Well, we’re finally headed back to school for the first time since January 12th! That sure is hard to believe! While I’ve enjoyed some time at home, we definitely need to get back into a routine.
…and today I’m talking about this “by two” prompt:
Here’s an explanation for my answers:
2 things I love: Coffee and books are two things that I love. It’s been many years since I can say I haven’t had at least one cup of coffee for teh day…and I can probably say the same thing about reading.
2 names I like: When I was younger, I loved the names Lydia and Annie. It’s not that I didn’t like my name, but Jennifer was a popular name. My middle name is Ann, and sometimes I wished my name was Annie. I remember liking the name Lydia after seeing the movie Mrs. Doubtfire.
2 things that scare me: I’m definitely not a fan of heights. Choking is a new fear. I actually choked a little over a year ago, and my friend saved the day with the Heimlich maneuver. Ever since then, I’m very cognizant of choking…and I’m always telling my kids to slow down when they eat! If Trav coughs, I immediately ask him if he’s choking. Like I need one more thing to worry about…haha
2 careers I’ve considered: I’ve really never considered another career besides teaching. I do wish that I’d gotten a library science degree/certification. I would love to be in a library working with kids every day. My mom worked at the public library a couple days a week after she retired. Maybe I will do that one day? Also, ever since cookie decorating became popular, I’ve thought it would be fun to do. Again, I’m not thinking about a career change…but how fun would it be to make people happy by baking and decorating cute cookies? I’ve taken a few cookie classes for fun, and a lot of hard work goes into even one cookie!
2 places I want to visit: Nantucket continues to be on my dream list to visit. I’ve been to London, but it was when I was in high school…and I really hope to go again and take the kids.
2 accounts I love: Jen Reed (@thesisterstudioig) is just the most down to Earth woman to follow. She’s happy, encouraging, and supportive and just shares so much with her followers. Brittany Garcia (@kingdomofsequins) is so fun! She always starts her stories with “Hey girl!” and just has a bubbly personality. I could definitely be friends with both of those ladies (and they are friends in real life!)
2 books I love: I took a deeper dive into books in Sunday’s “All About Books” post, and it’s difficult for me to choose two of my favorite books. That being said, Where the Crawdads Sing and Becoming Mrs. Lewis were the first two to pop into my mind.
What are two things you can tell me about yourself from this prompt?
Shew! It’s cold around here. I feel like winter really kicked it up a notch…but without the snow. *sigh* (I know my KC peeps can’t say the same…I saw all the pretty snow pics this week!)
Today, I’m sharing my “words for the year.” These are words I hope to keep in mind and focus on this year.
Per tradition, on New Year’s Eve, my friend had us draw three words at random.
Last year, my words were:
This year, my words are:
Faith:
Faith is such an important word because sometimes you just “have to have faith…” Faith that things will get easier. Faith things will get better. Faith that some things take time, etc. Sometimes I have to remind myself to “keep the faith” and “take one day at a time.”
Like I mentioned in yesterday’s post, over the past few years, I’ve been more intentional with my religious faith. I think being a parent and having inquisitive kids can do that to you…at least that was my experience. This year, I want to continue to include Bible studies into my daily routine and of course attend church regularly.
Forgiveness:
Thankfully, I don’t feel like forgiveness is a word I will need to focus on too much this year…whether it’s asking for forgiveness or receiving it.
Instead, I think I need to forgivemyself more. I can be my own worst critic. On any given day, I can feel like I didn’t do my best in the three most important parts of my life: being a mom, being a wife, being a teacher. I know none of us are perfect, and I need to remember that I can own up to mistakes and move on as well as just forgive myself for my shortcomings. Nobody is perfect.
Growth:
I’m a pretty reflective person which means I’m always in a growth mindset. What can I do differently? How can I be better?
As teachers, we have to complete a “Professional Growth Plan” every year. There are five domains with standards, and we rank ourselves by “ineffective,” “developing,” “accomplished,” and “exemplary” at the beginning and end of the year.
I won’t bore you with the details, but even after 22 years in education, I think it’s perfectly acceptable to be “developing” in certain areas. For example, “demonstrating knowledge of students.” Every year, I mark myself as “developing” in that area, but it’s a new year, with new students, so of course I will continue to get to know them throughout the year.
