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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

New Life

I grew up in a small town in the Appalachian mountains with my parents and younger brother. My childhood was by most counts perfectly idyllic. I had at least two best friends at all times, hobbies -- like music and books -- to occupy my time, loved school (to a rather obnoxious degree), and never wanted for any of the things I truly needed. (Although, at times I thought my life wouldn't be complete without seeing either New Kids on the Block or N'Sync in concert. Thankfully, I have moved on!)

After graduating from the College of William and Mary with a degree in government and marrying my best friend, I spent three years teaching history to tenth and eleventh graders (15-17 year olds). While I was living out my dream in many ways (remember that obnoxiously intense love of school??), I also felt like something was missing, like something just wasn't quite right. I'm sure my opinions on public schooling and standardized testing will leak their way out at some point on here, so for now, suffice it to say, being a teacher was not the thing. It was not "it" -- there was something else out there for me.

Almost exactly one year ago to the day (January 15, 2011), I found out that I would be living a new life -- I learned that I was expecting my first child. He was born on September 24, 2011, and for him, I left my teaching job, moved out of state (well, that was for my husband), and have a new life. My new life could not be more different from the one I lived before. Instead of grading assignments (which seemed like they would NEVER end), I do laundry and wash the dishes (which actually never end). Instead of figuring out ways to discipline teenagers that wouldn't get me arrested, I babble like a moron to make my baby smile. Instead of fretting over standardized tests and job reviews, I worry about blankets in the crib and chemicals in baby soap. (OH -- and poop. I do a lot of Googling about baby poop.)

My new life is different and it has taken some getting used to. Some days I feel a little lost, like I'm driving around a new town with a vague idea of where to go but without that second nature instinct to back me up. Other days, I don't know how I would do anything else. The purpose of this blog is to set my feet to something, to share all the things I am passionate about. I will share my sewing projects, my recipe trials, my photographs, my schooling plans, my day-to-day activities, my thoughts, and the parts of my life that might be worth knowing about. I hope you find something here that makes you smile or that helps you in your day. We are all walking the road, but it's always nice to know you have someone walking with you.

1 comment:

  1. I love that you taught history! Quite a story!! Thanks for sharing! I'm married to my best friend too...I have my BFF girlfriends, but not like the hub love!

    If you are interested in chemical free products, check out my website...Maybe you would be interested in doing a catalog or online "party":) It's with Celadon Road and I LOVE their products!!!
    http://www.myceladonroad.com/15730/
    Let me know if your interested! Great income opportunity too!!!
    Jane

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