Authoring

Today was my last day of work. I've been looking forward to this day since we signed our contracts for Mexico in January. I thought that I would be relieved and excited and optimistic; looking toward the future, starting a new chapter, yadda yadda yadda. And I am. I just didn't ever think that it would be as emotional as it proved to be. In my defense, it's been a crazy couple of weeks. I've had to seriously analyze and (re)evaluate my life and career choices in the hopes of making the right decision; balancing needs, wants and (perceived) responsibilities. I knew that I would find it difficult to say goodbye to my seriously amazing students, incredibly supportive staff and overall amazing school community. Essentially it came down to the knowledge and understanding that leaving is what I need to do. Which, unfortunately,  didn't make it any easier. To top it all off, I'm a crier. So clearly I was tearing up regularly throughout the day, when I wasn't beating the living snot out of an inanimate object and contemplating how best to transport the various flora I've acquired over the year. Ultimately, the time came to lock up the classroom that is no longer mine, turn in my key, say my good-byes and close that chapter.  As I drove home that day, for what was to be my last trip home from JFR, I began drafting the next chapter beginning with, logically, what to pack?