August 23, 2013

Week two of school.
        First thirsty Thursday in my new home.  With my new friends.
        Know most of students names.
        Have next week's lesson plans done.
        Almost pay day!  (thank God!)
        Lunch with some ladies today.
        A friend coming into town tomorrow, going to an antique show

Life is good.  The kids are doing fine.  And I am doing fine as well  Getting used to being alone.  Although I really miss the dogs.  They are good company in the mornings.  Keeping busy helps, but I am learning to be alone.  It is ok if I sit and do nothing, Lisa and Meg said so:)  And I will do it wtihout being sad and lonely.  I like my company, actually.

I have some projects I would like to start.  After Labor day, things settle down, I am in a routine and have some time to work.  My first project is a quilt.  I also have some drawing things I want to try.

I am looking forward to the weekend.  And seeing John.  We talk on the  phone for hours, laugh, tell secrets.  It will be fun to spend some time with him.  He likes to do things.  And the company will by nice.

I think I was meant to be here.  For now anyway.  Small world, our connections.  Devin, the real estate lady, told my about one of her friends that teaches at Capitan.  Turns out it is Angela Romero, the one who invited me for dinner and came to dinner this week.  As Angela says, another mirror.   So much in common!

Again, life is good.

August 14, 2013

First official day at Capitan Schools.  I sent this email to 4 of the best friends a girl could have.  Plus, they are teachers, they soooooooo   get it!  Plus Meg(not a teacher, but know the world)

Hi.  Hope your first couple of days have gone well.  All these new terms are getting to me.  EOC, PLC. RTI.....  geez, a year out and the acronyms are killing me!

Got a tell you about just a few things.  So yesterday, we had our first district meeting.   There were probably 50 of us, including all the bus drivers, maintenance crew, and secretaries.  The superintendent ran the meeting.   (Just like the old days in the middle school gym).  After introductions of new staff, a total of 5 of us, the school board president said a few words, then a prayer!  Guess religion in the school is not an issue here.  :)

We had a new staff meeting later, all 5 of us, in the superintendent's office.  With the principal and business admin. 

Then the afternoon staff meeting, mid and high, about 20 of us.  That is where all the new terms came out! 

Everyone is so nice.  And knows someone that knows me, and have "heard" about me.   Hope that's good.  Sounds like it might be from what they are saying.  Hope they do not find out too much,  I kind of like the cloud of mystery I pretend surrounds me.  LOL

The high school is being renovated and we are in the elementary.  We have the first six rooms and they built a wall to separate the high school and elem.  kids.  I guess the community is a little concerned about the mixing.  You know kids, they will be fine!  

It was a great day.  And today we had the students.  A year off was just what I needed.  Love it, love it, love it!  A year off was just what I needed.  This is where I need to be for now.

My first social activity in my new town!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

It is my first weekend alone.  I was kinda dreading it after I found out my sister was no longer coming.  So, I decided to make it MY weekend.  Got up this morning and walked to a really  cool little coffee shop, had coffee and read a summer activity guide, then headed home.  It started raining a little, so I put my hood on.  Then proceeded to take the wrong turn.  My 15 minute walk home took about 45 minutes, but it was beautiful.

Got home, fixed a great breakfast, dropped breakfast on the floor, fixed another(not quite so great), and finally got to eat!  Now it is almost noon.  Needless to say, I got a late start.  But it seems everything is taking an unnecessary amount of time.  During all this, I received some exciting news, but I can't share that right now.

I put the vacuum together, did a little house work, and headed to town with my list.  I found a local bakery, a quilt shop, and a fabric store!  Love all three.

Now, all day, I have been planning on going back to the coffee shop for the evening for a free movie.  (this is supposed to be my social activity for the week)  But by now, it is 5:00, I'm a little tired, ....
So I eat, and I'm thinking, "Do I really want to go?''  I text my wonderful daughter, and express my doubts.  Always encouraging, she stays take a shower and see how you feel.

So, I ended up going.  It was fun.  The movie was good.  Met and visited with a few people.  They do this every Saturday night and on Friday nights have live music and open mic.  Always early, 6 or 6:30. I am going to the Friday night thing too, next time I am here for it.  Maybe I can even get Manny to go with me, and sing a song or two for his old Ma!

All in all, it was a very nice day.  I think I can get used to this alone thing.  Life is grand and I am going to enjoy it!  Till next time....

My wonderful, encouraging daughter!

My just as wonderful singing, guitar playing son!

A new beginning....

Well, here I go!  New job, new home, new town, new chapter!  Worst of all, new stove (old version, new to me).  I have moved to Ruidoso!  It is beautiful, cute little house, and it feels like home with all my things in it.  My favorite part is the front deck.

I start my new job in Capitan Monday.  Students start Wednesday.  I will be teaching 6 periods of math, years 1 and 2.  Freshmen and sophomores.  I am starting to get the new year jitters.  but I am ready to get back into it!   Everyone I met has been so nice.  The challenge right now is getting my room ready.  Then, what to do the first day of school!  Always an issue, along with the weird dreams before the first day of students. (teacher thing)

Personal goals for the next 5 months.

Thirty plus minutes of exercise, at least 3 times a week.
Quick strength training, (focus on arms), every day, when I get up!
Cook for myself, trying new recipes.(Use my cooking for one cookbook)
Start Quilting or needle point
Once a week, get out and go do something social, besides work!  Coffee, movie, bookstore,....something!

DO NOT SIT HOME, WISHING FOR SOMETHING TO DO.  DO SOMETHING!

Here I go!