16 days, not that I'm counting, haha, until my surgery. So many things are changing in my life right now. Tomorrow I'm moving (such a shock, I know) again; I'm having major surgery; my job is still up in the air; and my relationships are shifting, too.
So the move...Luckily, this time, it's just across town. I mentioned this briefly in my last post, but Julie has decided to buy a house. That's awesome! I will be moving in with a couple of friends who live here in town. Conveniently enough, they live about a block away from school! Once I'm healed, I could walk to work!
I went into detail last time about this, so I'll spare you (that, and I feel like that's all I've talked about for the last months ad nauseum, but yeah). But as it draws nearer, it becomes more real, and therefore scarier. I had this really brave front or face on for quite a while, and I don't fully think it was a lie, but as it draws nearer, I get more scared. I'm scared of the pain, scared of recovery, scared (as crazy as it seems) of the crutches, and scared that it may not work. I just have to put it out of my mind, though, and have faith. Is a rare condition, but this surgeon has done several procedures of this and has EXCELLENT reviews. He'll do amazing things, and the recovery will be long and slow, but I've been through worse, and I have an amazing support system!
My job...ugh. So, as I think I've mentioned before, I have a "temporary" contract with the district. Everyone hired this year was hired under temp status so that if our budget bond didn't pass last fall, they could get rid of staff easier. Luckily, it did pass. Yay! However, because I'm on a temp contract, I have to reapply for my job, which is now set to be a permanent contract (yay). So, I'm in that process now. And as much as they smile at me and tell me not to worry, it's hard not to. And so I'm applying around, just to cya, but really hoping I don't have to. :)
My relationships, naturally, are changing, too. Julie and Sara are moving away (not terribly far, mind you, but farther than across the room), Chris and Alicia are becoming my roommates, which is a change, of course, but I think it will be good. And I have a new boyfriend. His name is Jasper, and he's amazing. He is very loving and so patient and understanding about all my hip issues.
One thing I'm really thankful for (among so many) is that my kids have been so helpful and loving through all my pain. And I've been very upfront and transparent with them about what's to come with my surgery and how I'll need their help more and be on crutches for the rest of the year. My goal, in fact, is to be off crutches by the end of school. The doctor said 6-8 weeks, and the last day of school is exactly 7 weeks from my surgery, so even if it's the day before, I'd like to be off them by the end. But, I know I need to be realistic and take things easy. Yeah yeah. :P
So that's my life right now. I'm enjoying spring break, relaxing, and moving lol. Till next time...
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Terrible Blogger!!
Much to the chagrin of my roommate (love you, @Julie!), I am a terrible blogger. My life is boring, so I don't think that people want to know. But then, when it gets interesting, I get busy and forget. Oops! So, here's a long-overdue update.
Halloween went very well. Sara's costume was adorable. The only bad part was that she got sick with a kidney infection right around then. She looked pretty miserable in the pictures (as I'm sure she was). On a brighter note, she looked fantastic and got over it quickly.
December was her big hip surgery. Julie and Kevin both got terribly sick with (we're not exactly sure what but my suspicion is) a version of whooping cough. Sara got a VERY mild version that lasted a fraction of the time, luckily, and was still able to do her surgery. She came through it like a champ! You can see Julie's posts and pics on it on her blog. She had her spika cast and a few complications with swelling and whatnot, but was a trooper and did marvelously! She got her cast off right before her birthday (holy cow, she's 6 now! Who allowed this?!?).
Now we're into February. It was a much calmer month around the house, but I started having medical issues. My hip, that's been a struggle for some time now, really hasn't gotten better. We need to back up a bit...
