Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Slice of Life Tuesday--Moving out West!




Today was a big day. I officially told my school that I won't be back next year.  I'm leaving New Jersey, the only place I've ever lived, and moving out West to Denver!  And although I can't wait for a new start and new adventures, and lots of beautiful scenery, I can't help but reflect on the things I'm leaving behind to make this big move...

I'm going to miss my family--my parents, little brother, grandparents, and yes, my dogs.  They've been a constant source of love and encouragement and support.  I wouldn't be able to get through a single day without them.  

I’m going to miss the town where I grew up—despite heart breaks and fights and scapes and falls and a general lack of things to do—yet the perfect place to grow up.

I’m going to miss my school—despite my gripes and frustrations and tears, there’s been lots of learning and laughter and friendship and kindness and love. It's the only place I've been a teacher and it feels strange to be starting over as a teacher in a new school.

I’m going to miss my classroom--the biggest classroom I've ever been in, the one where I've  spent more time than any place else in the past two years; the place that's almost become a home away from home; the  place where there has been a lot of giggles and smiles and bright colors and mistakes and success.

I’m going to miss my friend just down the hall—our fourth period coffees and rantings and friendship; and her wisdom and generosity and joy for teaching—my reminder that if there's even just one teacher as inspiring as her, I'll never leave this profession. 

I’m going to miss that feeling of comfort and safety and companionship.  I'm going to miss the people who have changed my life in so many ways.

But I'm craving mountains and big skies and adventures out West. Today, I'll feeling a combination of excitement and fear and a little bit of sadness all jumbled up in one.  

However, I can't help but feel at ease and ready for the new things to come, though I'll never forget the people and places that I'm leaving behind.

7 comments:

  1. Wow! What a move...I can feel your jumbled emotions in your slice. Good luck!

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  2. Love the way you repeated "I'm going to miss" at the start of each line. I can tell you're sense of adventure is pulling you away from the East Coast. Remember, you can always go home (even though "they" say you can't).

    I remember the day I told my NY principal I was leaving NY, which is where I was born and LOVED living, to move to RI. It was so scary. Your slice brought me right back to that day, which was almost six years ago.

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  3. COngrats on your move. Although you will miss a lot of your past, it sounds like you are more than ready for a new adventure. Enjoy every moment!

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  4. Sounds exciting but yet terrifying! I bet you might find that mayapples grow in Colorado. :-)
    Best of luck and keep posting updates on the move.

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  5. I'm going to miss...may be your mantra yet I sense an excitement and energy in your post that reminds me we only grow when we stretch outside our comfort zone. Can't wait to hear about your adventures!

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  6. Yes...and I am going to miss you, kiddo! But the call of the West must be answered. And, in the boxes you will pack up from your lovely classroom, will be all the wisdom you have culled from two years of teaching - the hardest years, those first two. But, I shall be keeping an eye on your classroom through this blog - and cheering you on as you soar...which you will!

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  7. Welcome to Denver, Rachel. I loved the way you're saying goodbye in the "I'm going to miss", but feel that you're enthusiastic too. If I can help in any way, please let me know.

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