Hello, friends!

After posting my February updates so late this past month, I decided to really get on my March update. Here’s what’s been going on the past month.

to create

March was a tough one for creativity. As you likely know, I’ve been working on the second draft of my historical fiction novel, Entrenched. Ideally, I wanted to complete Act 1 by the end of March, but I only got about halfway through (still pretty good, for me at least). I got stuck around Chapter 7 and started feeling immense levels of doubt regarding the story, the plot, the characters, all of it. I tried to force a very unnatural chapter, before sending my first 6 chapters to a few critique partners. After getting some feedback, I’ve decided the chapter itself is the problem, and I need to rework it, along with some minor structural changes as well, probably. So that’s where I’m at in writing, at least.

One blog, no videos. I was super behind on my February blog post, so behind I had to combine it with the “Stories of February” post (which I don’t know know why I never thought to do that before). Trying to be more on top of it this time. Admittedly, videos are difficult me right now. Not only is it hard to find the time to make and edit them, but I also feel weirdly self-conscious about them because of my job. I’m always worried a student will find them somehow, and that would be real uncomfortable. I might take a small break for now until I feel confident in creating them again.

to work

I finally have some interesting work things to share, instead of just my usual routine. This month, I started working with a large group of students on reading intervention to prepare for the FSA. I have 9 third graders and 25 fifth graders that I pull in small groups 2-4 times a week to develop reading and test-taking strategies. It’s been pretty cool to get to know these kids on a more personal level, especially since I don’t work with all of them often. I also really appreciate the opportunity to develop new skills as an educator; it’s a been a really great learning experience.

In other related news, I took my English 6-12 subject exam. This past year has really changed my perspective on the role of education in my future. For the longest time, I was resistant to the idea of teaching, likely because I didn’t want to be pigeonholed into a career. But I’ve finally admitted to myself that I really enjoy working with students, especially on ELA. Even with taking the test, there’s no guarantee the school will find a spot for me next year, but at least I will have more options in my future. Over spring break, I took the test, and so far I have passed the multiple-choice, and I’m waiting to hear back about the writing. Fingers crossed, everyone.

to live

March 8: Maple Waffle

This may come as a surprise (it sure surprised me), but Ray and I adopted a bunny! I’ve never considered myself a bunny person, mostly because I’d never thought about owning one. I’ve liked the bunnies I’ve met, but I just didn’t ever consider it. Until I met this one. Ray and I work for the same school, but at different campuses. Her campus struck up a partnership with a local rabbit rescue and began fostering a little brown bunny with blue eyes. Ray asked if I wanted to meet the foster bunny, so of course, I stopped by after school.

And. He’s. Perfect.

I fell in love instantly and asked her if we could have him.

Obviously, I did not expect her to say yes. Obviously, she did not expect me to ask. We were both expecting each other to talk ourselves out of it, but we ended up talking each other into it. Before we knew it, we were rearranging our bedroom “just to see if it could fit”. Before we knew it, the pre-vet teacher was lending us rabbit supplies and offering to give us leftover rabbit food. Then suddenly Ray had an application filled out and interviewed with the rescue and he was moving in with us to foster until his neuter. March 8 he moved in, March 16 he was neutered, and March 19 he was officially adopted.

So meet Maple Waffle, our newest family member.

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March 9: Vaccine first shot

Finally at the beginning of March, the state of Florida decided to prioritize teachers and school staff in the vaccine rollout. Personally, I think the whole rollout has been a shitshow. Healthcare workers were obviously at the forefront of receiving vaccine, as they should be. I do understand why seniors were also in the first wave, given that they are one of the most vulnerable populations. However, other vulnerable populations were not given the same level of priority at first. Essential workers, those who have been working for the past year without hazard pay and with the highest level of exposure, were given no regard to how vulnerable we were or how exposing our situations are. Meanwhile, Florida senators who told citizens not to wear masks, that Covid was a hoax, and that the vaccine was a scam, were at the front of the line to get their shots. Bullshit.

Fortunately, I got my first shot of Moderna this month at Publix. Yes, I did tear up a little bit that it was finally happening. My arm was So Sore the next day. I’ll get me second shot the first week in April.

March 13-21: Spring break

As a school staff member, I enjoyed a lovely spring break at home. For the most part, Ray and I watched movies, did some shopping, cleaned a little, and hung out. I did some studying for my subject exam on Friday, and we spent the weekend relaxing and soaking in the last of our break.

March 27: St. Augustine trip

The wonderful mother of one of my dear friends visited St. Augustine for her school spring break. Since they live in Chicago, we haven’t seen either of them in a while, especially since graduating. When Ray and I heard Julie was coming to visit, we knew we had to make the drive to see her. We ended up joining her for brunch and catching up for a few hours. It was lovely to see her and to hear how she and her family are doing. While we would have loved to see our friend Jack, too, his mom is always just as lovely.

After brunch, Ray and I walked around St. Augustine and reminisced. Even though we were in school just a year ago, it’s been 5 years since we started attending Flagler College. There were plenty of memories stirred just by walking around town. We walked past the school and then down St. George Street, where we spent perhaps too much money. We trekked to the Castillo de San Marcos, which was bustling with tourists, so we sat on the sea wall and enjoyed the sun. Then we looped back around to the car and grabbed some Alaskan Hot Chocolates from The Kookaburra on the way. It was so nice to visit St. Augustine, but I feel so glad that I don’t live there anymore. It’s a great place to vacation, but I definitely wore out some of the charm by living there. Maybe one day, I’ll change my mind, but so far the tourist traffic is making it seem unlikely.

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That’s all for March! While we are definitely warming into spring here in Florida, the weather has been undoubtedly confusing. Hoping for more consistent weather next month.

Feel free to like this post and follow me for more. That’s all for now. Thanks for reading!

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