A Life Full of Wander

I am a quitter. I quit my job to stay home and take care of the kids since hubby is working out of state during the weeks. There was no real way I could work full time and get the kids everywhere they need to be. I have always been a teacher. Before Kid #1 was born I taught elementary school, then preschool during his and the other boys' toddler and preschool years. When we moved overseas I didn't work, but I still had Kid #3 with me at home half days, started a Master's program, and I had adventures with other expats when he was in school. My days were full. When we moved back to the States after two years, I was still working on my degree and getting everyone settled. The following year I began substitute teaching, which became almost a full time job during the pandemic. Last summer I applied for and was offered a full time teaching position that was not at my kids' schools. I took the job and we made it work, even though it was chaotic at times. Hubby was able to tak...

I never thought I'd be a person who craves change. Yet, even as a young teenager I felt fortunate I wasn't someone who had lived in the same house in the same town for their entire childhood. I definitely see the value in that lifestyle, but it wasn't for me. Maybe part of me has always craved change to some degree or maybe life experiences have made me restless. Despite this, change is hard and it always take a while to figure out my place. I remember when I was looking at colleges I told my mom, "if I don't go away for college, I feel like I'll never leave." Meaning, I needed to push myself and break out of my bubble. I think that's what I find so appealing about moving and traveling - it allows me to stretch myself mentally and emotionally while throwing new challenges my way. My family moved towns when I was 7 years old, moved halfway across the country when I was 12, and when I was 17 I went to a different city for college. In 16 years of marriage...