"On that day -- August 15, 1945 -- thirty-six years of colonial oppression had come to an end with Japan's unconditional surrender." - Still Life With Rice by Helie Lee

I've finally been able to read for pleasure again since beginning my job in March. I finished up my track last week and started my vacation this week. The last three weeks of school was intense with preparations for open house, state exams, report cards, cumulative cards, registers, and packing up the whole class. It reminded me of going through finals week in college. I was physically exhausted so I slept and slept and slept as soon as my break began. I even got an hour of professional massage at Burke Williams while Susan and Emily received a facial. The firm grip that Alex greeted me with told me that I would experience some pain. She led me to a dimly lit room with zen meditation music playing softly in the background. The hour flew by and I left feeling very relaxed.

Hopefully I won't be relaxing and sleeping the entire time I'm on break. I really need to clean up and organize. I also need to exercise. Today I had lunch with Jason at Santa Monica and he was telling me about his upcoming trip to Belize. I'm so proud of him for taking such a risky trip filled with adventure. I can't wait to see all of his pictures when he gets back!