Long time, no see

I simply can't believe it's been since my birthday that I've written anything here. What a slacker! You know, I have good intentions of writing often, but it seems to fall to the wayside to other things such as kids, cooking, laundry, and the like. Plus, unbeknownst to me, I don't have the running thoughts to write about that I used to. Sure, I'm still a heavy thinker, but my mind runs so fast that I find it difficult to get things down in writing as fast as my mind can think it. I know, lame excuse. You're right. There should be NO excuse if I am a true writer.
Much to my surprise, I am surviving being 40. It's not been the "golden year" that some thought it might be for me. I'm simply surviving, like I said. I do have some things to look forward to, however. My middle daughter is graduating high school in May. We will have an open house for her in June, about a week after graduation. Then, she jets off to Florida on vacation. This will be her first time flying. She's a bit nervous. The next item on the summer agenda is for us to go to Myrtle Beach. We do this as an extended family vacation, meaning my brother and his family go, as well as my family and my mom and dad. It's a fun time, and probably the last time we can do this all together. With my girls getting older and having their own lives, it gets more difficult for everyone to get off work, miss practice, etc. in order to go. I'm really looking forward to it this year.
Right now, I'm stuck in the end-of-the-school-year blues. I am istep testing this week with my students, and that is always a bit stressful. Then you have the end of the year push to wrap everything up, too. With our extended school days, I seem to feel exhausted most of the time. I'm hoping that ends when we go back to our regular schedule next Friday. Student Council is keeping me busy this coming week, as well. We have the staff appreciation breakfast, 6th grader parent night, and Literacy Night all this week. I'm one busy bee!
Lately I have been missing Grandma. She passed away about a month and a half ago. Lung cancer overtook her and she just couldn't fight any more. I find myself wanting to call her or just walk down to her house for a minute. I miss her.
Well, friends, this weekend I am off to the Derby! Cam, Mak, my best friend Michelle, and I are heading down to Louisville to watch the best 2 minutes of racing. We have our derby hats made, rain boots purchased, and money ready to bet. Bring on the sunshine! I won't jinx myself by saying who is my favorite for the race. We'll just have to see if my horse wins or not. Psst...I'll tell you how it all turns out, later.