It's not as bad as I thought. I mean, I'm not exactly where I thought I'd be at 40, but who is?! This sign pretty much sums it up: I was 18 when I began to teach swimming lessons. That was 22 years ago (Holy crap)! 22 years. More than half my life.

I've spent so many summers driving around all day, teaching private swim lessons at clients' homes.  At the end of the summer, I sadly tell everyone that I will not be working next summer. "This has just been temporary to supplement my teaching income." They always look at me, smile and reply, "Yea right, Kim. See you next summer." And they do. I love it. It keeps me sane (whatever that means). When I'm in the water teaching, that's it. That's all there is- just me and my swimmer(s). I get into the zone and it's amazing. My students are amazing.

But, I can't just be a swim teacher forever. At least that's what I thought, until getting laid off from teaching English every year became more and more disheartening. I recently came across an article that talked about doing something you love. I love to swim.  I love teaching others to swim. Then I heard a quote from Abraham Lincoln, "Whatever you are, be a good one." Okay, if I'm going to be a swim teacher, then I'm going to be a good one. I'm going to challenge myself and others. This is how the idea behind Project: Face in Water was born.