Q2 ends, Q3 begins

Please pardon my language (or skip the rest of this sentence), but Quarter Two was an absolute shitshow.

I had been working hard on something I hesitated to mention here because of its controversial nature: I was accepted into Teach For America and started all the preparation for that.

I was originally supposed to go to South Dakota, but my husband was completely unwilling to go because that placement is so remote. He was concerned about the availability of top-quality and immediate mental and physical healthcare, as well as the distance from family support. With a heavy heart, I asked for a reassignment to another region, even though I didn’t want to. At all.

My first choice was Cincinnati. My second choice was Columbus/Dayton. I got Cleveland. All good, right? I wasn’t overwhelmed with a desire to go to Cleveland, but it is the closest of the three to family, with no shortage of world-class medical facilities, so why not? I had to get up to speed with the regional requirements for Ohio, which I did quickly and efficiently, just as I had done for South Dakota. I started looking for an apartment and found a few I thought were viable options close to the districts I interviewed with. I was warming up to this move.

Then my mom called to say she needed more help because she’s having some memory and balance problems. And she keeps falling asleep while driving. I have been out there a couple of times since then, but that’s no small thing because my parents live ~350 miles from my home and even further from Cleveland.

I ended up deferring TFA until next year. I have mixed feelings about that because I am happy to help my parents, but I also want to get myself and my family back on our feet. I am a little disappointed to be putting off my climb onto the education career ladder.

So Q2 was a whirlwind of wasted effort and frustration paired with travel expenses. Now I am going into Q3 without a plan and feeling despondent. Of course, I will dust myself off and get back on that horse. I always do. I am a warrior.