Welcome to vacation!

The 2007-2008 school year finally ended today and there were four things that made it a great end to a less than stellar year.

1. I co-chaperoned a trip to the University of Maryland for the 28 boys at orientation this week. It was hot and a lot of walking, so there was plenty of whining, but the boys also had a lot of fun and were legitimately excited about seeing the campus. Awesome. And a good reminder of why it is we do what we do for kids every day.
   
2. When I got home early from work, Brian was also home early (waiting for the cable man to come fix our internet). Not that we did anything more than watch some tennis and some cooking shows before we left for the night, but it's somehow more fun when you have unexpected time together.
   
3. I met my good friends Emily and Colleen for a three hour "happy hour" tonight which involved some beer, some pizza and a lot of conversation.
   
4. When leaving the bar, we walked past the new restaurant opening on Penn. It is being opened by Spike, one of the contestants on Top Chef: Chicago. He was clearly inside doing prep work and when he saw us peering through the windows, he came out and invited us in for a tour. It looks like a good space and they will serve burgers, fries, milkshakes and beer. Didn't need to say a lot more to convince Colleen, Emily and I. Plus...we got to meet him! And chat with him about food! In his restaurant! With no one else around! Pretty cool.
   

Yes, I'm a geek. It's fine. Bring on four weeks of rest, relaxation and travel!