[Note from the Proprietor: In case you're wondering what it's all about, well, we're smack in the middle of BLOGAPALOOZA! Hey, you're welcome to join in the fun if you like! All ya gotta do is click that cute little link and read all about it!]

___________________________

Guest post by Cindy Streams who writes over at Citystreams

What I learned in 2008:

January- Turns out that mouse balls are irresistible for students and entertaining for teachers.

February- My sleep fantasies did not come true. In fact, the first night scared the poop out of me!

March- For someone who does not particularly care for most musicals, I was surprised to learn that my life could quite easily be one. Quite an interesting sound track, if I do say so myself.

April – One of my all-time favorite lessons of the year actually came from a student. It still cracks me up when I think about it. Teachers can have a sense of humor, believe it or not!

May – Watching my friends from medical school graduate without me, taught me that it’s okay to be happy for those you love when they achieve their goals. Even though I decided to pursue other goals, I could still show genuine enthusiasm as they crossed the stage.

June – As Officer Hubster found his stride in a new job, I adjusted to being a semi-single parent every other weekend. It was hard in so many ways, but I learned to see real single parents through new eyes.

July – Two years after dropping out of medical school, I discovered that other people had chosen this path less traveled as well. As nice as it would be to bring home a physician’s paycheck, I didn’t want to carry the other responsibilities and I didn’t want to miss out on my family. So I quit.

August – I started writing a novel. Through this experience, I learned so much about the process of writing. Having instant feedback has helped me a lot.

September – Balancing the desire to be respected with the desire to be a popular teacher, brought me to this post. I still haven’t mastered this yet, but I like to believe that the introspection brought me closer to my goals.

October – The craziness of having a sick child taught me how much I value our regular routine. Sometimes boring seems blissful.

November – My husband wants me to get the girls lifted. That’s what he said!

December – Methodists don’t have a sense of humor. However, they put on a very nice performance for Christmas.

___________________________

My day job as a high school science teacher provides me with lots of fodder for blogging, but then again my darling toddler and Officer Hubster are also regular contributors. A few years ago I decided to drop out of medical school so that I could follow a more Mommy-friendly track. I’m so glad that I made that choice. We make an adventure out of every day!

___________________________

[Further note from the Proprietor: Hey, if you're interested in having your own "best of 2008" posts highlighted right here at the Middle Zone, then by all means, click on this link: (BLOGAPALOOZA: What I Learned From 2008) and read all about it! BLOGAPALOOZA will be open for entries from now until Sunday, January 25.]

___________________________