It's been almost exactly 10 months since I left Mutual Materials.
TEN months!
A part of me feels like it was yesterday yet, another part of me feels like it was a lifetime ago. I was so happy to be leaving. I had been there 12 years and the people I met and grew to truly like, I miss. Very much still to this day. In fact I stopped by a couple weeks ago to see them and as I left I felt happy. Happy to have seen them and happy that I was leaving and not going back the next day. Ha! Still so much drama there! The last 10 months have been the most rewarding and fun 10 months I've had in a very long time. I am so different now too. I am still me just not the dirty mouthed, stressed out, unhappy version. I care more about me, how I present myself and I put more effort into things. Funny how much more effort one can put towards something when the truly enjoy and believe in it! I am much more content now too! )
I was able to be involved in Antonio's school this year and I met some amazing people. I helped in Antonio's classroom every week and not only got to see what goes on in the room but got to know his teacher and classmates. It was so fun to see how much they grew in 10 months too. I'm going to miss seeing them every week.
While there I also got the chance to learn the school, how it runs, whats expected of the students and best of all I got to know some of the staff. I feel so lucky to have Antonio go to the school he does. I remember thinking when I first saw it that it was little on the "dumpy" and I wondered if it looked like that on the outside, what it would be like on the inside. It is just another example of why you should to judge a book by its cover. :) The principal and staff are amazing and the kids are happy!
Working with the PTSA I was able to plan and help host so many fun things. I got the inside scoop on all the activities and I even had a say in them. The PTSA did not have any sort of social media prior to this year, so I created and now admin a private group page for them. At times it is a lot of work but is so rewarding and fun seeing how people, parents, utilize it. I am actually pretty proud of it! :) I did not sign up to be on the board next year nor do I have any intention of doing so in the future. I will miss having such a big say in how things are done and run but will enjoy just volunteering without all of the pressure.
Not only did I get to do all that but I met some pretty amazing women! The two main ladies who ran the PTSA this past year are leaving and will not be around next year. Their kids are headed to middle school; eek! Turns out I am going to sincerely miss them next year. They gave so much of their heart and soul to this school and not only will I miss them but I am pretty sure the school will too. I am however, excited for the new board to take over and take charge! Next year is going to be so much fun!
The past 10 months I have made a few new friends, which come to find out, I really needed. I didn't realize it until recently either. I have friends but honestly, I have lost touch with so many of them since they live just a little to far for the frequent hang outs. I was consumed by work and family and just lost touch. And it wasn't one-sided, it just happened, with all of us. Before we knew it, weeks had gone by, then months and it just became harder to find time and then we just got lazy. That breaks my heart a little, more now than then because I wasn't aware of how bad it was.
Happily I "found" two ladies who I actually call friends, actual friends. It helps we have boys who are in the same grade which helped create a common ground to build on. I wasn't aware at how badly I needed girlfriends until these two came into my life, both at different times, in different ways and for different reasons. Cheesy, I know, but true. I hope to keep these two in my life long after PTSA and even if our boys don't stay friends.
One I met after Antonio wanted to invite her son to his birthday last year and I quickly realized how similar we are. Just looking at her or talking to her you can tell she is fun and easy-going, I almost instantly felt comfortable around her. <---That kinda sounds weird but I meant in the most normal way. Turns out she really is fun and easy-going! Ha!
The other I met via PTSA this fall. She is smart and takes control of a room, in the most kind and positive way. She's kept me in line and grounded when things got a bit "emotional" this year. She also makes me want to be a better person, the best version of me possible. I adore both of them, that sounds kinda creepy too. They are so much fun (not that I know them that well yet) and amazing women who also happen to be raising pretty amazing boys. I can only hope the boys all stay friends for life because the families where the come from are amazing!
Both of them know I suffer from anxiety and each time we've gone somewhere they ask a simple, "how are you doing?" or "are you doing ok?". And then its left alone. Seriously, that is the best I could ask for. It lets me know they are aware yet don't want to dwell on it or ignore it and I greatly appreciate that. One of these times I will respond with, "I'm freaking out" and I know they will be amazing, because that is just what they are. I truly hope to get to know them both better in the near future and hope they become/stay lifelong friends of mine. Every girl needs friends like these two! <3
As I took off my badge today for the last time for a few months, I realized that it is so much more than just that. It is a symbol of what I have done and who I've become over the past 10 months. Yes, I am that Mom. The mom who is always at school, volunteering in class and with the PTSA and I like it! :)
