Wow! We are getting really bad at keeping you updated on our California adventures...sorry about that.
As Dan said last time, we have both been very busy with work but I know that is not a good excuse!
Some of you may know that, instead of a wonderful class of little kindergarten-2nd grade students with Autism, I am teaching a hellacious group of misbehaving 2nd-5th graders with Autism and other behavioral disabilities this year. My classroom is a incredibly chaotic and anxiety provoking place to be and sometimes makes me wonder why I became a teacher..... After several weeks of being incredibly stressed out (a couple of breakdowns included) because of my job, I have realized that the best part of my job is the drive to work each morning (sad, but true). Not only is this a time where I am able to talk to family, thanks to the time difference, but it is also the most beautiful sunrise over the hills of California. Each day, I am motivated to wake up and get going for work in anticipation of what the morning sun will show me because it is different and somehow more beautiful each day. After attempting (and failing) to take pictures of this while driving, I have seriously considered hiring someone to wake up and ride to work with me to capture it in a picture but realized that, even then, it is not the same as seeing it in person. If you visit us and are willing to wake up before the sun, I would love to take you on the drive!!
In addition to my incredible commute each morning, I am also motivated by my amazing finance and his "pep talks" each evening on how everything will be ok (well, not always that optimistic, but still motivational). Also, each weekend I enjoy every minute I have to relax, from 2:30pm Friday to 5am Monday morning, which also helps the weeks go by.
On another note, some of you may not know, but I am starting to work on my masters degree through a program offered through my school district!!! This is a 3 year program and when it is over I will have my "Masters of Teaching Instruction". The first "class" is this Saturday and I am really excited to be the student again instead of the teacher...wish me luck!
Until next time, I will try to remember the song I always sing to Dan when he is acting like Eeyore:
"Be optimistic, don't 'cha be a grumpy...when the road gets bumpy, just SMILE SMILE SMILE!"
Love, and counting down until we see you again!
