In two weeks, we’ll be in total darkness. For a little over three minutes, nine seconds, where we live. Partial begins at 12:18 p.m. Full eclipse starts at 1:36:21 and will end at 1:39:27. At 2:58, it ends.
Hubby couldn’t be more happy. He has been anticipating this event for years. He wasn’t able to snag a camping site at Enchanted Rock, to his dismay. Eclipse glasses have been acquired. Plans changed. He’s biking to a nearby park. E. already ordered neon colored plastic framed viewing glasses oozing with 80s vibes. They’re hanging out together that day.
Geekdom at its finest because nerds beget nerds.
Some school districts in the path have canceled school. Ours did not. I’ll be at work, participating from there. Most likely helping wrangle kids so they don’t wander off campus. Or actually look at it. Without their eclipse glasses. I’m sure many of our staff will call in sick, leaving the rest of us to deal with covering classes.
The Texas Department of Transportation estimates high traffic, suggesting against people parking on the sides of roads. Avoid scheduling appointments. Don’t use binoculars or telescopes even if you have eclipse watching glasses. Have a full tank of gas. Refrain from wearing eclipse glasses while driving. The weather, so far, should be clear.
Campus principals are responsible for making a plan. We got that plan today. I wonder how often it will change?
Until then, my husband and oldest will be hanging out, enjoying the show. I’ll be at work, S. will be at school, and we’ll be outside participating for about three minutes.
This song repeats in my head every time my husband mentions it. I’ll work on a playlist to gift him to mark the occasion.
Besides Rocket Man, Weird Science, and She Blinded Me With Science, share your favorite eclipse watching songs.
Nerds Beget Nerds 
We are also in the path and I’ve totally been singing Bonnie Tyler for months!! Ours is later in the day, sometime after 3pm, but schools are canceling and businesses closing. Our district is having a PD day, so we have to be there. I’m hoping that by 3pm I’m somewhere in a wide open field! Enjoy!
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Have fun! We’re lucky to be around for this experience.
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Wow, how cool is that! The reference to the songs has now got me adding a few to my playlist. I liked how you worked your blog name into this slice. Happy and safe viewing!
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I try to slip it in every once in a while. I have my glasses (and pen) ready for the occasion.
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Wild, thinking about following normal schedules when such not normal events are, ahem, eclipsing your day! 😉 Wishing you a smooth eclipse that matches up perfectly with the length of that fabulous earworm song. 😍
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Lol! I’m sure all will be well, but it would be fun spending the day with my own kiddos and husband.
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I can totally picture the predicted events of the school day. The Gen Xer in me loved how much this felt written by another Gen Xer. There is no other eclipse song better than Bonnie Tyler’s!
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Gen X FTW! Definitely one of the best songs for the occasion.
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I love how you tied everything together so well: your blog, the playlist and scheduling things! Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you!
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After reading your post today, I received an email from my principal saying that they’ve purchased eclipse glasses for all our students…for what will only be a partial eclipse on the day we return from spring break. Should be fun! (I’ll be thinking about eclipse songs–I may need to ask my husband–I’m sure he’ll come up with a few!)
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Our principal purchased them as well. Science teachers have planned out lessons and our schedule has been adjusted. It’s just a waiting game now. I’m sure we’ll all be wow-ed.
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I’m also in the path of totality in New York. My school just decided to close last Friday. Maybe Dark Side of the Moon for the playlist….
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Good one! I found some ready made playlists, but I’m putting one together anyway. Enjoy your watch party!
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I’m not sure yet how I feel about this juxtaposition of work and major astronomical event that we both have to endure. As of my last checking, we haven’t been given a plan… I feel like the responsibility of wrangling children is definitely going to impact my enjoyment and full appreciation of the eclipse.
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Exactly. In addition to other things my brain has considered that I’m not sure others have. Makes me uneasy.
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What a cool experience for everyone! I’ve never seen one in real life…what a treat for you all! I’m bummed that you have to work and wrangle kids all day though.
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We have a plan to allow kids to participate. However, kids without permission slips have to stay inside with someone. Not sure who that someone is just yet.
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