Vicki,
         I used to teach in special education for the Mentally impaired. I
taught children between the ages of 3 to 26.  I liked the kids, but the
paper work was an absolute nightmare.  Even sighted people hate it, but
getting a reader to help you out was just no fun.  Also, I got frustrated
with parents that saw their kids as hopeless situations and gave up pushing
their children to meet all of the potential that they were capable of.  I
suppose, looking back on it, I was a bit idealistic and, perhaps a bit
insensitive to what they were going through with a special needs child, but
I just always saw my students as being able to do so much and watching
othre peoples' expectations hold them back.  I got pretty frustrated.
         I do enjoy writing, but that requires discipline and guts.  First
of all, you have to make yourself sit down to actually organize your
thoughts, not an easy task when you arent accountable to anybody and family
needs are right in front of you.    Then you have to have the guts to share
what you have done.  I admire Phil for putting it all out there.  I'm not
that brave.
Kathy

At 06:05 PM 2/12/2005, you wrote:
>Kathy,
>
>If anybody really though about the skills it takes to be a stay-at-home mom,
>they'd realize the incredible amount of skills they would have at their
>disposal.  I know you said you didn't want to return to teaching, but,
>curious, what did you teach?  I do know you've mentioned your love of
>writing.
>
>Vicki
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Kathy Du Bois" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2005 2:24 PM
>Subject: Re: [ECHURCH-USA] Encouragement
>
>
> > Marvella,
> > At least you have the work experience to back you up.  That should say
> > something for commitment and capability.  I find myself thinking about
> > getting back in to the work force as well, but I've been a stay at
> > home  wife and mom for 19 years now and that doesn't count much in the job
> > market.  I also have no clue what I'd be good at.  I used to teach, but I
> > don't want to go back into that field.    I bet that you have a lot of
> > skills on display.  You'll be great!
> > Kathy
> >
> >
> > At 03:43 PM 2/12/2005, you wrote:
> > >Hey, guys, I need some encouragement from out there. It's about time that
>I
> > >start looking for another job and I'm really nervous about getting out of
>my
> > >comfort zone. I'm nervous about the whole process from looking to
> > >interviewing since I haven't had to do this in 29 years. I know that a
>lot
> > >has changed and expectations have changed some too. Just wanted to share
> > >this. Thanks.
> >