Hey all! Happy almost 4th.
I wanted to share my latest RoundTable column with the Substack crew.
This one is all about my firsthand experience witnessing the ‘summer slide’ in my own home, with my own child. Very humbling.
I had big plans for my son this summer. He was going to read, constantly. He was going to write, creatively. He was going to create interactive collages using natural summer artifacts. None of that is happening.
And with this column, I basically let myself off the hook.
My brain is on full summer mode. And wow, did I need it. I read and exercise. I’m still off all forms of social media, which has continued to be rewarding. I never believed people who said they didn’t miss socials after quitting. Now I do.
I listen to podcasts. I think. I fold laundry and sometimes even put it away. I’m connecting with old and new friends. I have twice a week physical therapy for my hip *granny alert.* In short, I’m taking care of myself.
And I feel very lucky to have this time.
I hope all of my readers are also attempting to do the same. The further I get from the school year, the more I hover above and see it for what it is: a big-time-grind. Distance makes clear how exhausted we are. How overworked, stretched thin.
But there is something luxurious about a teacher summer. And I am filled with gratitude to be able to breathe it in.
I hope this wasn’t too annoying for anyone to read. I know most people have to work in the summer. But hopefully you guys will still be my friends after this.
Anyway, enjoy the weekend, friends. I hope your dog doesn’t get freaked out by the fireworks and bolt for Indiana. I’ve heard that’s a thing.
Sending love!