I'm definitely feeling in a better place about living here and being on my own - both romantically and being so far from everyone I know. I definitely am looking forward to exploring other relationships and meeting new people. I feel like I've been missing something vital with my relationship with my ex. Work is still really tough, and I'm definitely getting adjusted to it still. I struggle with the classroom management aspect of it, and the kids don't always listen to me as much as they should. I know, just like with my other jobs with kids, that I'll get the hang of it. And I definitely need to cut myself some slack and go with the flow more. I'm in such a beautiful state and city, and I really need to appreciate what I'm doing right now. I don't think I want to move back to the east coast at all anymore. I'm really content with being in Colorado

In an effort to help better myself, I have decided that I need to take care of myself better. It's tough for me to put myself first, because I usually tend to put the needs of everyone else ahead of mine. But I definitely need to put myself on top, because my needs and self-care are so crucial to me doing well this year at my new position in Boulder, I love working with kids, and I need to remember that first and foremost, they're the reason I'm doing this job. I want to serve my community and give underprivileged kids the same opportunities I had growing up. I'm so grateful for everything my family has done for me, and I want to help the future generation in any way that I can. I love kids - they're my passion. I feel so grateful for being able to be in such a beautiful place like Boulder. I feel like I worked so hard to get here, and my hard work has finally paid off! I definitely need to try to appreciate my situation more, and make the most of things, and I'm trying my best to do so. Drove up into beautiful Allenspark today, and took a hike near Lily Lake, and went to the lake for a bit to take in the beautiful view. I realized today how grateful I am to be in such a beautiful state. Colorado has been tough so far, but it's been so rewarding with beautiful views, amazing hikes and all around great friends and coworkers. I am so thankful for everything about my experience in Boulder. At first, I didn't like my experience, and it took awhile for me to get used to everything here, but I'm really starting to enjoy it!

It seems like my new theme of "Go west young man!" is slowly being taken over by "The mountains are calling, and I must go." The mountains here are breathtaking and so omnipresent. But everyday that I drive into downtown Boulder, I am still taken aback by their beauty and sheer magnitude. Everything about them is great. I want to be able to explore Colorado this year. I really am starting to love it here. I can't believe I get to call this absolutely beautiful state home!!