Challenges Make One Strong

There have been times in my life where I've heard over and over that struggles build character, build strength.  I literally at one time had a sign on my fridge that said character sucks...it was what I needed to get through hard times and looking back, I can chuckle over that sign! 

Things have been tough and I expect that it'll be slow to get going in a new job, in a new community, etc.  But I do feel good and I really value that I have this opportunity.  Is it comfortable?  Oh no....it requires me to think in different ways, react in different ways, and create in different ways. 

I pray that I'm making a difference to my students, that I'm reaching them.  There are days where I question that.  I have a very tough class, possibly the toughest I've ever had.  Right now, I question a lot about what I'm doing and is it the right approach.  Right now, I just need to keep giving it my all, and keep doing my best. 

But for now, I take each day at a time...

Such a Beautiful Compliment...

So teaching if you don't realize it is quite challenging.  It has its rough moments.  Sometimes you lose sight of why you're in it.  While things haven't been that bad for me yet this year, I did get the most wonderful compliment today.  I went into the office at school today for some reason.  I gushed to the secretary that one of my boys is beginning to read at an above Kindergarten level.  This is huge!  He's 11 years old and has really struggled.  Teachers before have not necessarily known how to help him.  I heard him read today and even compared to a couple weeks ago, his reading has improved.  He went from not being able to read the word "be" to be reading quite a few words.  When I said this, the secretary let me know that there is a lady working with him as there have been issues at home over the years.  Apparently he was so positive about school, that the worker has decided she wants to meet me for the job that I've done with him.  That's pretty special-having someone recognize what you do to make school interesting, fun, but appropriate.  Moments like that remind you that as much as teaching can get frustrating, it has so many beautiful moments.

Stress, Stress, and More Stress

So I'm seriously stressing out...and the reason....MONEY!!!  Maybe I'm feeling sorry for myself but I'm frustrated.  After you deduct the money I need for getting to school and money that I needed to pay back a friend, I had less money in my pocket than when I was on E.I.  I'm juggling bills and everything.  It's discouraging in the sense that I don't feel like I've gotten anywhere yet.  Things haven't improved as of yet, and it seems like I'm still really struggling. 

I don't know...I just need to figure things out....but I'm stressed out...maybe it's stupid but I'm constantly telling myself that it's all going to get better...

I'm Not Dead

So I'm not dead despite what you might think, and neither is this blog...I just have no phone or internet still.  School starts back this week, so I came in for a day of organization, hence, I am able to post....yippee!  Hopefully, phone (and maybe intenet) will be up working tomorrow when the technician shows up....yup, the phone situation is that bad...

So I've been here for almost a month-and I'm doing okay.  It's been hard in the sense that I feel cut off from many, but I do see this all leading towards something better.  There are definite advantages living away from a working civilization-you get lots of quiet, it's peaceful, you spend a lot less, and when you have to make a trip to the city, you enjoy your shopping excursion more as your thankful for the things you can buy.

It is extremely beautiful where  I live and that has been a huge blessing...I wake up every day and see beauty in the hills and valleys.  It's breathtaking.  Already, I have seen a wolf, lynx, moose, deer, and a jack rabbit.  I had never seen a wolf or lynx before, so that has been unbelievable.  To see an animal in its natural habitat and not cooped up in a zoo is very humbling...puts into perspective why we need to care for the environment.

But it is different moving to a place where you don't know anyone or anything.  I didn't realize it before but I am definitely a huge comfort zone person (way more than I ever thought), and moving out of that has been disarming and liberating at the same time.  It's eye opening and challenging, but like I've said, I think it will be well worth it in the end.

Well, I need to get back to organizing the classroom....