Kasey’s Not in Kansas Anymore…

So, 2009 is just days away. When I look back over the past year, I can hardly believe how much has happened and changed. In my teaching program, we are ALWAYS being pushed to reflect upon our teaching. Now I’m taking a minute to reflect on some other things.

This has been a pretty intense year for me.  

Big things?

• In May I graduated with my dual bachelors degree in English Lit and Theatre, only to start MAT two weeks later.
• I am halfway DONE the MAT program. . . a mere five months away from a Masters degree, certification and my initiation as a card carrying member of the real world.
• I began ACTUAL teaching of REAL kids. This has been one of the scariest but most awesome experiences I’ve had so far!
• Alex and I celebrated our four year anniversary in November. After all this time, we are still going strong. I’m very lucky, and very proud of how far we’ve come.
• 2008 was the year of the wedding. While I only had one friend actually get married in ‘08, I had a TON more who got engaged in ‘08 with weddings coming up in the new year. I’ve been busy with showers, dress shopping etc. This is one of those things which particularly made me feel like a grown up.
• Aiden (the nephew) learned to walk, run, talk, and generally be a little adult himself. Seeing the difference between him now and this time last year is SHOCKING. Oh, and he learned to say my name (or, tries to say my name). There isn’t much better than being greeted by a grinning toddler running at you yelling “TAAAAAAAAAATEEEEY”. Look, K’s and S’s are hard! 3 out of 5 letters ain’t too shabby :]
• I turned 22. This was odd, because I waited SO LONG for 21. This year was the beginning of the non exciting birthdays.
• I also got an e-mail letting me know my 5 year high school reunion is being planned for Spring ‘09. HOLY. MACKEREL. I really don’t know how that’s happened. But then, I HAVE been pretty busy since then :]

In general, this has been a pretty good year. Everything as been going well for my family, my friends and in my academic pursuits.

As I look to 2009, I cannot help but be excited. This time next year, I will be half way through my first year as a REAL teacher making a real salary and living with the boy I love ( . . . who I might  even be calling my fiance).

I can’t help but feel that 2009 is going to be the year when all of the things I have been working for and seeing through come to fruition for me.

And that is one thrilling concept.