memory
/ˈmem(ə)rē/
noun.
a. the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.
b. something remembered from the past; a recollection.
I’ve written a grand total of ONE post on here this year. Yikes. I guess that’s what happens when your career takes over. #adulting
I always seem to make it back here before the New Year, though… Just in time for a look back at all the good!
These reflections are my way of practicing mindfulness and gratitude. I find that when I look at things from a greater distance, it makes me appreciate the small things that much more. What may seem insignificant at the time could turn out to be one of the biggest moments of the year. It’s all about perspective.
This year, there were no drastic life changes, no international travels, and no new babies in the family. We experienced some disappointments, doubts, and difficulties, but despite all of that (or perhaps because of it), 2018 still feels special.
As always, I’ll break the year down into major events and minor joys.
The Major Events
Buying a House
This year, Andrew and I decided that we were ready to take a huge leap into adulthood. We made a list of all of our living needs, followed by some “nice to haves.” We worked with our amazing financial advisor to crunch the numbers and set a budget. Then, with the help of our dedicated realtor, we started to look at houses in our price range.
We debated for a while about our best fit location, given that we both work in the GTA, yet both families live further north. Eventually, the family factor and amount of house for the dollar won out over proximity to work, and we purchased the most perfect starter home in Innisfil.
Our three-story townhouse is finished top to bottom with some very innovative and thoughtful touches done by the original owner. We moved in at the beginning of August and hardly had to do a thing to make this place feel like home. Almost five months later, and I’m still loving every inch!
Teaching Grade 7
Last year, I wrote about being offered an Intermediate position for the new year. I was so nervous and unsure about the whole thing, because I always swore my heart belonged in Primary. Here we are now, at the end of 2018, having spent every single school day of the year as a Grade 7 teacher, and dare I say… I actually enjoy it!
I have a talented, hilarious, respectful and empathetic group of students this year. I love the depth of conversation and real-world discussion that we get to have every day. I’ve developed way more confidence in handling a classroom, and I just love teaching visual arts two or three times a day!
With this age group, the attitude can be strong, the drama can be high, and the problems can be tougher to solve, but despite all of that, there’s no other place I’d rather be every day than working with these kids.
Making New Friends
When you switch divisions, you also end up working with a whole new bunch of staff every day, and let me tell you, these guys are the best!
Last school year, I had the privilege of being mentored by a teacher who is dedicated to his students, loves his job, and provides just the right amount of encouragement to get you out of your comfort zone. I also worked alongside an incredible educational assistant, who continues to inspire me to be more patient, kind and encouraging.
This year, I have the pleasure of working with the sweetest grade partner and a dedicated team of support staff. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and spent countless hours planning together. Even though these first few years of teaching have been challenging, I am happy to say that I have never felt alone. Good support makes a world of difference!
I feel so incredibly blessed to work with these educators every day, but also to know that they are more than just coworkers — they are my friends.
Camping in Algonquin
This summer, Andrew and I went on our second backpacking adventure into Algonquin Park, and it was WAY better than the first. We had a much better campsite, it didn’t rain the whole time, and let’s just say, our marriage is a whole lot stronger after three years. Haha.
We spent most of the weekend reading in the hammock, walking some trails, drinking coffee, cooking food and simply enjoying the calm tranquility of a lake with no other humans. Our only companions were a friendly rabbit, two hungry chipmunks, an annoying red squirrel, and a whole LOT of toads.
Andrew has also spent time this year developing his photography skills with a focus on film, and he brought his camera along to capture the natural beauty of Ontario. It is so nice to be able to share these images with friends and family, who may not be able to adventure five kilometres into the woods.
The Minor Joys
As promised, here is a list of happy moments that don’t quite make the “MAJOR” cut…
- Snowshoeing with my sister at Blue Mountain.
- Learning how to make authentic Sicilian pizza with my hubby.
- Adventuring to see {untouchable} waterfalls in Hamilton.
- Meeting the delightful Sophie Trudeau at Fit Spirit.
- Celebrating our godson’s first birthday.
- Taking over the photobooth at the Grade 8 graduation.
- Playing in sprinklers with my almost 2-year-old niece.
- Celebrating THREE years of marriage. Honestly, the best year yet!
- Seeing Ed Sheeran live and singing along with the crowd.
- Picking apples off the trees and taking them home to make dessert.
- Creating emoji t-shirts for teachers to wear on Halloween.
- Getting into the holiday spirit at St. Jacob’s Village.
- Wandering through the icicle forest at Glow Barrie.
- Having students create my outfit for the holiday fashion show.
- Exploring the outdoors with my students before winter break.
- Hearing my niece call me “Auntie Lowa.”
- Trying {and failing} at three different escape rooms.
- Teaching friends and family how to play our favourite board games.
- Cozying up by the Christmas tree with hot cocoa and holiday movies.
So, what have I learned this year? I’ve learned to surround myself with people who lift me up, rather than tear me down. I’ve learned to cherish the memories made, rather than the possessions owned. I’ve learned to let go of the past, and make way for the future.
In 2019, I think we could all use a little more hope, a bit more wisdom, a tad more strength, and a lot more love. I know I could.