There are some good things going on that I need to document:

I have been doing Pilates since late July 2013, and I am loving it, my very positive and encouraging instructor, and the results I'm seeing over time. I have great days and hard days at school, and I never know which one is coming, but both teach me so much. Yesterday, a student gave me a book from she and her step mom; the best part was the really nice and encouraging inscription inside. It was much needed and appreciated and made me feel that maybe I am doing something right. Also, I give my students pencils for their birthdays; it's funny to me that 7th and 9th graders look forward to this tiny gift enough to write their birthdays on the calendar, and also to say "I didn't get one on MY birthday" and then I quickly make amends by giving them one. Their reactions are really cute, and it makes me feel like I'm doing something good and positive. I remember when I was in grade school, our principal would call us down on our birthday and we'd get to choose a pencil and a pencil topper/eraser. I was both terrified and excited to meet with the principal. His kindness made a lasting impression on me! Sean and I are planning and pre-paying for our study abroad trip, which is coming up in June. We are getting really excited; it will be the first time either of us has been abroad, and it will be awesome to experience everything together. I am most worried about the flight--I'm an anxious flyer (who am I kidding? I am an anxious everything :)). Good thing Sean will be there for comfort and support. Right now, I've got something in the works that has forced me to "put myself out there," and no matter how it turns out, I've learned that I really need to have more confidence in myself and my abilities. I am very grateful to my friend Mandi Wilson, who has great trust in me and sees what my strengths are. She has been wonderful! Life is good. I am blessed