My chiropractor, whom I trust wholly and is amazing, did a big adjustment on me right before Christmas; I could barely walk on the big day, but she promised it would help in the long run. Around New Year I was able to fly down to Dallas and surprise my mom! It was great. My hip was back to its "normal" pain. When Dr. Rachel checked in on me, I informed her of such, and she was not pleased. I came in as soon as I got back in town for what should have been a quick 20 minute adjustment. Unfortunately, things weren't cooperating (in my body!? Shocking, I know). Every time she'd adjust me, it would fall right back out with little aggravation (walking, rolling on my left side, etc.). So, she called in Dr. Ken (cue dramatic dun dun dun). He pulled and poked and prodded. An hour and a half later, he explained to me that he'd done everything he could think of, De. Rachel had, too, and the next step was to get more information. I needed an MRI. From that, the most likely scenario was A: he'd see what soft tissue was the issue and make a plan to fix it or B: surgery because it was structural. And he warned me that B was more likely, given my treatment history with them. I didn't like this.
I called my insurance and scheduled an appointment with an orthopedist. He did X-rays and said that nothing jumped out, so I'd need an MRI. Ok. 2 saying the same thing. Thanks.
After my MRI, the ortho called back and told me that I have femuroacetabular impingement (fai). In English, it means that I have a hump of bone growth on my femoral head and on my hip socket that rub together--bone-on-bone. Very painful. The next step was a shot. Eek! Basically, I'd get a shot guided by a camera directly into my hip joint of steroid and pain meds. From this we would see if this was the source of my pain. The pain would either go away and never come back (not likely), not be phased (so, it's not this issue, after all), or go away/get better and then come back. Bingo! That's what happened. It lasted about 3 ish days. The next step was to talk to a surgeon.
I made my appointment (we're now caught up on the timeline. We're in February again) and was terrified. What if he ordered a bunch of new tests? What if he didn't believe me? Not that I want to rush into surgery, but my pain has gotten so bad, I walk with a limp and am in constant pain. [Side note: after getting my diagnosis, I did a ton of research (surprised? Haha, no). In that research I found out that this bone rubbing is wearing away and tearing apart the cartilage in my hip joint (I have 80-year-old-lady hips). Now it's down to bare bones. And the pain significantly increases rapidly at this point.] So, I just want my pain gone. Anyway, he didn't do any of that. He did a short exam, looked at my images, and agreed that this was the proper diagnosis. He gave me the explanation of options (both surgical and non) and helped walk me through the best course of action for me. Bottom line: my surgery is April 10.
==================ALERT: Graphic medicallyness to follow!!======================
So, in the surgery, he will grind off the bone growths/pieces. Then he will pull the soft tissue back into its proper place, stitch it back together and screw it into my bone to hold it together. Neat!
==================OK, you're clear!===================
So, Sara's recovering well (we had her last post-op appointment the other day, and he affirmed she was healing very well. Her leg was staying in the socket nicely!), and I'm turning around and having my own hip surgery. Go figure! Mom is coming up to be with me for the surgery and the first few days to follow. It will be a tremendous help!
On another note: school has been good. Jess and I are still co-teaching and doing well. The kids are growing so much (physically and mentally). TCAP (Colorado's state standardized test) is finishing up tomorrow (yay!). The kids have been fantastic through it. I am so proud!
On one last bit of news, Julie is buying a house (yay!), and so I am moving. Chris and Alicia have graciously opened their home to me, and so I will move in with them over spring break. And since Alicia shattered her pelvis in a car accident a few years ago, they're totally prepared for my recovery and are willing to help me. They're awesome!
So that's been my life in a nutshell, really. Kinda crazy, but what do you expect? Haha.
Halloween went very well. Sara's costume was adorable. The only bad part was that she got sick with a kidney infection right around then. She looked pretty miserable in the pictures (as I'm sure she was). On a brighter note, she looked fantastic and got over it quickly.
December was her big hip surgery. Julie and Kevin both got terribly sick with (we're not exactly sure what but my suspicion is) a version of whooping cough. Sara got a VERY mild version that lasted a fraction of the time, luckily, and was still able to do her surgery. She came through it like a champ! You can see Julie's posts and pics on it on her blog. She had her spika cast and a few complications with swelling and whatnot, but was a trooper and did marvelously! She got her cast off right before her birthday (holy cow, she's 6 now! Who allowed this?!?).
