Over already?

So, I'm now in the place where I can no longer ignore the back to school vibe that is reaching out and sucking me in. When I say 'vibe' I mean my boss calling my cell to schedule a meeting after I ignore his email, messages from school about various back to school happenings, and the annual first day of school dreams. Yes, I said dreams. I'm pretty sure this is a normal educator thing...I know I'm not the only one who has them. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, let me explain. EVERY year I have worked in education I know the beginning of the new school year is approaching because I begin having dreams (maybe nightmares would be a more appropriate label?) about school - most of them following the theme of not being prepared for the first day. I've had 2 so far this year. My favorite being the one where I find out my old job has been filled & I will now be teaching 7th grade math at a new school. After running around for 15 minutes, searching for my Sonic drink (I think the meaning behind that part is pretty literal - I can actually get to Sonic, buy a large coke, & be back in my classroom in 12 minutes), I walk into a giant classroom (late) to see a huge group of teenagers staring up at me. At this point I realize I have no plans, no books, no curriculum, no idea what the heck I'm doing...I think you get the point. So, the time has come. I'm having a hard time getting excited, although I know it's going to be a great year. I'm sad about silly stuff like no more flip flops, sleeping in, & having no set schedule what-so-ever. I'm more sad about losing my best friend at school, even though I'm SO happy for her that she gets to stay home with her precious little one. Other than my first year teaching, this will be the first time I'll be without her - the thought makes me tear up, so it's time to change the topic...It's going to be a different kind of year, that's for sure, & as I continue to process through the transition back to 'real life' I'm sure I'll post some of my goals, etc. for the coming year. For now I'm going to spend my last few days of freedom wearing flip flops & hanging out, while trying to work through my grief over the loss of summer.