So, I dropped the ball. Because for one year, I was writing a post every Friday about my newest find of the week.
And this week? I didn’t.
I know what I wanted to write about–I found a few records indicating that one of my relatives spent the last years of his life in an asylum–but Thursday night rolled around and I was tired. Capital T. I have never been that exhausted and stressed and overwhelmed in my life, and I’m not sure that feeling is going away.
Why? I finally got that job I’ve been interviewing for: I’m a second grade teacher. I spent the past week at eight-hour curriculum trainings, setting up my unintentionally watercolor-themed classroom and learning everything there is to know about my new school and administration. On top of that, I have coursework due every week, dinner to make and lessons to plan. There aren’t enough hours in the day, and I don’t know how to get it all done.
But I will. Here’s the catch, though: when Thursday night rolled around, I decided I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t keep up. I dropped the ball. It was my first fumble: The Fumble. And I missed that weekly Friday post.
So here’s what I can promise: two posts a week, one Wordless Wednesday, and one family story. And if I miss one, I give you my full blessing to roast me on Twitter or Instagram or your social media platform of choice. But Friday posts? I can’t.
And I’m sorry, too. But this first year teacher is navigating the new need for time management, and two posts a week seem daunting and impossible. I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it at some point–I’ll one day be able to have spare time outside of school again–but that’s not happening for a while.
So please accept my apologies for The Fumble. I love genealogy and writing and this blog and all of you, and I promise you’ll see me every week. But just not twice.
And now I’m off to buy book bins for my leveled books. This is a sentence I say now–wish me luck!
Talk to you soon–
Life does get in the way.
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It SUCKS. But I’m excited for school to start–even if I can’t write as often anymore.
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Dear Jamie, inhale 1, 2, 3, 4, hold it 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, exhale 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8! Ah, now I’m better. I was stressed for you, just reading along.
Nope, I’m not going to call you out if you miss one, but I will extend you much-needed grace. Because something is 100% better than nothing. Lately, I’ve missed some Wordless Wednesdays! Shhh, I’ve only told you 😉 We just do what we can, and know that the genealogy and family historian police are not out to get us. 🙂
All good wishes with your new teaching job!!! 2nd and 3rd graders are the best. ~Valarie
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Life happens, and well-laid plans often fall by the wayside. Don’t sweat the small stuff; instead, just enjoy the next chapter in your life. Happy teaching, Jamie!
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That’s what I’m starting to learn. Thank you–I’ll try to enjoy it (and not let this job overwhelm me too much)!
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I’m so happy for you ..congratulations, Jamie, you have achieved your dream.
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Thank you–but now the real work starts!
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What wonderful news, Jamie. Congratulations on getting your dream job. Don’t sweat the blog schedule – it’s there for you when you have the time and we will read when you post.
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Not a fumble at all – life does interfere with genealogy, but congratulations on your new job. I’m a retired teacher – I loved working with the kids. Have a wonderful school year – genealogy and blogging will be waiting for you when you have some time. 🙂
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Goodness, no need to apologize! Being a first-year teacher is time-consuming, and it can be stressful. (Congratulations on getting the job!!) Maybe see if you can pare back the genealogy and blog-posting to a frequency that’s both manageable AND enjoyable for you?
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Congrats on the job!!! And I think we all put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do so much…sometimes we just have to accept we can’t do it ALL. Definitely no apology needed…you have to take care of yourself first.
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Well that’s a relief—thank you! You’ve made me smile
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The beginning of the school year is crazy! I’ll be pleasantly surprised if you get one a week. Congrats on the new job. I teach middle school and can’t imagine teaching 2nd grade!
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And I can’t imagine teaching middle school! Eighth grade was my student teaching experience, and I LOVED it, but I am definitely made for the younger students.
I’m going to try to write once a week—wish me luck! (After this first week back, I’m starting to think it’s a crazy idea, too.)
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