Closing the Calendar on 2024

 

2024 was a hard year! It started off with burying my grandma. Followed by losing my doctor and some of my closest friends. To add to the difficulty, I made the decision to move schools and homes. It's been a year of healing that will continue for the foreseeable future. But not every day was challenging. By journaling I found something to celebrate every day!  What my journal can't capture in images, my phone did! 

Here are the moments that I want to remember in 2024!

To my surprise, I won our school district's 3 mile race! Some teachers from my school were there to congratulate me! That's former assistant principal. She's the hilarious!

I went to the NFL Pro Bowl for the first time. NFL fans are crazy supportive of their teams! This was an interesting experience!

The hunt for Sasquatch... on an ATV course while running 10k and 5k races. I ran in back to back races for the first time in years. Someone in a Sasquatch outfit definitely scared me...or maybe it was really him!?!

When in St. Augustine on a field trip you hold snakes?! Apparently when your class chaperones pay a snake charmer five bucks he'll give the teacher the biggest snake. This was a first for me and honestly not bad. I'm glad I was brave!

It wouldn't be spring break if I didn't watch baseball. The weather was perfect! I also went to the New York Yankees facility, but I'm not posting that picture. Boo Yankees! 

I went to the Orlando Discovery Center! It's four layers of science exploration. The exhibits change. I spent a few hours there by myself. It was fun!

My first Orlando Magic game had me right next to the action! Zion Williamson was not having a great game and was showing his frustration. Meanwhile, I had a great time watching the Magic win and even caught a t-shirt! 

The picture doesn't do it justice, but this is Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky! My parents and I took a tour a week before the big weekend. We even met a few horses. 

A picture with my dad since he says the Kentucky Half Marathon will be his last. I don't believe it. He'll run another half marathon. 

1:21:55

Saying goodbye is hard. Every year, each class touches my heart in special ways. Lots of tears were shed. I'll always remember my students through pictures and my signed suits. 

Smiling through the tears. My last day of school. Fours years at MWE. Hundreds of students. Lifelong teacher friends! Thousands of memories! I'm glad I stayed for half of my career. 

Would it be summer if I didn't watch the KANSAS CITY ROYALS and Rays?! Per usual, the Royals lost this game (but won the previous two before I showed up.) Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run as I wore his jersey! The Royals would go 86-76 and make the playoffs!

My stay in Nebraska was short, but we did go to another AAA baseball game and a new science museum! It was so cool! I liked it better than the Orlando one. Shhh! 

Moving schools means moving classrooms means driving U-Hauls which means moving into storage units. Shoutout to my friend who helped all three moves. I paid her a lot! This picture located on the second floor of a facility with high ceilings doesn't showcase how many things I have nor the two hours it took us. And worse yet... this was move 2 of 3. 

When you move schools, make sure it's near Disney! This was our team outing at Epcot. Team outings at Disney are a huge blessing when everyone is a pass holder.

After my first night at my place, before I was 100% unpacked, I had to run! The colorful homes were a beautiful greeting on my first run. I love running past them. 

After touring five homes, I knew immediately this would be my home for the foreseeable future! This area in my home has become a favorite of mine. I've added quite a few more books to that bookshelf. Whoops!

I've never been proud of where I lived the last ten years. Honestly, it's been embarrassing and unsafe. When I was handed the keys to my place, it was surreal. I LOVED IT! I had a washer and dryer, microwave, lights that were installed in every room and working, a light switch in the inside of my bathroom, wood floors, fans, a huge closet, and plenty of space all for an affordable price. (All the things I mentioned above are what I didn't have at my last place for four years. Sounds like I got ripped off haha!) I'm happy where I live now. I feel safe where I live. I enjoy where I live. I'll always remember FaceTiming my mom and dad showcasing my place. 

Would you believe me this classroom came together in less than a week? It's exciting opening a brand new school! It's also very jammed packed when you have to move into your new school, build your new classroom, and have a meet and greet with your new class families within that week. But everything works out. I love my classroom!

Year 9 is blasting off! 

This time my astronaut suit finally fits my theme. 

