October was a blur, as evidenced by my lack of posts. How is it that we're already in November? (Heaven knows it sure doesn't feel like it outside!) Work has been good, but crazy as usual. All in all, this year is really going much, much better than last year. If this year had been identical to last year, who knows if I would ever consider teaching again. Life is much better not being a first-year teacher. Furthermore, even with the craziness of my day-to-day life, I don't always feel like I'm drowning in lesson plans or anything of the like. Fall Break came and went quickly...now we're on the countdown to Thanksgiving Break (16 days and counting, in case you were wondering). After having an 11-week-long first quarter, we now are in the midst of a 7-week-long second quarter. By the time you factor in semester and nine-weeks testing, you really only have six weeks to work with...yikes! I can't believe we're shockingly close to finishing the first half of the year...on a different note, I still adore the great team we have at my school. This year has really taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. I love it all!
Outside of work, I've gone on all sorts of adventures. Thomas and I attended an OSU football game with amazing seats. We went on a weekend excursion to Eureka Springs. My mom hosted the Hajek family reunion (Mimi's side of the family) at our shed. Jakub turned 3, and Dad turned 60. Cody finished his 6th grade football season undefeated. Thomas's parents went on an extensive river boat cruise of central/eastern Europe (including the Czech Republic...yes, I was jealous!) So many things have happened, it's all a blur!
On a different note, as sad as it sounds, I'm really doing everything I can to avoid thinking about the upcoming presidential election. We're one week away, and it couldn't come any quicker! I've avoided the topic as of yet, but I have to take a moment and say a few things. Sadly, I cannot wholeheartedly stand behind any presidential candidate. Donald Trump is a raving, pompous, madman who should NOT be this close to being the leader of the free world. Hilary Clinton, in my eyes, is untrustworthy and has always left me with bad feelings. I could stand behind Gary Johnson, but I don't agree with most of his stances on issues relevant to me. Furthermore, I can't even stand to "vote for the Vice-President", as some have suggested. (That doesn't completely make sense to me, honestly.) I feel like the only option I can, with a clear conscience, stand behind is to not vote for a presidential candidate. However, that goes against everything I believe in. Regardless of me not wanting to vote, this election will still take place and a winner will be decided. Furthermore, I will effectively cede all rights to complain if I don't take part in the democratic process. Most of all, this is my constitutional right to vote. Women have not always had that freedom, and I'd be doing a disservice to the pioneering women to not vote. I'll vote, but I'm still not sure who I'll choose. I'm guessing it'll be a gut feeling when I get to the voting booth, if anything. It is what it is.
Furthermore, I'm tired of everyone being so divided. I'm tired of hearing the media twist everything around or only report on things that support their rather obvious biases. I'm tired of seeing people blindly share propaganda from either side, and also of seeing people become armchair political analysts, calling people out that they need to "fact check", when they probably don't do much of that themselves, especially in years that don't include elections. I appreciate that people are taking an interest in the election, but I hate how much hate it is causing. No one likes to mention this, but I think the explosion/misuse of social media and pervasiveness of media are key parts of the problem. Everyone constantly has a place they can get on his/her soapbox. (As I'm doing now...the irony isn't lost on me, I promise.) Everyone is constantly partaking in the steady stream of vitriol from both sides. I understand that people want to share their opinions, but no one can seem to be okay with the fact that others disagree with them. More than ever, I have seen many people empirically believe that if someone doesn't support x candidate, then they are an awful human being who is part of the problem. I hate it. I hate all of it. As childish as it may sound, I just want people to get along and be kind to others, regardless of their opinions/beliefs. We are all children of God, created to live lives of love and service to others. I think it's time we start acting like it. Okay, I'm done talking about politics online for now.
I'll end with happy thoughts, because that was a somewhat depressing rabbit hole I just went down.
In a few weeks (2.5 to be exact), I get to be a bridesmaid in my friend Maria's wedding! I'm so excited that she has asked me to be a part of her big day! I can't wait to stand beside her as she joyfully enters into the sacrament of marriage! This weekend is her shower, and I'm excited to get to see her and try on my bridesmaid's dress!
One other exciting happening is that Thomas and I will (weather permitting) have our engagement photo shoot this Saturday! I can't wait to see the end product!!! After we get these photos, we can really start rolling with more planning...think save-the-dates! Currently, my plans for Christmas break mostly consist of addressing those. Otherwise, there are lots of big changes looming, but I'll wait to announce those until everything is a little more ironed out. (Basically, I know where we're moving, but I'll tell you more about that next time...promise!) It's an exciting, yet crazy time...all a part of our journey.
Strap yourself in, hang on tight, the ride of live and marriage and teaching is a veritable roller-coaster and just as exciting,terrifying, hilarious, and full of unexpected bumps and dives. Hang on to your sense of the ridiculous and remember to laugh more than you cry or complain. Love ya.
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