1. I love my new job. It is hard, challenging, and exhausting most days but the quality of my life
has improved 110% since I left my old district. I suspected the toxic environment and lack of
respect from the administrators was affecting my outlook on life and I was so right. Yet, one
month in I can honestly say that my home/work balance is so much more even now. I still work
as hard but now I take the time to play hard too.
2. I have the craziest and eclectic family around. Often, I stick out like a sore thumb around my
relatives like a single shamrock in a field of mediterranean roses. Yet, I know that every one of
them has my back. I have cousins spread out from Connecticut to Rochester to Antillo, Italy
and every one of them would give me the shirt off their backs (a few of them have done that
literally when I packed wrong). And on the subject of family...
3. My incredible mother, Miss Ellie, is still around and as spunky as ever. Physically, she is doing
well despite her crippling arthritis. Even though her mind is slowly betraying her, she still is the
one person I trust more than anyone else in this world. I know how blessed I am to still have
her in my life at my age.
4. As eclectic as my family is they don't compare to the mosaic of friends I have collected through
the years. I am lucky enough to still be in contact with friends from elementary, high school,
and college. There are groups of people I still have contact with in each of the 5 school districts
in which I have worked. Some of them are grandmothers and grandfathers; others are parents
of newborns; and others are empty nesters. Many of them are years away from parenthood and
some are only a few years away from retiring. Their interests range from running to painting to
rock climbing, and their political leanings go from Donald Trump all the way to Bernie Sanders.
Each of these friends have helped me make beautiful memories like going to an actual "high
tea" to watch Downton Abbey, going to NYC for New Year's Eve, traveling to England,
entering our dogs into a costume contest, and going to the US Open. I look forward to the future
with these friends by my side.
5. Music is a huge part of my life, and yesterday marked the return of my guitar lessons. I'm now
playing an electric guitar which I absolutely love to do. Music has always been the salve of
my life and it makes me so happy to be able to play some of the songs that have helped me
through the true tough times of my life.
6. One of my biggest regrets is that I have not had children. While I"m still not ruling out
adoption, I realize that at 48 it is a dream I may have to let go of. But despite that sad
thought I have the awesome gift of a beautiful niece who I first met when she was only an
hour old. She has always been the best thing in my life ever since she was born 15 years ago.
So, while I don't have a child of my own I do have a niece who seems to be "okay" with
spending time with me. Even saying her name makes me smile. She literally is my walking,
talking, and singing heart. I couldn't love her or be more proud of her if she was my own child.
My life isn't perfect and yes, I still wish the man I love returned my feelings. But on this day of love I know how lucky I am. And even though my mama can't buy me love, she didn't raise a fool. I am going to celebrate the love I do have in my life. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.
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