Realization Wednesday

It started out as any other Wednesday. I woke up  before the sun and took my usual 15 minute shower. Another 15 minutes and Gerine was knocking on the door. We talked over breakfast and then she went on her merry way. Another 15 minutes later...I was out the door myself. On this particular morning though, I let my mind wander during my drive up to my new found "home away from home", my job. I began to think about the beauty of the morning. Very few people are out and about. The sun is just rising, sometimes simultaneously with the setting of the moon. The air is crisp and fresh. When I reached the summit on which my little elementary school rests...my breath was literally taken away. This little podunk town is quite picturesque.

I walked in to my place of work, signed my name, checked my box, made some copies, and headed for my room. As I made the trek to the "far side", my mind began to take its little journey again. It finally hit me folks...I'm a teacher. A real life teacher. I went from being a single college student to a still single college grad, to an even more single career woman with 26 children. Wow.

There are definitely those days where I feel like asking my boss, "why did you hire me? I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I"M DOING!!!" But as I get to know my co-workers, the veterans- I have come to understand that I will never have it just right. This profession is ever-changing, and I love it. Anyways, I digress...
 
So, I was walking along and I realized that I have done it. I have reached an extremely pivotal point in my life. And for the first time in a very long time, I felt a sense of pride in myself. I let that sink in a little bit. And then, I stood up a little straighter, held my head a little higher, and started my day.

*Now if only I could say that the rest of this epic Wednesday of Realization carried on with just as much spirit and "feel good" vibes....But no. I, Erika Monique Ruesch, experienced for the first time in my career...the projectile vomit  scenario. I won't go in to details in order to save myself (and you my wonderful readers) from having to re-live this experience. But let me just say...yikes. 

The last realization I had today was this: I am alone, with my Betta Fish, Charlie...whom I love dearly. When Charlie dies...I will be all alone. And someday I will say..."I never got married, but I did have a fish once." -This one was for you Mimi! (And no, I'm not serious.)