Most of my energy, rightfully so, goes to my family. Most nights when my head hits the pillow, I think about what I could have done differently as a parent, as a friend, as a wife. I’m not perfect, but I do really try my best on any given day. Of course, I fall short in some areas, but at least I take a moment to think about it and grow and learn from that experience or situation.
Cherish:
In church last week, we could pick up a star with a word on it to be our “word of the year” to reflect and pray on. I was handed my star at random, but the word on it is “cherish.”
Kind of like growth, I’m typically pretty aware of time, traditions, events, etc…and that I need to cherish them. I try really hard not to take things for granted. I would like to think that this year maybe I can slow down a bit and really savor/cherish events, both big and small, as they happen in my life.
I always say that I’m “forever a work in progress.” I guess we all are.
Enneagram:
I’m 5w6, and saw this fun post on Instagram (@maddiedoodle_)…& I think it fits me perfectly for 2024.
Well, in yesterday’s Share Our Livespost, I don’t think I added much since I’d shared that topic a time or two before.
Today, I’m sharing a “This or That” answering a few questions and sharing a bit more about myself.
This or That:
Early bird or Night owl
I’m definitely a morning girl. That doesn’t mean that I hop right out of bed, but I appreciate a quiet morning before a hectic day.
Smoothie or Soda
I’m a soda girl for sure. I love a Diet Coke…especially a fountain Diet Coke (with extra ice!) from McDonald’s or Chick-Fil-A
Sneakers or Heels
I’m definitely a sneakers girl. I’m glad that there are so many cute and stylish options. I even wear sneakers with dresses to school…especially in the fall.
Freckles or Dimples
I have a few freckles when I’m out in the sun. Red head/freckles run in the family. I guess I have dimples when I smile too.
East Coast or West Coast
Well, I’ve been to both, and if we are talking beaches, then I’m torn. I love both. If we are talking overall weather, then definitely west coast, southern California is a favorite.
Lefty or Righty
I’m a lefty…except in my (brief) softball days…I batted right handed.
Fun fact, in my family, my Gma, my mom, my aunt, and me are all left-handed. While I was hopeful to pass that trait on to Hadley, I got lucky and both Hayden and Hadley are left-handed. I think that’s pretty neat.
Middle part or Side part
I’m a side part girl. I don’t think I’m cool enough for middle part.
Sweet or Salty
I definitely have a sweet tooth. I’m not big on candy, but I love cookies, brownies, and cake.
Neutrals or Colorful
I definitely lean towards neutral colors…which probably says something about my personality. haha
Online shopping or In store shopping
Definitely online! That being said, I think I enjoy going in stores a bit more now because I mainly shop online. Even because I do grocery pick up, I don’t mind going into Kroger for a few things. I like to wander around Target or Home Goods when I have time.
Sunbathe or Get in the water
I hate being hot, but I’m a “toes in the sand with a book” kind of girl. I will get in the water to cool off.
Spontaneous or Planner
I don’t know how to be anything besides a planner! My “type A” self needs a plan…and a planner…and pens…
How was your weekend? We had a pretty good one that wasn’t too busy.
Did you catch my two posts this weekend?
This month, I’m participating in Bloganuary where I’m trying to write a daily post. I’m continuing with my own schedule, but I’m also using some of the WordPress prompts for topics too.
On Saturday, I wrote about gifts, and on Sunday I shared my recent Amazon purchases to link up with Tanya today.
Anyway, on to today’s post…
Today is our first Share Our Lives (formerly Not Just a Mom) link up of 2024. I’m happy to be back co-hosting this link up with these ladies:
This month’s topic is introductions and job’s you’ve had.
Introduction:
We did introductions last January too….and not much as changed for me.
I’m Jen:
I’m still…
a wife (married to Travis, and we will celebrate 19 years in June)
a mom (my boy/girl twins are now 14 years old)
a high school English teacher (this is my 22nd year in education. I do academic intervention now which I really enjoy)
pretty introverted and a homebody
a book lover (but fail at book clubs) and a dog lover
a beach and mountain view lover
an Enneagram 5w6
left-handed
I grew up in Kansas City, but have lived in Lexington, KY for almost 20 years
a KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and Missouri Tigers fan
Here are some other blog posts I’ve written sharing a bit more about myself:
I took a True Colors test this year, and I’m gold (planner) which means I’m loyalty driven, respect rules and authority, responsible, organized, and appreciative
Autumn is my favorite season.
