2011. A retrospective.

Oh 2011. you weird year, you. 

I came into the year with hopes and expectations - as I do most years - and its funny to look back and see how different things are from where I started. (and how many things are the same).

So yes. In January 2011 I was in the MIT program with 2 quarters to go till I would have a teaching certificate. The "rubber was going to hit the road" so to speak as I was prepping to begin observations in my new classroom and eventually take over the reins and finish out the school year with the students. 

I had no idea what was in store for me. Literally. Because i spent my observations before getting into the program in Orting (which demographic-wise...is a bit different that WHS) and my friend was just getting diagnosed with brain cancer. I checked out. I didn't learn about standards or differentiated instruction or anything. I just watched them teach out of the Campbell Reese biology textbook and called it a day. Lesson 1 from teaching: do your homework. Invest in your future career like gangbusters while in school because you'll NEED to know it later. 

Anyways...so student teaching started. And I was so in over my head. Don't get me wrong...I'm capable of the work...but I didn't know what the work was going to be. Or if I'd even like it. From what I'm told my experience was a pretty unique one - and maybe if I were placed somewhere else it would have been different...but...que sera.

And so I got my teaching certificate. I was told that I'd do great. And yet I had walked into school with a horrible, heavy sense of dread every morning for the last 4-5 months that I couldn't shake. I feel it even now as I type this. Everybody says the first year of teaching is the hardest, and it takes about 3-5 years to get your bearings. I wasn't willing to wait that long with that horrible feeling in my chest. So I walked away. And even though I hate having to explain to everybody why my "career of choice" isn't my career anymore...I don't regret it. Not one bit. 

So back to work at the vet clinic. And back to figuring out my life. haha. 

Some really cool things happened in the meantime of 2011 though....

This little guy was born. Have I mentioned that the Macherases are wonderful? Because they are. They've let me into their lives and it was been an amazing experience living with a family as their kids grow. I am in love with all their little munchkins and their quirks and cuteness. Watching Gavin grow has been such a testament to how God loves us - because I didn't know that you could love a little person like that. And he's not even my kid. God loves us and calls us His children - and I live with a tangible reminder of that. 

I got to go outside. Snowshoeing...backpacking...random roadtrips...it was absolutely glorious. A welcome respite from the stresses of work and school and a testament to God's glory. Also...its nice to prove to yourself that you have some semblance of survival skills. Or at least you're able to plan for a trip to the boonies. 

People graduated...and got married. Noah finished high school and went out into the big bad world of college. Megan graduated college, moved home, planned a wedding, and wed Matt Chastain this summer. Everybody's growing up so fast :)

So what have I learned?
 Work hard. Focus. Pack the right gear. Love on the people who God has placed around you. There are no re-dos. You are here for a purpose, you are in the community you live in for a reason. Smile a lot. Take tons of pictures. There are no reasons to be scared of this life - God's got it.