My summer break from teaching is here. Actually, it started last Friday at 3 pm so I’ve had a few days to figure out plans for the coming weeks. First, let me say that like all teachers and others working in education I really hope we can get back in the classroom with our students in August. Remote education was better than no education but nothing beats face to face, in person classes. I miss the students and the students miss us. At our school, we teachers and support staff have already set up our rooms for the 2020-2021 school year, to the extent that we can. Totally new protocols and plans for reintegration will be announced before the school year begins.
A year ago at this time, I had a summer of swimming at East End Pool, seeing new movies in theaters and socializing with friends on my agenda. This year, well, you get it, without me needing to rehash all the changes in our lives.
So what to do with my down time? First off, I’m giving my radio memoir “Raised on the Radio” a final edit. Why has this project taken so long to finish? Because it’s MY story, my life and it needs to be told just right. Of anything I ever publish, this book has to be letter perfect.
All the stories I want to share are already in the book. However I need to punch up and enhance some of the text. Working in radio for twenty years was a total blast! Still, there are spots where I don’t convey that mood of fun and enjoyment. I’m close, but I need to get there all the way. Think of it as if you’re tuning a radio to an FM channel and you hear the music playing but with one little tweak of the dial, Boom! The song’s sound comes across so strong that it knocks you off your feet. Or for stereo buffs, think of your music sounding good but with the help of an equalizer, the sounds are brought out even bigger.
After “Raised on the Radio” is completed, I outlined some short stories I want to write and post up on this blog, in serial form.
Outside of the literary works, once they’re open, I might get to the local cinemas to see a movie or two. I’ve already seen a couple of new films On Demand. While the twenty dollar price is high, when watching at home, I do save on not ordering fifteen dollars worth of popcorn, soft drinks and tip to a server, so the money pretty much evens out.
There are Netflix shows to catch up on, including stand-up comedy specials and documentaries. (Still haven’t bitten into “Tiger King” and I won’t) By late July there MIGHT be major league baseball for me to watch again and I will. I’ve been binge watching reruns of “Shark Tank” episodes. For their first couple of seasons I was a devoted fan but kind of trailed off on that show, so now most “Shark Tank” reruns are new to me.
As far as swimming goes, the pools are shut down so I’m looking to get out for a few lake swims somewhere. Much of that is dependent on what progress is made in keeping Coronavirus case numbers down. I miss the water and really miss my ‘Summer Family’ at East End Pool. I considered getting a blow-up pool for the backyard. Then the thought of seeing a grown man flop around in a little kiddie pool seemed,.wrong.
Shaggy hair and a fuzzy beard are signs for me to get my summer buzz hair-cut and buy a new electric razor. I’m also pricing new computers with a web cam and other tech upgrades.
That’s the total sum of my summer plans folks. We’ve been forced to lower our levels of fun and engagement and hope like hell that a safe and effective virus vaccine one day happens. If a preventive measure from this bastard virus can be in place by next spring, great. Otherwise, I might have to order that inflatable kiddie pool. God help us!
FYI- I’M GOING TO TAKE ABOUT 6 WEEKS OFF FROM BLOGGING. STAY SAFE & HEALTHY AND ENJOY WHAT YOU CAN OF THE SUMMER OF 2020.