Moving On

The past few weeks have seen me neglect my happy little blog due to a very busy work schedule. Sleep and relaxation have been few and far between so obviously writing pithy little stories about bands I love has not exactly been a priority. But with my chores done for the day and the house quite with sleeping children (and a pregnant, napping wife) I have a few moments to crystallize what is on the horizon for me and my work career.

I have worked at the same place for 12 years. In my universe that is a long time. I have spent roughly a third of my life roaming the halls of Pasadena High School first as a teacher then as an Assistant Principal. I can close my eyes and navigate the quad with no trouble. I can hear the bells that ring in my sleep. I know every one who works there from the Principal to the night custodian to the morning cafeteria cook (who taught me how to make 400 pancakes in 32 minutes). For a while it seemed like this would be my last job. Funny how things change.

When my family moved I thought I could take the commute. What's an hour in a car with a good iPod playlist and decent sports talk radio? But as time went on it got harder and harder. The seat isn't as comfortable as I thought and the music becomes repetitive after a time. Then along came a chance to get closer to home, a job at a local high school. I put my application in and waited. Then I lost track of the process and forgot about it. I just kept working at what I did best, helping the students and staff of good ole' PHS.

Then the call came for an interview. Then a follow up. Then the reference checks began. Then a third interview. For two weeks my life was suddenly in limbo. I had no idea if I was coming or going. I bombarded those I trusted with incessant ramblings about "what if this happens" and "why haven't they called?" I guess it never dawned on me that I would leave the only school I knew. Next thing I knew they had offered me the job and I had accepted. It was like an out of body experience. I remember the call and I remember saying yes in the same spot I had first walked through to start my work at PHS.

Now the work of saying goodbye has begun. This week was graduation which is always bittersweet but with an added twinge since it was my last in red and white. The last day for staff was full of hearty handshakes and slightly awkward well wishes. There were those I had known for a long time that were a little more heartfelt, a little more emotional. Some were angry with me (you can't leave...), some were happy (getting closer to home will be good for you and your family...), most were appreciative of what I had tried to do for them. To be honest I was both flattered and ashamed. Who was I to get such praise? I just tried to do my job as best as I could.

I will miss the place. I will miss the people (here is one instance where FACEBOOK is a valuable tool). But forward I go. Off to new places and new faces. But always with one eye trained on my old school and how it fairs without me. Somehow, I think it will be just fine.

(mp3) I am Not Lefthanded -- Long Goodbyes

(mp3) Editors -- An End Has a Start

(mp3) Morrissey -- I Will See You In Far Off Places

(mp3) Anthem In -- Moving On