I love traditions.
I need quiet time to start my morning.
I love my birthday, but I don’t need a lot of attention…haha
After almost two years, I’m on my third and (hopefully) final phase of Invisalign.
I love a Sunday afternoon nap.
I love “falling back” for daylight savings time, and I love a snow day.
I’ve had this blog for 4.5 years (will be 5 years at the end of the summer)
Here are some more recent posts I’ve written sharing more about myself:
I worked at dental/ortho office for a few years in high school and my freshman year of college.
I worked the front desk of my dorm sophomore and junior years of college.
I occasionally babysat.
I worked for Mizzou Athletics in the ticket office during my senior year of college and while I did my student teaching.
This is my 22nd year as a high school teacher.
Here are our topics this year. If you have a blog, we’d love for you to save the Share Our Lives graphics and link up with us on the second Monday of the month. We love reading other bloggers’ posts!
Today I’m sharing my first “Bloganuary” post. Yesterday’s WordPress topic was “what colleges have you attended?”
At first I thought this topic might be boring, but then I realized that I had a journey/story for each part of my college career.
University of Missouri:
University of Missouri (KC):
When I graduated high school, I was really uncertain about where I wanted to go or if I even wanted to leave home.
My “homebody” tendencies started early, and I wasn’t much of a “risk taker.” I was really comfortable living at home, working part-time at a dentist office, and sticking with my surroundings. Ultimately, I decided to stay home and attend UMKC which is a smaller branch of the University of Missouri system. Looking back, I still think this was the right decision for me. I was able to ease into college while being in the comfort of what I already knew at home and work.
That being said, I had always liked the idea of going to a bigger college, and in the spring of my freshman year, I applied to University of Missouri-Columbia. (MIZZOU).
University of Missouri (Columbia):
My sophomore-senior years were spent at MIZZOU. Again, the timing really worked well for me. I’m glad I waited to go until my sophomore year. I lived in the dorm that year, so I was able to experience that. I do wonder if I’d gone to MU my freshman year if I would have joined a sorority, but I did make some great friends living in Jones Hall!
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My mom was a middle school Language Arts teacher for over 30 years. Also, I loved to read and always had great English teachers. So, I never once changed my major. I was always going to be a high school English teacher. I couldn’t wrap my brain around working with elementary aged kids (they seem so needy…haha), and I just felt like older kids would be a great fit.
I graduated in four years with a B.S. Secondary Education: English (grades 9-12) in May 2002. I feel very fortunate that I entered adulthood debt free thanks to my parents paying for college (and I helped a bit financially by staying home the first year, earning a few college credits while in high school, and even managing the front desk of my dorm as a junior to have free room and board).
I loved CoMo, and stuck around one more year for my first year of teaching.
Rank 2: University of Missouri
I moved to Kentucky after my second year of teaching and started my first Master’s degree after teaching for three years. In Kentucky, the pay scale is by rank. So, teachers earn more every year with experience, but they also move on the pay scale with their rank. With a B.S., it’s Rank 3 pay. One Master’s degree is Rank 2, and then an additional Master’s gets Rank 1 pay. In my district, there is also Rank 1.2 (PhD).
Anyway, I knew I wanted to start on my Rank 2 before we had kids. I was living in Lexington, but the University of Missouri had an online Master’s with a focus in literacy. Literacy had always been something I was interested in. I also knew that having that focus could be of benefit to me as I grew as a professional. I started that program in the fall of 2005.
All of the courses were online, but I really enjoyed having the flexibility of the program and there was no commute! I think I typically took two classes each semester, but maybe I took three one summer?
In May 2008, I earned my M. Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Focus: Literacy which got me my Rank 2.
I’m so thankful for that degree because right after that, I took a job as a Literacy Coach in my school building and really enjoyed that work.
Rank 1: University of Louisville
The Literacy Coach position came about because the district I was in was a part of a federal grant called Striving Readers. It was a three year grant with partners at the Collaborative for Teaching and Learning in Louisville and the University of Louisville.
As a part of the grant, I had the opportunity to earn a reading specialist degree which would give me my Rank 1. I delayed the start of this work because Travis and I had just had the kids.
Then, my school was able to add an additional year with the grant. Knowing that it was “now or never” and this degree would be paid for, I realized I should go ahead and take advantage of this opportunity. I started working on the degree when the kids were about a year old…I think!
