2022 Year in Review

I keep thinking that I need to write and that I should post a year in review. You know, for posterity and such. Here goes:

In 2022, I finished my doctorate (#humblebrag). I'm Dr. Storm. It still makes me giggle because it's kind of ridiculous.

Trey started a new job. He kind of single-handedly ran an incredibly successful wire department where he had loyal, happy employees and sent millions of dollars spinning around the world every day (#wifebrag). The bank sold, and there was some uncertainty for a time. But by May he had started at a new bank in the area - kind of a "start up" I guess. I can't think of anyone else more qualified and able to help build an organization from the ground up. 

Tucker moved out, and we all survived. I mean, he lives 18 minutes away with traffic, but this could be traumatic for a Mother (he mostly calls me "mother"). He's a great kid/young adult human who takes care of his business (#mombrag). He hasn't starved yet, which is one thing I was legitimately worried about because I'm not there to remind him to eat. He LOVES his work with A&M football and has a great boss who inspires him, appreciates him, and holds him to a high standard. He also has grown out what I'm told is an "epic" mullet. College kids, right?

Keaton started his senior year of high school. This could be traumatic for a Momma (he mostly calls me Momma). He takes about three classes where he mostly does what they need him to do and where I'm pretty sure he charms the teachers into letting him work on his timetable. He's also taking an automotive class at the end of the day, so he spends the last part of his school day every day working on cars. He loves it so much. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity for him. Also, he still works at the cafe (since he turned 15!), and now he's server. He didn't work for about a week during Christmas, and the last two days of work have been so great for him. He's come home both days talking about how much he loves meeting people and chatting them up and such. 2022 also got him got a big, loud truck. High school kids, right?

Trey's sweet mom took a fall early in the summer, and she spent about four months in the hospital and skilled nursing. It was tough on everyone, but no one more than her. We are especially thankful this year to have her home. It's worth noting that her husband of over 60 years spent all but two nights sleeping on a couch or pullout bed in the hospital to be with her. We all tried to pitch in, but Trey and his sister were devoted to helping their parents on the daily. My husband comes from good people. He's lucky he found me because I come from good people, too (#daughterbrag). We sure do love Mimi and are so very grateful for her, especially this year.

In May, I started the Very Best Job on Earth. I'm serious - my title is "Director with the Very Best Job on Earth." I have the wonderful pleasure of leading the elementary principals in my district and co-leading the Curriculum and Instruction Department. The educators I work with are dedicated to helping prepare kids for any opportunity that comes their way, and I get paid to learn from them and look for ways to support them. I get paid for that! Even when it's hard, it's a dream. 

And now we look toward 2023. I need a learning project - I've often considered trying to learn Spanish, but lately I wonder if I should take piano lessons. Fun fact - I have weirdly crooked  pinkie fingers and don't use them when I type so I'm a little concerned that could impede my ability to learn piano. I should write more - I like writing. Maybe 2023 will bring a little of that. It will certainly bring Trey and me a life with two grown children!  We like each other a whole bunch, so we'll miss the kid-parenting but we'll likely find some other adventures. 

I used to tell my high school kids that high school is wonderful and fun, but if those are the best years of your life then you're doing it wrong. That's how I feel about another year older and phases of life ending and beginning. It's really up to us. If we believe the best is behind us, then we're probably doing it wrong. Cheers to 2023!

Happy New Year!

Dr. Hickman (seriously...no kidding)

Today I defended my dissertation. I defended my dissertation. That means I'm Dr. Hickman now. I kind of still can't believe it. 

Here's what I got from my kids:

Keaton (via text): "good stuff mom"

Tucker (via phone call): "That's pretty cool, I guess. Football football recruiting coaches players football football."

They are so proud!  

Insert clever transition here. I can't think of one, so pretend this says something clever that indicates a change of topic. 

As an extension of today's self-indulgence, I would like to share the acknowledgements from my paper. There's literally no way to thank everyone who has had a role in my education and career, but I can at least thank a few. Here it is:

First and foremost, I would like to express my appreciation to the study participants. With all the responsibilities of the classroom, I recognize how benevolent it was of each of you to spend time with me discussing your experiences as new teachers. Our conversations were a joy and inspiration for me. Thank you for all you do for your students and colleagues and for your contribution to this research project.

Dr. Kathryn Washington and Dr. Kelly Brown, thank you for your participation on my dissertation committee, your excitement about my research, and the exceptional examples you set as women leaders. Dr. Johnny O’Connor, thank you for serving as my dissertation chair and for your continued encouragement and patience throughout this process.

I cannot express enough gratitude to the colleagues-turned-friends who laughed and cried with me from my first year in the classroom to today. I would specifically like to thank Chrissy Hester for hiring me all those years ago and continuing to serve as a constant encourager and example for me. Britina Pesak, Erin Stutts, April Todd, and Tiffany Parkerson – I had no idea when I met you the influence you would have on my life. You have seen me through every experience these last twenty years, and I cannot imagine life without you. Thank you for believing in me and cheering me on when I needed it most. Thank you for being my people.

To all the of the Hickmans. Thank you for making me part of your family from the very beginning. To Trey, Tucker, and Keaton, thank you for going along with whatever crazy ideas I come up with. I know that my continued pursuit of education hasn’t always been easy on you, but still you support me every step of the way. Trey, thank you for believing that I can do anything, sometimes having to believe enough for both of us. You are the most patient and kind human I’ve ever known, you can always make me laugh even when life seems like too much, and it is a gift to spend my life with you. You are my favorite.

Finally, I would like to thank my parents, Mike and Gale Greeson (and you, too, Wendy). You have always instilled in me the importance of education to make our lives and the lives of others better. You raised me to believe I can do anything if I’m willing to work hard enough. You have always shown me that love for others is the best work we can do, and that faith is more important than all else. I always hope to make you proud.