Blogging has been therapeutic for me, and I do not know why I stopped doing it. It is probably best to start writing here again. Are you wondering what is going on with me?
Career
Well, 2018 is really interesting for me. After being at GAE for 7 years, I thought it was time to move on. After the Chicago trip, the urge to make changes became stronger. There are so many factors that contributed to this decision. First, I wanted to grow more. At GAE, life is steady and comfortable. I felt like I was in a pool on a floater just relaxing. A wave comes, and I am still floating, relaxed, and calm. I could not do this in the next 30 years. I needed to jump, dive, swim, and even drown if I had to. (I told some parent-friends this, and they said, "I doubt that you'll drown." Well, thank for the compliment.)
Second, I wanted to maximize my earning potential. I already have 10 years of teaching experience and somewhere I could make more. At GAE, the pay is good but I already maximized it. Again, I cannot continue this in the next 30 years!
Third, my family needs have changed. My parents live with me and my brother is coming. That will make us 6 under one roof. With Alex's and my income combined, we can only afford a 2br place in Glendale because it is super expensive in this area. We deserve more than that. I want to be comfortable. I need my space.
Fourth, I am working on my EDd in Educational Technology, and I do not think there is an opportunity for me in the educational system.
I gave my two-week notice after I received the word from Hesperia. Their job offer is $30k more than what I made in Glendale. It is a 3rd grade position.
And, just like that, I am leaving GAE. I am leaving my comfort zone, my "home" for 7 years. I have no regrets. Do I miss it? Hmmm...no. I wish I do. I loved the people, the students, the working environment. I was just ready to move on and make changes in my life. Here is my 3rd grade team at my new school, Kingston Elementary, during our Ugly Sweater Christmas program:
Cinzia
She is now 7 years old. She is getting prettier and taller by the day. I moved her to Kingston after Thanksgiving break and she was actually sad about it. I saw this note she wrote in the car. :(
Despite the changes she is going through, she is a generally happy girl who has her own personality. She is fun to be with. She can be chatty or quiet. She can be playful or behaved. She asks many questions now. She likes to read and borrows books from the library. She is learning how to ride the bike and the hoverboard we gave here for Christmas. She is silly and makes friends easily. She is getting out of her cocoon.
Marriage
You know it is our 10th anniversary this year, and we initially planned a small ceremony. However, he and Cinzia needed to make an emergency trip to Panama for his grandma and I made this crazy decision to change jobs 2 months ago. We are still in transition. We still have not celebrated our 10th, and I am a little resentful about it. We are hoping we will have a nice vacation to Europe in 2019. Here are a few pics we did together for our 10th anniversary.
My parents
My mom is back working at Ross, and my dad has been enjoying the benefits of being a green card holder. Papa has free dialysis and transportation to and from the clinic. His medications are also delivered to our house. He has not spent any of his pension money back in the Philippines. Yes, they are happy and satisfied here, but their presence overwhelmed me a bit. Their dependence on me shook me. My privacy with Alex is violated. It was a hard adjustment for me. We probably need each other's space. Yes, we love each other, but sometimes it is best for us to be apart to appreciate the relationship. Opong is coming soon, and so they will have someone else to lean on.
Spiritual life
I need to work on this. I even lost my Bible. I am going to strengthen my spiritual life. I need to be more prayerful. After I receive my first real paycheck tomorrow, I am going to buy my own Bible. This is going to be my first purchase of the year with my first real paycheck.
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Overall, I am thankful for the opportunities and blessings God has given me. He has not given up on me, despite my weaknesses and shortcomings. Of course, I have my ups and downs, but God sustains me.
2019 will be exciting!! It is going to be colorful (Thus the change of color in this blog)!
As I always say to God, "Here I am, Lord, send me..."
