Hibernation

January is one of those long months with dark, short days and long, dark nights. This Jan. is no exception. At work we're deep into the work and improving student learning. I've been reviewing the perception data and classroom observation data and I'm so encouraged. In fact, I'm ecstatic about the growth we've made over the past 3 years! It's unbelievable! My staff has worked so hard to create a positive culture of accountability, professional learning; to use data to make instructional decisions and they've been so successful.

My grad program is moving along -- this time it's quantitative research - or statistics. (Math is not my strong suit but it's pretty interesting and I actually get some of it after years of looking at IEPs and reading psych reports about IQs and student achievement.) Only 1 more class after this term, preliminary exams, and my dissertation and I'm done!!! Just a little more than a year to go. (I don't know if I can live a normal life without being in school.)

January has been a month of learning for me. I've learned about relationships, boundaries, and how to survive aging parents (who I love dearly and will do anything for) and ornery siblings. I've learned that there's a time to cut off the feelings of obligation to some and to keep my distance from some people. I'm realizing that I can love some people from a distance and not be offended when they totally misunderstand and misjudge me.

I'm slowly coming to accept that my parents may not be here forever and to cherish and be grateful for every day they are here.

I'm grateful for:

• My sister. Blood is thicker than water and our history of nearly 51 years together is a bond that I cherish and value.
• My work. I love what I do and I love the people I work with. Their dedication and energy is inspiring. For all of us it's more than job -- it's service to individual children and to our country.
• My dear, darling children. We don't have grandchildren -- yet -- but we will. They are loyal friends to each other and their spouses are delightful. Their faith inspires me and their friendship and love and support are fabulous.
• Faith that everything will eventually work out.
• The capacity to be taught and the capacity to learn.
• The ability to be happy.
• The right to vote and to say what I think and to do something about what I think.
• The opportunity for continued education.(My children will have no inheritance but I can be buried with my diploma that says, Dr. Fawcett.)
  
• Dear friends who make me laugh, trust me with their feelings, and share time with me.
• The fact that January is almost over!