It's been almost a year

I'm still around!  I know a few people do check back and I haven't updated in a really long time.  I'm hoping to be better this year.  It's a goal.

I thought after passing my boards and finishing my ELL endorsement and being DONE with classes for a LONG TIME that I would have a nice relaxing year last year.  But, last year was hard. A number of things happened that left me emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. I ended up making a change in my teaching position to help me move forward, so I have moved to a new grade level this school year.  I'd like to think I came out stronger, but I also came out more protective of myself.  In my new grade level I get to teach older kids, and I have certainly missed this age group in the past few years.  It does mean I feel like I'm completely starting over- even with 13 years experience! This school year has been a new challenge.  For the first time, I got to teach the reproductive system!  It's ok to be jealous.  I ended last school year with my first visit to the Paramount to see Wicked, and it was the best way to end the school year.

Here's some more of the rather long highlight reel of what I've been up to...

I tried some new fast food.  I know, it's exciting!  I finally made it to XXX, which has fantastic root beer and quite the atmosphere, and is NOT X-rated contrary to what the sign looks like.  It's a pretty decent sunny day spot for a burger.
AND, I had the Popeyes Spicy Chicken that had been all over the news, and I can confirm, it's pretty decent.

I've also been busy cooking.  I made the famous Chrissy Teigen banana bread (it's bomb- it has coconut and dark chocolate and it's delish), and made some pretty amazing chicken piccata, just to name a few things.  I'm usually cooking at least a few times a week and love trying new recipes that are made from actual ingredients. I enjoy it and it's relaxing for me.  For Christmas, I got good knives and it's amazing.

Over the summer, a friend and I drove (from KC) down to the Pioneer Woman's Mercantile shop and restaurant and it was AMAZING.  I ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich and it was SO.GOOD.  So good.  So, so good.  We made a full day of it and walked down to the suspension bridge in town, walked the shops, and ate our way through the day.  It didn't hurt that the drive through the reservation in Oklahoma was gorgeous.

But the other wonderful part of being back over the summer was that I got to hang with one of my favorite people...

Over the summer, I did a little touring in Seattle, like checking out the new(er) brewery in the market.

Once the school year was back underway, I was busy moving classrooms and learning new curriculum standards.  It's kept me busy all year.  I did fly back to KC for a family wedding, where I spent 48 hours enjoying family and a few Squishes (only one that would pay any attention to me).  After the wedding and before my flight on Sunday, we headed to the Museum of Good Times to play around.  Then I was back home and ready to teach on Monday.

This fall I also went to my first NFL game and cheered for the Seahawks.  I had to because they were the home team.  It was a great time with friends, and very rainy because it's Seattle.

Last spring I took a cookie decorating class, and then followed it up with a book launch party at Chateau Ste. Michelle this past fall.  It was a wine and cookie pairing and a super fun way to try something new.  I loved it!

I haven't been hiking outdoors as much as I should, but I did squeeze in one hike this school year with a friend.  I don't remember where this was, but it was confusing and I would have gotten lost if not for her stellar navigating skills.  So thankful for directionally-able friends on the trails!

Right before Thanksgiving, I took a local class for flower arrangements.  I thought it would just be fun to have a pretty fall arrangement, so I signed up with a couple work friends.  It was wonderful!  I got to check out a new art venue in town and learn a new skill.  Now I'm buying Costco flowers and making my own arrangements like a pro.

Over winter break, I headed back to KC for some family time, particularly with "my guy" who finally paid me some attention!  I made a quick trip up to DSM (actually Okoboji, in the snow, because that's what real friends do) for a friend's wedding and had the best time with some of my closest friends.

Back in Seattle, I visited the Northwest African American Museum to see an exhibit entitled "Iconic Black Women" and loved the museum and the exhibit.

There was a quick trip to Portland to see the Trailblazers play some basketball.  It just happened to be the same day that Kobe Bryant passed away, so it was a very memorable trip.

Then I spent one Saturday touring "Old Snoqualmie"- checking out the brewery, looking at trains, and eating straight cookie dough, because there are actual storefronts that sell just edible cookie dough with egg substitute and heat treated flour so that you can eat it raw.

But now it's March, and Seattle has officially begun the battle with the Coronavirus.  School has not closed (yet- figured crossed that doesn't happen), but I am actively disinfecting everything around me at all times. Now I keep a bottle of antibacterial gel in my car, and I'm a person who wipes down shopping carts and plane seats, door handles, computer keyboards, and books.  So I'm working on staying healthy.

This year I also joined a kickboxing club.  I'm only saying this here so that you can hold me accountable for going.  It's scary.  It's small and they know if I'm there or not, and every time I go the trainers want to actually talk to me throughout the whole workout, so it's not anonymous like the bigger gym I've been going to for years.  Everyone is much stronger than me and my body hurts for days after I work out because suddenly my body isn't twenty years old.  But it's also fun and outside of my comfort zone, and I think I could get good (better?) at it.  I'll be running more as the weather continues to get less rainy, and need to work back up to my longer runs.  Luckily, all my runs end with this amazing view at the end of the dock.  It's all very good.

So, I'll leave you today from this ridiculous new egg chair I bought, in my Super Bowl sweatshirt because GO CHIEFS! and hoping that you are also doing well.  Thanks for following along with my silly adventures and I'll try to be back more often!