Summer is officially over!

Well, my blog title sums it up. Summer is officially over. What does that mean?
1. Abby is gone -- we took her back to Kansas Tuesday. Being a mom is hard work, but I really enjoyed it with Abby. While I'm definitely not ready for kids yet, I would love to have Abby here more. My reasons are selfish mostly. I love having another girl in the house. I love having a singing partner and swimming partner. Abby was like my little buddy this past month and I'll truly miss her. We did have some rough spots and she had to see mean Mama Ashlea a handful of times, but I think she enjoyed herself down here in Dallas. It also allowed Murad and I to see that we have the same parenting expectations. I can't wait until we have kids of our own, because he will be an excellent father. He already is!
2. I have to limit my cussing to a few hours a day. For those of you who know me well, I do have the mouth of a sailor. For those of you who don't know me well, I hope I didn't shatter your image of me. It's cool though. I'm pretty sure I can make it through the day without slipping.
3. I went back to school today. Well today wasn't my official back to school day, but I went to meet with my new mentee and work in my classroom. I was a little pissed when I found out that someone took down all my notes from former students. They also took down all the notes of other teachers in my hallway as well. Jerks. Thanks for stealing my memories! Thanks for stealing the reason I get up each day to teach!
4. I'm going to be busy again. Not like I wasn't this summer, but at least my schedule will be semi-regular. Here are the list of things I'll be doing this year: co-sponsoring NJHS, chairing the Student Assistance Team and thus Red Ribbon Week, tutoring, mentoring one new teacher and one returning teacher, finishing up my master's, being a loving fiance, being a good mother to my dogs and GETTING MARRIED! Oh yeah, did I mention I'm doing a half-marathon in December?

No seriously, I am. I decided I need to get motivated to lose weight. Not that I am overweight, but honestly, I'm just not happy with how I look. Two years ago I successfully lost over twenty pounds and now I'm struggling just to lose the five that crept back on me. So, when my friend Melanie told me about the half-marathon, I decided to pounce on the opportunity. That means a new work-out routine which includes morning runs with Sam & Maya. Luckily, it's going to get cooler, so it'll be easier. Plus, I think my friend Allison is coming down from Kansas to run the full marathon, so it'll be great. I'm sure Murad will run the entire marathon too, but he'll kick our butts. Plus, I only plan to walk/run it not run the entire thing.

Anyways. Fall is upon us. I'm looking forward to a new school year and new experiences. I'm so thankful for all the blessings we have received thus far. Here's to a great 2008-2009!