Dreams Come True!!!! (It's OFFICIAL)

I got the contract today!!!!  What a great start to the day! After sharing this information via social networking, I was reminded of how long I have been talking about this as a final decision!  One friend, Cindy, reminded me that last June after flying across the country to see Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney in Nashville, I had begun talking about this wonderful adventure. She said, "You did it, you rascal!" It reminded me of the man I met from Detroit, who is the vice president of a non-profit company in the city. After a casual conversation about life, travel, culture, and dreams, he had told me "go to China" as he boarded his plane. I was reminded of a conversation last fall with one of my long-time best friends, who told me, "way to go! I'm so proud of you Amanda! Way to make your dreams a reality!"  There was so much support and excitment for us as we are heading to embark on this fantastic adventure.

There were so many steps that have gotten me here. SO many people who played a role in reminding me of my dream, and more importantly to GO FOR IT!!!  With the fast pace of life, sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day that our dreams take the back burner, they get set aside because there is something that is SO IMPORTANT that needs to be done NOW. But when you think about it, what is more important than living your life?? What is more important than the relationships and experiences?  I have struggled with this over the past year. As you noticed with my long absences between posting last year, I did not complete my Happiness Project as intended, though it awoke in me a fire for change. I have actively decided to make changes to my priorities, giving those most important to me the best of me. Don't get me wrong, I fall short sometimes, no one is perfect. But the reflection that follows helps me make better choices next time. I am an active, busy person, and looking around my home, there's always something that "needs to be done. But again, is it that important the it must be done NOW??  I have come a long way since last year with this, but still, there is room for improvement.

My next thirty years started with reflection of where I was, a reevaluation of my life, my dreams, and my goals. I have taken back my dreams. Taken steps to get there. And you know what? I'm almost there!!! In four and a half months, we will be in BEIJING, CHINA!!!  To everyone who helped me get here, thank you!!

Amanda :)

The Waiting Game...

What has been the hardest thing you have had to wait for? It seems that the size of the thing for which you are waiting tends to be comparable to the time it feels like it takes for that event to come.  I have made my choice, accepted an offer, and am waiting now for the final contract to sign. Before actually spreading the word to all, I want to make sure that it's all in place and lined up. It'd be a REAL bummer to have something happen and have already told everyone. So, now, I wait...The human resources department told me that I should receive it by Tuesday (China time) which will be Monday here. So, for now, I wait.

"Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction, ends up being the biggest step in your life. TIP TOE if you must, but take the first step!"

OK folks! It has been about 8 months since my last post. Since I have not shared this site with anyone, it's really just for me right now. Well, me and whoever out there ran across this randomly, to which I say THANK YOU for reading! The past month has been an exciting blur for me. Last summer I decided (finally!!!) it was time to look into teaching overseas. In September, I signed up for a very inexpensive online recruiting site recommended by someone I know. I looked regularly at jobs that were posted, though never taking "the leap" to go that final step. In December I turned 31 and then 2013 started. I was rejuvenated with excitement and yearning for the next step of my life, which I felt was beyond where I am now.

Over the past few years, I have found myself again after removing myself from a toxic situation.  I have gotten back to my desire for more. I've never really been one to be content with where I am, simply because I want to do, see, and learn more. My Daddy always told me I could do anything. Both my parents always instilled in me hard work and appreciation. My positive outlook on life paired with all these things fostered a desire to see the world. People and new cultures are fascinating to me. I have always wanted to go to China and this was my first choice of places to go and visit. As I began to think about the possibility of seeing more, I got more and more excited. At the end of January I was interviewed for a special education position three times at one school before they told me that they had already offered a contract to another person. They later offered me a different position, then a week later, took it back. I was DEVASTATED!!! But, I needed a new plan. Life is what you make of it. I found a quote a while back that said "Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction, ends up being the biggest step in your life. TIP TOE if you must, but take the first step!" Every little step has taken me a little farther. I then sent letters of interest for 6 other schools. I got two other interviews and two more job offers. Then another school sent me a letter of interest. So, at this time, I had four job offers!!!  I weighed my options and finally made a decision.

So, that's where I sit now. I am awaiting the official contract to come and have realized that in less than 5 months, I will be in CHINA!!!

I am SO EXCITED about what this adventure is going to bring for us. It was a series of small steps that led me here, but it just has felt SO RIGHT each step of the way. People keep asking me if I'm scared...and no, I'm not. It feels really right for me, for us. NOW is the time. I honestly believe that God has a plan for us all and that we will end up where we need to be. I had been waiting for this, then realized that Life is what you make of it, I was tired of waiting for a door to open, so I built one.

Until next time...(sooner than 8 months from now)

Amanda :)