Back to School

AUTHOR'S NOTE: If you're not a teacher - and roll your eyes every time you hear a teacher complaining about having to go back to work after being off work all summer - stop reading here. I'll save you the eye roll!

It's that time of year again...you know when reality slaps ya right upside the head?!? You've all experienced it, as a student, parent, or TEACHER. You know what it feels like. The excitement to see the friends you haven't been able to keep in touch with. The dread of having to be in 7 places at one time. The fear of grading homework and writing lesson plans, while actually teaching those wonderful teenagers each day.

"BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO SCHOOL, to prove to dad I'm not a fool" - Adam Sandler, please tell me you knew that already!

I've been back at it for 10 days. And let me just tell you...those have been 10 action packed, balls to the walls days. That is, after all, the only way I do things. I started at a new school, with new kids, new staff, new responsibilities, and new adventures. What an awesome, fresh start! Don't get me wrong, I worked with some excellent colleagues and students at my previous job. 

But, then I moved home. HOME! People know me here, they stop in to say hi and ask if I need anything. I get friendly waves and hello's at the Dollar Store, town Mexican restaurant, and gas station. An abundance of folks have offered a helping hand whenever I might need one. It feels so right. My heart is bursting with the feeling of fulfillment. 

My son is literally two minutes down the road. TWO MINUTES. Refer to Hard Days if you're not sure why I am so excited about this minor fact. I can spontaneously have dinner with my 83 yr old Grandma and her OLDER sister. I've got back-up child care if I'm running late at school and my husband and I can actually go on DATES...overnight ones...more to come!

I'm not bragging. I hope if you don't live at home, this doesn't tug your heart strings. I appreciate living close because I've been away. I've found my purpose, my happy place. Have you found yours?