When WWE Smackdown comes to your city, you got to show up; even if it's after your first full week of school and you're exhausted. This was Roman Reigns first public appearance in months. It was a big deal! I'm glad I went. It was fun!!!

Nebraska football went 7-6 and won our bowl game!

Nebraska volleyball made it to the final four!

Nebraska basketball made it into the NCAA basketball tournament!

The Jordan-Florida curse has been lifted. Hallelujah!

New outside classroom transformation unlocked: Prime and Composite Pokemon!

Rock Your School; their first inside classroom transformation! They loved it!

For the first time ever, I watched a movie at a movie theater by myself. It was only fitting that it would be The Wild Robot! It was adorable. 

 

Marathon 2 will be ran through Houston! I stick a sticker in my journal after every run I finish. I  run 3-5 times per week. It's been paying off!

My first UCF football game with friends at the "Bounce House!" They are the self proclaimed "2017 National Champions!" Nebraska would take Scott Frost back home to us where he'd fail miserably and be fired after 4 years. ...Two months I visited UCF, they rehired Scott Frost. I hope he does well!

36 months of racing and all I have is this plant?! It's actually still alive in my classroom (I hope.) In all seriousness, I couldn't have dreamed of three years of racing. I know how fortunate I am to still be running competitively after all these years. 

After I finished my 36th month of racing, I raced over to Tampa to go watch my first official NFL game: Falcons vs. Buccaneers! The game was electric! It was so fun! I have to make it to another game next year!

My first ever pumpkin day! I had to buy 8 pumpkins at Publix the day before. I became that guy in the math problem haha! The kids got super messy and had fun!

My second longest run: 20.05 miles at 6:28 pace! I'm running times I haven't ran since college!

IT FINALLY HAPPENED! After seven years of living in Florida, my sister, brother-in-law, my niece, and nephew visited me for the first time during Thanksgiving break! It was a really good visit! We went to Gatorland, ate sea food, and...

visited MAGIC KINGDOM! It was truly a magical day. Rhett and Brielle were so well behaved! I did a great job leading the way onto rides and throughout the park. It was also my mom's and dad's first time at MK too! I'm so proud of them for toughing it out and making it a great experience! It was a special day!

I have the BEST ROOM PARENTS! I'm not used to having help in my classroom. At times I have last minute ideas and they immediately pivot and help me. They make my ideas a reality! This is the first gingerbread house door I've had and I couldn't have done it without the time and dedication of a special room parent. 

After MK, I had the idea of visiting all four parks before my pass is blocked out until January. Florida may not have snow, but Epcot does it BIG with their lights on this ride!

I had three firsts in one night at Hollywood Studios!  I rode the Rock N' Rollercoaster, Slinky Dog, and Rise of the Resistance! It was an incredible night! I got caught up in the ride that when the dark-side "interrogated" us, I straightened up my posture and blamed the girl next to me. Everyone laughed! 

Last, but not least, Animal Kingdom! I rode Kali River Rapids and got soaked! When I rode Expedition: Everest I was laughing the whole time because a girl and mom were terrified at the speed and the drops of the ride. Is that bad? lol

Merry Christmas from the suit that started it all 9 years ago! The hat that I'm wearing was bought during a run in college with a friend. We ran into a thrift store literally! 

Buddy the Elf decided to spread some Christmas cheer on his 9 miler run through his new community on Christmas Eve. I took a few pictures with strangers and friends, and received a few honks! Maybe I should do a race in this outfit!

Seven years in the making: Wall E has been rebuilt! Look at him! With all my moves, I took Wall E apart to preserve him as much as possible. Some pieces were lost, but thankfully most remained safe. I broke some "Lego Laws" to restore him to his glory. Watch the movie! It's got to be in my top 5 Disney movies of all time. 

