Teaching in the pandemic

 School is exhausting but good. We are getting into the swing of things and the new temporary normal. Not all of the students are getting there, but we are patient and just keep working towards everyone being able to navigate learning this way. It's not ideal for everyone, but some are doing better than when school was the other way. We have to adapt and learn to teach everyone. That's what is exhausting. Exciting, but exhausting. 

Learning a new way to do something can be good, if we go into it with that mindset.... heck, it might even become a joy!

Mark Update

 After the crazy complications that happened the week of the surgery, Mark is doing really well. 

The hardest thing is to not let him do too much too soon. Of course he says "I'm fine", but I see the tiredness. It's natural for me to protect him. 

He has two doctor's appointments this week, one to his regular physician and one to the surgeon. After the appointment to the surgeon we will know more about the pathology report. The doctor is positive it was cancerous(probably on both sides) but it didn't look like there was any lymph node involvement. That is good! I don't anticipate any treatment for cancer like radiation or chemo. He will have to be on medication though. I do know many people who have lived with this for many years on meds and do just fine. 

#Findyourjoy

I'm back! and Where I was!

 I'm back!

Where was I?

Wallowing in my self-pity.

Doubting in my ability.

Wondering if putting myself and my life out there was a good thing.

But, I'm back! 

Here is the whole truth:

Someone close to me berated me and yelled at me for publishing this blog. This person said to me "You shouldn't be putting your whole life out there for people to see." 

This person hurt me terribly. So I stopped writing.

Then Mark's surgery happened and there were complications. School started at the same time, and it was hard. My life felt like it was spinning out of control, and I was mad.

So, I had a heart to heart with myself, prayed a lot, and decided I need to blog. I need the documentation in writing about finding my joy. 

Writing down your joys is so important. It makes them tangible. It reminds me of the good things I do have happening in my life amongst the struggles. It puts me in a better place, physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

I couldn't come back to this until I reconciled my anger with the person who broke my spirit. 

I'm blessed, I'm whole, I'm walking forward, and I'm finding my joy.

It HAS to be my priority.