Are you there, Blog? It’s me, Natalie.

Let me fill you in on what you missed.

January 5, 2023. I feel like that’s long enough of a hiatus, don’t you think?? Allow me to fill you in on what you missed from my last post in January 2021…

2021 took 2 people who I very dearly love. My cousin, Caleb, and my Uncle Mike. They passed about 12ish hours apart and both reasons are unrelated. I miss both of them so very much and living life without them and their fabulous wit is something that we’re all getting used to. I miss them every single day.

My grandparents came to visit us and stayed for 5 weeks. I was thrilled because we never get to see them but so sad when they had to go home. Still, we made the most of the time we had with them and schlepped them all over west Texas.

2021 saw the beginning of a new job for me with somebody I’ve know pretty much my entire life. She runs a homeschool cooperative and allowed me to join the ranks as a teacher and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve been working with kids for the better part of 10 years but this is on a whole new level. The students come to school 4 days a week and are done by 12:30. It’s fast and furious and we truly never know what we’re getting into. I love it!!

October 2021, some of our good friends packed up and took advantage of an opportunity 90 miles up the road. It’s funny, they’re over an hour away but we’ve remained close and have only strengthened our friendship. We have taken trips, had sleepovers, and countless hilarious messages in a group text.

2021 was absolutely bittersweet.

Moving onto 2022… January 2022, I went back to school to get my teaching certificate. If I plan to stay at the co-op long term, I would love to have my teaching degree. Word to the wise— once you get started with school, don’t stop. I put it off for 10 years and wish I hadn’t. Nevertheless, I’m back at it and working towards my degree.

2022 saw personal growth and understanding that things aren’t always going to be perfect. I can’t control everything but I can definitely control the way I respond and react to things. Some things you can only shake your head and laugh at while, other things require a more proactive approach. Knowing what requires your energy is key.

So, goodbye 2022. Hello, 2023 and all of the hills and valleys you bring with you. Please, be kind.