That time period is a blur, and it was a lot of work…but much like my Rank 2, all the courses were online, and I had such great support from my mentors at CTL and U of L.
I enjoyed working on the courses and completing each Capstone. I’d much rather write a twenty page paper than take a test!
In May of 2012, I earned my M. Ed., Reading Specialist, May, 2012, Rank 1 through U of L.
Again, that degree is one of the main reasons I’m able to work as an interventionist today. Both of my Master’s degrees have really led me to wonderful opportunities, and I appreciate that I’ve been able to work in my school in a capacity besides as a traditional classroom teacher.
I know college isn’t for everyone, but I always say that no one can take away your education. Also, through the years, these degrees have enhanced my knowledge and expertise as well as allowed me to better support my family and my future.
So–those are the colleges I attended.
I’m still a big MIZZOU fan, but I can’t cheer for the U of L Cards in my house…haha
I will cheer for the CATS with the rest of the fam.
In one of the professional development sessions I attended at the start of the school year, we had to take a personality assessment.
Through the years, I’ve had administrators ask us to take various ones as a way for them to better understand their staff and as a prompt for us to take time for self-reflection.
Of course, you know I’ve taken the Enneagram test, and am a 5w6, and I think many of those characteristics hold true for me.
We were asked to take the True Colors personality test. After answering a series of questions, you find out “your” color.
Color Characteristics:
Blue (Feeler)– emotionally driven, seeks harmony in groups, enthusiastic, creative, sympathetic
I kind of thought I’d have a bit more green but I’m not surprised that I’m not orange or blue.
One of my school friends tends to run late, and she says, “It’s because I’m orange!” and we all just laugh.
Anyway, I do think it’s interesting to see other people’s results. Kind of like love languages and Enneagram types, I don’t hold a ton of stock in them, but I do think you can know people better when you understand their personality type too.
A recent WordPress prompt suggestion was “What jobs have you had?”
I was with Hadley at a dentist appointment recently, and I was telling her how my first job was at a dentist office, so this prompt is timely.
I got my first job when I was 16 and was able to drive. I was lucky because a family friend had a dental/orthodontist practice in our neighborhood and needed some part time help after school. Starting my junior year of high school, I worked 3-5:30 a couple days a week and then 8-12 a couple Saturdays a month.
At the dental office, I pulled patient charts, called for appointment reminders, organized insurance claims, answered the phone, and scheduled appointments. At first, I think I mostly just pulled the charts and made phone calls. As time went on, my responsibilities grew to other things and sometimes I even developed the pano x-rays and got patients ready to see the technicians. My freshman year of college, I stayed home for school, and I worked more hours at the dentist office.
When I went away to school my sophomore year, I worked at the front desk of the dorm that I lived in. The summer after my sophomore year, I babysat my cousin’s son. I really enjoyed that. My junior year, I still lived in the dorm and I was in charge of the front desk workers and worked the desk myself too. I can’t remember my actual job title, but I did get a single room paid for my junior year. The summer after my junior year, I worked at a church preschool with some of my friends.
My senior year of college, I worked for Missouri Athletics in the ticket office. I’d answer the phone, sell tickets, and work some of the games at will call. It was a really easy job and one I was able to do a bit on the weekends when I student taught second semester of my senior year. BONUS: while working the ticket office, I met Travis.
(Before working in the horse industry, Travis worked in college athletics. First her worked for UK, then Mizzou, and then moved back to Kentucky to enter the horse business. I moved to Kentucky after my second year teaching.)
After my senior year, I became a teacher…21 years later, that’s still my job!
What was the first job you had or your favorite job? Trav’s first job was doing landscaping in Louisville…I assume in high school. One of his friend’s parents had a family landscaping business. There are still some parts of Louisville we drive through and he points out the trees he planted. haha!
Anyway, I haven’t thought about my work history in quite some time! This was a fun walk down memory lane.
I’ve been looking forward to this post because I know everyone’s story will be different, and I can’t wait to read them.
While our journey to become parents wasn’t too long of a road, it did have a few twists and turns and bumps along the way.
We’d been married a couple of years when we decided to try to start a family in 2007, I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was always really private about it all. After about six months, I had an OBGYN appointment, and started medicine to help regulate my cycle and eventually started a low dose of Clomid. After six months of using Clomid as well as other medications, she sent me to a fertility specialist.
