Pete is a controversial figure in my life. I know a lot of my friends don't like me talking to him, but there is some good in this friendship, otherwise I wouldn't maintain it.
It was announced at a union meeting today that many teachers will be losing their jobs. As a first year teacher in my district, that means a 99% chance that I'll lose my job. I'll officially be told on March 20.
Now, I've been mentally preparing for this for a while, but hearing that it was officially announced today hit me hard. I filled out an application for my Phoenix school district, but then I started thinking about working on my résumé, filling out more applications, packing up my apartment, not having enough money to fly back to Chicago for holidays... One thought led to another, and I was overwhelmed.
When this happened last year, I texted Pete and he came over immediately. Same thing this year. He was here within an hour of the text. Listening. Telling me funny stories to distract me. Making me laugh about the fact that I will actually be a homeless bum for two months this summer. He even got down on the floor with me to examine my topo and figure out the best way to hike to Woolly Tops.
"Well," he said thoughtfully, "looking at where the trails are in relation to this mountain, I think you'll want to start right here and head east" (I am nodding seriously) "and then just keep going this way" (his finger trails off the map) "until you get to Nashville, which I hear is a blast. What the hell do you want to hike around out in the wilderness for, anyway???"
I giggled a lot tonight. I needed that.
I'm thankful that he was here for me again this year. Let's just hope this doesn't become an annual thing.
It was announced at a union meeting today that many teachers will be losing their jobs. As a first year teacher in my district, that means a 99% chance that I'll lose my job. I'll officially be told on March 20.
Now, I've been mentally preparing for this for a while, but hearing that it was officially announced today hit me hard. I filled out an application for my Phoenix school district, but then I started thinking about working on my résumé, filling out more applications, packing up my apartment, not having enough money to fly back to Chicago for holidays... One thought led to another, and I was overwhelmed.
When this happened last year, I texted Pete and he came over immediately. Same thing this year. He was here within an hour of the text. Listening. Telling me funny stories to distract me. Making me laugh about the fact that I will actually be a homeless bum for two months this summer. He even got down on the floor with me to examine my topo and figure out the best way to hike to Woolly Tops.
"Well," he said thoughtfully, "looking at where the trails are in relation to this mountain, I think you'll want to start right here and head east" (I am nodding seriously) "and then just keep going this way" (his finger trails off the map) "until you get to Nashville, which I hear is a blast. What the hell do you want to hike around out in the wilderness for, anyway???"
I giggled a lot tonight. I needed that.
I'm thankful that he was here for me again this year. Let's just hope this doesn't become an annual thing.
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