Introduce Yourself

Re: Introduce Yourself

Hello! I've been lurking in this forum for about 5 months or so, great advice and interesting topics! I'm a single 40+ living on the Tex/Mex border. You are all an inspiration to me and I have been putting the advice etc to use although I never posted before now. So, thanks to you all and I look forward to reading more blogs and learning even more!

[nancy58]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Hi Cindilee, DOn't lurk just jump in with both feet! You'll find a lot of good people as well as good info and ideas! Welcome!!

Re: Introduce Yourself

Thank you!

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Welcome cindilee!!

[mamaksa]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Hello out there! I'm Becky - Mama to three children... always in search of a great deal and very interested in all the saving advice I can get! Each child has made me more frugal...I've gotten quite good at it, actually! I hope I can share as much as I can learn here. Thanks for having me!

[rduell]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Welcome Becky!

[Ima saver]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Hi Cindi and becky, glad you have joined us!

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Welcome Becky!

[crazyBMB]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Welcome, glad your here!

[Cheetahwoman7]

Re: Introduce Yourself

I decided that my 100th post should be one that mattered...at least mattered to me....and would give a bit more info about me than most of you know.

I've been a teacher for 20 years now, having taught everyone from special education adults to bilingual kindergarteners. I didn't start teaching until I was in my later 20's, which gave me time to experience a bit of life before trying to teach students about it.

I remember my first year teaching 4th grade when a student checked out a book from the library. The front cover was illustrated with a drawing of Bryce Canyon. "Hey, I've been there," I told my student. She retaliated with, "It's not a REAL place." So, the next day I brought in pictures from my camping trip there and I thought she was going to faint. She ran around the room with a picture in one hand and the book in the other saying, "It IS a real place!!" *smile*

Those are the moments in teaching that I love. The lightbulb goes off and that child or adult will never look at something the same limited way again. That being said, I'm finding teaching becoming more of a depressing act in my life. It's not about the students, it's about the politics. I am NOT the type of teacher that can be put inside a box and told to teach "this way and only this way.....or else". I'm a creative person and try to draw that out in my students. I want them to find out there are a lot of ways to find the answer to something, and that many times there is no ONE right answer.

Funny thing is, that even though I may not teach within that limiting box, my students have some of the highest State test scores in the district. Why don't they just let me teach? All the State standards are covered and I have them printed out in my lesson plan book so I don't miss any. Well, let me just say, I'm feeling drained trying to do as told and still be able to teach the students what they'll need to know to move on in school and in life.

My two dogs are my current replacements for the two dogs I had for 14 years. They both passed within months of each other. As my first two were, these two are "recycled" dogs. Princess (no, I didn't name her) came from a lady who was having to move due to a divorce. She's an American Stafforshire Terrier (looks like a pitt bull, which is one reason the lady couldn't keep her...couldn't find a place that would let her move in) who is a decendant of Pete the Pup from the Little Rascals. Princess has two black eyes, though. Sweet dog with a great bark.

Change is a Golden Retreiver mix. I got her from the animal shelter. She was less than 8 weeks old and very sick. Hard to believe that little fluffball turned into a dog that can stretch the length of my queen-sized bed from, not side to side, but end to end! She's skinny, but LONG. She's also one of the most costly dogs I've ever had. Not healthwise, so much, but from the fact she chews EVERYTHING!!! She especially loves books..... Not to mention, she loves everything I find important. Funny thing is she's so orange and hairy, she looks like an orangatan when she stretches out her legs. Another sweet dog, but she can be frustrating at times.

As for what I like to do, besides reading all the great posts here on Savings Advice, spending time researching whatever holds my interest at the moment is one thing I like to do. Travelling, reading, exploring new places, and cooking, all capture my heart. I'm single, never been married, and have no children. I guess having 32 all day long, five days a week is enough for me. *smile*

Currently, I'm trying to figure out if I can leave teaching within the next two years and still survive. Like I mentioned, I just can't stand the politics anymore. I want the freedom to teach what I want, how I want, and not be limited. As some of you remember, I wasn't even sure I was going to have a job this year, as my principal was manuvering me into a place where she could have let me go. I don't want to be a rook in a game of chess.

I'm here to learn what I can about managing my money, investing for my retirement, and figuring out what my next lifesteps will be. I appreciate all the help so far, and look forward to the advice to come.

CJ

[paulnkrisc]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Good day all, Just goofing off at work and found this great site.

My current hobbie is attempting to pay, or attempting to not pay, for my daughters college education. Doing real well so far but I am always looking for additional leverage.

[nancy58]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Congratulations Cheetahwoman7 on your 100th + posts...I can't wait until I reach that goal!! You sound like a wonderful teacher, something we need more of in school systems these days. I had a teacher very similar to you (teaching style) and he left a life-long impression on my life. I hope that the district stops playing games with your position...like that in to many jobs (corporate) these days.

All I can tell you is that you need to do some serious figuring in terms of retirement funds and then follow your heart.

Best of luck to you.

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Welcome Paulnkrisc!

[nancy58]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Welcome paulnchrisc! Glad to have you here and I hope that you find as well as share some useful info.

[MaureensAvon]

Re: Introduce Yourself

Hi! I am Maureen, mom to 4 cuties in Philadelphia. Working on building a business from home, always looking for ways to slash expenses!