Countdown

The countdown is on.


I have twelve days of school left.

One dozen days.

By the end of this week, I'll be in single digits.

Human growth unit? Done.

End of year field trip? Check.

Big state testing? Over.

Middle school tour? Complete.

Interest in teaching these kids? Gone.

I will attempt to plan and execute a normal week this week.

With grades due next Tuesday, it's going to be hard to continue to fake it next week.

The following Tuesday and Wednesday? Expensive baby-sitting is what that is.

But then, it's over. My 12th year of teaching will come to a close.

Not a moment too soon.

Book Reviews

Until the BFF and I decide on the book review blog, I shall share with you the books I've recently finished.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

I have to admit, I would never have picked this book up on my own. It just isn't my usual type of reading. However, one of my students read it and was SO excited to have me read it. So I did. I didn't love it. I found a couple parts of it interesting and inspiring. But most of it felt a little...fictionalized to me. Sorry. Would I recommend it? Not really.

The Escape Artist by Diane Chamberlain

Loved this. I love almost everything Chamberlain has written and this was no exception. It had a great story line with twists along the way. I had easily figured it out by the ending, but it was still enjoyable to read. Definitely recommend adding it to your to-read list.

Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand

Eh. I had read another book by this author that I really liked. I saw this on sale at Joseph Beth while waiting to meet PW, so I bought it. But this one was so slow. I can honestly say I don't even remember much about it and now that I think about it...am not even sure I finished it which is rare for me. Once I start a book, I feel compelled to finish it. But this one just didn't do it for me.

Two Kisses for Maddy by Matt Logelin

*sigh* I have been reading Matt's blog since the summer after Liz passed away. I knew I would have to read this book when it came out and despite the major tears and difficulty sleeping, it was amazing. It was so well-written. It came off very similar to his writing style on his blog, but reading through his pain, loss, and suffering while raising his beautiful daughter was inspiring and emotionally draining. Whether you have read Matt's blog or not, I definitely recommend this book. Just keep the Kleenex handy.

Right now, I am reading The Midwife's Confession, as recommended to me by the BFF. And I have to say? I am loving it. I stayed up way too late last night (okay, it was like 10:15 but that's really late for me!) reading it. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Read anything interesting lately? I need to add to my to-read list so I'd love to hear your recommendations!