March Check In

Happy March! I cannot express how happy I am for another fresh start. February was absolutely miserable and today the weather is gorgeous, I had a good day at work, my trip is less than 3 weeks away, and things just finally seem like they might get better again.

In February I started I teaching hyflex, with my 16 Kindergarteners online and 5 new ones in my classroom, and it has been an absolute nightmare every minute of every day. I feel split into too many different people, my mind is always scattered into a million different places, and like I am not and could never do enough so I have grown to really hate my job. I sobbed through and after work every day for about 2.5 weeks. I am no longer crying and things have settled down a bit, but I am still unhappy. I talked to my principal about potentially resigning after spring break, and I flirted with the idea of moving to Mexico more permanently (or at least for the 180 days allowed without a visa) but I am now very determined to make it through the rest of the year and experience my first summer vacation since grade school!

All that being said, my motivation to keep up my routines was definitely flagging in February. I meditated only 16/28 days and took a walk on only 9. I did manage to journal at least one full page all 28 days.

I was sober for 11/28 days and I had only 4 no spend days.

I did manage to take my kayak out with a friend last Saturday so I got my monthly kayaking in at the last minute! It was a gorgeous day and we kayaked half a mile off the coast of Cedar Key to an Indian Cemetery and nature trail. It was so awesome and worthy of its own post altogether.

I Duolingo-ed every day for at least one quick lesson and read 13 books.

Finally, FINALLY my raise from the school board has been approved and will take effect on March 15, just in time for my trip to Tulum. Because of all the uncertainty with my job I pivoted from putting all of my extra money onto my credit card with the highest interest rate to building my savings. $4000 is probably more than I’ve ever had to my name other than right after a financial aid drop in college. I feel much safer and less terrified of hating my job when I have a strong savings account that can carry me through a few months of no income. The feeling of being trapped is the worst part and having money gives me the freedom to make choices with less fear. The savings I have here does not include the money I have set aside for my trip 🙂

Savings: $4000 (+$1100 since February 1)

Credit Card Debt: $6204 (-$45 since February 1)