When I Grow Up

Today is Show & Tell Tuesday linking up with Momfessionals and the topic is When I grow up... Discussing what you wanted to be (and what you actually became!). Warning, some of these pictures are OLD and of poor quality (I'm looking at you, Eric!)

When I was a kid I really never could figure out what I wanted to be. I hated that question. I could make up convincing answers for papers and scholarship applications but, my heart wasn't in it. I just liked going to new places and I loved school! I was pretty nerdy, and naive, and shy.

I did many jobs through high school and college. Along with the usual babysitting gigs, I was a TCBY worker, a Kroger checker, a Blockbuster employee, an office assistant in the dorms, and I even worked for a plastic surgeon's office (Unfortunately, I didn't get any touch up work done!).

Then I met this guy: 

and I knew that no matter what I did, I wanted to be with him. I had begun as an advertising major at Texas Tech but I realized that the degree they offered wasn't going to put me in a good position for a job in that field. I considered three options: Major in English Literature, Early Childhood, or Nursing. 

I chose Nursing. I got my Bachelor's in Nursing at Texas Tech and worked in the OR in 3 states over about 10 years. After we moved back to Texas, I burned out on all the hours I was working. So, I worked for two years on a class action lawsuit. They needed nurses to read the medical files. It was very interesting. It dealt with complications from silicone breast implants made by Dow Corning.

 While I was there I got pregnant. 3 times. After two miscarriages, I had Evie. I didn't decide to stay home until after I was home with her. I loved it! And right away I wanted MORE babies! So, we had Everett 20 months later. After that, Eric said no more babies, so I got a dog :D

With two kids I decided to join the YMCA (this was before I knew about Mother's Day Outs). I had been doing yoga for many years and one of the instructors encouraged me to get certified. So, I did. And, for awhile I was teaching 7 classes a week. That was really great, until Everett started Kindergarten. I was home all day alone. Then, in the evening, when my family was there, I had to go teach my classes. It made me sad. 

So...I started teaching PreK at a Mother's Day Out! I have just completed my third year there and it is really a very fulfilling job. The kids are sweet and the parents are kind (most days, hehehe). Plus, I work with some of the best people! 

Who knows where the next step will take me. I'm still with my best friend, Eric, and now we have created even more to love!