Another year over.... A new one just begun!

Wow.... It's been months since I've even wanted to write in this space. (In fact, a YEAR!?)

I have decided to pick up the pen again, so to speak, and give it another try. I have many past experiences of writing being a way to sort out and organize the twenty billion emotions and thoughts that I have every day. Of course, it will be a day-by-day attempt. So here goes...

I went to a New Year's Eve party at a co-worker's house last night. In conversation with another teacher there, I heard myself saying "This (school)year has been probably the very best of my career so far." This is my 7th year in special education. I don't know that I had ever recognized that fact about my career yet, or if I had thought it before, I don't know that I put those words all together in one sentence like that. Surprised myself by saying it out loud! Surprised to find that yes, I believe that sentence to be accurate. I love how I am working with the kids, that I work with a wonderful team of teachers, and that this has been a quiet and successful year in terms of low drama, kids succeeding (making honor roll for the first time in their young lives)- and knowing that I have been a part of making that happen. The kids this year are a different crew than last year. While I loved my kids last year, I find this year's group to be hard working, motivated, and they keep working at whatever goal they're facing until they get there. For some of them, it takes a bit longer than the others who aren't struggling with learning, emotional, or attention challenges. The point is, they do get there- and that feeling is just as awesome for me as it is for them! I need to work harder at remembering that feeling!

Life is going pretty well. Sure, I say that after 2 weeks of vacation and I've caught up on sleep and with the rest of "life" around me. I have had 2 weeks with family and friends, and we had a quiet Christmas and New Year's. We go back to school in 2 more days.... I thought I'd be sad for vacation to end, but in truth, I'm looking forwards to returning to a normal schedule. (Dare I admit it?) I found myself bored a few moments of these 2 weeks, and wishing I were back at school! (Gasp.)

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So there's a few thoughts to begin 2012 with.....

This year, I'm hoping to accomplish more - and maybe writing these goals here will help me keep myself accountable. The list will be ever-evolving, of course...

*  Try out yoga  *  Drink more water, less bad stuff  *  Save more money  *  Travel to Germany (to meet one of my best friends' daughter,who will have arrived by then)  *  Take a photography class (hopefully yield some good photos from my brand-new little Nikon!)   *  Begin my Masters' degree? (How can I be allowed to have that as a goal when all I can think is "uggg" to the work load & payments?)  *  Keep a running list of all of the books I read in 2012 *  Keep growing in the direction of the person/teacher that I WANT to be.

I'm off to hang a Chinese dragon pendant that was gifted to me by a friend living in Hong Kong. Hanging it on my wall is said to bring luck & good fortune! 2012 = Year of the Dragon.

Dragon, we'll see what you can do this year!!