moving on up....

For the past 2 weeks I have been anxiously awaiting word on a potential job change. Yesterday I got that word and it was YES! So after 5 years in my classroom, I am packing it all up to begin my new path as an ITS-- instructional technology specialist. I'm excited about the change in titles, and the new responsibilities that await me. Combining a love for educational strategies and lesson planning with a passion for technology has me truly ecstatic about the next school year. I'm always up for a challenge, and will admit that there will be a huge learning curve for me where the hardware aspect is concerned. But the campus I'll be placed at has a true desire to incorporate technology and that's what I'm sure will get me through all the times I want to pull out my hair.

For the first time in 8 years, I won't be walking into a classroom of my own. I won't have 123 names to learn and parents to contact. I won't have grades to post *shouts of joy* or attendance to track. And while there are parts of teaching I'll miss, I know that the parts I love will still be available to me-- creating engaging lessons, problem solving, creativity--and that will allow me to grow in my new position.

First order of business is packing away 5 years of memorabilia/materials/ supplies. It's a total mess and more than my organizational skills can handle. The next step will be turning my storage closet/book room of an office into a place that I can actually function in.

I'll post pictures next week and see what suggestions the blog-o-sphere has. My first training to teach? That would be beginner blogging :)

Six Word Saturday

I can survive 10 more days.

Then school's out for summer!

I'm all right... Don"t nobody worry 'bout me

mic check.... mic check... 1.....2...

In the words of Mark Twain, the reports of my (blog) death are greatly exaggerated. Sometimes when you least expect it, life just sneaks up on you. Perhaps it is best to start at the beginning... I think better in chronological order anyway :)

This past December I made the difficult decision to separate from my husband. It was a very emotional time and I retreated to find myself and restore relationships with friends and family.

We have since reconciled, and found ourselves in the midst of a new adventure together-- the building of a new house, our house. The process has just begun (we've bought land, settled on a plan & picked out tile) and I can already tell it will be one of those "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" type situations.

Throw in state-mandated testing, fixing up the current house for re-sale, moving myself out, moving him out 4 months later, living in an apt filled with boxes, tennis lesson, 2 trips to Louisiana, my first craft bazaar and the end of the school year. I am just finding time to catch my breath. And to find words to write. Sometimes you've just got to step away from it all to gain perspective, and I think I'm ready to be back.

Somedays I just want to create something.
Somedays I just want to be silly with the young un.

Somedays I just want to sing (loudly!) & dance .

Somedays I just want to surround myself with the people that make me happy.
Somedays I just want to be left alone.

Somedays I just want to read a book.

But no matter what kind of day, I want to be open to the possibilities this blog presents. For creativity. For inspiration. For re-connecting. For tears. For laughter. For giving. For receiving. For forging new friendships. For finding me. And I invite you all to come along for the ride.