Upon reflection of the year at hand as it draws to a close, I am able to look at what 2011 was to me in my life as I begin the chapters of 2012.
Beginning wit professional life, as a fourth year educator, I am finding that I am becoming more confident in my ability as an educator and had the wonderful opportunity to impact future educators through my Alma mater, ESU with their mentor teacher program. I was given my first student teacher, Danielle, who was wonderful. Each day having her as a part of my learning community really allowed me the chance to relive the joys of student teaching, but also allowed my the chance to share my knowledge and skills with her. Danielle will be moving to first grade for the Spring, but she left a wide hole in the hearts of the fifth graders in my classroom. They simply loved and adored her. I look forward to welcoming my newest addition, Lauren to the class on Jan. 11. I am sure that she will be honing and perfecting her tool-box for the trade with strategies for success.
In addition to the student teachers, I had the chance to be published in the NCTE's book, Supporting Students in a Time of Core Standards, Grades 3-5. I am chapter 4, which focuses on Inferences and drawing conclusions. In case you are curious about what was written about me, I have attached a portion of the chapter here. In the book itself, it goes into more details about what it looks and sounds like to teach in my classroom.
On a personal weight loss level, I have had an equally as busy year. Maintaining my weight is something that is still a struggle for me, but I do know that the accountability piece is highly important for me. After being asked by Weight Watchers to submit my personal story to People magazine twice for the Half My Size issue, I was turned down. A bit of a heart breakers in someways. Yet, WW did not forget me. They asked me to please submit my name for the Most Inspiring Weight Watcher members competition, where two weeks ago, I discovered that I was not the grand prize, but one of the 100 first place winners nationally. How exciting that I was selected! Fox 4 News did their follow up on me and then asked about some of the transformations which I have encountered this year with surgery and changing of the body and soul through the journey...the link the the website is here in case you care to check it out.
In addition to this, I was interviewed by Men's Health magazine for the book that they are writing about the founding of Weight Watchers and the members lives whom have been impacted by this wonderful program.
With the accountability piece for my weight, I am starting training for a half marathon in April with my boyfriend Derrick. I have put on ten pounds and lost it, then gained it in learning how to manage love that he and I are both focused on me losing but also on us growing closer as a couple as we train for the Rock the Parkway on the day before tax day. I am currently running 5 miles a day, transitioning from the 4 mile runs. I need to add in the weights, but I am having difficulty adding it all in.
When it comes to Spiritual Growth, I feel that I am still being transformed into the wonderful creation which God has created me to be, whether it is -235+ pounds lighter or +10 pounds heavier than I was two months ago. God has created me in HIS image and I am living out my testimony by giving glory to God for the temple which he has given me a second time a round. I have been really trying hard to use my weekends in town when not spending them at family events to solidify where it is that God is leading me to have my church family at. Suggestions as well as podcast links are welcome. Derrick and I are going to be starting a couples Bible study together but the topic is yet to be defined.
In reflection of of the happiness project from last year, am I truly more happy? I feel like yes, I am much more happy this year than I was last year. My weight is something which I am finally able to manage better. I am enjoying a love life for the first time, and one that is blessed by someone who inspires me to be more. I am done with my masters program and starting to look into what type of doctorate programs I may be interested in. I am feeling better about my appearance due to the weight and the skin being removed. How blessed I am to finally feel like I am more now than I was last year.
Am I done with pursuing my personal happiness goals of what is happiness and what brings me joy? No...I am going to hopefully start traveling soon, maybe start a cooking class with Dan, a cousin of Derrick, as well as training for a half marathon. I know that God is continuing to refine me. I love being refined, yet hating it at the same time. Life for me, is blissful. Thank you Father God for the gift of life, love and the pursuit of happiness.
