First and foremost:
Happy New Year!
2017 will be an amazing year. Many, including myself at times, have blamed 2016 for loss. But, the reality is 2016 was a year. Just a year during which many things, good and bad happened. the impactful deaths we experienced were many. And said. And difficult. When Carrie Fisher died just after Christmas, I felt so sad about yet another loss to my childhood. But a year did not take people from us. And, honestly, these are not people who were taken from us, but pieces of our lives and experiences.
When my granddad died in September 2014, I experienced real loss. The kind of loss that hurts. Deeply and forever. He was old. He had heart disease. We knew one day it would come. And it hurt, so deeply, so badly. And, honestly, it still hurts. I miss him so much. I look at times during which he would be greatly proud of me and wonder what he would say. But, I also step back and give thanks for the time we had.
My return to work after his memorial in November 2014 was the beginning of a transition for me. I knew it because I saw it almost immediately. I continued to love, nurture, and teach my students. I continued to grow as an educator and as a human being. But I saw what was happening in my life and I knew change was coming. That shift continued for abut 18 months. Then it solidified.
The last time I was with my brother and both of my cousins at our family ranch was for granddad's memorial. Then, we were all together on a post-Christmas trip. And it was amazing. Life was good. We were good. And, we were together. For that. I am thankful, so very thankful.
In 2016, I traveled both with and without my children. I had my #EdTechRoadtrip to Southern Alabama in February. I flew into New Orleans, drove to Alabama. I visited schools and ate great food, and met educators, and met an old college friend, and did things completely on my own that scared me and inspired me. It was amazing!
My daughter won an award at her school science fair. We camped, we attended baseball games, we checked out Cons and festivals and fairs. We spent time with family and friends. We lived.
We lived.
I have looked over my 40x40 list and I have seen what it holds. Some things I handled easily while others are being left in the dust. I may not have received a Pulitzer for my writing, but I was among finalists for Outstanding Educator within CUE. That's rad! I may not have published books, but I presented at education conferences, sat as a part of a panel discussion at a Women's Center fundraiser, and presented to a local Lions Club. I may not be a largely accomplished runner, but I have earned medals at two small, local runs. I have taken my kids to Giants games, Nuts games, shows, concerts, and on grand adventures. I am thankful. Why? Because we lived. We lived each and every day to the fullist.
As we prepare for them to return to school and as a sometimes feel thankful fr=or that, I also look ahead to what our next adventure may bring. I see hiking, camping, exploring, living, adventuring, and being in our future. I see traditions being solidied and memories being made.
I am not remarried. I am not even dating. Thaat's ok. I live each day to the fullest. I am open to anything that will expand our adventures. I am planning trips and look forward to more time with friends and family. 2016 was awesome. I hope to make 2017 awesomER!
What are your hopes and goals for the year ahead?
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