Looking Back

It is finally May!  I'm so excited that I'm not even bothering to hide it anymore.  Part of me wishes I was a time traveller and I could go back to myself a year ago and just give me a pat on the back.  I could not have ever imagined that I'd be where I am today.  Next week will be a BIG week for me.  I've got an interview that could lead to a very awesome job.  And that darn STAAR test is on Tuesday.  The end of next week will mean I only have TWO weeks left!  Nine months ago I thought this month would never come.  It's been a roller coaster of a school year.  For teachers, MAY is the end of the year.  Not December.  I feel a lot more closure when I pack up my room and leave for the summer.  And this year, I'm closing the door to my old life and starting a brand new one.  Not everything about this year was horrible.  I enjoy the majority of the girls I work with and have made some great new friends with the teachers I work with.  But this place was just a transition.  It began the year that would change my life.  Deciding to leave Hardin was the first leap.  It was my first break out of my comfort zone.  It gave me the courage to try new things.  That a risk could be worth it and good things could happen.  I needed that.  This year has taught me that I am strong enough.  I'm strong enough to be a single mom.  I'm strong enough to be a teacher without the awesome coworkers I had at Hardin.  I'm strong enough to drive to Houston five times a week and on the days I didn't go, deal with one of the hardest parts of my life - my divorce.  I haven't had a break.  Despite my attendance records, every day I was not at work, I was dealing with a lawyer, an ex or my sick kids.  I have every intention of making the most of this summer.  I'm going to make it to the mountains.  Even if it's just for the weekend.  I'm going to meet new people and bring the kids somewhere new.  This will not be a lazy summer.  I'm going to get to work on the house and finish my projects (and probably start some new ones...you know me).  I can't wait to get going.  Less than a month now....let the countdown begin.