Now we're into February. It was a much calmer month around the house, but I started having medical issues. My hip, that's been a struggle for some time now, really hasn't gotten better. We need to back up a bit...
My chiropractor, whom I trust wholly and is amazing, did a big adjustment on me right before Christmas; I could barely walk on the big day, but she promised it would help in the long run. Around New Year I was able to fly down to Dallas and surprise my mom! It was great. My hip was back to its "normal" pain. When Dr. Rachel checked in on me, I informed her of such, and she was not pleased. I came in as soon as I got back in town for what should have been a quick 20 minute adjustment. Unfortunately, things weren't cooperating (in my body!? Shocking, I know). Every time she'd adjust me, it would fall right back out with little aggravation (walking, rolling on my left side, etc.). So, she called in Dr. Ken (cue dramatic dun dun dun). He pulled and poked and prodded. An hour and a half later, he explained to me that he'd done everything he could think of, De. Rachel had, too, and the next step was to get more information. I needed an MRI. From that, the most likely scenario was A: he'd see what soft tissue was the issue and make a plan to fix it or B: surgery because it was structural. And he warned me that B was more likely, given my treatment history with them. I didn't like this.
I called my insurance and scheduled an appointment with an orthopedist. He did X-rays and said that nothing jumped out, so I'd need an MRI. Ok. 2 saying the same thing. Thanks.
After my MRI, the ortho called back and told me that I have femuroacetabular impingement (fai). In English, it means that I have a hump of bone growth on my femoral head and on my hip socket that rub together--bone-on-bone. Very painful. The next step was a shot. Eek! Basically, I'd get a shot guided by a camera directly into my hip joint of steroid and pain meds. From this we would see if this was the source of my pain. The pain would either go away and never come back (not likely), not be phased (so, it's not this issue, after all), or go away/get better and then come back. Bingo! That's what happened. It lasted about 3 ish days. The next step was to talk to a surgeon.
I made my appointment (we're now caught up on the timeline. We're in February again) and was terrified. What if he ordered a bunch of new tests? What if he didn't believe me? Not that I want to rush into surgery, but my pain has gotten so bad, I walk with a limp and am in constant pain. [Side note: after getting my diagnosis, I did a ton of research (surprised? Haha, no). In that research I found out that this bone rubbing is wearing away and tearing apart the cartilage in my hip joint (I have 80-year-old-lady hips). Now it's down to bare bones. And the pain significantly increases rapidly at this point.] So, I just want my pain gone. Anyway, he didn't do any of that. He did a short exam, looked at my images, and agreed that this was the proper diagnosis. He gave me the explanation of options (both surgical and non) and helped walk me through the best course of action for me. Bottom line: my surgery is April 10.
==================ALERT: Graphic medicallyness to follow!!======================
So, in the surgery, he will grind off the bone growths/pieces. Then he will pull the soft tissue back into its proper place, stitch it back together and screw it into my bone to hold it together. Neat!
==================OK, you're clear!===================
So, Sara's recovering well (we had her last post-op appointment the other day, and he affirmed she was healing very well. Her leg was staying in the socket nicely!), and I'm turning around and having my own hip surgery. Go figure! Mom is coming up to be with me for the surgery and the first few days to follow. It will be a tremendous help!
On another note: school has been good. Jess and I are still co-teaching and doing well. The kids are growing so much (physically and mentally). TCAP (Colorado's state standardized test) is finishing up tomorrow (yay!). The kids have been fantastic through it. I am so proud!
On one last bit of news, Julie is buying a house (yay!), and so I am moving. Chris and Alicia have graciously opened their home to me, and so I will move in with them over spring break. And since Alicia shattered her pelvis in a car accident a few years ago, they're totally prepared for my recovery and are willing to help me. They're awesome!
So that's been my life in a nutshell, really. Kinda crazy, but what do you expect? Haha.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Halloween 2012
This year for Halloween, Sara decided to be Lambie from Doc McStuffins for Halloween.
