I'm reading FB posts and chatting with teacher friends all of whom have bid (or are about to bid) a fond farewell to a brief summer. Yesterday, I saw approximately half-a-gazillion "First day of school" pics, and I'm sure next week's feed will feature the other half-a-gazillion pics. Interesting how many districts return pre-Labor vs. post-Labor Day...

This is my first year in 14 years where I'm not standing in front of a classroom every day. Feels weird. Freeing, a bit, but also mildly nerve-wracking. I'm only teaching one night class at Cedar Crest College each semester this year, and striking out as a freelance writer. Fortunately, I've a good, long 5-month contract that starts the end of September, but oy - what to do until then... or after?!

I've hooked up with a resume-writing company. The pay's not bad when the workload's decent - they're still "easing me in," and I'm hoping to get hit with more orders soon. 

Yesterday, a good friend told me that her husband - a jewelry designer by trade-turned-construction-worker - was just offered a position designing a line of 25+ engagement rings for the Astor diamond clan. Epic. Another friend started her dream job as director of multimedia/ content at Whole Foods. A former student landed a great position at an elementary school a few months after moving to Arizona.

Hearing these great stories gives me hope that, as I continue my search for writing gigs, I'll find one (or several) that brings me joy, intellectual challenge, financial stability, and satisfaction knowing it's something I can do - and do well!