Tap, tap, tap...Is This Thing Still On?

Hi friends. It's been a bit quiet over here. For good reason but I have missed this little space of mine. There was so much going on, yet I was playing a waiting game at times.

At the beginning of the year, I talked about the word that I wanted to represent the upcoming year. EVOLVE. I talked about set goals that I wanted to see for the upcoming year, including evolving in my relationships, my trust, my family, and my lifestyle. This year has definitely helped me evolve in more ways than I first thought when I decided on that word for this year. Let me update.

First things first, I had no plans to apply for any jobs this upcoming year, but it seems as though my plans were not the plans in store for me. There was a job opening at another elementary school and the high school in my town that I just couldn't pass up. The worst that would happen was that I would stay in my classroom, doing what I love: Teaching..so it was worth the shot. It was nice to trust and follow my heart even if that was a scary step to to take.After a great interview at the high school for at job that just wasn't meant for me, I interviewed at the other elementary school and was offered the job that same day. I am officially hanging up my teacher hat and will be the school counselor.

I have been asked more than one hundred times if I am going to miss the classroom. The answer is ABSOLUTELY. My students are like my own kids and I love and adore the bond that I have with each of them, but it is so exciting to think of the possible lives that I could touch through my role as the school counselor. I am looking forward to the challenge of what this year will bring but also the great rewards that will come with that hard work.

On a more personal note, Michael and I have had to spend quite a bit of time apart so we decided to reward ourselves with a trip this summer. I am so looking forward to some time with him away from the busy-ness of our worlds. When we decided on this trip, I knew that it would push me to evolve in my lifestyle, both physically and mentally. I've officially cut myself back to one Dr. Pepper a day and have steadily learned to eat a little healthier. There are days when I don't stick to that plan but for the most part I have done well. I also signed up at the gym and have a personal trainer. I am the type of person who if no one is holding me accountable, I will slip through the cracks. So 2 weeks in and it has been the best investment I have made in myself in a long time. I'm excited to see how my lifestyle continues to evolve and reap the benefits of that hard work on the beaches of the Dominican.

My sweet family has had a rough month. As my brother's senior year of high school comes to a close, lots of life lessons and doors closed that have brought us all closer than ever. I am so thankful that, even though I am far away, I can still be there for them in times of need as support and an ear to listen. More and more, I am thankful for the family bond that my parents built and for their hard work to let each of their children live out their dreams. I wish that I had seen and appreciated all that they do for us long before now but I'm thankful that my eyes have been opened.

I think that's about it for now friends. Just needed to come here and clear my head and you all get to be the landing board for these random darts I've thrown out. I am looking forward to having a little more time to make this space of mine more of a priority. Have a great Tuesday friends.