Isn't she so cute!? So, we ventured to find a lamb costume we could add a tutu to and a bow. No such luck! Instead, Julie got the bright idea we'd (I'd) make one! FUN! We all know how I love an adventure. So, we set out to make the best damn Lambie we could. I am so proud of it. We worked really hard and it came out awesome! We went to Boo at the Zoo. There we saw a few other lambs and we were definitely the best! There are way too many pics to post (I don't have the patience for the Blogger photo loader) so here are the links to where they are:
My Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.10152230127175634.931542.715225633&type=1&l=078d6b6adc
Julie's blog:
http://jsfrey.blogspot.com/2012/10/learning-to-sew-101.html
So there you go. Enjoy!
My Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.10152230127175634.931542.715225633&type=1&l=078d6b6adc
Julie's blog:
http://jsfrey.blogspot.com/2012/10/learning-to-sew-101.html
So there you go. Enjoy!
Since last we met
Well, since last I spoke, it's been a great time. The co-teaching thing is still rockin and rollin. I'm really enjoying being at Hackberry, and I love my teammates and parents.
We've established our classroom as the new joint effort and to really make the union, I decided we needed to make a flag. It was really exciting, because I tied it into our Social Studies unit on communities and taught them about vexillology (the study of flags!)! So, we created a new class name and flag. Our name is the Hudward HHive (Hudward comes from our two names - Hudson and Howard, and the hive is just something they came up with, so we made it have two H's for our name and our school). Here are the pictures from that project.
The first is the fabric I chose to make the flag. Then are some of our class holding the finished flag!
It has a hive hanging from a branch in the top corner (the canton) with two cursive H's on the hive. It has mountains in be background and 35 bees flying around the top. Each student decorated their own bee. We're very proud! The second class picture is the same thing with less lens flare.
Last week we went on our first class field trip. In fact, it was a school-wide field trip that Hackberry does every year. As Jess and I are both new to Hackberry, we had no idea. We found out about a week before that we actually go, too! Fun! It was to the symphony. It was so much fun. Teachers had told us that our school is consistently the best behaved and has wonderful manners, and boy, were they not lying! I am so incredibly proud of my kids, I can't help but brag! Everyone looks so nice all dressed up and pretty! I took some pics of us walking in:
We've established our classroom as the new joint effort and to really make the union, I decided we needed to make a flag. It was really exciting, because I tied it into our Social Studies unit on communities and taught them about vexillology (the study of flags!)! So, we created a new class name and flag. Our name is the Hudward HHive (Hudward comes from our two names - Hudson and Howard, and the hive is just something they came up with, so we made it have two H's for our name and our school). Here are the pictures from that project.
The first is the fabric I chose to make the flag. Then are some of our class holding the finished flag!
It has a hive hanging from a branch in the top corner (the canton) with two cursive H's on the hive. It has mountains in be background and 35 bees flying around the top. Each student decorated their own bee. We're very proud! The second class picture is the same thing with less lens flare.
Last week we went on our first class field trip. In fact, it was a school-wide field trip that Hackberry does every year. As Jess and I are both new to Hackberry, we had no idea. We found out about a week before that we actually go, too! Fun! It was to the symphony. It was so much fun. Teachers had told us that our school is consistently the best behaved and has wonderful manners, and boy, were they not lying! I am so incredibly proud of my kids, I can't help but brag! Everyone looks so nice all dressed up and pretty! I took some pics of us walking in:
It was such a great day, and I am so proud of everyone! Next week we have our 3rd grade field trip to Berry Patch Farm, and I'm sure they'll be just as fantastic!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Long Awaited Update
Well, after some significant nagging from Julie (heart you!), I have decided to take up my blog again. Julie logged in and changed it for me (as that was my excuse--it was still about NY) and now I have no more excuses. As I haven't blogged since June of 2011, I have some catching up to do, I suppose (though not really sure why, as the only people that read this know my story, but o well, here goes).
