My Highs and Lows of 2013

Throughout the year I like to evaluate and assess what I do. I am a constant work in progress, for myself that is! I like to look at my highs and lows and celebrate them both EQUALLY! I focus on my lows and plan out ways that I can make them highs, or think about what went wrong and how I can GROW! For me, life is a “growth” process, in reality this is how we reach higher grounds.   There has NOT been a year that I have not had lows it’s just the way life is, and as I grow older and wiser I just learn to embrace them. I NEVER look at the new year as a new beginning I just look at it as a continuation of my growth process. I know that my highs will allow me to grow and continue to achieve, but so will my lows.

 

Many of my lows had to do with my health and the history of cancer in my family. I am not slim but I do focus on my physical and mental well being. I LOVE to take long walks to allow myself that time to think but also to get my cardio in. I found this year that I didn’t take much time for me, and I would postpone health visits therefore leaving me with a few scares. My mom being a breast cancer survivor, I have already had a biopsy for a lump, as well as a cyst was found which gave me quite a scare. This could have all been prevented if I would have stayed on top of my appointments, so even before the new year has begun I have that on the top of my priority list.

 

Another low has been finding the right medication and services for my son who has been diagnosed with ADHD. It has been tough because although he is in a CTT (Collaborative Team Teaching) class I still believe many of the special education teachers do not have adequate training to deal with children with special needs. As a working mom in the classroom, it becomes difficult meeting with his teachers because then I have to lose a day of work. Many don’t want to arrive earlier or stay after hours to meet with parents, so it makes it difficult for me who in turn is a teacher as well.

 

On several occasions, I have had to meet with his teachers in regards to inappropriate actions they have taken or not complying with his IEP (Individualized Education Plan). I NEED to advocate for my son and I make that my top priority. In January 2013, I was forced to take a leave of absence because I had no one to care for my youngest child. This was both a high and a low because I was able to drop off and pick up my oldest son, and spend “quality” time with my youngest. During this time my oldest son went through a series of ADHD medications, and I knew I would not have been able to deal with all of this being in the classroom. Everything happens for a reason, and I truly felt that I was home for those eight months for a reason.

 

My highs that I was so blessed with this year were attending the Momsrising Food Conference with Migdalia from Stiletto Media and Latinas on a Mission (LOAM). I was also invited to the NGLC Conference by the phenomenal Ana Flores and my boss over where I am a contributor, Latina Bloggers Connect. During that time I met the founder of Mamiverse, Rene Alegria. I spoke at my very first conference and met my fabulous EIC, Lorraine C. Ladish for the very first time. I also became the Community Manager of ClubMami and became even more heavily involved in the space. I went on to speak at NicheParent13 and met the founder Nadia Jones.

 

I learned a tremendous amount working hand in hand with Nadia and Lorraine this entire year. I am excited that I have become contributors to 247ModernMom as well as SpanglishBaby and I hope to continue to contribute to various sites. Honored for all of these wonderful events I was invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Event in my very own New York City as well and Blogging While Brown, and went on to become Top Bloguera for the very first year. During that time, I juggled being back in the classroom and commuting back and forth to the Waldorf Astoria to speak at Latism13. I attended the BLM (Bloggers Like Me) Girls meet up and was introduced to many like minded bloggers who are learning just like me and love to share and support! I was also named Circle of Moms top 25 teacher moms and nominated for Best Latin@ Education Blogger with Latism.

With all of these highs and lows I took chances and I got through whatever was thrown my way. I have been in tough situations where we have only had one income in our household, I have had only a dollar in my pocket, or I questioned how would I get through whatever came my way. I realize now that with strength, positivity, and good old faith anything is possible!

From our family to yours Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year. I thank you for your support in 2013 and only hope you continue to follow me in the coming years!