It's been just over 4 months since I made the drive to New Orleans. Teaching Geometry/Algebra II in NOLA has been one of the major shifts in my life, both professionally and personally. I am learning new skills, gaining new experiences, and finding myself more.
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Only took 2 nights. Great road trip. |
My old life was... not bad. Still love my life and my people back in Cali, but a change was due. Can't be too complacent, had to step it up.
I actually felt like I wasn't growing enough in Cali, felt bubbled-in between OC and LA, and I wasn't contributing my full potential. Felt under-utilized at the school I was working at, and I felt unfulfilled at the sales job I had consulting businesses. I still don't feel like I'm at my fullest potential, but I've made significant changes in my life since last year.
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Camping during our road trip (Kartchner Caverns, Arizona) |
Anyone who knew me before would say that I stay up late, I wake up late, I can't cook, and I burn leaves. Although some of that is still true, my habits have improved considerably; I wake up way earlier, I'm less lazy, and am more confident in the kitchen now. My first consistently-paying full-time job really helps too. Along with the lower cost of living here. I feel like a more effective person overall.
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She motivates me to be a better person too (Riverwalk, San Antonio) |
Just a year ago, in 2012, I was hardly employed. I did go on a neat vacation to SF with my GF, but it was all on a budget. I was not doing too well professionally, or financially. At least for my standards. The two years before that, I was working part-time at a middle school in Santa Ana (Mendez). Throughout that time, I was networking, looking for classes, seminars, professional/personal development. Bubbling ideas for an LLC. I spent a few months doing
Sales and MLM...I may have bugged some friends. Good thing I'm not doing THAT anymore, riiight? Overall, great learning experiences in my post-college life, but I didn't find my niche yet. Still haven't, but much progress has been made.
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Gotta enjoy the journey (live from somewhere... New Mexico?) |
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Been one heck of a ride! (San Antonio) |
I view life in seasons and segments. Chapters. This has been a pivotal chapter for me.
I came to NOLA in June knowing one person (from high school), having no place to stay, and no car.
Got trained for 5 weeks, landed a job, met the dance scene here, lived in the French Quarter (which was a blast), and then flew back to Cali in July. 3 weeks went by fast. By the end of July, I was back in Louisiana, with my gf, who joined me for the road trip. Having her here made it so much different, so much better. Having a car helped too. With Mi's assistance, I found this great house to live in, love my house mates, love the location.
Seems like a good growing season. Been sowing seeds, watering daily, snacking on some fruits, and watching roots grow. Looking forward to what 2014 has in store.