After coming home from NY in May of '11, I was soon headed out again. This time, I was headed to Boston for 2 months to teach at a summer program out there. It was very exciting, and I made lots of friends. I was also able to hang out with some of my friends that live out there. While I was there, I attended Amanda and Matt's wedding--super exciting! It was a great time, but I still missed home.
After my 2 month stint back in the northeast, I was finally home. However, finding a job (which I had been looking for all summer) was proving extremely difficult. Unfortunately, funds were dying out, so I had to make a choice. I decided to accept a position in HR and move to Dallas. I wasn't thrilled, but I was determined to make it work. I was determined to make myself be happy there. In September, I moved to Dallas to start working at Rent-A-Center in the payroll department. Unfortunately, circumstances there were less ideal than anticipated. I had committed that I would not continue looking for teaching positions while there (at least for that next school year), because I was going to make it work. However, on the encouragement of Mom, I started looking nearly right away.
In March I was offered a position to teach. I was thrilled. The caveat: it was in Japan. :) I was all set and ready to move. My bags were quite literally packed and on my floor when I decided that leaving June 1 to move across the world might not be the best idea. I postponed my departure in hopes of finding a better-fit job stateside. I scoured the country looking for jobs. I was contacted by 4 schools for interviews--awesome! This was farther than I'd ever gotten before! I was really feeling hopeful. Three of the 4 were in CO, too! Bonus! After explaining that I was in Dallas and agreeing to skype and phone interviews, I'd made my best efforts around the country. One school, a boarding school in OH had me go through so many rounds of interviews, they even flew me out there. It was a nice trip and I enjoyed the opportunity, but in the end I was offered and accepted a job at Hackberry Hill Elementary in Arvada, CO. I would be teaching 3rd grade GT. Perfect! This is right up my alley! As it turns out, it's like a school within a school where the gifted center is a full-time gifted school within the elementary school.
So, now you're caught up. I'm teaching in Arvada (about 15 minutes from my house, where I live with Julie and Sara again) and absolutely loving it! My kiddos are the best (yeah, they all say that, but mine really are), and the parents are just as awesome!
It's been quite a start to the year. When I arrived at school, I was informed that I would have a teammate! Yay! They hired another 3rd grade GT teacher, so I would have only 18 students! Wow! That's awesome! Then, on the 2nd day of school, it was decided that we were able to hire another teacher. This time it was for 5th grade. It was exciting and great news for the 5/6 combo classes that were HUGE, but it was bad because we didn't have any space to put another teacher. So, on the second day of school, I was told that I had to move. I had the 2nd smallest class size (Jessica, my teammate had 1 less, but she had some needs in her room to keep her where she was), so I was chosen to move. I would be moving into the conference room. However, after further investigation, the district deemed the conference room an unfit classroom. Instead, it was decided that Jessica and her class would move into my room and we would co-teach the 33 kids together. That would free up her room for the new teacher and give the 3rd grade GT unity that they had been used to (the class had always been one).
So far, all 3 weeks into this new arrangement, it's been amazing! Jess and I work really really well together and it truly is the best thing for these kids! The parents have been so supportive of us, and we cannot express our gratitude enough! I truly have the best kids, parents, and colleagues!
After coming home from NY in May of '11, I was soon headed out again. This time, I was headed to Boston for 2 months to teach at a summer program out there. It was very exciting, and I made lots of friends. I was also able to hang out with some of my friends that live out there. While I was there, I attended Amanda and Matt's wedding--super exciting! It was a great time, but I still missed home.
After my 2 month stint back in the northeast, I was finally home. However, finding a job (which I had been looking for all summer) was proving extremely difficult. Unfortunately, funds were dying out, so I had to make a choice. I decided to accept a position in HR and move to Dallas. I wasn't thrilled, but I was determined to make it work. I was determined to make myself be happy there. In September, I moved to Dallas to start working at Rent-A-Center in the payroll department. Unfortunately, circumstances there were less ideal than anticipated. I had committed that I would not continue looking for teaching positions while there (at least for that next school year), because I was going to make it work. However, on the encouragement of Mom, I started looking nearly right away.
