Musings.

1. I'm finding my place in the world, and it feels really good.

2. I have grown up a lot in the last two years. I keep noticing how I'm more confident, secure, patient, and purposeful. It's a new feeling for me, to feel confident in myself, my ideas, and my ability to contribute.

3. I love kids: my 4th graders have changed me. I seriously get a pit in my stomach when I think about them. I miss them SO much! They became some of my best friends... it's weird to be together 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 40 weeks... and then suddenly not see them at all.

4. Being healthy is way more motivating than being skinny. Jason hid the scale and it has freed me from 'the number'. Because really, the body is incredibly complicated and there are a lot of things influencing one's weight. Sure, it's a good guide, a good place to start... but I really don't think the scale is the most accurate measure of progress. I have been wavering between 202-210 for the last 5 months... which sucks. However, I'm stronger, more flexible, leaner, and I just feel so much better. I know I have a lot of pounds to drop (about 40). I know, and I will. But in the meantime I intend to build muscle, shape my body, drop pant sizes, eat a balanced diet, and smile. I'll get there when I get there. I just bought pants in a size 13. Guys, that's almost the size pant I was wearing two years ago when I graduated college. I may still be overweight, but I'm moving in the right direction.

5. I really believe that I will work in education for the rest of my life. I don't know if I'll be a teacher, principal, counselor, instructional coach, reading interventionist, teacher assistant, curriculum specialist, talent manager, or superintendent ;)... but I will be a part of this work. I believe with all my heart that ALL kids are capable of learning. ALL. EVERY SINGLE ONE. It's completely inexcusable that so many of them aren't given what they need to succeed.
    I am finding that I am especially interested in the effect of poverty on educational success. Poverty and the social implications of low Socioeconomic Status. I recently read 'A Framework for Understanding Poverty' by Ruby K. Payne... so eye opening. I loved it and the way it empowers educators and community members to make a difference. I just bought Bridges out of Poverty and plan to read it soon!

6. Jaseface and I have two vacations planned this summer: Idaho Falls and HAWAII! Whoot. I am freaking excited. Love that man with allllll my heart.