And by mouth-full, I mean that I may have bitten off more than I can chew. I'm really feeling that way the past couple of weeks....
After a year and several months of soul-searching and wanting to make a career change, it hasn't been easy to do. Applying for "other" jobs hasn't exactly worked out and the "other" jobs I applied for weren't really career changes anyway. They were just that - different jobs, doing much of the same things that I am wanting to get away from.
So, in an attempt to make things happen for myself - rather than sit around and get frustrated that things weren't happening for me, I decided to be proactive about things. I sought out possibilities. One of which was teaching. I've always loved teaching, adults - that's is. In Japan, I loved teaching my adult students that were civil servants. And - my family and a few annoyed friends have always pointed out my desire to "teach" them things, even if I didn't realize I was teaching and they weren't willing students. :-) So, I managed to get an adjunct faculty job teaching a class at a local college. I'm very excited about...its going to be on Saturdays, from 8:3oam-12:30pm...4 hours of a captive audience = heaven.
Another part of my quest for change has involved a desire for a career change that would NOT involve traveling. After having traveled 80-100% for the last 4-5 years, its taken its toll. I want to be home with my partner. I want to join a gym and be able to use it. I want to be able to cook meals at home during the week. I want to be able to take my dogs on walks at night (and take the new puppy to obediance classes, he really needs it!)...and a whole slew of other things that I can't do because for 3-4 nights a week, I live a the Hampton Inn. Mind you, considering the economy and the very generous salary I earn, I do not want to come across ungrateful. I am very thankful for my job, my version of a prosperous life, and all that I have. However, I want things to be different.
As a result, I'm taking some prerequisite classes for Health Care careers. At the moment, I'm leaving towards nursing. Although, I'm not 100% settled on nursing - it seems to be what is going to be able to launch me into a health care career and perhaps help lead me down a different career path than the one I'm on. Being a consultant is just not what I'm cut out to do.
So, while I'm going to start teaching tomorrow (first class) - I also have to take my first Anatomy and Physiology exam to take on Monday. I've just returned home from being on the road for 4 days, after having worked 10-12 hour days....and I'm feeling STRESSED out...wondering if I'm over-extending myself?!? I feel good to be DOING something, instead of just talking about doing something. But, as a result - I have so little free time left to me these days. My weekends are now full of 6-10 hours of studying, 4 hours of teaching, and additional prep. Plus, I have to get all other things done that a normal person would do during the week: laundry, shopping, socializing, etc. Argh.
I'm going to hang in there, put on my multi-tasking hat, and get down to business! Deep sigh. But, I'm thinking a bottle of red wine is in my future - but not until after Saturday..I have to teach. And can't be too much, I have to study on Sunday. Argh. Off to work, study, and prepare for class...
Oooh, some shots from the First Friday exhibits I went to...one from I$h and the other from someone whose name I didn't catch, but its of Willie!!! I'm not that big of a Willie fan myself, but it makes me think of good memories of my step dad, Mark and also of one of my best friends Amy Baker..and also of my friend Marjorie because she owns a set of Willie braids, complete with bandanna! AND because I sort of hum "On the Road Again..." each week as I'm pulling out onto the road, leaving home again....
