Happiness Is Not The Destination

Four months ago, I packed up all of my belongings, again, and finally drove down to South Carolina from Cleveland. (At this point, I had been officially without a home for 2 weeks) 

I remember being in the car, by myself for the first time. Bandit and Minerva were already down in South Carolina, so I had no co pilots this trip. This was the first time I would ever drive that far, completely by myself. I listened to audiobooks, sang at the top of my lungs, to songs I have heard 100 times over, and reflected on my 18 years in Ohio. I don't think I had fully processed the fact that  I would be leaving all those memories in my rear view until I made my journey south to start new memories.  

In the last four months since I have been down here, I moved into my own apartment, started a new job, learned how to navigate my way around, and have already made friends that will eventually turn to family. Every day, I wake up and think to myself what a life I have created in these past few months and I cannot wait to continue to find out what Myrtle Beach has to offer. 

Bandit and I make it to the beach regularly. A friend told me that I should make it a habit to go once a week, even if it's just to walk the beach. So, that's what we've done. Gone at least once almost every week. I lived through my first hurricane. I've eaten my weight and more in sea food. I welcomed a new group of students into my life and we are walking through this new curriculum together. I celebrated my 29th birthday with an ocean view and new friends. I've started working on my health and fitness, and have stuck to the past four months, making it a lifestyle not just some fad diet. 

So much has been accomplished in these past four months, that I just didn't have the energy to pursue while I was in Ohio. I was worn out. I was tired. I hated myself most days. I ate and drank my feelings. I put things on the back burner. The person I am becoming is my favorite person, and I hope that she will continue to grow during this crazy season of life.

 If there's one thing I have learned, it's happiness isn't a destination, it's a mindset and once you realize that, each day is a brand new day to make life happen and to be happy about it. 

Southern State of Mind

“When the timing is perfect, He will fulfill the desires of your heart.”

Almost 10 weeks ago, I packed up my life and put it in a POD, and sent my dog and cat off with my dad for South Carolina. The rest of my possessions were crammed into my car and I set out on an adventure. 

My first stop was to Columbus to spend time with a few of my favorite people. Seeing the girls that had a hand in making me who I am today, was bittersweet. It was a see you soon, rather than goodbye but it still didn’t make it any easier leaving them.

 Once I left Columbus, I headed for Mansfield Penitentiary and had the opportunity to walk the old prison and see where Shawshank Redemption was filmed. It was interesting to see all the history and I learned so much. In all the years I’d lived in Ohio, I never went and walked around. It was a really cool experience. 

My next stop on my road trip of Ohio, was to visit my dad’s side of the family. When I had texted my aunt about coming to visit, she said, “Sure, if you don’t mind going crazy with us.” My cousin was about to graduate from high school, and the amount of food we were about to cook was more than I could ever have imagined. Getting to spend time with my aunt and the rest of the family while we were preparing all this amazing food was something that I will never forget. I’m thankful to have had the chance to see everyone before I moved. 

Mom and Tommy’s was next. I enjoyed getting to spend some quality time with this side of the family as well. Even had my first family dinner with Tommy’s side of the family. Looking forward to gaining a couple siblings and some nieces and nephews. Being an only child, I never thought this would be an option for me until I got married. Leaving was one of the hardest things I’ve done. I’m looking forward to getting some visitors in the near future! 

For the past 7 weeks I’ve been lucky to call Pawleys Island my temporary home. In just over a week, I will call Myrtle Beach my home. I’ve learned so much already about living in the south and I’m here to stay. The beach is where my soul is happiest. 

Look for future updates about the adventures of this English teacher as she continues adjusting to life in this beautiful state. 

Fourth and Final Year at SMS

Last time I wrote, I left a very cryptic message about announcements and things to come. Well, here I am, getting ready to actually share the announcement. I had to make sure that the people who needed to know, knew before I let the whole internet know.

Drumroll, please. 

In less than 30 days, I will be packing everything that I own into an Pod and moving to a new city, state, and life style. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I can almost smell the salty beach air and can imagine soaking up all that southern sunshine. 

This has been something I have been working on for quite some time, and it still hasn't totally set in that I am actually doing this. A few months back, I flew to South Carolina for a job fair and was offered a job while I was there. I accepted, and will be teaching 8th grade English at Whittemore Park Middle School. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to start at a new school, and meet new people. 

A few weeks ago, after ELA AIR testing was over, I told my students that I would be moving at the end of this school year and to let the 7th graders know that I would not be their ELA teacher for next year. I was overwhelmed by the amount of love the kids showed for me and how many of them were upset and sad that I was going to be leaving. We've talked, and most of them are excited that I am going to be going on this new adventure. I know that some are still hurt deep down, but we are working on our relationships and making the most of the rest of the school year. 

13 days are all that remain of my fourth and final year at Schaefer Middle School. It's crazy to think about these past four years and all the things I have learned. Things are starting to happen for "the last time," and I am just not ready for it. We had our last RESA meeting last week. We are moving on with the program and will no longer have a need for our mentors. (Totally not true, Laura knows I will still call her all the time even from a different state) It's bittersweet, and now, tomorrow we move into the last month of school. I am living up the moments with my kids and am going to be very sad on the last day of school. 

Love from the girl who is still struggling with the reality of moving and excitement of a new adventure. 

Fourth Year, Fourth Quarter

The Fourth Quarter of my fourth year starts on Monday and I’m not sure where the year has gone. Normally I’m fairly good at keeping up to date with monthly/quarterly postings but I’ve started two posts and never finished them this year. It seems like I take a breath in and when I breathe out, months have gone by. 

This has been quite an intense year. A lot of firsts, a lot of lasts. Being in my fourth year of RESA, I’m starting to hit most of my “lasts” in the program and I’m sad to see it end. I don’t think I could have made it through these first few years without having this group of colleagues and my mentor by my side. 

Things are getting ready to change gears, and I’m looking forward to the next few months. So much has happened that I can’t even think of all the stuff, so instead of dwelling on the past, I’m going to just focus on the future. 

Stay tuned, lots of new things and an announcement are coming soon.