What I was doing last year at this time

On occasion, I do some reflection about this past year in comparison to last year, when I was completing my full-time teaching career.  This time last year, we were entering examinations, and I was busy cleaning-up my various work-spaces at St. Elizabeth CHS.  I do recall leaving behind many files and folders of collected teaching activities that my colleagues may find useful; some resources and information; some activity sheets, etc.

Every month throughout this past year was new to me;  While Music Alive Festival did keep me busy over many months, I do remember thinking on some days how different my life has changed.  I think I made a good transition from teaching full-time to semi-retired / Program Manager of Music Alive / Professional Musician.  Before, I taught and played music.  Now, I manage a festival and play music.

Do I miss the classroom?  Not really.  Is this a bad thing?  I don’t think so.  Perhaps it’s because I am doing what I enjoy.  I continue to work daily with Music Alive, although, the stress is much easier to manage at this point.  Last year at this time, I was busy closing my teaching career, but had already started to attend meetings with Music Alive, organize my schedule to find time to meet with Edel, who was helping me to familiarize myself with the many components to Music Alive Festival.  Of course, last year at this time, I recall the retirement party that Stacey Mansell arranged, it was a great celebration.  I really appreciated the gathering and the gathering place.  Incidentally, I attended the last concert with TSO last night!  The TSO tickets was the main gift I received at my retirement party last year.  In two weeks, it will be July, and I will no longer have to think:  What was I doing at this time last year, because it will be my second time around.

Bye for now.