On the new job, and coming home

I LOVE MY JOB! I really honestly truly love it. It’s exactly everything I hoped it would be. I love what I’m doing, and who I’m working with, and the realization that this could potentially be what I do for the rest of my life makes my heart smile!

I spend my days traveling between the five schools in the district, solving computer problems, setting up equipment, and re-introducing myself to teachers I had as far back as 2nd grade! I feel like I aged 10 years walking through that door on Monday, as an equal to those who inspired me to pursue a future in IT. Today I walked into the middle school gym and was completely overtaken with memories of all the nights spent keeping basketball stats, flirting with boys, and cheering on my school. It was quite a rush!

Tomorrow I will be in the high school for the first time, except for a graduation over four years ago. I’m not sure how it’s going to feel, since almost every teacher I had is still there, and I’m smaller than most of the students! A lot happened during my time spent in that school. So much laughter, yet so many tears. It’ll be interesting, that’s for sure.

As for actually being home, I’m still not sure how I feel. I miss Pittsburgh. I miss walking between skyscrapers to my office. I miss being surrounded by people on the streets. I miss my co-workers terribly. And of course, I miss Justin more than I can say.

I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, though. I’m glad I’m here, I appreciate the opportunity of a well-paid, enjoyable career, and I’m relieved that the two hours between here and there is an incredibly small distance in the grand scheme of things. I’m comforted by being surrounded by my family, and I’m excited to reconnect with old friends. Most of all though, I’m thankful that I have been given the chance to start over.