There are so many things to update on here, I'm not even sure where to begin. First and foremost, Annie and I got MARRIED on 10/31/22 on the island of Jamaica. It was the best time. We did many excursions. We rode 4-wheelers, ziplined and went tubing down the White River. We even went to a place called the Luminous Lagoon where the Caribbean would glow in the dark because of a bioluminescent organism in the water. It was an incredible trip. We couldn't have picked a better place to say our vows than a wonderful beach in the Caribbean.
When we got home, it was back to business as usual. I was working at a bank at the time as a Personal Banker. I knew deep down that, although it was paying the bills, it wasn't what I wanted to retire doing the rest of my life. From there, I did bounce around a little trying various jobs. They were all over the map. I worked in a warehouse briefly, a roofing company, and a local discount store. All of which just weren't cutting it for me. I knew deep down what it was I ultimately wanted to do, and many have called me crazy for even thinking about it. I needed to teach. I had been in school ten years ago, and had to bail out of my student teaching about 4 weeks into it because of financial hardship. My house was three months behind and nearly all of my bills were becoming delinquent. I had to put my dream on hold not knowing if I would ever be able to afford to attempt it again. Ultimately, I believe that led me to divorce, but albeit a saving grace in disguise because you really don't know how unhappy you are in a relationship until you become inundated with joy from a new one. I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything.
Annie decided she was going to start applying at other jobs and when she picked up a higher paying one, it opened the door for me to try and pick up where I left off. So, that's what I have done. I recently went back to Penmac and completed the requirements for sub teaching. I have since gotten my certificate and have been subbing the last couple of weeks in Springfield. I was also offered a scholarship to return to MSU to complete my teaching credential once and for all. I will complete my student teaching in the Spring and be able to finally call myself a high school English teacher. I was hoping to get onboard on a provisional, meaning I would be able to get paid to do my student teaching as a school employee, but that didn't work as I have still not been able to pass the MOCA. I am terrible at standardized tests. I always have been. I tried to go in barely studying at all for the thing, and I actually even came really close (even after being away from the classroom for ten more years). I just couldn't make it happen, so I'm still rolling with the punches and putting in the time with subbing and my one college class to finally see this thing through. I am not giving up. Many things in life come easily to people. I tend to choose the rocky paths with many twists and turns along the way. As I've gotten older, I've realized that experience is what molds us into who we are and what roles we are meant to take.