In March I was offered a position to teach. I was thrilled. The caveat: it was in Japan. :) I was all set and ready to move. My bags were quite literally packed and on my floor when I decided that leaving June 1 to move across the world might not be the best idea. I postponed my departure in hopes of finding a better-fit job stateside. I scoured the country looking for jobs. I was contacted by 4 schools for interviews--awesome! This was farther than I'd ever gotten before! I was really feeling hopeful. Three of the 4 were in CO, too! Bonus! After explaining that I was in Dallas and agreeing to skype and phone interviews, I'd made my best efforts around the country. One school, a boarding school in OH had me go through so many rounds of interviews, they even flew me out there. It was a nice trip and I enjoyed the opportunity, but in the end I was offered and accepted a job at Hackberry Hill Elementary in Arvada, CO. I would be teaching 3rd grade GT. Perfect! This is right up my alley! As it turns out, it's like a school within a school where the gifted center is a full-time gifted school within the elementary school.
So, now you're caught up. I'm teaching in Arvada (about 15 minutes from my house, where I live with Julie and Sara again) and absolutely loving it! My kiddos are the best (yeah, they all say that, but mine really are), and the parents are just as awesome!
It's been quite a start to the year. When I arrived at school, I was informed that I would have a teammate! Yay! They hired another 3rd grade GT teacher, so I would have only 18 students! Wow! That's awesome! Then, on the 2nd day of school, it was decided that we were able to hire another teacher. This time it was for 5th grade. It was exciting and great news for the 5/6 combo classes that were HUGE, but it was bad because we didn't have any space to put another teacher. So, on the second day of school, I was told that I had to move. I had the 2nd smallest class size (Jessica, my teammate had 1 less, but she had some needs in her room to keep her where she was), so I was chosen to move. I would be moving into the conference room. However, after further investigation, the district deemed the conference room an unfit classroom. Instead, it was decided that Jessica and her class would move into my room and we would co-teach the 33 kids together. That would free up her room for the new teacher and give the 3rd grade GT unity that they had been used to (the class had always been one).
So far, all 3 weeks into this new arrangement, it's been amazing! Jess and I work really really well together and it truly is the best thing for these kids! The parents have been so supportive of us, and we cannot express our gratitude enough! I truly have the best kids, parents, and colleagues!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
It's been a long, been a long, been a long...
Well, aside from the cheesey musical reference (+10 pts to someone who can name it!), it has been a long time since I've written. I've since graduated with my Master's Degree from Columbia University! I received a 4.0! And I returned home! I'm so happy to be back home in Colorado; o, how I missed it. Further, I am enjoying relaxing before beginning my summer position with Exploration Schools.
Since I've last updated, so much has happened! As I've stated, I moved back home to Colorado, and I'm loving it. I really missed it here. Sadly, also, my grandfather (my dad's dad) passed away on the 22nd. My family will be coming to Denver so we can all drive to Casper for his funeral next weekend. While I'm very excited for them to come, I'm sad that it's for this. We'd been talking about going to Casper for the 10 year anniversary of Dad and Grandma's deaths, but we never thought we'd end up doing it for Grandpa's burial. We're saddened and grieved, but glad to be together.
Other than those things, life's been pretty normal. I'm still job searching (hate that) and hoping (and praying like crazy) to get a job. I'm preparing for my summer position and enjoying the relaxing CO life for now.
Post more later...
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Reflection is Natural
As time passes and change approaches, it is only natural to become reflective. Right? Sure!
So, as I look back on my nearly one year spent in New York City, I think about all I've learned and accomplished and the things, people and places I'll miss so much.
Things I've learned:
1. Some things, only NYC can teach you. For example, crosswalk signs are worthless. The only thing that dictates whether you cross or not is traffic. You can always spot the tourists/people that don't belong because they're waiting when there aren't cars in sight! Another example: how to hail a cab. It's funny; it seems intuitive, but it's really not, and nobody really teaches you. So, I'll teach you and save you the frustration next time you're here: the light on top is the key. The middle light on means he's available. All lit up means he's off duty and won't stop. Unlit means he has a fare (again, he won't stop). Finally, if you want to survive, don't be afraid to ask! New Yorkers seem so rough and tumble, but really if you just ask, they're friendly and very helpful (especially with directions).
