I had to ask myself this question yesterday, "what was all that about?" You know the saga of life, the answers that just don't line up, the frustration, the plan B though ZZ, and the waiting. When the answer finally comes and you are dumbfounded about everything you had to put up with in order to get it. My questioning was because of a very unexpected email yesterday.
I wrote the Alabama Department of Education on Feb. 25th. I had given up all hope to get the answer I needed, let alone the answer I wanted. I called the call center for certification a few times on Feb. 25th. One lady actually said to me "I talked to you earlier today." Eek! I hit a brick wall after a few phone calls and then went to email because in a reply I would have to get my answer in writing. When all my hope in getting an answer was gone I got an email in which I got the following reply...
Doth my eyes deceive me? Not only did I get the answer I wanted, I also got it in writing!
With all the aggravation that came with getting the ball rolling to be certified to teach also came with some self reflection. It made me reflect on what it is I want in this so called life. It is hard to go to college for six years and think that you will never do that career again. My first priority in this life is being mom. Sometimes life has to be shaken up to make you reflect and pinpoint what is most important to you. I was going to try and go back to the classroom next year and put Nathan in Pre-K. Trying to get certified and coming across some hurdles that made me change my mind for a few reasons.
First, Mark could care less if I work. Which is nice, but not my goal in life. I do want to work. On my terms. Teaching fits most of those terms. For some people they are going to gasp at this, I can make a good salary with great time off. (I do believe teachers are underpaid) I'm just saying with the time off and doing what you like combined with a husband that brings home the bacon ~ a teaching salary is not so bad. The key for me is time off with my kids.
Second is Alexandra starts kindergarden next year and Nathan the following year. I am going to enjoy the next year with my boy before he starts school. No need to rush him into Pre-K just to make a buck. I will never get next year back. This time with him will be worth ever penny NOT earned, every coffee NOT purchased, every piece of jewelry left at the store, and my mini van will have many, many miles before I get a newer one. In reality I will have to sacrifice very little to stay home. I don't want to sacrifice the time I will never get back with my kids.
This is what I have learned about me in this frustrating and aggravating time. Always good to just sit down and reflect on what it is you really want. Maybe that was what it was all about?
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