Moving to a new school and new grade level (within the same district) and I've been extremely busy.  I'm overwhelmed in a good way, as this move will help me get closer to my goal of someday living over on the Pinellas side of town.  
These coming weeks will be filled with teacher training, unpacking boxes, and setting up a classroom for a year of success .  Trying to stay sane is part of the equation and I will be thinking about wellness tips as I make this exciting transition.  

May our country always flourish and celebrate continued independence.  Wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!

A few months ago, I ventured out to my first social event in Tampa.  I'll admit it...I was very nervous.  I'll be honest in saying that I just didn't jive with the particular group of people that showed up. I went home feeling disappointed because I had met a bunch of people I had little in common with and spent enough money for the event.  For the next few months, I avoided any social activity that came up thinking it would be the same old, same old.  "Why bother?", I would think to myself.
Finally, summertime hit and as a teacher I found myself with little to do during the day.  So I made up my mind to try out a different social outing, through meetup.com this time.  I went with the expectation of just having fun and meeting new people and ended up having a blast.   Perhaps this was partially due to the fact that I was participating in an activity I happen to love (walking) and that the others who showed up were warm and welcoming.  More than anything I credit my change of attitude.   
Expectations are a good thing in many situations.  At work, people often become successful when they set high expectations for ourselves and others.  In a family situation, parents set high expectations for their kids.  Having expectations is a factor in romantic relationships and even in friendships.  However, when expectations become the "end all", they can truly kill a good time.  Whether you are just looking for friends or hoping to find that elusive life partner, relax and have fun along the way!

While you are most likely thankful for your Dad every day of the year, Father's Day is a day to express that gratitude and let your Dad know just how special he is to you.  Don't forget other male relatives in your life who have shaped you.  Whether or not they have children of their own, if they were influential in your upbringing...tell them!   Happy Father's Day to all of the great Dads out there!

A compilation of tips from my research and experience living the single life:

• Learn to cook, and I'm not necessarily referring to the crock pot.  While take-out is convenient and a necessary treat on occasion, you can save quite a bit if you make your own food.  Double your recipes and freeze them and this will further simplify your life.
• Have an emergency fund and reserve it for true emergencies.  
• Make your money work for you.  Visit www.bankrate.com for the latest interest rates.  
• Plan for your retirement, even if you are young. 
• Know the fees attached to your credit card(s), bank, and phone.  These are in fine print for a reason.  

The recent deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain absolutely shocked me.  So did the news report stating that suicide has risen by nearly 30% in our country over the past two decades.  This week's news illustrates that success is not immune to depression and associated mental issues.  Mental illness affects people of all walks of life.  

As a culture, we openly discuss cancer, heart disease, infertility, and a plethora of other conditions that may plague us.  Yet, most of us are hesitant to discuss depression.  Despite the many advances of our society, there is still a stigma attached to mental illness.

At some point in your life, you may know someone who is struggling.  You may see red flags.  Perhaps you will struggle with depression yourself, as many of us do at one time or another.   Reach out!  Do not ignore the warning signs or possible warning signs.  Know that there are resources available 24/7 if you or someone you know are in crisis.
1800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offering free and confidential support)

Whether you are trying to establish common ground in a discussion about politics, growing tired listening to your sibling boast about his millions in the bank, or feeling uneasy due to the spread of workplace gossip, there are always choices in how to react and reply.  As someone who has been in all of the above situations, here are my best suggestions for handling some of the stickiest of sticky situations.

Tips for "turning around" a conversation: 

• When talking to someone who voices strong views that don't align with yours,  find humor in your differences.

• Re-direct a chronic complainer by asking the person to suggest solutions.
  
• If you find yourself repeating the same points, take a deep breath and just listen.
• If your colleague is trashing a coworker, say, "Funny, he/she has the nicest things to say about you."
  
• When someone is bragging about him/herself, compliment the person and change the subject.  If this doesn't work, excuse yourself and walk away.

Mother's Day is right around the corner.  While most of us have only one biological mother, there are many women I am thankful for at this time of year.  With a busy schedule, bills to pay, stress, and other things going on, it is easy to forget the women who are important in your life.  A simple card or phone call can mean the world to someone.  Don't forget!

Today I logged onto this site for the first time in over a month.  As my family and friends know, last month was my birth month.  Many who read this are probably assuming that I had the birthday blues.  I can honestly say that I didn't.  

So much for keeping up with this site but this past April absolutely sucked for me.  It began with Easter weekend when a good friend visited.  We had an amazing time and then I came down with the flu.  I didn't go to the doctor thinking it would run its course and then it morphed into a sinus infection.  I dragged myself to work and tried to make each day count.  On April 11, I received some devastating news.  My aunt had passed away.  I hadn't talked to her on Easter because I was barely able to stand up, let alone carry on a conversation.  My aunt and I were close, she understood me in ways that many of my family members simply do not.  I was devastated and kept beating myself up for not having one last conversation with her.  

I could go on and on about my thoughts and feelings but I know that my aunt would tell me to get off my ass and quit feeling bad if she were reading this.   I'm alive and well, finally over the flu.  While the past month was difficult to say the least, my perspective has changed.   Make each conversation and relationship count.