Another Step in the Journey

Where to start?! The past few weeks have been crazy busy.... I ended up going on a teaching interview - for a job that I do not even remember applying too (but hey, I guess that is how things work out some time!). After an interview, a second round teaching demo, and a meeting with the school's president - I was asked to join the staff as a part-time Social Studies teacher. YAY!

I am super excited to teach Social Studies again- it has been forever since I have gotten to teach- what I actually went to school for; however, I am going to be teaching classes I have never taught before-so I plan to learn just as much as the students throughout the year.  I have been assigned a 12th grade Government/Economics course- which will be really fun- considering that it is an election year. I am excited to hear the viewpoints of students and have them engage in some debates on current events throughout the year. In addition, I am also teaching two half year 10th grade electives - the first is called the Lost Culture - which is all about Native American History - which is the one I need to do a lot of research on, not only have I never taught it, but I have never taken a full course on it either. But- I am excited to learn, and expand my knowledge of the many cultures that still exist within the United States today- as well as take a historical look at the various Native American cultures. The other elective, that I have been assigned, is called The Great War - which is focused on World War I - which I cannot wait to teach; however, I will have to wait until January to get started on that - as it is a half year course.

I know I was looking for a full time position- but I realized that I am very happy with a part time position- it still allows me plently of time to work at the learning center - and will also help me ease back into the classroom. It also gives me some time off mid-afternoon between jobs to take that adorable pup of mine on some afternoon walks.

What is the biggest challenge in starting on this new path? - I would say not heading to work in the morning in my yoga pants- but somehow I think I will manage.

Just a picture from the Aruba files - to remind myself
that it is still in fact summer- if only for a few more short days.

Just feeling a bit bummed

It is insane just how easily a mood can change from one day to the next, or even one hour to the next. Today started off great, but part way through the day I just started to feel bummed out. I know it my last post I mentioned that a job doesn't define who you are, but I really do hate that it is Augut and I have nothing lined up and official. It is just hard, I know that I am a great teacher, but the current state of education is not the best right  now; so I know the chances of any job are slim to none-but it is a harsh reality to face. I really am a believer that all happens for a reason and that everything always works out....it is just hard waiting and having to constantly remind myself that all of the above are in fact true. It is also difficult to be happy for the success of others, especially when I wok jut as hard, if not harder than they do. I am by no means saying I more deserving of any given position, but it always seems that someone is picked over me. I am sure there a reason for this, but it has not yet become clear to me.

In closing...here's to another day of pushing forward and trying my hardest not to let the negatives get the best of me; but, to also realizing that a good cry is sometimes is the best remedy (and the remedy is even better when followed by a good glass of wine). So, cheers to a good cry, a glass of wine, and moving forward to another day.

Rainbow on my way to work a few months back-beautiful symbol that in every storm there comes beauty 

 

August Already!

I cannot believe just how fast this summer has gone by....we are already a few days into August which seems absolutely crazy! Time has really been flying by, it feels like it should still be June...but sadly we have passed July 4th already, I have been on two vacations, the Toby Keith concert has come and gone, and I still do not have solid, concrete plans for a job in the fall. But, I will say that it has been a wonderful summer, and I have gotten to see a lot of my friends and family, although not as often as I would have liked. However, as always when I do see my friends we have an amazing time and I realize just how much everyone means to me.

I finally feel more relaxed about not having all of the answers to my career and future, I have still been job searching, but I have not let it take over each and every night like I was before. I have learned that I still have to live my life and that my job does not define who I am. On a good note I have been getting more hours at the learning center and actually worked 31 hours this past week. While I know this is not full time, or any where near the almost 60 hours I was working before, it has still kept me busy and helped me, again, to realize how much I love teaching one-on-one and hope that I can continue to work a good amount of hours in the fall. I may also have the opportunity to independently teach some workhops as well. I am also still weighing my options as well. I know that life will lead me on the path that I need to be. However, I am going to continue focusing on spending time with my husband, friends, and family; even though it I already August I feel like we have a lot of summer fun left. And, I am determined to make the most of it!

I have decided that I am going to take time each day to focus on myself and my personal goals, inlcuding spending more time with my Ruger, our black lab (we have gone on more walks lately), spending more time with Ian, less time watching tv (although reruns on How I Met Your Mother always pull me in, and the Olympics of course!), and focusing on my personal health and fitness goals-which I have really let slide lately. I did however make the decision to quit coaching for Beachbody, I realized I wanted to help myself and friends (if they ask), but I didn't want to be in a position that wanted me to sell products, I also did not want to focus only on those products when there is so much else out there.

I have high hopes for August and all that it has to bring, including some cookouts with friends, one of my best friend's bridal showers, and two very important birthdays- a first birthday for one of my best friend's daughters and my niece's fourth birthday! Until next time....make sure you take a moment or two each day and focus on something or someone that makes you smile.

Ruger-relaxing after a walk around the neighborhood