A New Year

We are already 3 months into the new school year and I'm happy to report that I am having a great year! I'm loving my kiddos--my class is so sweet--and I'm enjoying my colleagues very much. I'm having to manage some health issues this year--so junk--but it is what it is and I gotta do what I gotta do. Changes are hard, but necessary. Today is my day for moping, tomorrow I get busy tackling things one at a time, making changes to my diet mainly.

Oh man, getting older is hard. I'm trying my best over here. I'm grateful to be getting older mind you, grateful I get to grow older, just having a hard time making healthy choices for myself on a consistent basis. But I must. Baby steps, baby steps towards health and towards myself. That's how to do it, slow and gentle.Wish me well!

Last Day (before I turn in my keys)!

I'm counting today as my last day of the school year--I come back next week to turn in my keys and then it's a wrap! Woot! Woot!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't filled to the brim with anxiety about next school year. The thought of a brand new *upper* grade level keeps me up at night. But I am also trusting that all will be well when the year starts. For now, I just need a long break to rest and recalibrate. I'm hopeful that after being away for a while, I'll fill up again and be able to bring my whole self to the table.

If I had to tell you one reason why this year was so hard, it was this: being told that I wasn't enough, all year long. The message came in subtle and not so subtle ways. Someone didn't have my back this year and while it didn't break me, it did hurt and I have had to learn to shake it off and look to the people who do love and support me. Teaching is hard enough as it is without constant criticism and the unkindness of others, but the year is what it is. It was full of good things too, truth be told, so that is what I'm choosing to focus on today. I've made wonderful friends I wouldn't have met any other way! I have the satisfaction of taking a risk even though things didn't work out as I had hoped--but I know I tried and I have no regrets.

In 5 days I leave for Japan! Yay! My happy place! And I'll inundate you here with photos and updates while I'm there. Yay! Here's to endings and to rest, and to vacations and friendships and here's to life with all of it's ups and downs. I'll see you on the flip side!

4th Grade

I just found out that I'll be teaching 4th graders next year! It's been a hot minute since I've taught that grade--back in my student teaching years and my first few years teaching. But I remember loving that age and the curriculum and I'm sure after all the adjustments I'll be loving it just as much as I once did.

This is the part I get to trust my God for good things and that even in the not good things, that He will ever be beside me, helping and guiding me. In other words, this is the hard part!!!

Another big change. Life has been rife with them these past few years. Covid and online teaching, a stint as a reading teacher this year, and now onto grade 4. I'm so glad and needful to have the summertime to recalibrate and rest, especially after this year.

I aim to go gentle into all of these new territories. I almost said 'adventures' but I'm not in that mindspace, yet. I am going to go slow and easy, otherwise I get too overwhelmed too fast. I'm glad to know you're here with me, waiting to see what unfolds too. We're in it together.