What Occupied Most Of My Thoughts

WHAT OCCUPIED MOST OF MY THOUGHTS 

AT THIS TIME?

I can really let the same thought run through my mind and take up all of my energy, passion, and rational thoughts.  Here are some themes that took up space in my brain.

1960- I could hardly wait to start school.
1961- I practiced my numbers and alphabet all year.  I was ready to start school.
1962- School was really an academic struggle for me. I wasn't not getting it.
1963- I couldn't read. I felt stupid, all the time
1964- School was a painful drag.
1965- I don't like school but I liked being a Girl Scout.
1966- I couldn't seem to get my school work. I was falling behind everyone else.
1967- I started a new school and hated it.
1968- I am not cool.
1969- I am in high school.  Therefore, I am cool.  However, I don't always believe this.
1970- Who is going to the school dance this weekend?
1971- Is this party going to have alcohol?
1972- I am so damn sick of school.  I want to drop out.
1973- Damn, I actually finished high school and now I am off to college.
1974- My grandfather suffers and dies from lung cancer. I am heartbroken.
1975- I transferred to Penn State University.  I love it here.
1976-  Where is everyone going for Happy Hour on Friday?
1977- I've graduated from college.  Now I have to get a big girl job.
1978- I miss college. I have no social life.
1979- OMG, I hate work.  I don't think I can come to the job one more day.
1980- I was working on my Master's degree and I felt so damn alive.
1981- I got a job as a guidance counselor and I was so happy.
1982- My students give me great happiness.
1982- My work is really important to me.  I feel like I am making a difference in my students' lives.
1984- I've changed schools and these kids are just as great as my last school.  I love my job.
1985- I am back at school, on a full time basis, and I have to finish this damn doctorate program.
1986- I am broke and don't know how I am going to make ends meet.
1987- OMG, I hated my dissertation and my doctoral program and I wanted it all to go away.
1988- I had a new job as an assistant high principal and I was so damn happy.
1989- My work is my life. I work and work and work.
1990- How do I find the balance of holding students accountable and yet treat them in their best interest?
1991- I am proud of our student body.  I like the energy and optimism of my students.
1992- I can't believe I got promoted to be a high school principal. I am overwhelmed with all of this new responsibility.
1993- Chris died and I am filled with grief.
1994- I went on sabbatical and traveled around the world.
1995-  My boss is a creep and reeking havoc at work. Many administrators left in protest or in direst.
1996-  I filed 7 federal lawsuits against my boss.  Life was unpleasant.
1997- My boss was fired.  My lawsuits were settled and life is falling back to an even keel.
1998- My mom had cancer and eventually died this year. She suffered too much.
1999- I got a new job and moved back to Philadelphia and bought my first house.
2000- Technology is pushed at work and I really have to work to keep up.
2001- My dad has cancer and was told he only has a year to live.
2002- Two student deaths, back to back, rock the foundation of my school and the community. And everyone is looking to me for leadership.
2003-My students were fooling around with too many drugs and I couldn't get a hold on what to do. I felt helpless as each new student wandered off to rehab.
2004- State assessment testing has become more important than learning.  And this stupid mandate now takes all of my time. It's frustrating and hard to defend this testing to my students.
2005- My dad died and it was a relief.
2006- I bought a second house which I hoped would be a fun haven for my family.
2007- I ended my career as a high school principal.  I was finished with this responsibility. I told the faculty that I no longer hear the music, I mostly hear the noise.
2008- I was on sabbatical from my job. I am taking this opportunity to prepare fro retirement in 3 years.  I planned a lot of travel.
2009- I had Lyme's Disease and it beat me up. I can't get out from under my sickness and spend too much time with doctors and pharmacists.
2010- I retired.  Now what!!! Did I save enough money???
2011- I need to step up and do something more meaningful with all of my time.
2012- I spent a semester teaching in China. I am on my own for health insurance and that is a challenge.
2013- I moved to Cecil County, MD. I had to learn to readjust to living in a rural community.
2014- I ran for public office- MD State Senate, District #35. I campaigned every damn day.
2015- I turned 60 and really wanted this year to be a memorable one: #60/60 project.
2016- I decided to prepare to move back in to a more sociable environment.  I was too isolated in this rural community. I spend much of my time getting rid of my things so that I can evenytaully downsize to an apartment.
2017- I moved to West Chester, PA. I have a new life and am feeling content.