Jamie of The Perpetual Page Turner wrote a similar post a ways back, and I loved the idea, tucking it away in my brain ever since. There’s been a lot going on in my life lately, and as a result, I’ve been feeling a bit detached from my blog. With so much to plan and do, I know I haven’t been giving my writing and the blogging community the attention I usually do, and I feel like the more personal side of Kristin hasn’t been all too present.

When I have lots of catching up to do with a dear friend – whether they’ve been out of town, or we just haven’t seen each other in a while – there’s no better way to do so than over coffee or tea.

Here’s to taking a step back and reconnecting. And filling you in on all I’ve been up to lately!

If we were having coffee…I’d tell you about my new job! It’s not permanent, but from now until the end of the school year, I’ll be a long-term sub, which means a steady classroom every day and the chance to have an adopted classroom of my own, for a little while at least. Being a day-to-day sub has been nice, but this position is a little closer (read: less gas!) and gives me the chance to put all the things I learned while student teaching into play. Hopefully it lights the way for bigger things in the future!

If we were having coffee…I’d tell you that I’m actually kind of surprised that I’m pursuing teaching right now. Grad school burnt me out pretty badly, and coupled with the rough time that I was going through, I wasn’t sure if I could mentally devote myself to jumping into a job search right after graduation. Granted, I took the month of January off to collect myself, but I’ve decided to spend some time looking for jobs in the area; I’m not opposed to moving, but if I can stay in Pittsburgh, I’d like that best. I’ve got family and a lot of friends here that I enjoy spending time with!

If we were having coffee…I’d tell you that I’m really excited to make this summer an epic one! Nothing is set in stone yet, but friends of mine and I have been toying around with ideas of a road trip, or just a weekend at a cabin by the lake. As much as I enjoy the outdoors, I wouldn’t consider myself an outdoorsy person (I’ve never been camping in the slightest!). But I can’t deny that I’m looking forward to at least going canoeing/kayaking more this summer.

If we were having coffee…I’d tell you about my awesome Mary Poppins/Doctor Who tee that I bought at Steel City Con last weekend. I always enjoy going to conventions to oogle the neat goods and talented artwork, but this is the first time I’ve been to the local Pittsburgh con! I almost bought a replica of the key from The Mummy…don’t judge.

If we were having coffee…I’d tell you how proud I am of my old school community. Since the events of last Wednesday, the town (and area in general) has come together to raise money for the victims and their families, hold fundraisers, sign banners of support, and just be there for everyone affected as they heal.

If we were having coffee…I’d tell you that I got my hair cut last night. I haven’t done anything drastic to my ‘do since 2010, when I chopped it all off into a pixie cut post-Japan, but it was still refreshing to have some chopped off, just a bit. I like my long hair, and have quite missed it. It’s just so thick and needed a bit of a trim before summer goes into full swing.

If we were having coffee…I’d tell you about all of the simple things I’ve been enjoying! The past few years haven’t brought much adventure my way, and while it was a lifestyle I by no means regret, I knew I needed something more, even just simple things like going out to catch up with old friends over tea (a high school buddy of mine and I went to a tea cafe in Squirrel Hill last week!), see friends who are coming back from teaching in Japan, go to a double screening of Captain America, visit the comic convention, grab burgers in the South Side, see new houses, and all sorts of things! It sounds silly, but it’s something that always bothered me. I would make excuses for not making plans that I now find to be silly. Trust me – I still like to keep things relaxed (some days I just want to stay home and play video games!), but I need to get out now and then too.

If we were having coffee, what would you tell me? I want to know what’s up in your life! We can chat over comments, or you can send me an email. I’d love to chat!