There is a lot of activity at the McKeever house this week. I return to work tomorrow for my 22nd year of #teacherlife, and we drop Reagan off for his first year of college on Wednesday. Lots of emotions are happening because we Started from the Bottom and now, we’re here:
#Emptynesting
#Nearingretirement
Two weeks ago, Macey (our middle child) said to Reagan, “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever been to MSU.” Reagan’s response: “Neither have I!”
I can feel your confusion: How can this woman let her child go off to school without even visiting the campus? In my defense, I did offer to take him. Every time I brought it up, Reagan would say, “I’ll be fine.” Are there any other boy moms out there who are familiar with this type of comment?
The girls and I visited campuses, created pro/con spreadsheets, and made shopping lists. Reagan did none of this, to my knowledge. It is crazy, stress-inducing behavior!
My Coping Techniques
So how have I been handling the stress of sending my last child, my only boy—MY BABY—off to school with seemingly no prep?
- Journaling
- Wednesday Waffles (video updates with my besties)
- Art classes for non-artistic people
- Reading
- Lounging on the beach
- Estudio Español
- Walking with my dog, Birkenstock (she’s going to be so sad when I go back to work)
- Subscribing to the MSU Parent Group on Facebook, which not only offers useful advice but also reminds me I’m not alone in my frustration with this child
- And maybe… a little yelling and crying
What sorts of techniques do you use to help cope with stressful situations?
Goodbye, Summer (#sealedwithakiss)
This blog is also about saying goodbye to summer, which is always a stressful time for us teachers. Am I right? My back-to-school nightmares began on August 1st this year. Usually, they involve students not listening to me as I try to get their attention—or me walking through school without all of my clothes on (#helpme).
Teacher friends, are you having back-to-school nightmares too? Please tell me I’m not alone!
The Summer of Sarah
This has truly been The Summer of Sarah, and it has been GREAT (see above)! I’ve taken on some new hobbies, and really relaxed. The weather was beautiful, and I traveled around a bit. It is going to be hard to say goodbye to this summer!
But despite the excellence of The Summer of Sarah, I am excited for the new school year—meeting my new students, seeing my second-year students, and finding out what they’ve been up to. I also welcome the routine that school brings and the joy of student-success days.
P.S. Reagan and I did make it to East Lansing. I kind of forced him into it, but at least he’s officially been on campus now!
Picture Proof:
The Book that I am reading today:
A Flicker in the Dark – Kindle Unlimited book, and good so far
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Hive & Seek 
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