He was really nice, and I had other friends who had used him as well. The next step was a test/procedure called HSG. It’s where the doctor injects dye through the cervix into the uterus. This checks to see if the dye can move through the uterus and into the tubes. While this procedure wasn’t super painful, it also wasn’t pleasant. During that procedure, he did say the dye moved through my tubes but very slowly. He joked that the HSG test was like an oil change.
What I liked about him was that there was no pressure to jump into other fertility measures like IUI and IVF. He suggested a few more months of Clomid, and we’d go from there.
During all of this time, I was never really down. I had friends who had successfully started their families using IUI and IVF, so I felt like if we needed to do that, it would work for us too. Also, I wasn’t even 30 yet, so I knew time was on my side in that regard. That being said, there were a lot of appointments and medicines. I had a pocket calendar that I kept in my bathroom to track my cycle and medications and other things.
After a couple of months, I felt a little off…I was really tired. So, I took a pregnancy test, but it was negative. I remember feeling defeated a bit at that point. Then, it was Easter. On the ride home from Easter with Trav’s side of the family, I cried. A few people had asked when we were going to have kids, and it finally got to me. They weren’t being insensitive by an means, and I’d been asked those questions before, but it just got to me.
Well, a week or so later I was still feeling really off…so I took another test. I couldn’t believe that it was positive. So, while I was apparently “in my feelings” at Easter…I guess maybe it was hormones!
I was so excited, and showed Travis the positive test that morning. He was excited for us too.
I called the fertility doctor, and they had me come in for blood work. When the nurse called to confirm I was pregnant, she said my numbers looked “really, really…really good.” I thanked her and set up the appointment to see the doctor.
We went to the appointment the next week, and apparently I was so excited, that I misunderstood, and we were a week early! They still had me see the doctor, and when he walked in, he said, “Let’s see how many are in there!” We just nervously laughed, but I guess from my hormone levels with the blood work, he knew we were having multiples. Fun fact about Clomid: while taking it, the chance of having multiples is 5-10(ish)%…and we fell in that percentage.
As soon as I looked at the screen, I could see the two sacs. Obviously we were shocked. The first thing I wondered was if we’d have to buy them each a car when they turned sixteen. haha –I’m not sure why I skipped over things like sleepless nights, changing diapers, and more…
Since I was early in my pregnancy, only baby B (Hadley) had a heartbeat. He told us not to worry and come back in two weeks. We did, and baby A (Hayden) also had a heartbeat. We saw the fertility doctor one more time before being released to my OB.
We told family pretty early on, but waited a bit to tell others.
Throughout my pregnancy, we had many doctors appointments. One of my best friends was pregnant at the same time I was with a singleton, and she, I think, only had a couple of ultrasounds. We saw the kids at almost every appointment.
At our 14 week appointment, we found out that baby A was a boy and baby B was a girl.
Back then, there were no gender reveal parties…not sure we would have gone over the top, but feels like a missed opportunity for me to have a party. Haha
Whenever I see these sonogram photos (from later in the pregnancy,) I’m always blown away at home they really do look like the kids!
I also saw a high risk doctor throughout my pregnancy. My OB always sends pregnant women with multiples to a high risk doctor.
There was a point in my pregnancy where the high risk doctor had some concerns about Hayden. That was a stressful time for us…but especially for me. Around that time, we were meeting with pediatricians. The doctor that we felt the most comfortable with is who we still take the kids to. During that time in my pregnancy, when I felt stressed, both the doctors in the practice reassured us that they thought everything would be just fine.
I was due on December 18th, but by 36 weeks, I was so tired and Friday, November 20 was going to be my last day of work. Honestly, I was so excited for a week or two at home before the kids came…and we had big plans to go to a movie and Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving the next week.
On November 19th, I wasn’t feeling great, and I finished up some things at school and called the doctor. They had me go to the hospital, and Travis took me. They checked everything out, and we were there for a couple of hours. They sent me home.
There was a basketball game on that Travis wanted to watch, so we picked up dinner and headed home. He said my car needed gas, but he’d get it in the morning…
Well, surprise…my water broke that next morning! We called the doctor, and I showered while Travis went and got gas in the car. I was exactly 36 weeks, and there was no turning back. We arrived at the hospital, and I had a c-section. Funny story — in the operating room, Travis had on the gown and kept mentioning how hot he was. The anesthesiologist asked him a couple of times if he was ok…and he said yes. I could tell he looked a little pale and told him if he fainted, I’d be mad…this was my moment. 😆
The nurse gave him some water, and he was just fine. The kids arrived at 12:08 and 12:09 pm.