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In 2020, I set a goal of a blog a month for a year and then I'd share publicly what I did and hope for dozens of likes and compliments. But in the midst of the first year, I realized how enjoyable the blogs were because I wasn't typing my blogs to appease a specific audience, but rather my own. So my blogs became enjoyable! I then set a new goal. I'd reveal in five years what I had been secretly up to. For the first few years, I dreamed of this day! 60 blogs very people know about. It's a catalog of my life digitally. Maybe one day I'll share this top-secret world of blogging with the world, or maybe someone else will for me. As of right now, I don't feel the need to. When I type my blogs, I type for me and those that need hope in challenging times. Some blogs are incredibly lighthearted, and some are raw because life isn't full of sunshine and rainbows. But no matter how bad it gets; I prove daily through my journals (today is day 1,382) and my blogs that life is wonderful! Find time daily or monthly to write or type a moment that filled your heart. I hope whoever you are reading this; you have the BEST LIFE EVER! YOU DESERVE IT!

Stress Less

Stuart Scott famously described a sports play on Sportscenter as, “Cool as the other side of the pillow.”  It’s a phrase that has many interpretations. When it’s used to describe a person, it means someone whose calm and collected.

                  

                  This year has been a life changing one. I’ve had to grow, adjust very quickly, and adjust very strategically. But through it all, I’ve noticed how calm I’ve been. I’ve also noticed how things that used to rattle me, don’t anymore. I’m proud of how much less I stress.

 

                  One of the best decisions I’ve made this year was not watching hurricane weather as much. Don’t get me wrong, I 100% prepare and know what’s happening, but the night before Hurricane Milton I watched a movie with popcorn instead of mindlessly watching the news for hours as some of my friends did. I slept in my bathroom as the hurricane neared and slept great! The result… I was calm and happy the whole night. For my friends, they admittedly were stressed and sleepless. Thankfully, we were all safe in our area.

 

                  The decision paid off so well that I also used it again on one the most stressful nights in the USA this year: election night. Like the hurricane, I stayed informed and updated throughout the months, weeks, and election night. However, I enjoyed another movie happily while other friends were noticeably stressed. Near midnight with the election still too close to call, I went to bed knowing the next morning whoever elected will affect my life in the near future. I quickly realized the election strongly affected my school and that broke my heart. Life will continue for you to no matter who you voted for.

 

                  When other new challenges presented themselves to through our admin, new school problems,  or traditions I didn’t know about were carried over from my team’s last school, I didn’t panic or get mad. I stayed collected, learned a lot, and did what was expected and needed of me. When I saw my team stressed over students or parents, you can be rest assured I was there to lend a listening ear. 

 

                  Through all the changes, I’ve stayed true to myself. I haven’t gotten mad or upset. I’ve learned so much. I’ve been a voice of confidence for those who have struggled and even helped as needed. So… you have two options. You can stop complaining and get to work, or if the situation is completely out of your hands, sit back, put your feet up, pop some popcorn, and watch a movie! Most importantly, stress less!

Hills & Valleys

October…the time of the year where the honeymoon period is over with students and the leaves start changing colors (everywhere except Florida.) It’s surprisingly been a fast month, literally and figuratively. It’s been a month of many hills and valleys!

 

Upon checking my photos, I don’t have many. That seems unusual because I know I’ve had a great month and have been adding many stickers to my journal. To be honest, despite the valleys (good things) I’ve climbed many hills this month.

 

To be fully transparent, I’m still healing. This week the ‘past’ thoughts haven’t been on my mind as much, but they’re still present daily. They hurt, and I acknowledge them, but keep going about my day. It’s still a hill I’m climbing.

 

A valley this month has been my running. For the first time in a decade, I’ve consistently ran 5 days a week, averaging about 30 miles per week without injury. I’m proud of that. I haven’t missed a Monday run club yet! I’m doing my pushups, planks, and cardio daily. I’m seeing my body change positively. And… I have the students holding me accountable by eating strawberries in front of both my classes daily. 

Upon walking into my school today, a para said to her daughter, “There’s the fun teacher! Hopefully you get him one day!” Then she looked at right at me and said, “The community is talking all about you!” It’s true, I’ve heard my name floated around in positive ways a lot this month. That’s an honor. I don’t try to extravagant, just myself and people have liked that. It seems like the students and parents are really trusting and enjoying me. 

