If you didn't know, now you know.

     I have spent most of 2014 working toward becoming a teacher. 

     In the spring after much searching, I found an organization called 'Teach Tomorrow in Oakland'. I applied and was accepted, better late than never.  They have helped me through the process in ways I can't explain with words.  The CBEST, CSET's, fingerprints, TB tests, professional developments, and signing my name like a thousand times are only the tip of what this summer has been for me.  The three women, who are the entire program, have helped me with advice, words of wisdom, and kindness through it all.  I feel like I owe them so much already. They saw in me the qualities of what could become a great teacher.  Don't worry ladies, I'm working on it.
     Today I start my credentialing program/masters program.  I am going to National University, which offers an online program.  It's not going to be easy, that's for sure, but I will be able to be a teacher on record in 3 months through an internship credential.  I have already been offered a job, that I have accepted.  So, in a few months I will be an 8th grade Math teacher.  
     I have been lucky enough to be subbing in the school I will be teaching in.  I already feel at home there, and the staff is amazing.  Edna Brewer Middle School, I hope that I show you I'm worth a permanent job after this year.
      Through it all, I've been lucky to have the love and encouragement of my girlfriend.  She has sacrificed doing some of her favorite things to be by my side during this process.  I've never really known what its like to have this kind of support.  It's amazing.  She has pushed me when I felt like things were too difficult.  She cared for me when I needed to cry.  She let me use her car without question and whenever I asked.  I'm not sure I could have done this without her. 
     My best friend checks in to make sure I'm doing okay and has made sure I go to yoga regularly.  I miss the fun nights out we used to have, but it feels good to know that our friendship was more than that.  My housemates are lovely and they cheer me on every day.  I feel very lucky to have found such great people in California.  I hope they feel the same about me.  It's also been really nice to get phone calls and texts from my friends far away.  It's good to know you are still there for me as much as I am for you.  I also have a few pen pals, you have no idea how much I look forward to your letters.  Snail mail is where it's at!
     I have found time for fun.  I played softball in the SFGSL and my team ended the season in 1st place.  Again, my housemates cheered me on and came to most of my games.  I was voted team MVP, which was humbling.  My girlfriend was MVP last year, so...  The team is going to Las Vegas in October for the ASANA Women's Slowpitch Softball World Series.  I'm pretty excited about it, especially since I get to go.
     I'm also excited to see Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, and Slayer for my birthday.  The 2nd annual metal show for my birthday is pretty awesome. 
    Anyway, maybe nobody cares or this is just some rambling done by me, I just wanted to let everyone know what I have been up to.  At least let you all know why you haven't heard from me.  I love all of my people and I hope you are doing well.  Drop me a line, send me a card, or better yet one of those mix tapes you're making.
Love 'n' stuff,
Audrey
    
“Dreams are what guide us, art is what defines us, math is what makes it all possible, and love is what lights our way.”
― Mike Norton

Today is the first day of the rest of my life...

I was offered a teaching job yesterday.  I think I'm going to take it.  It's an 8th grade math teacher job that would start in November and end in June.  If they like me, it could turn into something permanent.  It actually works out perfect since I won't be eligible to take a teaching job until I finish a good part of my credentialing program.  Until then the school will hire me on a substitute teacher so I can get familiar with the school and students.  Including the students in the classroom I will eventually take over.

It took effort to get to this point.  In October I quit smoking.  It was hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be.  I had the support of my sister and my girlfriend.  Well, and everyone who knew about it really.  After I felt like that was a success I also quit drinking.  The year leading up to this was rough.  I had a pretty bad break-up and I was drinking more that I should.  I was not the person I wanted to be while I was drinking.  I had ceased to be able to control myself, so I quit.  It was hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be.  I had the support of my girlfriend, and pretty much everyone else.

It was shortly after this that I began the process of figuring out what I needed to do to become a teacher.  There were many nights spent on the computer trying to figure out documents, procedures, and all kinds of stuff.  In the midst I found an organization called "Teach Tomorrow in Oakland."  I had found my savior, now if only I'm not too late to join.

I was too late.  Fuck.  Back to the grind.

Then I got an email and they gave me a chance.  I will never forget how relieved I was to get that chance.  I needed help, and I wasn't afraid to say it.  Once I interviewed and was accepted, I was in.  They helped me with everything I was struggling with.

Now, I am slowly, but surely getting all the paperwork done and getting enrolled in my credentialing program.  Pretty excited to being so close to the goal I set for myself 3 years ago.

Lot's of time between blogs.

