Class

This is a person, not a group of people. 

I am just going to admit to this right now.  I started this entire little project because I was woefully unhappy last January and was really not sure why.  What I was not acknowledging was that I was very unhappy with my job.  At the time, I had serious concerns that I had laid out a lot of money to a degree in a field that I hated.  It had not occurred to me that maybe it wasn't the career, it was where I worked.  I gave notice and headed for what I hoped would be greener pastures.  I have just completed my first quarter.  It is now crystal clear that I like my career, grad school was money well spent, and that in my world, job satisfaction equals life satisfaction.  I hate to say anything that might jinx me....but I really like my job this year.  That is the first time I have been able to say that since I graduated.  The people I get to work with every day are a big part of that.  So just get ready to read about them on a regular basis, because I have a lotta thankin' to do!  Here is goes....

You know that saying, "Misery loves company"? I am starting to think that there is nothing that gives me more misery in need of company than raising a square child in this very round world.  What makes it hard is that sometimes it feels like not matter what you do, it's wrong.  I believe that children who aren't taught responsibility and consequence do not develop the skills necessary to be good citizens or content adults.  I know that you are all shaking your head and saying "Amen!"  But I also know that many people who shake their head and say "Amen" only agree with the concept and not the actual follow through.  The last two months have been the most difficult stretch I have had as a parent...EVER!  (That would be the misery part.)

Aside form working with people who are good at what they do and truly care about their students (stuff I'll talk about later, I'm sure) I'm lucky that I get to connect with them on a more personal basis too.  It's nice to have that social connection.  It's nice to come in to work feeling drained from making a hard decision and have the first person you talk to reinforce that choice.  Especially on days when the world seems to be determined to undermine your efforts. 

Class, thank you for being the best company on my most miserable of days.  Is that an honor or what??????