Summertime

The 2008-2009 academic year is quickly coming to a close. Final exams begin next week and wrap-up on June 15. We have a final faculty meeting, clean-up, and BBQ on the 16th and then we're done until August! Last year was the first summer I was home alone with Kevin and I really didn't have much of a plan. This summer, I want to make sure I use the time well.

So, this summer Kevin is going to begin taking swimming lessons and also go to a music class. He will also go to his daycare a few times so he is around other kids and so daddy can have a few hours free. I also plan on taking him to see his cousins more often as well as to see some of his friends in town.

As for me, I am taking a week-long class in July and I am teaching a week-long class in early August. In addition, I am attending a two-day conference in August at Boston College. Finally, I hope to do a lot of reading. My goals are to read:

• "Champlain's Dream" by David Hackett Fischer (already started)
• "Albion's Seed" by Fischer
• "American Creation" by Joseph J. Ellis
• "American Lion" by Jon Meacham

This is ambitious, I know, and I wonder if I will finish. I certainly want to get through the first two and I can always read the others as the school year begins. I have a ton more books I want to read so I think I will just keep plugging away. I also have to re-read a book I assigned for summer reading for my AP US Government class ("Showdown at Gucci Gulch) and I have to watch some movies.

It will be a very busy summer!