Hi, I'm still here!

   You guys, it's been SO long since I posted. Things got a bit crazy for me in the last 6 weeks and for the sake of my own mentality, blogs, posts, critiques, etc. had to be shelved for a while.
​   But I'm back now! Here's a few updates on what's been happening.
​   

In Work...

First, the big news...
​After fifteen years, I resigned from my first grade teaching position. 
   It was not an easy decision, one that I wrestled with most of the school year. But when I finally decided to do it, it felt it was the right choice.
    Why, you ask? Teaching's hard, y'all. And in the last few years, I found I was not enjoying it anymore. I was struggling to keep up with high expectations, challenging behaviors, physical and mental fatigue, among many other things. And I finally decided that if I wasn't able to do my best any more, it was time to step away.

   Of course, there are aspects I will miss. I do enjoy teaching children. And I will miss my co-workers, who were kind enough to give me some very thoughtful parting gifts.  
    I've had a lot of questions about what now. Currently, I am contracted to write third grade curriculum for Social Emotional Learning through Rounded Schoolhouse, a new online homeschool program. I'm super excited to be a part of this! And I love that I have the opportunity to  support homeschoolers. :) As far as next year, I have a few potential prospects...

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   I know many would consider it very risky to quit a job I've had for so many years. Many in my family certainly had their concerns, and I appreciate every one of them. But it was time. I figured this season of life, with no family to be responsible for, was the best time to take a risk and do something for myself.
    On that note, I just finished the last crazy few weeks of school....and jumped right into the crazy weeks of Summer School. Let me tell you, these kids are making me earn my summer vacation! Summer school always brings out the excitement and energy in the kids, and the weariness in their teachers. LOL

In Life...

    I almost lost my buddy, Snickers. He woke up on May 2nd, unable to walk or hold himself up. I thought this was it.
    It was a Sunday, so I was unable to take him to a vet or clinic that day, so I spent the day tending to him and helping him get comfortable just so he could get some rest.
    Monday morning, I had to go back to work, and that was HARD, thinking that he would be gone by the time I got back. My parents were good enough to take him to the vet for me. 
    Long story short, my vet decided to try steroids. Turns out Snickers has arthritis in his back that was making mobility difficult. The steroids were rough on Snickers' little body. His appetite was up and down and it really messed with his stomach. I probably wouldn't put him through that again, but he did improve, little by little, day by day. ​

    So, he's still with us, though it's anyone's guess how long we'll have. I will never allow one of my fur babies to suffer, but I am thankful he weathered this last crisis. He's able to eat his regular food now and gets around pretty good, though he's still wobbly. And he still loves his daily dog biscuits.  Honestly, I think he's milking all the attention. Lol! I'm enjoying every moment I have left with him.

In Writing...

    I recently finished my 257th draft of my work in progress (WIP), Shadowcast! Okay, maybe it wasn't THAT many drafts, but it does feel like it. XD
     Shadowcast is now in the hands of Sara Ella, award-winning novelist and highly-respected in her field. This is a big step for me, working with a content editor. I'm super excited (and a little terrified, lol) to be working with Sara, for she is a beautiful human being, inside and out. I can't wait to get her feedback on my book baby. And I totally won't be sitting around for weeks waiting for her email. I mean, not at all. (How many weeks has it been again?)

    In other "writerly" news, I recently had a chance to work with award-winning, best-selling author Mary Weber. Mary runs Cherry Pie Author Services and chatted with me this week on improving my platform and author brand. I'm very excited to move forward, so be watching for a few changes in my website, Instagram, and Pinterest! (But please don't expect any changes in the immediate future. Because, I just don't roll that fast. XD)

    And the RealmMakers Writers Conference is coming up next month! Some of you might remember me geeking out about the online conference last year. This year I get to go in PERSON (with my brother and sister, which is even more fun)! I'm so excited about meeting the authors, agents, editors, publishers, mentors, etc. that I've been chatting with online face-to-face! (And did I mention I'm pitching my latest manuscript?? *gulps*)

What About You?

   Wow, that was a lot of rambling about me, but as you can see, I've had a lot going on. (Or maybe that's just my excuse as to why I haven't been posting...) 
   Anyway, it's been a lot and I could feel myself over time growing weary. My brain just didn't seem to want to work and I was tired all the time. Between the end-of-the-year rush, editing my book to send to my editor, working on the online curriculum, taking care of Snickers, and everything else life expected out of me, I just had so much going on.  Fortunately, the load is lightening up a bit now.
    But what about you? How's life treating you? Are in in a never-ending merry-go-round of jobs and carpools and games and chores and...well, you get the idea. Or are you in a slower season? (If so, enjoy it!) 
   I hope that as summer kicks into high gear, you all remember to take care of yourselves. Don't feel like you have to do it all. Sometimes we have to slow down. Ask for help. Designate some tasks to others. Let some jobs/projects go. Get an extra hour of sleep. Stay home instead of going out so much. I realize you may have a lot of people counting on you, but if you try to do too much, you won't be at your best and able to do what you need to do. 

   I'd love to hear what's been going on with you! Drop me an update in the comments. Or a prayer request, if you have one on your heart. Let me know how you're doing! I care about you. :)

   Meanwhile, be watching for new changes coming up. And don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, which currently doesn't exist...but it will! (Remember those changes I mentioned?) And you don't want to miss it. 

   So until next time, stay happy and healthy, dear friends, and always...

   In His Grip!
​   Crystal