End of 2016

End of the calendar year, been a long time.

At North Boone now, teaching MS and HS.  Just could not stay at Freeport anymore.  I miss it, but I am in a better place.  I certainly do not miss the politics.
Been a whirlwind really, with the other Spanish teaching leaving soon after I was hired, leaving me in charge (of the department, actually- French teacher really has no desire).  So it is me, the French teacher, and a long-term sub, who, thankfully, was a Spanish major, and has a natural knack for teaching (not certified).  A lot of ruffled feathers at the start, but things have pretty much evened out.  Not perfect, but better.  I have MS A and B, and HS 1 and 4.  The latter is Honors, but it is not.  Collectively, they are level 2, with a couple higher and a few lower.  Thankful, actually, as I was really nervous for 4, so it turned out OK.  It will take a few years to get the program back on-track and to establish a reputation.

Inherited a Spain trip, so FJ and I are going in June.  This has been a big thorn, but working with what I have.  It is an EF trip.... we'll have to see.

I like it at NB, but tired.  And maybe that it what it is, just being tired.  It's a good gig, so I'll stay if they want me to stay.  Closer to home, decent salary, good insurance.

Finished second masters.

I was nominated for a Golden Apple.  I did not make the final round, but I'm OK with that.

Christmas and Bday came and went.  FJ just a bit spoiled, as is the usual par.

Finished right sleeve.  Need to go to finish it up, but it is all done.

Otherwise OK.

Spring transition

End of February.....
warmer, spot-days of cold weather.  Perhaps snow again next week, but it won't last.
Chicago "blizzard" this week moved slightly south.
Grass is slowly greener.  Happier.

Usual par for season- keep job next year or not.
We're not going to move there and the commute is getting bothersome, so I shouldn't stay.
I don't think I will get the quick-tenure anyway.
Have to work on my Danielson evidence this weekend for my summative meeting.

FJ's birthday next week.
He new loft bed is up in the other bedroom, but still have to "move" him into it, as still filled with other stuff.  We're aiming for the end of the month, a lot of it depends upon his behavior.
Painted though, a color I picked a long time ago.  Interesting how it changes- blue and green- depending upon the time of day.
Pool party at the Y next weekend.

Otherwise OK, but stationary.
Still stalled on moving and house renovations.
Still a bit fat.
Still smoking.

Facing some serious mid-life thought processes- assuming my life is half-over, so I feel that I need to figure out what I want to do, what I really want to do with life.

New year 2016

Been a nice break, rather quiet.
I did not get my usual holiday blahs, so that is good.

FJ has been diligent with his work.  I'm sure break has been really boring for him.
We had no snow the first week, with temps in the 40s-50s, and then now snow and cold.
Not fun snow; icy rain and snow, and now cold in the teens and 20s.
A couple of tantrums, but is to be expected.

Had a real tree.  Have not had one for years due to David's allergies.
Up the 23rd and down the 26th, so only four days of Christmas around here.
Nice Christmas day, although busy.

Big check from Mom, thankfully.
Will catch up on some expenses.

Birthday was OK.  Again, no blahs.
45, with a realization that my life is probably half-over.
What to do with the next half?  Or, how will the next half be different/ changed?
A lot to ponder.

Slew of work to do over the next few days before the school year resumes.
A lot to get done.
Plus, I still have my MAT binder to do.

Three months until Spring Break- Vegas bound.