This last week of August (and beginning of September) marks a big week for the Shelly mini-clan. A time of fresh starts, and a time of renewed hope.
For the better part of two years, now, Jeff and I have been leading almost separate lives. Though living in the same house, we were merely ships passing in the night. Sometimes, not even then! Jeff's schedule left him working 4:30p.m. until well into the wee hours of the morning, while I worked exactly the opposite schedule, having to be at work at 7:30 and working until almost 4:00 every afternoon. Although I got used to the schedule, it was hard to be without him that often. I wondered if he would have this schedule as we start thinking about having children, and if that would extend into a time when we actually do . Would we be raising children together, but separately? I longed and prayed for the day when he would be home with me for dinner, and when we could live a life together, instead of just being mere ghosts to one another.
We are so happy to share that Jeff recently had the opportunity to head back to work for his old TV station. I think this will offer him more variety in his work environment, and perhaps even future ventures into other areas of TV. I think, most of all, it will test whether he wants to stay in television, or if it is simply a means to an end (or another, more rewarding beginning!) Jeff is still working a "mid-day shift," which means he doesn't make it home until about 8p.m., but we get to spend almost two hours together nightly before I need to crawl into bed and prepare myself for the dawn to come. It's not exactly what I was hoping for or expecting, as we both thought he would have an early-morning shift, but I am grateful for the opportunity to, after three years together here in this townhouse, greet him with a hug and a kiss (and perhaps a home-cooked meal!). We are officially two ships sailing in the same direction now, and it's feeling wonderful.
This week also ushers in a brand new teaching year. Last year, as many of you know, was a rather hectic year for me. I left school with a laundry list of wedding to-dos, a four-hour ride to and from Pittsburgh (several in one month), and a slightly dampered spirit. I took some time off to enjoy marrying my hubby (blog to follow), and had time to reflect on exactly what I'd learned from last year, who I'd change myself to be, and what I'd do differently to have a more positive school experience.
Here are the lessons my reflections have taught me:
1. My school and school community are WONDERFUL!
I have learned so much from working at MCSD. I have met amazing, wonderful people who care about children, what they learn, and how they learn it. I have met parents who support and nurture our teaching community because they want the same in return for their children. I have met such supportive, amazing people who lift me up each day, inspiring me to be better than I ever thought possible. This is the community in which I work and create my career.
2. I am a strong, beautiful, capable woman.
At times last year, I felt weakened, scared, lost, and not myself. This summer offered me multiple opportunities to regain a sense of self, a sense of strength, and the knowledge that I can and will make it through any obstacle. I have so much to share, so much that is worth sharing, and I will not let anyone prevent me from doing so.
3. Support systems are amazing, but you have to be able to rely on yourself, too.
In reality, I think we need both, don't we? I certainly needed support last year, and I will continue to need support in various capacities throughout my life. So will everyone. I'm proud to say that this summer I found an inner strength that I didn't know I had; one that allowed me to face ignorance head-on. I feel like I've won, and I have, because of that new-found strength.
I don't know if I would have been able to find it (or my new sense of positivity) without the help of my loving family and friends. Thank you, a thousand times over. Love you all.
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