and they're all made of ticky tacky and they all look just the same

We are making progress.


I'm doing all I can to try to make sure I have a better job this year. I'm taking the Praxis I as soon as possible, but the Praxis II that I need in order to teach the grades I want is only available July 10th and 11th and I don't think I'm going to be able to swing the cost of that one... and there's no additional dates posted yet. Plus, I don't think I'd pass it honestly. 
But, I've still applied to almost a dozen jobs in the school system and I don't need a Praxis II to teach anything from Birth  to Kindergarten, so I'm going to send in my college transcripts, talk to the people at HR at the school board and see what my options are. If anything, I can be a substitute or teacher's aid until I am able to take the Praxis II and get my certification & licensure . Regardless, I'm on the right track. 


Meanwhile, I've been trying to draw more and one of my co-workers, upon seeing one of my drawings actually said, "Quit your day job. Do that." ...and it's amazing how much I wish that were an option. All my kids always tell me, "Miss Becky, you should be an artist!" and I always reply, "I am an artist..." and they say, "No, a real artist, like as your job." and it stings a little but that's life. Even if I got a job as a graphic designer again, it's just not creatively fulfilling. But I do miss it. And I am going to immerse myself in art again.  I've decided to start keeping my sketchbook and pencils with me again, seeking inspiration and create art again. Get involved in the art community downtown again, stay up to date on shows and entry dates and try to get myself in some shows, maybe sell some artwork. I've let myself fall so far away from the things I love, the things I'm good at, just for what? Job security? Seeming like a responsible adult? I'm being irresponsible by letting these things grow further from me and who I am. Everyone I knew used to know knew that I was creative, that I was an artist - no one automatically thinks that of me anymore but it's not their fault. It's because I don't put myself out there anymore. And that's on me.


So yeah. I got a 2nd job so we could make more money so we could afford our beautiful new house - which I love and I'm so happy we have. And I don't mind the 2nd job either and I greatly enjoy the extra money. Now I just wish I had more time to enjoy the house. I work everyday, I have practice Monday and Wednesday nights, I work Thursday - Sunday night and my only night "off" is Tuesday nights... and I am spending it writing a blog about how I have no free time.... so yeah, there's that.


So right now, on the agenda:


- Take the Praxis I
- Get back into the art thing. Draw/create everyday. (Also get back into photography, since I've let that go to the back burner as well...)
- Get a better job, hopefully in the school system this fall




We're on vacation next week! Can't wait! I'm going to clear off my memory card, post some pictures and take LOTS of photos during our vacation. 

Where are we?

Summer is already flying by. The kids just got out of school June 7th, we've already knocked out a week of "Summer Camp" and Todd's birthday has come and gone.

My team won our first bout! We beat the Onslow County Derby Dames with a score of 238-50, I believe. It was amazing and has totally inspired me to keep with it and work harder. I can't wait to work harder and bout again. It was already my goal to jam more, but I'm going to start working on  being an aggressive jammer, a double threat of sorts. I may not be the fastest person on the track, but I want to be effective anywhere they put me. So that's what's next for me.

My goal this summer was to take my Praxis tests so I could get a job in the school system this fall and I'm starting to get a little worried about all that... but we'll see. I've already applied to like 8 jobs in the school system. Next is to register (and pay for) the tests and hope I pass. :\ And also get copies of my transcripts to the School Board just in case I could do a lateral entry thing and take the Praxis later. I just hope it all works out. Or I can find another good job come fall. I just think my time at the daycare is coming to a close, and I'm ready to close that chapter. I'm also not a fan of waiting tables, although I do enjoy the money... but I'd like to make enough money from one job, so that I don't need to work 2.

But things are much better and they are going to continue to go that way, because we're working hard for what we want and that's all that matters.

I'm still loving the house - it's so beautiful and I just love it so much. I can't believe it's ours. Things are finally falling into place for us. :) I'm just going to keep working hard, keep a positive attitude and make things happen for us.

A few things...

I'm a fan of fresh flowers on the kitchen table. Harris Teeter has good deals on them too for when we don't make it to the Farmer's Market.

I don't understand what joy people get out of being mean or cruel to others. It sickens me. Disgusting.

I don't understand how someone can completely drop off the face of the Earth, despite all of your best efforts.

How do you find time for everything you want to do?

How do you fix regrets? (For instance, not finishing art school?)

How come some people seem to have it so easy, while others struggle just for a sense of normalcy?

Plants vs. Zombies is a very addicting game.

I like cooking but I don't like cleaning up afterwards and I'm not good at cleaning as I go.

I hate putting away laundry. Laundry sucks.

My photography has 100% fallen to the back burner of everything else going on in my life. I have photos on my SD card in my camera from MONTHS ago that I still haven't transferred and edited. It's making me incredibly sad.


That's all for now - good  day! :)