Hayden was delivered first, and as soon as they showed him to me, I got tears in my eyes. He looked like Travis from day one. When Hadley was born, they only showed her to me briefly…and then rushed her off to take care of her. Travis went with them while the doctor finished with my c-section.
I could tell that something was going on with Hadley. When they said their weights — Hayden was 4 lbs 7 oz and Hadley was 4 lbs, I remember thinking that couldn’t be right because at my 34 week appointment, they were estimated to be over five pounds.
While in recovery, Travis and the NICU doctor came to see me, and they said both kids were doing fine, but Hadley would be in the NICU for 12-14 days.
I could probably write a whole post about those two weeks when she was in the hospital and we were home…but I need to wrap this up.
We stayed four nights in the hospital, and the kids were reunited for a couple of photos before we headed home.
I always wish we had a family photo in the hospital, but we finally got one when Hadley came home, thirteen days later, on December 3rd.
It’s so crazy to think they were ever this little.
I received quite a few “bless your hearts” when we were out and about. 😂
If I thought I was tired back then…
Oh…the things I could tell that new mom now!
This post could have been so much longer, but I’m typing it really late on Sunday after a really busy day….Hadley had two dance recitals, so we were gone most of the day.
If you wrote about how you became a mom, we hope you’ll link up with us.
Also, I’m pretty sure my “target audience” is in the throes of motherhood, but please know that I know how it feels to want to start a family and be a mom when it wasn’t necessarily easy. I always have extra prayers for those who are struggling with infertility.
Next month we are sharing Top 5 Favorite Family Activities
Make sure to check out the other ladies’ posts! Have a great week.
I know I’ve had a really great life. I’m lucky to think of only a few times in my life that were difficult for an extended amount of time, and they really do pale in comparison to what others have gone through.
With some of these blog challenge topics, I just go with what pops in my mind first and write about those ideas.
Here are a few difficult times that came to mind…
When we moved…
When we moved, I was in the 8th grade. To my parents’ credit, they were trying to give my brother and me a better life in a great school district and bigger house in a wonderful neighborhood. Well, try telling that to my thirteen year old self.
Also to my parents’ credit, since we’d only moved about twenty minutes away, they let me finish out the year at my previous middle school when really I could have started my new school in March of my 7th grade year.
Middle school years are just weird anyway…and then I was a new girl in a new school missing my friends.
I “rebelled” in a sense and refused to play volleyball or run track like I did my 7th grade year. I just decided to not come out of my room and just be miserable…and probably made them miserable too.
My brother was only in 5th grade, and made the transition to a new school better than I did. I kind of think boys have an easier time anyway….and he was younger.
By 9th grade, I settled in, branched out, and made friends. I think freshman year helped because it was a fresh start and many ninth graders were coming from a couple of schools.
That being said, being the “new girl” did stick with me through the years. To this day, I pay close attention and try not to let anyone, whether it’s my friend group or a student, feel left out. Due to a hectic season of life, we don’t have people over like we used to, but it’s always hard for me to know when to stop on the invite list. Again, I don’t want anyone feeling left out. Also, even as an adult, sometimes I still feel left out, and I’m sure it’s not intentional on anyone’s part. At least I don’t think so. Ok, I will stop spiraling now. 😆
Anyway, it all turned out for the best, and I had a great high school experience, made great friends, and learned a thing or two about starting over. I’d say those lessons helped me when I moved to Kentucky as an adult after living in Missouri my entire life.
Starting a family…
We struggled to start a family. I’ll probably talk a bit more about this more in June’s Not Just a Mom post, but…it took a couple of years, many doctors’ visits, medicine and more to have Hayden and Hadley. I kept it all really private because that’s just how I am. I didn’t want anyone to worry about me. It was a lonely time though.
After we had the kids and tried for a third, it took even more doctors’ visits and even stronger medicine to get pregnant again. Then, I had a miscarriage which was obviously difficult. Truly, after that, when I look back on my infertility struggles, the time (and the years following) after the miscarriage was the hardest.
