Back Surgery

I am making two posts because there are two very different updates to let you know about. I recently went to the back doctor. I have had back pain since high school, so I though since I have my own insurance now, I might as well take advantage and go to the doctor. The nurse started with some routine X-rays to get a better look. As I anxiously waited for the results, I thought of all the possible reasons for my back hurting everyday, all day! Finally the doctor came in and after a few jokes and warming up to each other, let me have the news. I have spondylolisthesis. I have been living with a few fractures in the lumbar (lower) part of the spine. As a result of the fractures, my vertebrae has slipped significantly. I am also missing a disc between two vertebrae. NOT what I had expected to hear.
I have my MRI on Feb 18th. Unfortunately, I am going to have to have back surgery to fix this. That would require two procedures: one through the belly button to put in the missing disc and then, flipping me over like a rotisserie chicken, put two screws in my lower back. I am nervous and sit and think of all the results of this surgery, good and bad!

Teacher of the Month and a couple of First Places!

As the school year is rounding out to the end, I pause to reflect on some successes. I have had a great year so far with great kids, a team that is learning to work with each other, and some accomplishments that I am proud to have conquered. My year started with a nomination and winning of Teacher of the Month for September! People might think that this is a stupid and silly thing to be proud of but I was and still am so enthusiastic about being one of the teachers of the month. I have worked hard to get the nomination. It was a moment that I had been waiting to see. It was a validation in an odd way to know that this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life. It is what I was born to do.
Following the Teacher of the Month win, my kids won first place in Carolpallooza contest. Just another simple joy. I was so proud of them. Last year I would have probably stressed about getting them ready to sing, and said forget it, but this year we worked hard and they got to have their time in the limelight!
Finally, my kiddos were just granted another win. My class made a news cast video for a set of books that we had read together. We entered it into the Irving Media Fair and won first place for Video 90secs to 5 minutes. Two of my students came to the event and they were so proud of themselves, even the one that was not even shown. She was so proud to tell her mom that she was the one holding the camera.
I am having a great year to say the least! I am hoping to get out of my rut that I am in right now, and focus on moving forward to have more wins! Teacher of the year??????