Weekly Wrap-up for June 3, 2012: Two Weeks and Launch of Victorian Celebration.

Pace Lap at the Indy 500 last Sunday

Even though we only had four days of school this past week, it felt like an incredibly long week. There is something about coming back to school after Memorial Day weekend that causes teenagers to go berserk. They get that taste of summer vacation and then go absolutely nuts in school. I kind of wish we finished before Memorial Day, but I think that would require us staying later each day. I know that some schools around the country are done, but we still have until the 15th.

At least we are pretty much done with content-I'm wrapping up a poetry unit with my juniors on Tuesday, and my sophomores are turning in their research projects on Monday (they're presenting through Wednesday). My elective class is still completing their independent novels and will start their projects this week. I'm glad we're moving toward the reviewing aspect before finals next week.

Sparty whispering sweet nothings into Lily's ear

Beyond school, we've been gearing up at the park. Memorial Day marks the beginning of the "summer" season, so we've definitely seen an increase in groups out on the weekends. Yesterday we had a wedding at the park, and thankfully they fit in the ceremony before a bout of bad weather. We have all kinds of events coming up-5K races, mountain bike races, etc, so I know I will be busy there as soon as school ends!

Friday launched the beginning of "A Victorian Celebration," my two-month event focused on the Victorians. The response has been amazing, and I am so happy that so many bloggers are participating. There are already a number of posts on the main post, and I can't wait until I finish my first title (Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens).

Sparty cuddling on Matt's lap

I also posted the first giveaway for the event-for a Penguin copy of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. If you're a participant in the event and don't own a copy of the book, head over to the post and enter!

There will be plenty of other giveaways and prizes over the next two months, so make sure to check back often to see what the current giveaway is (I think next week is a Hardy title!).

Besides these two huge things-school and the event-life has been relatively uneventful. With the end of a school year comes a lot of grading, but I am caught up and seem to be managing my paper piles rather well. But I still can't wait to have more reading time and the opportunity to make some real progress on my project lists. For a while, I wasn't that invested in what I was doing, so I'm glad to be back in a reading mood...and craving the classics.

Reading at the Park office on lunch

I also have some new books headed my way, so as soon as they get here, I owe you all a book loot post. I did so well with my book buying ban at the beginning of the year, and now I am failing miserably. I cannot resist pretty covers or new books. :) I am sure that Matt will flip out a bit when he sees new titles on the shelves. There are worse things, right?

I hope you all have a great reading week! Let me know what has your attention!