The Times They are A-Changin'

Well, there has been change happening all over the place in the the two months.  Some of it has been very difficult, and so I have refrained from blogging about it.  There are some things that I just can't share with you virtually; they require face-to-face interaction and a hot cup of tea.  Some of it is exciting.  Some of the difficult has been mixed with the exciting to make it all a bit messier to deal with.  Now that the dust has settled (and I hope the changes have stopped for at least a few months) I am ready to share the exciting stuff.

After 15 years in the classroom I am leaving it.  I have been offered the position of Head of Resource for September and have accepted.  I am happy about the change, although it took a bit of convincing from family and colleagues for me to let go of the classroom that I have put so much work into making pretty and welcoming.  Now that I am doing things like ordering for next year and starting to pack up my things in the classroom I am also getting very excited.

I am one of those sad cases who always needs a challenge, and gets bored if there isn't a learning curve.  So, this change means a big challenge and a fabulous new learning curve.  And it will be interesting to see if working outside the classroom is a good fit for me, or if I miss it terribly and cannot wait to go back.

This week I am reading Special Education catalogues instead of fashion blogs, IEPs instead of magazines, and creating more sticky note lists that I can possibly keep track of.  But, my heavens, am I ever a-twitter with excitement over the new challenge.

Running Together

Usually LK and I run solo.  Someone needs to stay home with the Sprouts while the other gets out for a run.  So we find ways to take turns and we both get the exercise that we have come to crave (if I don't run my legs get the twitchies and I can't sleep).

This morning the Sprouts were away for a sleepover.  So we went for a run together.  It has been several years since we ran together.  Back then I was the slowpoke huffer.  I always felt like I was holding LK back from a real run.

We are better matched now for running together.  LK needs to have someone remind him go a little slower and run longer.  I need someone to encourage me to push myself to move a little faster.  We are more in sync with one another.  And we not only love the time to talk a bit, but also the time to be quiet together and enjoy the scenery and company without words.

Anniversary Bliss

LK and I enjoyed an absolutely lovely anniversary thanks to a sleepover with Nana and Pop for the Sprouts.

Yesterday they packed their bags and skipped down the road to Nana's house after lunch (I love payday Fridays).  They took "friends" (stuffed animals for nighttime snuggles) and toothbrushes and a clean change of underwear.  They were anticipating a movie night, a special dinner, and a hike with Pop. 

LK and I were anticipating a relaxed trip to town with no complaining about the choice of food, talking over us, or yelling at their sibling because they were being too loud or too quiet.  I anticipated a creamy chocolate martini and walking with my sweetie holding hands.  He anticipated my undivided attention and a chance to take pictures.

I think everybody got what they were looking for.

After a lovely dinner at a grown-up restaurant, some shopping at a grown-up pace, and a trip home in the golden hour we enjoyed the quiet of the house until after lunch today.  I made breakfast for a change.  We went for a run together.

Life is unbelievably good.

I am deeply thankful for my husband who I still feel head-over-heels in love with after 16 years.  I am thankful for parents who love their grandchildren and make sleepovers with them a lovely treat. 

Feeling Draggy

Getting back into the swing of things after being sick is taking a little longer than I want it to.  I feel like I spent too many days off my feet last week, so I should be all raring to go again.  Shouldn't I?

Well, my butt seems to be having a bit of trouble with getting rolling again.  On Tuesday we had our girls workout after school.  I felt draggy and tired.  I usually love it and come out totally pumped.  Then yesterday my run home from school also felt draggy.  A nasty dog who nipped me in the calf right at the last corner didn't really help the enthusiasm levels.  I was moping about not getting all my energy back right away.

Today I had a huge lift.  I had to come home early and so anticipated missing our girls workout (we workout together two days a week).  I promised my workout buddies that I would do something at home to move and that I would be there in spirit.

After lunch recess (and mail delivery) LK came into my classroom with a box.  Inside was this...

I put it on my Pinterest wishlist a week ago and he promptly ordered it for me.  Thanks to the most fun workouts I have ever tried (other than running) I am out of my draggy funk.  And I am looking forward to adding another day or two of exercise to my schedule.