Dear Life:

Life has handed me an entirely new deck of cards. And I cannot tell you how relieved I am about it.

So many things have happened in the past few months that I can't begin to describe my elation. After much stewing, I finally decided (with a little help) to apply for the Waukee position. I did, and from there, it was a whirlwind.

I was offered the position, after thinking I probably wouldn't get it, and was terrified of making a decision. Eric and I had discussed the "what-ifs" over the weekend, with the thought that I may not be offered the job and our problems would be solved. Then I was offered the job. Ruh-roh! So after all our debate, Eric finally said, "I'm going to go take a shower. You make the decision and let me know." Then turned and went upstairs!!! So I was left to make a possibly life-altering decision on my own.

But I didn't make it on my own. My dad made it for me. I talked to my dad about it while sitting in our living room. I looked up at my ceiling while holding a quarter in my hand and told him, "This is it, dad. Tell me what to do. Heads - Waukee. Tails - I stay." I flipped the coin, waited a beat to check it and there you had it, Waukee.

From there, life has been wonderful. I feel renewed and leaving behind everything that happened at Southeast Polk has been easier to do than I thought. I feel as though I have my LIFE back. After losing my dad, I wasn't sure I would ever get it back.

And here I am, the happiest I have been in a long time. I can tell Eric is happy to have his wife back. I know my friends are happy to have me back. I know my colleagues are excited that I have gotten my passion for teaching and music back. I've decided to LIVE again and renew myself as a person.

So, to honor this renewal, I have made a bucket list for this summer. I hope I'll be able to fulfill it!

My Summer Bucket List:

• Have a dinner party with friends
• Have a "Thank You" party for friends of Just Right Contruction
• Go Canoeing
• Get the tattoo I have wanted for a long time. A tiny treble clef, the size of a dime, on the inside of my wrist
• Re-side our house!
• Ride a roller coaster

These may seem stupid, but I feel like they are something that will help me break out of this shell I've been holed up in for two years. I'm done with it. I'm ready to shed some skin and come out on the other a new, better person. For my friends, for my family and especially for my wonderful, wonderful husband of two years.

In other news, Dad:

Please watch over Lane and Rachel - Lane was diagnosed with a brain tumor and it was confirmed today that it is cancer. They are going to need lots of support, and you were always there when people needed you. Please be there now.

I love my life and am so thankful -

Laura