Looks like I will proctor my last final exam three weeks from today. At this point, that day cannot come soon enough.

For the last two years, I’ve taught English 101 at a four year University. For the first year and a half, I really enjoyed it. Last semester, I decided that I couldn’t continue beyond this Spring. Once we move to the ranch, my commute time will nearly triple. Given what adjunct professors are paid (FYI – once we divide our stipend by our hours, it usually ends up just under minimum wage), I really can’t afford to continue to teach. If you factor in time lost from other work (i.e. my real job), I actually lose about three or four times as much as I’m paid.

My decision made me a little sad at first. There is nothing quite like helping someone understand a difficult or unfamiliar concept, especially in that moment that you see the “light bulb” go off. But now? After a semester with some of the worst students I have ever had in class, I can’t wait for all of it to draw to a close. I have had some great moments as a teacher, and I will treasure them, but I think it’s time to open up a new chapter.

And on that note, I started packing this week.

I know, right?

I bought this comforter set for our bedroom last winter.  Jeremiah doesn’t like it…so it’s been living in the basement since.  In the new place, I will use it for a spare bed (since we’ll have spare bedrooms!)

Also, I packed up some books and all of my stinky stuff.  (Most of the box below is scented candles.)

This time, I hope to pack everything nice and neat.  And by room…

And I definitely want to move my own clothes.  I will never forget last time we moved.  Jeremiah brought his family in to help us.  I was occupied elsewhere for part of the afternoon, and they got to my dresser before I did.  The moment that my husband’s mother carted in my lingerie drawer and handed it to me….

Anyway…one last thought….

Turns out cats are remarkably easy to pack…

They do it for you!