And I'm back

Okay, I am writing again. For the past month or so, I have completely neglected my blog and any other form of writing, along with any other creative endeavor. You see, I started a job on February 1^st – my first teaching gig – and I have been a bit disheveled since then.

During the week, my days are filled with early mornings, long commutes, stressful work environments, (what seems like) endless planning and grading, and bed times of someone 3 times my age. Add to that constantly questioning my life decisions – Is this the right career for me? Can I do this for the next 40+ years? Am I being fulfilled? Am I making a difference? (All questions for discussion in a later post). By the time the weekend rolls around, I’m exhausted and unable to get my brain juices flowing to produce anything.

Last weekend, I escaped that feeling for a little while. Kings and I visited Great Falls Park in northern Virginia. Experiencing nature always calms me and helps me remember just who I am and what I want in this life. Nature brings me back to me.  However, my serene feeling was short-lived as various stressors crept in and another work week began.

Potomac River at Great Falls Park, VA

But this weekend, this weekend was good splendid. Friday evening was spent vegging out – wine/beer, pizza, and comedies. The hubs and I are both trying to have healthier lifestyles so we gave ourselves Friday night as a last hoorah (at least for a while) for greasy, carb-loaded food. Saturday we went on a shopping trip to add some much needed updates to our wardrobes (and found some great deals, I might add). Then, there is today. This morning, after breakfast, I went for a run. Even though I struggled to finish the two miles, the sun was shining, the fresh air was revitalizing, and the endorphins were flowing. Besides bathing the dogs and a few other household chores, I have done nothing else but relax, sip some wine, and collect my thoughts. It was exactly the day I needed.

So, here’s to a rejuvenation of my creativity (and blog) and figuring out my place in this majestic world.

Just keep swimming...

Yesterday, I started my new job – my first job as a classroom teacher. I’m teaching middle school science. While I was excited to finally get started,  the night before I was a complete mess, tossing and turning with “what if” scenarios running through my mind. I could not understand why I was so nervous. C’mon, I am teaching 11-14 year-olds, they cannot be that scary!

I know that the majority of my nerves stemmed from being unfamiliar with the school district, school, and curriculum. Imagine walking into a presentation without any idea of what you’re supposed to be presenting. Terrifying, I know. But, I also recognize that this will get better with time, so I decided to do my best and let it be.

Overall, my first day went well. I was able to meet all of my students and some more colleagues. I enjoyed getting to know my students a little bit and beginning to learn the general flow and environment of my new school. And so, I’m off and running, trying to be the best I can be and make a difference in my students’ lives.

Here’s to taking it one day at a time, never giving up, and striving for excellence!