2016

I promise to put the blog posts for Germany up soon, but had to do this today!

I do a year in review of sometime every year. But if I’m being honest at this very moment I’d like to only focus on the year to come. On being the future “Mrs. McGee”, marrying a man who makes me a better person, who makes me want to be a better person. I am excited for all of the fun wedding planning that comes with that. On enjoying a job and people I really respect working with, Rene, Allison and Carrie. On spending time with my family and friends. But I do understand the importance of reflecting on the last year and growing from it. So without spending too much time dwelling on any one thing here it goes.

I hated my job in Minneapolis. It was making me hate being a teacher, not only were the students difficult, but I was bullied by my employer, and colleagues into making decisions against my better judgement. I was not supported to be successful and that had devastating consequences. I spent a week last year receiving care for mental health issues. I have always had issues with Anxiety and Depression and in January I needed to press the re-set button. I couldn’t do it by myself any more. I share this with you all not to get your sympathy, but because someone has to talk about it. We as a society shame people with mental illnesses, but I’m not ashamed. I needed help and I got it. We should be encouraging people to get healthy, not making them feel bad about it.

I left my job in Minneapolis. But after about a week off I was bored out of my mind. I don’t do well with free time. Never have, so I started to Sub. Between Feb and Oct I worked in 90% of the St. Paul Public Schools and I loved it. I spent 9 weeks at one school as a long term and loved it. Subbing reminded me that I do love teaching, but that I deserve to feel safe and supported at work. I am so excited to be working in St. Paul full time now, wish I didn’t have to travel so much, but I love my job. I love the work I do, and it’s nice to feel more supported in doing it. We all have our rough days in teaching. I’d love to meet a teacher who says their job is easy. But when the hard work pays off, it’s pretty cool. 

This summer Jon and I went to South Africa. Truly an experience of a life time, but I don’t think it’s one I will need to repeat. Lesson learned about driving on not great roads on the wrong side of the road---probably not a safe thing to let me do again. 

Our other major travel this year came to a close today. Jon and I spent the holidays in Germany, where he made “all my fairy tale dreams come true” by proposing by Cinderella’s castle (which as we found out later was used to hide stolen art during WWII). Jon has stood by me through everything this year. Less than 3 months into a relationship when I was hospitalized he supported my recovery and transitions every day. He has seen me love what I do and hate what I do and supported the journey. He has changed his life plans to support my goals. He has supported my faith blossoming never asking me to be anything more than I am, but supporting me to grow, and connecting me with people who would help me do that. No relationship is easy, but everything worth having is worth working on. I am truly blessed.

This year more than most has taught me how important it is to have good people around. And what a value really good friends are. I don’t know where I’d be with out mine, but I am so thankful for each and every one of you--specifically Emily and Ben for your never failing support and love, Natalie for being the best “almost sister” a girl could ask for--22 years strong. Mama Joan and Monique for being work mama’s near and far, for supporting me and talking me through the really rough ones. And for all that I did not name, you each have played a role in my life, thank you.

P.S. It’s no surprise to anyone that I don’t like our Present-Elect or have any faith he is capable of doing the job he is elected to do. But I cannot change what is, I can however help keep parks clean, work at food banks and shelters, donate my time to the causes I believe in. So instead of continuing a rhetoric of disdain and hate, think about areas you can have a positive impact. God Bless

~Claire