2. I love teaching, and I'm born to do it! Not that this is really news to me, but it has definitely been reconfirmed in this year here.
3. I am strong. Again, this may not be new news, but I've been taught over and over these past few years just how strong I am, and this year was no exception. It was hard being out here alone, but I not only did it--I thrived! I love New York, and while I'm happy to be going home (I've missed it a lot), I will definitely miss it!
People/Places/Things I'll Miss:
1. My friends! This is obvious! I've made some GREAT friends out here. I'll really miss seeing them, and I hope they come visit me out in CO soon. I'll also really miss being so close to the friends I grew up with. I've seen them more this past nearly-year than I have since I left New England 12 years ago! It's been great. I miss them a lot, and it's been so nice being so close.
2. Jesus Taco, Wafel Truck, S'Mac, Max Cafe, Appletree, Subsconscious, Metro Diner...are you getting a theme here? I'm totally gonna miss the food here. Not only that, I'm gonna miss that I can get it any time day or night delivered to me, usually for free! I love this place. Haha. How am I not 6000 pounds?
3. I'll miss discovery. I've discovered so many new things and places while here. The abundance of learning astounds me. It's my crack (perhaps that and food). And while I've desperately missed my mountains being out here, I'll miss the discovery of the City once home.
Overall, it's been a fabulous year, but I'm so glad to be done with school and going home. I've missed it a lot! I'll come back and visit; the City can't quit me that easily. ;)
I heart NYC! :)
So, as I look back on my nearly one year spent in New York City, I think about all I've learned and accomplished and the things, people and places I'll miss so much.
Things I've learned:
1. Some things, only NYC can teach you. For example, crosswalk signs are worthless. The only thing that dictates whether you cross or not is traffic. You can always spot the tourists/people that don't belong because they're waiting when there aren't cars in sight! Another example: how to hail a cab. It's funny; it seems intuitive, but it's really not, and nobody really teaches you. So, I'll teach you and save you the frustration next time you're here: the light on top is the key. The middle light on means he's available. All lit up means he's off duty and won't stop. Unlit means he has a fare (again, he won't stop). Finally, if you want to survive, don't be afraid to ask! New Yorkers seem so rough and tumble, but really if you just ask, they're friendly and very helpful (especially with directions).
2. I love teaching, and I'm born to do it! Not that this is really news to me, but it has definitely been reconfirmed in this year here.
3. I am strong. Again, this may not be new news, but I've been taught over and over these past few years just how strong I am, and this year was no exception. It was hard being out here alone, but I not only did it--I thrived! I love New York, and while I'm happy to be going home (I've missed it a lot), I will definitely miss it!
People/Places/Things I'll Miss:
1. My friends! This is obvious! I've made some GREAT friends out here. I'll really miss seeing them, and I hope they come visit me out in CO soon. I'll also really miss being so close to the friends I grew up with. I've seen them more this past nearly-year than I have since I left New England 12 years ago! It's been great. I miss them a lot, and it's been so nice being so close.
2. Jesus Taco, Wafel Truck, S'Mac, Max Cafe, Appletree, Subsconscious, Metro Diner...are you getting a theme here? I'm totally gonna miss the food here. Not only that, I'm gonna miss that I can get it any time day or night delivered to me, usually for free! I love this place. Haha. How am I not 6000 pounds?
3. I'll miss discovery. I've discovered so many new things and places while here. The abundance of learning astounds me. It's my crack (perhaps that and food). And while I've desperately missed my mountains being out here, I'll miss the discovery of the City once home.
Overall, it's been a fabulous year, but I'm so glad to be done with school and going home. I've missed it a lot! I'll come back and visit; the City can't quit me that easily. ;)
I heart NYC! :)
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