 

Unfortunately, despite that incredible compliment and others, the feeling of loneliness has been a hill for me. I love my team, they’re incredible, but I don’t feel part of them. Most of them worked together for years at their former school. This is the second school I’ve gone to where I’ve had to make all new friends. I haven’t missed a lunch with the team, but I don’t say a word because many of the conversations I’m not familiar with. I still love them and the other teachers, and I am happy and love coming to work! I know it took me until year two or three at my previous school to truly feel part of it. It’ll happen, just a matter of when. 

 

I’ve loved coming to work so much that oftentimes I’ve gone to events following the school day. Two weeks ago, I went to the trunk or treat event. I had a blast! I only planned to stay half an hour but had so much fun with parents and students I stayed over an hour! Last week we hosted a kickball game near our school. It was so much fun! So many students showed up that we had four games going at once. I was busy coaching…and was able to hit two homeruns! It brought back great memories from previous years of me coaching and playing kickball. Last night, I changed my plans last minute to attend two students I teach play softball. I stayed after to keep talking to their parents and themselves. I plan on going to two theater plays and gymnastic events soon!

 

Another hill embarrassingly has been my reading life. I tried to plan it out. I needed to average a book every nine days for the rest of the year to maintain my 40 books yearly goal and it has not happened. Not because of time, but because of motivation. I thought moving into this apartment would help regain the momentum, but with marathon training and late evenings at school I haven’t put forth the effort. I forgive myself because I’ve put that effort into what I previous mentioned. That’s perfectly okay. 

 

Lastly, I attended my first UCF and Tampa Buccaneers football games! If you know me, parking is normally super stressful, but the more sporting events I attend, the less it stresses me out. I had so much fun at both events! Nothing, but happy memories from each game (despite both games being losses lol)! I hope to go again! Attending sports and playing sports are two things that have made me happy!

I guess you can say October isn’t so scary after all!  

The 2:50 Marathon

The reality is… I haven’t wanted anything bad enough in a long time. Whether that’s healing from my past or running extremely well in a race. I haven’t wanted it enough to make consistent changes. Every time I say, “Today is the day I’m changing my life” it lasts a few minutes, then tomorrow comes, and making the necessary changes becomes too hard. Today has to be the day! I can do this!

 

Changing is always going to be hard if you don’t consistently do the hard things day after day after day. That’s been my dilemma in many circumstances. It’s easy to eat a few strawberries on Monday after you just bought them. But what about on Thursday and Friday when they look a little dried and you’re tired from the week? It becomes hard. Push-ups, sit-ups, planks are easy in the morning, but after you’ve been working for eight hours a day and finished your workout, getting on my hands to strengthen my core isn’t my immediate favorite thing to do. Drinking more water, reading, sleeping more…all of these are possible, but have been difficult to consistently do.

 

You have to have a bigger motivation, a purpose, a calling to things that are hard for you. That’s why now I’m setting my sights on a 2:50 marathon of all things. If you would asked me three years ago when I started my monthly races, it would’ve been the furthest things from my mind. Yet… if you would asked me in January of 2020, if I’d still keep my monthly blog going through September 2024 I would’ve liked said no. Or what about my daily journaling? Today is day 1,290! So… my question for myself is why can’t I run a 2:50 marathon?

In April I ran just under one hour and twenty two minutes in the half marathon. It’s not the fastest half marathon I’ve ran, but it’s a time I haven’t ran in years. It got my dad and thinking…maybe a 2:55 marathon is possible. 

As of twenty-four hours ago, after reading Run Elite, I want to run a under 2:50. It would shave off eight minutes from my previous marathon, or about 15 seconds per mile. I genuinely believe it’s possible. I have just under four months to do it. I’m in a good apartment. I have a school and students I rave about consistently. I have three years of consistent running under my belt. I’m smarter. I think I have a chance at it. 

                  How bad do I want run a 2:50 marathon? How bad do I want to eat better? How bad do I want to strengthen my core? How bad do I want to strengthen my mind? How bad do I want to strengthen my heartbeat? I’m writing a blog aren’t I? Now is the time. This time…

I want the 2:50 Marathon!