I was never able to get pregnant again, and eventually I had to move on. The cost, physical discomfort, mood swings, along with having two little kids got to be too much for me to rationalize continuing on that journey. I felt like I was letting go of a dream which was sad for me. I’m a type A goal setter who usually achieves what I set my mind to …so it was hard feeling like a failure.
I realize I wasn’t a failure, but I think most who go through what I did know that feeling.
It’s hard not to have a happy ending after a traumatic loss like that. Sometimes that kind of grief is hard to shake even after all of these years.
Job transition…
When I left my former school to move to my current one, it was a difficult decision. I was really close with my department and had great friends there. I knew it was best for my family for me to work closer to home and in the same district as my kids, but I guess that decision did impact some friendships.
Then, that first year in my new school was really hard. It was year 15 for me, but I was in a new building that was double the size of my former one. There were times I truly felt like I’d made a mistake. It was the hardest year of my educational career, and I even thought about quitting. That being said, the next year was one of my best in my teaching career, so I’m glad that I stuck with it. Plus, the years following led me to my current interventionist position, and I’m definitely grateful for that.
This was kind of a “heavier” blog post…sorry! That being said, this is another reason why I’ve enjoyed my “self-imposed” blog challenge…It’s pushed me to write about things maybe I wouldn’t have otherwise?
Tomorrow, I will have a more light-hearted Friday Favorites post.
I’m continuing with my *never ending* Blog Challenge today. I really have enjoyed looking at different topics!
I left off covering topic #18, and today I’m writing about #19 and #20.
19. My worst habits
Well, I’m a worrier by nature. I do think I’ve gotten better at worrying less as I’ve gotten older. That being said, now I think I worry about “bigger” things rather than “smaller” things. I guess with age you do learn not to “sweat the small stuff,” but I sure do worry about other bigger things…Also, how can you have kids and not worry?
Also, I am type A in most aspects of my life, but I can procrastinate on things that I don’t want to do…and it’s usually small things like put away a stack of papers, pack a suitcase, or tidy up my closet.
Lastly, I play with my hair a lot. It’s a nervous habit that turned into just a bad habit!
20. Where I want to be in 10 years…
Retired. 😆
Seriously.
I’m finishing up year 21 in education, and I really don’t see myself going past year thirty. The “practical” part of me even likes the “math” of it…At the end of my 30th year, the kids will be 22 and graduating college (assuming it takes them four years). So, we can all check off big milestones.
I’ve loved my time in education, and it’s been the perfect job for me. I’ve learned so much, met so many great people, taught so many great students, accomplished so much professionally and more.
Could I get to that 30th year and decide to go one more because it will make my pension better? Yes…and I just might. Our retirement system has changed a bit. It used to be 52 years old and thirty years gave you a pretty optimal pension, but now I think it’s 55 (or a combo of age + years if you started teaching later). I know more and more people who are retiring at 27 years which is when you can start getting a pretty good pension. I have a few years in Missouri, so my thirty years would be 27 if I retire then.
But, for me, 30 is the goal. Then, I will be ready to do whatever I want…whenever I want!
I was just talking about the first day of school with some students. Even in August of 2020 when we started the school year virtually, I still went to school and sat in my classroom. I’ve had a first day of school in a classroom for over 40 years! I didn’t want to end the streak.
I’m not sure what I will do when I retire, but it would be nice to have more free time and do what I want. I sure hope Travis and I have raised good, productive kids who are ready for their own bright future, so we can enjoy ours (but be there for them whenever/however they need us to be). I’ve always dreamed of spending the month of February somewhere warm, travel a bit more, not be in a rush to drink my coffee in the morning, and more. I think I would be open to subbing. I honestly didn’t think that would be the case, but the money is good, and of course you can pick and choose where you go and whose classroom you sub in. After my mom retired, she worked at the public library. That sounds like something I’d enjoy as well. We’ll see.
I still have eight years go to, but I’m proud of myself for sticking with education even during some really tough years. I’ve earned two Master’s degrees, had various classroom jobs, held leadership positions, and more. I help provide for our family, and have modeled for my kids what it’s like to have a career and balance home life as well. It’s been the best decision for our family. Plus, I get the extra time at home with the kids on breaks and in the summer.
I know students sure have changed my life for the better, and I hope many can say the same about their time in my classroom.
Year 1 to year 21 sure escalated quickly!
I hope your week is off to a great start. It’s been a busy one for us, but I hope to be back with two more posts this week.
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