Courage over comfort

I across the above Rumi quote earlier this year. It encapsulates so well how I'm weighing things in my life right now. Generally, I don't like change and I'm shy and introverted. But, I don't want those things to hold me back. So, I'm chosing courage over comfort.
Last year and this past spring I went to a couple concerts put on by the Good Noise Gospel choir. I loved them! They excited and inspired me! So... I thought about joining, but my first instinct was no way! I finally bit the bullet and auditioned and got in. But then came the long summer and I REALLY wanted to quit before I even started. New people, like 85 of them, plus challenging song arrangements...what was I thinking? I couldn't do it. But in light of this new motto of courage and doing things that excite me, I made a deal with myself that I'd stay until Christmas. So, starting in September, I showed up every week. I met lovely people. I practiced the songs. I even signed up for the retreat in Whistler!
Well, I just got back from the retreat and it was awesome! I'm not gonna lie, I still had a bit of a meltdown on Saturday from feeling overwhelmed with so much music to learn, so many people to meet, rooming with 5 virtual strangers etc. But there was also beautiful music made, some fantastic conversations, so many "me too" moments and just plain old fun and laughter. Needless to say, I'm not quitting at Christmas!

Fall 2017

So...school has started and I am still waiting for things to settle down into some kind of routine. So far things have been a little chaotic, but I am sure it'll get better once we have an idea of what our full schedule looks like. So far, the transitions for Emmi starting kindergarten and Matias starting high school have gone remarkably well. Emmi really likes her teacher, which is great. She has complained a few times that the days are too long and I fully agree, but that's the way the system is set up here. Matias has bussed to Carver every day and there have been no problems there.
I have worked a little more as I am subbing some days on top of my own job on Wednesdays. It's neat to see other schools and what other teachers are doing. I have found great ideas that I can use with my own class.
Our evenings are pretty full, in fact we don't have a single evening free during the week between football, piano, jr youth, community group, and my choir. But, there's nothing on the list that I am willing to give up, so that's just the way it is this year. I joined the Good Noise Gospel choir and I really enjoy singing in it. We have our first concert in a couple weeks, so I am off to practice my songs... but first a couple pictures from the first day of school. Can  you tell who the preteen is?? LOL