Confessions of a Blogaholic

So, things have been a little crazy.

In November, I left my classroom to begin my new job (with a nearly doubled salary!) at Ohio State as an English Language Arts content specialist. Having gotten and accepted the job in October had allowed me to make some major (and necessary) life changes to improve the quality of Rylee's life...

Nathan and I had talked many times about getting divorced. There were always a lot of problems, and I would venture to say the problems were magnified by having Miss Rylee. I am not going to go into details; I would never publicly extol the conflicts that occurred, but I will admit that my marriage was over several years ago. I look back on things that I said, warnings I gave, ultimatums I tried to stand by, and I knew (whether Nathan did or not) that things were not good and we were not raising Ry in the best possible environment.

Anyhow, on November 4, Nathan moved out. We made the move as harmless to Ry as possible. He took his things, we divided up belongings that would not disturb her home life, we reached agreement on child support and custody, and I filed for a dissolution in mid-November.

I won't pretend that it has been smooth sailing since, but I will say there is a definite difference in the environment of mine and Ry's home now. It's definitely a change, but I am now happier, healthier, and all the wiser from having lived and learned. This week, we submitted our signed dissolution paperwork, and now we wait for the judge to sign off as well.

I also won't lie and say we're going to be bff's in the future. A lot of anger and resentment embedded itself over the course of 9 years, but we will be amicable for Ry's sake. I'm sure those heated emotions will subside eventually, but I don't see Nathan and I sitting together around a dinner table anytime soon.

My new job is great, but it's a huge change. I'm doing statewide education work now. My education blog has resulted in my being requested to come and run some teacher training sessions, which is truly amazing. I'm able to maintain my blog through work, and I get to go to national conferences.

Outside of work, I am incredibly relaxed. Sadly, I have more free and relaxing time now than I ever had as a wife. I no longer have lesson plans or grading to worry about, so after Ry gots to bed, I have time to run my book club, read leisurely, write in my real journal, and generally take care of myself and my house.

This year, I refused to make a resolution. Last January, I had no idea that 2011 would end the way it did, and at this moment, there are several things hanging loosely in the air that could have a significant impact on my 2012. The only resolution I could/can make is to accept change and to believe that parts of the course of my life are well outside of my humanly realm of control. I believe that all things happen for a reason.

Now let me show you some recent pics of my beautiful baby!!!!