When vacations end it is inevitable that we spend some time reflecting on what we did while on holiday. As an educator summer is always a great time to recharge, do things you haven’t had a chance to do during the school year, and plan for the fun and excitement of another school year. As I came back to school this week after three weeks away, I thought about the highlights of my summer. I’m sure you have a list of your own memorable events as well.
- Had a deck built in my backyard. Should have done this seven years ago when we moved in. Reading, relaxing, barbequing, the occasional nap, hanging out with friends and family.
- Bought an eReader in June. Avoided having one for the longest time as I believed I needed to have a book in my hand to enjoy reading. Love it, especially the Preview option. Must be a lesson here somewhere.
- Watched my parents and my in-laws as they were celebrated by their friends at my parents 50th anniversary and at a surprise party for my father-in-law. All people need friends like they have.
- Attended three concerts: Eagles, Heart and Jason Bonham, and KISS. The first one was one of the top three concerts I’ve seen in my life. The second had an amazing song list, Ann Wilson can still wail, and the bands did a rendition of Stairway to Heaven that was comparable to what they did at the Kennedy Center in December 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvvoVZ6DhoY. Always wanted to see KISS when I was a kid. Never took the opportunity. Now I’ve seen them the last three times they played T.O. Until you’ve seen the show, don’t judge the band.
- My daughter, Alyssa, is in the midst of driving lessons, and she was hired for a part time retail job at a local drugstore. Two milestones on the road to old age for me.
Heather and I finally caved and bought the kids a dog: Lily. I wrote about this topic last year. My kids have been awesome in taking care of her. Beyond my expectations. I must admit it’s nice to have someone in your life who ALWAYS likes to see you.- Went to Chicago with my wife, Heather, for our 20th anniversary this summer. Our first trip without the kids. Why did it take us twenty years to learn to do this?
- Taught a ten hour course on mental health in our schools at the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) Leadership Institute. One of the most stressful things I’ve done in a while, but also one of the most rewarding.
- Attended a baseball game at Wrigley Field. It’s great attending a sporting event when you are going just for the experience and you are not worried whether your team wins or not. This outlook would help all Toronto sports fans.
- Spent a night and early morning in a 40 year old Blues bar called Kingston Mines while in Chicago. In the words of a friend of mine, the place “drips the Blues from the walls”. An apt description. If you enjoy the Blues, make the pilgrimage.
I’m looking forward to developing a top ten list of memorable events from the 2013/14 school year.
Derek Logan
Head of School
kcsmatters.blog 