It feels like home to me..

Yesterday, after a half day of chaos, sugar, and presents I closed my classroom doors for the entirety of two weeks! What a RELIEF! If anyone has earned her Christmas vacation this year, it is ME. The end of the "2007" school year was a very nice one. Monday night our school had a Candlelight Advent Ceremony in church, which was absolutely beautiful. Sitting there in that church, waving hello to all of the parents and watching my students shine in the spotlight, I couldn't help but think how very lucky I am. Yesterday after school, the teachers and staff met up with the Parish staff for a large Christmas lunch at PF Changs. Due to a shortage of seats, I ended up sitting where I never normally would, right next to the associate pastor! Being grilled by the pastor (ok, he wasn't grilling, but he was certainly curious about me!) I just kept praying that he wouldn't ask me what my parish priests' names are and "out" me for my poor attendance in my "home" parish. (oops! Note to self: New Years Resolution = stop being lazy and get your butt to church on Sundays!)

It was lovely to chat with the priest and hug goodbye all of the ladies and men that I've known now for 1.5 years. On my drive home, that feeling of "I am lucky" came floating back to me. After 3 years of "temporary-ness", feeling like I belong somewhere is priceless. That's the reason that even though the school that I work for is imperfect, and I often complain.. I probably won't be packing up my desk any time soon. I will stay at SMA because there I feel like I belong, I feel comfortable. It feels like home. This is also why, though I say I will roll with the punches no matter what, I desperately pray that Hubby be allowed to stay in SoCal for at least a few more years. I've just now settled in roots. SoCal is home to me now, and I am not yet ready to give that up.

..............
Anyway.
With my hair newly cut and dyed, my bags half-packed, and my dogs going to the kennel today, I am more than ready to say "sionara" to this home and head to my childhood home for the holidays! I'm so excited to be back East that I can hardly stand it. This Christmas IS going to be amazing. :)