As for the past year, I was a substitute primarily in Highland Park and occasionally Richardson. I was also a server at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen which is another can of learning and wonderfulness.
In the Fall, all I did was work. work, work, work. Granted, I loved both but chasing money is chasing the wind. being busy gives you a false sense of identity. In October, I tore my ACL, meniscus and bruised the bone. ouch. quite the story. just be aware of flaming fire pits. The Lord leads us to still waters. I needed to slow down and so January 2, I had surgery. Between October and January, I had the mindset, work hard, rest hard. I would rest in January and February. So that’s what I did. I worked being a substitute and a waitress. As far as my knee, I still am not to 100% with my knee but it is a process. I am still not thankful for the whole surgery and recovery process right now. It was good for me but I am still wishing that it never happened. I am ready to go on runs, ride my bike for long rides and I am not there yet. This was my third surgery by Dr. Taba. I am quite thankful for him and he did a truly excellent job. Physical therapy was great and now I am doing a home program.
I was a long term substitute for fourth grade at University Park Elementary in Highland Park for 11 weeks. The teacher had a baby over Spring break and they were all mine until the end of the year. Planning out the wazoo, administering 3 STARR tests and every teacher responsibility was done and accomplished. I would say that it was a difficult time to come into a classroom but they were a really great class. There was a great team of teachers that helped me out so much. Definitely ups and downs and I learned more about the teacher life. I felt very appreciated when the year ended, relief that it was over and felt that it was a job well done.
Summer. Swim teacher at the Highland Park Community Pool. Lessons were 30 minutes long, each session lasted two weeks and my average age was 4. This was something that I had never done before so naturally I didn’t feel that I was very good at. But, oh how I loved the kids. Some didn’t love lessons so much in the beginning and I picked them up kicking and screaming literally. Although by the end, they were all success stories.My favorite part was being able to see little ones genuinely proud of themselves everyday.
As for now. One trip to Houston. One trip to Austin. One move into a home with friends. One move into my classroom.
Let’s see if I do better with this blog a second go around.