I am almost through with this semester of school. It's over on Monday. I have been doing well. I plan to head on over to my dad's on Dec. 20th. Then down to my mom's as well. It's weird for the first year ever I don't work retail, so I can leave before Christmas Eve. I can't wait. For next semester I will be taking 2 more math classes: Abstract Algebra and Complex Variables. I think they will be fun. Then I will also take the much dreaded speech class and to fulfill my theater/dance/music credit I will be taking tap dancing. Sounds fun, just wish I didn't have to play college credit prices for it. Anyway, life is good. Christian and I just invested in a new bed. Man is it awesome. The bed is my new best friend. Comfy and firm. Christian is well and still loves the comic shop. Although, he is not working as much so he has been thinking about a part-time job. However, finances are fine since I have been working more(if that's possible). He still does radio. If you are ever up on Thursdays from 1am-3am (eastern time) go to www.wcbn.org and you can listen to his show live. For those of you west of us it's earlier so you might be able to. Lola and Destro are great. They are huge fans of the new bed. I caught them so close to cuddling, but not quite. They are super cute and still have a master and student relationship. Lola is teaching Destro how to fight and be sneaky. What entertainment they give me. Everything is good here hope it is for everyone else.

ak

check out the website I have been working on: www.bgreentoday.com

It's been a super busy summer. I am working several jobs and I took over a small business kickball league. I still work at Ethnic Creations, although I am just moving the warehouse up north to Petoskey. They started a new company called BeGreen that sells all biodegradable disposable stuff like plates, ect. As well as, non-toxic paint and cleaning products. I am a sales rep and delivery driver for them. I just started working as a server at Old Town Tavern. Yup I am almost 30 and never been a server and now I work with a 12 table section at a nice little restaurant. I like it. I also cater once or twice a month. I am trying to work enough to pay bills and keep a little aside for when I go back to school in the fall. Kickball is super fun. There are 12 teams all from local Ann Arbor small businesses. It's been bringing the community together by way of silly, fun, competition. I also have been babysitting and coming up with new ideas for videos I would like to make. So....yeah it's been busy. I miss all of my family and hope I get to see Jacob while he is around. I still haven't seen Erin's new baby, but pictures tell me she is super cute. Anyway, just wanted to give an update on why I haven't been in contact for a while. Love and Peace to everyone.

ak

So little time.

School is tough. I'm taking a calculus based physics class and calculus II. Both are great however, they take a lot of time. I went to Chicago not long ago for Marge's 29th birthday. It was just Marge and me and a couple of my friends from out there. We had a blast. Other than that my life seems spread very thin. I work, tutor, goto school, babysit, and have Christian all vying for my time. I like being busy, but it's wearing on me. I've been sick more this year than ever in my life (except when I got tonsillitis 9 times in 6 months, thanks for getting them out mom). Money is tighter than ever. I guess the economy is finally effecting me. I never have time for my friends and I hate stupid people. Okay got it off my chest.

The weather has been getting warmer and I got out my spring coats. My cats are always lovely. I mean except when Destro poops on the floor. I get to make a water balloon launcher for my physics class. So, really things aren't too bad. I guess I'm still getting used to being an adult. Anyway, I hope this catches everyone up on whats going on with me. I haven't written anything in so long because I didn't feel like I had anything to say.

Oh yeah. I'm on two soccer teams that are doing very well. I will be on three softball teams in the spring and kickball starts in May. Oh how I love the community that happens around playing in a field. I hope everyone is great.

much love,
ak

Summer was fun!!!! Mostly. I've started school again and it's going well so far. I still have Calculus to go to tonight. I also just received an email telling me I got an additional grant this year called a SMART grant for doing well in high school. Pretty neat. Christian got into the video class he wanted and is only working at the comic store now and they gave him more hours(almost full-time). He's a happy guy!! Lola (my cat)'s two best friends died last week. I can't tell if she knows yet. Lenny B. my boss's cat got feline leukemia and had to be put down. Then Luna, Martina's dog (the dog she grew up with) died at home. Martina said she was happy when she left the house and when she came home she had passed. It's a crazy world out there. Oh yeah I almost forgot...I also broke my best friend (Jessie Bott's) arm a week ago Sunday burly girly mud wrestling. She went into surgery on Friday and got some new metal in her arm. She is feeling better and doesn't blame me for what happened. Love and Peace to everyone.

Hello everyone,

So, I went to the Synk family reunion it was really fun. Jude and I went down the Alpine Slide 3 times. Other than that I had a pretty large party/bbq at my house for the 4th of July. We were dogsitting a dog very scared of fireworks so no fireworks. We went to a park about a mile or so away and watched other fireworks. All and all alot of fun and alot of work. Anyway, until next time.
peace
ak