6 Week Check-Up

It’s August 31. We have a three-day weekend thanks to Labor Day. College football has officially kicked off. Nebraska is winning 37-7 against UTEP. I’m relaxing in my wood floor apartment. My new PS5 is itching to be played. I secretly just registered for the Disney Springtime Challenge in April 2025. Dominos pizza and breadsticks are awaiting me. It feels right.

 

                  Six weeks ago, I’ve moved into my new apartment and new elementary school. It seems fitting that I titled this blog a ‘check-up’ when I haven’t been to a doctor in almost a year. Shhh! Six weeks is a small sample size, but there are definitely notable differences I’ve experienced in short time in my apartment and school. 

 

                  Let’s talk about my apartment. This apartment is more than150 feet bigger, has wood floors, washer and dryer included, very updated appliances, and it only cost $100 more than my previous apartment. My bathtub filled up all the way with hot water and my stove can boil water for cooking. Simple luxuries I haven’t had in years. It’s been mostly quiet. I haven’t had any maintenance problems. All and all, it’s been relaxing and good to feel safe again. 

 

                  My new school is a work in progress. That’s common for new schools. Two new OCPS middle schools barely were opened a day or two for teachers before their school year started. We were more fortunate having twelve days to get acclimated to our surroundings. Although this classroom is my smallest in my nine years of teaching, I’m blessed with great students, supportive parents, and an incredible team of teachers and principals. 

Joining a staff that the majority followed our principal from his previous school has its challenges mentally. While many teachers know each other and tendencies of the administration, I don’t. At times, I feel very lonely at school. All of this is common for teachers at new schools. Four years ago, at my previous school, I felt the same way. With time, I’ll feel at home. Friday was a big step. I wore my Nebraska corn hat, long sleeve, and overalls for College Colors Day. The reaction and conversations I had with many students and teachers felt good and optimistic for the rest of the school year. 

So far I haven’t done much in the area because of how busy both moves have kept me, but I have run a few times and haven’t missed a Sunday church service. Both feel refreshing for my soul, even if I’m on “break” from running before my marathon training kicks into gear. I have been getting my groceries from Publix and Target since the local Wal-Mart is consistently jam packed. At times both stores have made me feel like I’m shopping in a foreign country, but helpful. After trying the local Little Caesars last week and being very disappointed, I opted for Dominos this week, for the first time in a decade, and it was a welcome change. My reading hasn’t quite picked up yet unlike my Lego building and movie watching. I even snuck away to see my first WWE event at the Kia Center and watch the new Deadpool & Wolverine movie with two friends. 

Six weeks later, my first check-up is very positive! I feel safer at my apartment and happier at my school than I did at my previous stop. I love how much space I have in my apartment and how I set it up. My new school is full of supportive teachers and extremely kind and intelligent students. And… I’m starting to like Publix. But don’t tell anyone that. I’d say this check-up is better than expected. I’m excited for the future!

Upgrade

When I walked into my new apartment, I had the biggest smile seeing the tall ceilings, lots of storage, ceiling fans, wood floors, and more. Then I saw it. “What are you so giddy about?” The apartment manager asked. 

“This apartment has lights!” I said happily.

 

                  The last few years haven’t been bad. I’ve made many memories in my last apartment that I’ll never forget. However, it is true, for years I had to install my own lights in the majority of the apartment and had appliances that were from the 1970s. In the two weeks I’ve been here, it’s been a night and day difference. There are lights everywhere, new appliances, and a safer community. The stereotype of Florida that all non-Floridians have in heads, is the area I know live. 

 

                  Tomorrow it’s time for the last major move: my new school. I’ve dreamed of this day since February 29, when I accepted the job. There were so many unknowns at the beginning: my teammates, my classroom, and my community.  I’ve met my teammates and the community a few times this summer. (Very) slowly, but surely, my new school has been built. That means tomorrow I finally get to move into my classroom! It feels like Christmas in July! Today, I was given a preview, and the possibilities were bouncing through my head. 

