As promised, I'm going to try to catch up on what has kept me so busy! BUT, where in the world do I begin? I guess we can start with my SUV. If you remember, the water pump went, out in July, right before the trip with my granddaughter. What started out being the water pump ended up with me having to buy a new vehicle. Remember, we took her to the shop and they said it would even start. Well, turns out, they ran it while trying to figure out what the problem was. I get that they needed/wanted to make sure it was the water pump BUT...you don't have to let a car run that long before figuring out the water pump is shot. Apparently, they let it run until it got so hot the motor blew. Then on top of that, they didn't tell us and told us to come get it when we wouldn't spend a ridiculous amount of money to fix it. Of course, we will never be able to prove what happened so we were stuck with a vehicle with a blown motor, and who knows what else, and still owed $5000 on it. My husband has a co-worker who works on those kind of cars so we took it to him, still thinking it was simply the water pump. He changed the pump but the car still wouldn't start. He did everything he knew to do but nothing worked. We brought the car back home and took it to the dealership...there is where we learned the truth. I was so freaking mad! If it had been 20 years ago, that other shop would have owned up to it or I would have gone to jail! Anyhow, it was going to cost $10,000 to $12,000 to replace the motor and the extras that go with it. Now who has that kind of money just laying around, these days? Certainly not us! Well, long story short, we made a deal with them to trade it in and get another vehicle. Of course, they didn't give us hardly anything on trade because of the blown motor and what they did give us didn't begin to come close to the remaining balance we already owed so that amount was tacked on to the loan we had to get, which means my payment is a bit higher but I have a vehicle so that's really all that matters. God always makes a way even when we aren't sure how it is going to work out. I am blessed and so thankful!
So nothing major happened after that but I did have a hard time wrapping my head around having a higher car payment, no extra money in the bank(because I had to spend it on the car) and the rising cost of living that is rampant everywhere. UGH! I decided I didn't want to stress over that stuff and besides I was getting a little bored just sitting here day in and day out. Remember, both of my grandbabies are in school now so I don't keep them all the time like I did and I can only carry on a conversation with Duke(the dog) for just so long. I mean, he is lazy and just wants to lay around. SOooooo...I did something crazy, even for me!
It's no secret our country is in desperate need of teachers, teacher's aides and substitute teachers, as well as other school employees. It is almost at crisis level, really. One day, I thought to myself, they are in need of subs and I am in need of money/something to do. The next day I sent in my resume and the very next day they called me to come in and fill out paperwork, do a background check and fingerprinting. I did that and the next day, I was approved and called to sub at the highschool! Probably the easiest job I have gotten! I mean, they didn't heehaw around! I don't think I really thought they would call me because of my age and disabilities so I kind of freaked out and overwhelmed myself with "I'm not a teacher" and "I don't really like kids" not to mention the "what if's", and "Oh sweet Baby Jesus, what have I done's". That was silly of me but it has been over 13 years since I've worked outside the home and with all my aches and pains, it just concerned me on many levels. I have been called on pretty much every day and to my surprise, I have enjoyed it immensely! Even all the noise and drama that comes with dealing with children. I've learned a few things about myself, too. I've learned that I have way more patience than I thought I did. I've learned that I still cannot deal with snot, poop, and dirty hands. I mean, seriously, I was an EMT for pete's sake! Blood, guts, and the like I can handle but if it is stinky or slimey or germy, anxiety and nausea take over! Not pretty! LOL
I've learned other things. Sadly, I've learned that there are entirely too many kids dealing with trauma, and drama, at home. There are more grandparents raising the kids than parents. Too many babies are sad and lonely. I've learned that a hug or a simple gentle touch heals and cures many boo-boos and hurt feelings and gives a bit of comfort for more than just those things. I've also learned that EVERYONE, including the faculty needs a hug, smile or kind word! I've learned that Teachers are underpaid and teachers from Pre-K to 2nd grade should be eligible for sainthood! So, you see, while I am teaching, I am also learning. I have always believed when we stop learning we stop being able to see and these past few weeks have shown me just how true that is. Only the lessons have changed from simply the 3-R's! They now include the unfortunate, the drama, the traumatic and the not-so-glamorous. More than anything, the lessons should open our eyes and hearts. If not, then who are we? Have we become so desensitized that we can't learn? Truly sad if that can be said about anyone.
I am so sorry! I seem to have gotten off the subject but I find when I do that, whatever I end up writing, needed to be said so if you are still reading, I hope you are still learning and please remember, we are all dealing with something and everyone needs a hug!
Thanks for stopping by, my friend!
Grace & Peace,
Pam