AN UPDATE ON MY LIFE

[daisy16 0]

Well, I wanted to post an update on what's been going on with me. Several of you have been giving me such support and advice that I wanted to let you know that my life is moving along. I decided to take the risk and throw this out to the whole board. Mind you, be thankful for small mercies! I didn't post this last week. It would have been a long and bitter rant. Hopefully it won't be that bad. I know I have a lot that I should be thankful for, however, this tale doesn't require lots of or "congrats". I'm still resentful that I have to go to huge lengths to get where I want, I've done this once before already. Before you say "suck it up and get over it", yeah, I know it already. I'm getting there, okay?

Teaching Certification - While it's going to cost me $1000ish, I've got off my azz to get the ball rolling. I'm signed up for 2 of the 3 certification exams I have to take, and the first 2 are on Feb 25. (they are 4 hours each). I have to jump through huge hoops to get this, and I hope to be certified or certifiable by Sept 06. It's really difficult to figure out everything I need to do as a foreigner cause they don't answer the phone or emails at the certification office.

College - in order to pass the 3rd of these exams, I'm taking a "US Government" course. I'm going to certify in Social Studies, and they may want me to have courses in Politics, Economics and Government, so hopefully this will cover part of that requirement, teach me about US government and refresh my knowledge of US history. (I have already Canadian, Eastern Europe, British and US history)

Masters Degree - Here in NY teachers have to have their Masters within 5 years of getting their initial certification. So I'm applying to get my Masters in Adolescent Special Education for Sept. 06. The guy in charge is being a real chopf##k, but that seems to be par for the course. Many hoops here as well, but I'm strong. Really.

Work - yeah, I've got a job. Can you tell how thrilled I am? The money is okay and will pay some bills. I'm working as the supervisor of a new afterschool program for k-2. Well, that should be a challenge, the last grade I taught was 12, and you can imagine they are quite different The first day is Monday. I just hope that I can hold out till the end of June. I'm hoping that this will lead to working in their summer program as a teacher where they make $20/hour. I'd prefer that job better, that way I don't have to be the boss with all it's administrivia BS.

That's my life. It's become very busy. I've got to do lots of studying and prep. Immigration has given me good practice in filling out forms and getting application packages ready correctly. (How's that for finding the silver lining )

Oh yeah, one of the things that has turned things around for me slightly is that my hubby and I have talked about moving by the end of the year. I hate where we live and the place we live in, and we're thinking of moving closer to the University (which is currently 65 miles away) We have brutal credit right now, so will have to wait a while. I hope it's not just more empty plans.

[Fischkoepfin 1]

Cool! Looks like you found a way to get where you want to be. I totally understand your resentment, though. Good luck with everything and congrats on the job (it's a start. right?).

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Best of Luck. Where abouts in NY do you live?

[Jaylen Brit 0]

Looks like you have a plan and are doing things about it - thats brilliant!

You're not sitting around moaning 'poor me' you're DOING.

Good luck to ya hun!

[Sister Fracas 5]

First off....you are getting there...hang in there. I know, easy to say...

Second, regarding the teaching certificate exams, I'm sure you'll do just fine. You've been trained and you know your subject material. When my husband took his three exams, one in general subject matter, one in teaching skills or something like that, and the last in his subject specialty, math....I was worried that he didn't study AT ALL. He just didn't see the need. The first two exams came back and he received over 95% on both. Since math is what he really loves, I'm sure he did just as well on that. I know everyone has different ways to handle exams, but try not to stress yourself over them.

[ceriserose 1]

I know you've had a lot of 'emotional rollercoaster'ing (how's *that* for a made up phrase!) over just how to proceed, so while I know you're "getting there" with regard to sucking it up and dealing (), at the very least it must feel better to have a plan and to be able to take some action.

Congrats on the job! I hope you bear it well. I love little kids and have great tolerance for them, but there's a reason I'm not a teacher.

*hugs*

[CarolineM 0]

Not that you need it Daisy, but if I can help in any way as a teacher or guidance counselor please let me know. You should be so proud of yourself for getting all this done because I KNOW how hard it is. Congrats on your motivation and resilience

Hang in there! It will all be over before you know it!

[ladybutterfly 0]

Always nice to hear the goings on in peoples lives, thanks.

[MichelleandCraig 1]

Awwww Daisy..thx for the update. I hope in time you WILL be able to make that move..sounds like it would help/be really good for you. I'm really glad you're getting the ball rolling with your degrees too..a definite step forward. Craig didn't go to Rhinelander today, things have calmed down, but I still would REALLY like to talk to you, so WILL do that SOON ok?? Maybe we can BOTH vent a bit!! :) Take care and (((hugs))) coming your way...Michelle&Craig

[ChristinaM 0]

So PROUD of you, girl! I know you keep a lot quiet and that you've had a bit of a rough time of it (to say the least!), but it really sounds like you've got some good, solid, realistic goals and plans to achieve them.

Whether you want one or not, here's a !!

[almaty 19]

alright daisy...you go.......

[Peggy 1]

That was such a positive post Daisy

Glad things are coming together for you. Congrats on the new job.

Best of luck to you on your courses.

[KarenCee 3]

Chin up girl...I've got to do the same thing...get my butt in gear and get some classes finished too. I don't make a whole lot at the moment, and I want for me and Joel to have a comfortable life. I hate living paycheck to paycheck too, so that's an incentive. Plus, I want my daughter to have a comfortable life as well.

Glad to hear you have some direction too. And yeah, having a job is great. Joel worries about that I know, but I think he'll be just fine. Good luck with those classes...and with that K-2 job. Moving too...wow...hope you find a place. Glad to see you have some motivation...keep it up! LOL...I feel like I've rambled on here. Glad to hear things are looking up for you.

[Kajikit 65]

Sounds like you're well on the way to getting where you want to be Daisy... good luck with it!

[mawilson 2,133]

Sounds like you're well on the way to getting where you want to be Daisy... good luck with it!

And so are you, little Kajikitty! Congrats on finally getting your green card!