I'm back...

I can't believe that the last time I wrote a post it was June and now here we are in November.  I would love to say it was because I have been so busy doing this and that... but truth be told, I've been enjoying a lot of down time.  I have spent time reconnecting with myself, my family and friends and rediscovering things that bring me joy.  Unfortunately the idea of blogging reminded me too much of online work for Masters, therefore I avoided it like the plague.

So what has happened in my life since June?

• Megan turned 8 - and I feel very guilty for not posting about it  :(
• Both Scott and Megan were diagnosed with Celiac's disease which has made some vast changes in the way our house eats
• We did our annual camping trip with the Mommy Group - always fun!
• I completed my Masters the third week of August - Elation set in...
• Our house went up for sale - It sold in four days - and then the deal was retracted - and then when we were in Vegas it sold again... and we bought a lot and have decided to build again -very stressful week and then month.
• We moved to a rental place mid-September and are adjusting.  It still doesn't feel like home. 
• I continue to teach and supervise B.Ed. students at UBC and teach one day in a Grades 3/4 class
• Megan started Grade Three and Matt began Grade Five
• I turned 39! 

Three months free from any Masters work, I have realized how wonderful it is to have the freedom of time.  Yes, our family like most, has the schedules of sports and other activities to contend with.  Matthew plays hockey and soccer and Megan also plays soccer and attends Brownies.  Although these events take bits of time out of our week, there remains so much other time for us to be together. Time to simply cuddle, to relax, to read for fun, play games, visit and really take time for friendships, time to watch TV shows, go for walks, and not rush through the every day activities that must be done.

This is the time I now realize I gave up these past two years.  I don't regret my Masters, but only now in reflection can I see the toll it took on everyone and what others gave up to ensure I succeeded.  I feel very lucky to be so loved by both my husband and mom who gave tremendously of themselves (driving, watching the kids, putting up with my shortness when I was stressed, keeping my house clean and everyone fed) to give me the time I needed to work.  Although only I will receive the degree tomorrow, I feel that each of them deserve an award as well!  I am so grateful to them.

As someone who takes comfort in being busy, the slower change of pace has taken a bit of adjusting to. I was focussed for so long on staying strong (my word of the year was STRENGTH) that honestly when things slowed down I wasn't sure what to do with myself.  Like I mentioned above, initially I sought a lot of down time.  Really, I think I napped and slept more in the past three months that I have in a long, long time.  I didn't realize how burnt out I was.  Now that my energy has increased, I feel like I have my groove back.  And funny enough along with this, I think I may have also found my 2014 word of the year.  Each day these past few weeks I have been trying to focus on (seeking and committing to) that which bring me JOY and making it a priority.