Month 36

 36 months before the culmination of my exit strategy from public education. There are just a few days left in the school year. We've almost ended the insanity that is the last week of school, passed the stress of state testing, and wrapped up as many loose ends as possible. I started trying to keep track of which days were 'good' and which were 'bad'. Within the last month, there were more salvageable days to the throw away ones. The throw away ones, though... they were awfully rough. 

As every teacher usually will report, it's the kids that make the work tolerable. Luckily in my world, I am also able to build years long relationships with their parents. Thus we generally have a really good relationship. My kids are the reason to stay and an unfortunate reason to run. 

My world in special education means that I have many different diverse learners. Some just need a little extra help, some need a lot of help (bathroom, eating, etc.). The balancing act sucks. Constant noise, actions, stress, and paper work make the environment....awfully rough.

The high points:

 -my mandated unemployment period (summer break) is close enough I can lick. 

-one of my children (from the ones that I created) has gotten a ton of accolades from their academic and good citizenship work. 

-no huge vacay planned for this summer; well at least one that doesn't require boarding a pet and getting on a plane. 

-actively finding work outside of the scope of education, even if it just editing for independent authors.

The low points:

-in a moment of weakness, I convinced my husband that we need a family visit with his parents at Christmas. We (both he and I) do not have a good relationship with his mother. The plans to visit have already brought about a lot of stress, crying, and reducing the time from of said visit by a day. 

End result being that as of this moment, I can make it to full retirement.