunday, which I like. There was the light issue at church. The lights at the front weren't working properly; at one point during the singing, they were jumping between colours (which was interesting to watch, but probably disconcerting for the guy leading the singing and anyone prone to seizures or migraines). Mike preached in odd lighting, where we could see the shadow of his head on his chest as he preached. It was distracting at first, but quickly became normal.

Today's sermon was good. We finished Ephesians 4, talking about how to live as new men and women in Christ. Mike showed that it's not enough to stop sinning, but we also have to do good for each other.

The past week has been crazy busy. I had family in town for a couple nights, so the apartment was full. We had a blast at Telus World of Science on Tuesday (it was too wet to visit the zoo). We were there for 7 hours; I think we say everything!

Friday evening my Bible study group and another group were at the associate pastor's for a BBQ. Mike had put up the tarp because it was supposed to rain, so of course it didn't rain. I had a chance to inspect his books, and his sons' books (although the 5 year old's books weren't that exciting, but I admired them when I went to see his brother's books). It was just a nice evening.

It was a very social week. I'm ready for a break from people; good thing tomorrow's a holiday.

We sang this hymn today; it's one that I'm not familiar with. Enjoy!