T-Minus 25 Days...

I've been waiting a while to let the cat completely out of the bag, but there are going to be some HUGE changes 'round these parts. As many of you know, my hubby and I relocated from Southern California to the Bay Area so that I could take my teaching job at a fabulous school in San Jose. It has been an amazing first year in the classroom. I have learned so much about teaching, my students, myself, and my amazingly supportive husband. Our time here has been bittersweet. On one hand, I have had the most amazing experience at my school. My colleagues are great, the kids are hilarious, and I believe I have really made a difference in the lives of my students and their families. Because my school is so small, I have also been given leadership opportunities that I most likely would not have had at any other school. On the other hand, we miss Southern California. We miss our family and friends, the beaches, and the calm and comfort that comes from knowing your surroundings. We also miss date night. The cost of living in the Bay Area, especially where we are, is insane and we have had to give up a lot just to stay afloat. All of that said, after much thought and consideration, we have decided to move back to Southern California to be closer to family and the comforts of "home."

So in 25 days, we will be moving from here:

to here:

Can you really blame us?

Not only will my surroundings be changing, but my classroom situation will be totally different. The whole thing really fell into place quite easily. Right when hubby and I made the decision to head back, I began job hunting through edjoin and craigslist. I know from experience that most public schools in Southern California do not hire until right before school begins in late August/September. I wasn't willing to wait that long, so I searched and found a wonderful position at a private school right down the street from where we are moving to. I will be teaching upper elementary math and I couldn't be more excited! Even better, I begin curriculum training (PAID!!) in July. The school I will be working at has developed their own math curriculum based on Singapore math with a strong emphasis on problem solving and conceptual understanding. This is exactly what I studied during my credential program and how I teach my math in my current class, so I am really looking forward to jumping in with both feet. Did I mention that I will be getting paid to study and learn their methods? Woohoo! 

Needless to say, we are really excited to be headed HOME! There are a lot of wonderful things ahead...

25 days and counting.