Most of us try to reflect at the end of each year and make resolutions, blah blah.

Here are my 5 things that I learned this year…

1. Resolutions do not work. Not for me anyways. Every year I make some ridiculous statement about my self improvement, weight, job, etc. Then at the end of that year… you guessed it. Nothing. Nada. Then the self deprecation sets in and the cycle continues. I am aware that some of you are disciplined and get shit done. One of my favorite humans is Rebel Wilson and I am totally inspired by her. She did it. She took control of her health and looks amazing. I think health is super important, but I will not continue to make unrealistic goals only to feel like a failure once more.
2. I hate coffee. Now, before I start getting the comments about how insane this is, let me explain. I am one of those iced coffee drinkers, who like all of the floofy ingredients. My husband is a hot coffee in a mug with cream kinda guy. To me, it’s disgusting. So, I am coming out and saying that I hate coffee. I like coffee flavor with my ice n creamer.
3. Being a parent is f’in hard. You’d think after being a parent for 27 years with 4 kids, I’d have this down already. I do not. Not even close. I still struggle and I still have rough days. My eldest is now a mommy and another is one the way. I admire how she wants to be the best mom in the world and I also see her struggling with so many ridiculous videos from social media about being the bestest parent ever. What a load of garbage! Sometimes your house is messy and sometimes your tolerance is short. Sometimes your laundry has become attached to the couch and sometimes your precious child is not your favorite at the moment. This is reality and this is parenting. We love you, but sometimes we can’t stand you.
4. Eating out is expensive. Those of you who are making that face and saying “durr”, shush! This is my blog and it’s not about you. When you work full time, have a family, and are trying to keep your shit together, you turn towards someone else making your food. It’s easier, period! When you start questioning why you are broke, you realize it may be easier but it kills your budget. My family tried some of the mail delivery food services like HelloFresh, GreenChef, and HelloPlate. Overall, we didn’t have a bad experience with any of them. If anything, it showed how cheap you can eat, while still eating well. Carrots are crazy cheap. Now, if I can just talk my husband into being my personal chef….
5. Teaching will take years off of your life. I think most teachers, like myself, love their jobs and students. However, it’s hard work. This year, especially, is a killer. The covid kids who were out for a 1 1/2 years, lost some serious people skills. I teach at the high school level. I have not spoken to one teacher who is not exhausted and feeling immensely overwhelmed. “But you have 2 weeks off for winter break” – get real! We may not be in the actual building, but I am not the only one who is still lesson planning while on “break”. Yes, this is the teacher life and we all signed up for it. We love kids and all want to help make a difference. Even with all of my new white hairs, I look forward to going back soon. Be kind to your kid’s teachers, please.