I know I have been gone for a while. Things got a little crazy in the last year or so. Hopefully, I am back and I can start sharing my journeys and experiences with you all again! To begin, let me give you a little recap of the last 14 months. Yes, yes. I know you know the general events, but rather than you refreshing your memory by looking at past posts, I will just do it here.
At this time last year, I was wrapping up my student teaching in Arizona. Student teaching was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done. It truly tested my limits and forced me to think outside the box. I had bad days where I seriously doubted I would make it through, and I had great days where I was in awe at what my students could do. With my classmates and my mentor teacher, I laughed, I cried, I pulled my hair out, and I loved. Despite my fears and inexperience, my students thrived and I finally graduated.
With graduation, I finally got to be back with my husband again. 18 months of living in two separate places takes a toll on a relationship. The transition back to living together and being a team was rough. I had gotten used to depending on only myself. I had gotten used to cooking for one, worrying about only what I needed to do and accomplish. Suddenly, there was another person in the equation again and I had to relearn how to be a partner instead of the boss. It was a long process that I was not able to solve myself, but it took me time to accept the help from my partner.
While this was all going on, my body was adjusting to the new climate. I went from hot and dry to cool and humid and my body did not agree at all! I spend months achy and depressed as I worked with my docs to adjust my meds accordingly. Eventually, the Rheumatoid got used to the weather and I was able to function better and summer came along, improving my mood.
Now, I have settled into my life here in So Cal and I am working toward new goals. My husband and I are trying to raise money to adopt, I am studying for my secondary certifications for teaching in California, I am substituting and tutoring privately, and I am looking into opening my own private school. That doesn't even count all the plans I have for this house and yard!
So as you can see, I never seem to let myself slow down, but I feel that not only do I need to start blogging again for my own sanity, I also need to put my thoughts, feelings, and solutions out there for others again. I may be dreaming, but I believe my words can help others work through tough times in their own lives. As I get back to blogging, I will continue to put coping strategies out there, share my own experiences, delve into more detail on some of the past events, and express new dreams. Please feel free to give your input and suggestions. I want this to be a community where we all help and share with each other.