 

                  Over the last few weeks, I’ve made smaller, but impactful upgrades. For my bed, I bought a memory foam mattress which has made sleep more immaculate and added 20 minutes of deep sleep each night. For my car, I added new floor mats and a magnetic phone charging case that has made my phone very stable as I navigate my new community. Most importantly, I’m now drinking a vitamin powder, suggested by brother, that is helping me feel healthier. 

 

                  In these two weeks, at times it doesn’t seem surreal this where I live. I’ve admitted to friends and family that I feel not worthy. They remind me this is my new life that I’ve worked tirelessly and relentlessly for. It’s true. It’s taken 7 years to get here. I’ve made great decisions. I’ve made bad decisions. But through it all, I’ve learned so much and been determined to not settle for a life I dream of. It feels like I’ve made a bigger step toward my ultimate goals: moving into a house and starting a family. 

 

As for right now, I’m proud of where I live and school community I have. I have so much to look forward to. I’m enjoying every day so much more and noticeably happier. I’m grateful I finally made my major upgrade!

Summer Slump

I’m just going to say it. I’ve been slumping a lot this summer; on my couch, on my runs, and with friends and family. It’s been the hardest summer mentally for me that I can remember in decades.

 

                  This summer has been hard physically. As the summer heat has arrived, so have my slower, sweatier runs. This is normal for me and for runners around the globe. I remember year after year that no matter how well I’m feeling, the majority of my runs (if ran after 8-9am as they typically are) are going to be slower than I’m used to. I understand it, but still feel disappointed. In early June, I lost a race I should’ve won. When I was in the lead, I pleaded with my hands with the 2^nd place runner to go in front of me. He refused for awhile and this added to my frustration, so maybe he was just as tired. To add to my misery my family saw it happen live. I’m still embarrassed and disappointed weeks later. Regardless of heat, I still sleep in while I can and then keep my mileage going and that’s something to be proud of. I might be slumping from exhaustion, but I know in the fall and winter, these sluggish workouts will pay off!

 

                  This summer has also been hard mentally. To be honest, I’m still healing from my best friend and I moving on from each (for reasons that are still a mystery to me.) With more time to relax, comes with more questions and thoughts. The thoughts will come me randomly during the day or when I’m at a place we had we’d made great memories at and so… I slump. But I bet I’m not alone when I say that the hardest moments in my day are right before bed. You know, when your brain can’t turn off when it’s supposed to relax. There’s been multiple days where I’ve laid on the couch for half the day without moving because it’s what I’ve needed. To help heal, I am seeking consoling and medication. Both are helping. I understand the wound might never fully heal because of the love I still have. 

 

                  The summer has been hard because I’m moving soon. I’ve called my apartment and city home for four years. It’s the longest I’ve lived somewhere since high school. I’ve experienced highs in my apartment: airplane flyovers, the most calming backyard view, friends hanging out, and fireworks on the lake. I can’t forget… I’ve typed 48 blogs here, one for every month I’ve lived here! I’ve also experienced lows: breakups, surgery, and having my apartment broken into. As days here are lessening while the packing boxes are growing and at times, I slump at all that I’ve been there here. As I’m excited for my move, but I’m also going to miss this home, just like I am with my former school.

                  

                  Typing this blog has been one of my most difficult to date, but I doubt I’m alone in feeling the way that I do. That’s if someone that reads this blog today, tomorrow, or five years from now and realizes that they’re not alone in their slumping this blog will have been a success. As my armband reminds me, Never Give Up, and I’m not going to, and neither should you. I’ve made some great memories this summer and I know in the next four weeks I’m going to make more! Maybe that’ll be July’s blog!

Just know, It’s okay to slump, especially if you’re a teacher. It’s okay to slump if struggling mentally or physically. So slow down, drink some water, call your mom, eat fast food, watch Bridgerton on Netflix (it’s not my cup of tea, but maybe it’s yours. I don’t judge) But please be patient and give yourself grace. You’re not slumping alone so pass your box (burden) to a friend or just sit it down. You’d be surprised when you share your story with others. But most importantly, never give up! Stand tall! You got this!