i was dreading today

Today was the official last day of my 2009 summer vacation.

Usually by this point in the summer, I've put in about a week of my own time in my classroom, getting everything ready and making sure my anal-retentive, Type A personality has adequately kicked into gear as far as preparations for the year -- which always includes precisely arranging my desk and its contents, posting my bulletin boards just so, and beginning the early rough drafts of lesson plans.

Not this year. I just couldn't do it. I physically and mentally wasn't able to drag myself to campus. Not because I dislike my job (which couldn't be further from the truth) ... but rather because I just couldn't relinquish my hold on this summer.

It's been almost magical. That's a terribly melodramatic thing to say, especially out of the mouth of a terribly non-melodramatic girl. But magic is a pretty good description of my June and July.

So today I didn't even want to get out of bed and face reality. But I did -- and it was great.

Beverly came home from College Station (although she would say she left home ... haha) yesterday. Last night we watched one of our mutual favorite shows -- Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa. She recently made a Greek dinner that looked amazing, so we got daring and decided to tackle it today.

Beverly and Mom headed to Phoenicia, a local import market, and bought everything on our list (including Greek Feta ... the real stuff ... lamb, Greek yogurt, and pita for the grill). We both love to cook, but not when we're rushed or under any sort of time crunch.

So today, my last day of summer freedom, was spent in the kitchen with my twin sister. Our menu: spinach and feta spanakopitas, fresh tzatziki with toasted pita crisps, Greek salad, and marinated lamb kebabs. The only debate came when it came time to pick the vino -- Beverly wanted a Chardonnay and me, a Sauvignon Blanc. So we bought both ... I love compromise. ;)

And it was DELICIOUS! A perfect and fitting end to a perfect summer. Now, I'm officially ready to face life and all its craziness again. Look out, world.