In my words: One year later... Teaching.

Today marks the one year anniversary of my teaching career.

Yes, I survived my first year. Do I have any more years left in me? Definitely.

It is common knowledge that teaching is one of the most demanding jobs around. On a daily basis, I find myself wearing not only a teacher hat, but also a mother, nurse, social worker, janitor, and referee hat. Although, carrying all of these titles daily seem a bit overwhelming, I find myself enjoying the hustle and bustle of teaching pre-k at a non-profit agency that has served families for many years. Even when I'm overwhelmed, at the end of the day, I really do feel a sense of fulfillment. I would describe the feeling as running a marathon for eight hours straight. Once you hit that finish line, you're exhausted, probably a little cranky, but you're also overcome by this feeling of accomplishment. However, there are those days where you don't feel so great and accomplished. Somedays it truly feels like I ran an eight hour long marathon. I feel rundown, unappreciated, overworked, and just plain ol' tired.

Just recently, I've been having a hard time finding that enjoyment I once had in teaching. Some transitions were made that shook up my world, and to be honest, I am having a hard time coping. These circumstances are making it difficult for me to teach and manage my classroom in a way that allows me to actually enjoy my job as a teacher. However, I know this is something that I have to get through. I have to man up, accept these changes and keep telling myself, "This too shall pass." Like everything else in life, teaching has it's pros, cons, ups, and downs.

One thing is certain... I know this is the field of work I belong in. Putting my current feelings aside, I feel a great sense of duty and pride in teaching children, opening up the world to them, and teaching them the foundations that will help them become descent, educated, independent, conscious members of their communities. I am hopeful because of them. Always.

My favorite things about summer...

1. 

Block parties.

2. 

Poolside view while the sun browns my skin.
Which means, hello freckles...goodbye pale legs.

3. 

Outdoor movie screening at Penn's Landing (Definitely doing it this year!)

4.  

Rain after many days of scorching heat.

5. 

Sporadic BBQs = A great excuse to eat, drink, and play
dominos/board games/bingo with family and friends.

6. 

Two words - Jersey Shore (and no, not the show).

7. 

Cherry water ice and the red stain it leaves on my lips and tongue.

8. 

My birthday (August 12th).

9. 

Easy, casual summer dresses.

10. 

Melting ice cubes against my skin for relief on really hot days.

These are a few of my favorite summer things. 

What are yours?

Set my night on fire...

Words can't explain how relevant this song is to my life right now. I discovered this gem months ago and I haven't stopped listening since. His voice, the words - everything is just...

I'm alive...

Letter to an ex...

If things between you and I worked out, you wouldn't be marrying the girl of your dreams right now. You would probably still be with.....me. God is funny. I'm happy for you.

Blessings,
The One That Got Away

Sleepless in Northside

First of all, I want to wish all of you a happy new year. May 2012 bring many blessings into your life. 

Second, I'm writing this morning because I have been up all night. Yes, another sleepless night here in northside. So I figured since I am going to be up, I might as well do something productive with my time. And that's when I decided to record and post this little video of me reading a poem. Just something a little different for the new year. Let me know if you want more of this.

For the man who loves my pilgrim soul...

It was after dusk when the mosquito tweeted
I must have felt the blood leaving
I must have sensed a piece of myself
lusted by something uninvited - a nomad of the night

The sudden twitch of my body woke you
With one hand under my nightgown,
you searched my back for the small opening of life released
It's itchy aftermath

But you found it
And like the perfect host,
you rubbed the wound
until sleep came without a fight

It was dawn
when I noticed the shape of your beard
and the divine nature of your eyes meeting the winking sun
You left me breathless

I kissed your native lips
to catch your breath,
and to muster enough heart to request one last beautiful sleep
for the road.