New Beginnings

Well, this past month has been a series of ups and downs. Losing a friend to cancer, doing poorly at several interviews (including one I really had my heart set on), and dealing with a series of allergy-induced migraines made it hard to get much done. So add guilt to the list of negatives…

But thanks to good friends, and a small amount of desperation — and rethinking my health — I can finally report good things again.

I realized that allergies were the cause of the headaches and used the “sanitary” feature on the washer for the sheets and blankets. Cost: three hours of washing and an hour of drying. Waking up headache free? Priceless.

I asked for help improving my interview technique, got better for each one, and finally it paid off.

I lost my friend, but in thinking about it, I have such good memories and a desire to see her legacy continue. And now…

In my own elementary classroom, I will!

I have been hired at a district I never subbed in, but is closer than many I considered! Third grade will be a real challenge this year, it will also be a joy. To be able to work with students at this age all year long, to see them grow (and they grow a lot at this age) and help them explore and interact with the world will be priceless. My friend who works at this new school has told me for years what a great place it is, and I am very hopeful that I will be an asset to the community.

I met the other third grade teachers and a few others,, and they are going to be wonderful to work with. I can tell this is a caring, focused community.

And now — open house is in five days. Students in the classroom on the second of September. I will be posting here as a way to think things through — and to record the small successes we have.

Pictures — house/yard/classroom — when I have the time again.

Allons-y!