Lou Holtz said, "Do What You Love"

AN update on my unemployment.

First let me pre-phase the story by letting you know how unbelievably hard the last two months have been. I have probably been through one of my roughest storms ever in my life.

Over the past two months I have sat at home, interviewed at least three times, filled out an un-godly amount of applications and TRIED to be a housewife. (Cleaning was great, but the cooking of the meals was a little suspect) I have tried my best to not let those around me know that I have been struggling. I was constantly feeling depressed that my wife was at work supporting us and I was just sitting home helpless. It seemed every time I turned a corner, someone else was asking me how my job search was going. I appreciated the moral support but it certainly didn't help me get a job any faster! After weeks of utter disappointment from positive leads that went nowhere ,I began to become very discouraged. I tried very hard not to let it show and remain as positive as a person being tossed by a tornado can be.

On Friday afternoon of last week I received a phone call from Dr. Roger Hill the Principal at Kirksey Middle School at 7:30a.m. (the same school that a friend works at) Thanks FRIEND! :)


I wake up (I stayed up until about 3:00 every night playing video games) to my ringing phone and I do not recognize the number. I always try to sound awake in case it is an important call back. I clear my throat and try to sound like I have been awake all morning. He asks me if I would be interested in a long-term substitution position for Social Studies. SURE!!! WHERE DO I SIGN UP? I had never taught this subject before but if there was anything I would teach besided P.E. it would be history! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HISTORY!

Later that afternoon I am supposed to meet him at the school. (I got a speeding ticket I was so excited) I have the interview and he asks me if I can start Monday. In all the excitement of having at least an option I realize I have no idea what I am doing. I don't know what to teach, the rules and procedures of Kirksey, have nothing to decorate my room with, and I am completely at a loss as to how to start a class off for the beginning of the year. I was given no lesson plans or this is how your supposed to do it??? I just promised myself I would not allow myself to get overwhelmed no matter how chaotic it got. At the end of the interview he asks me if I would be interested in helping coach the football team. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I would love to help coach. (It was just a week ago Michelle and I drove by the Farmington Cardinal Football practice and I shared with her how depressed I was that I wasn't working with a team) GOD was totally making everything fall into place.

Monday morning (my first day of school as a TEACHER) I wake up and I am absolutely giddy because I am so excited. School was absolutely amazing as was football practice. I was actually so excited about football that I went out and practiced with the team on Friday afternoon in my interview clothes. Fast forward to today and the past week and two days and been the most amazing days of my entire life. (besides Christ and Michelle:)) I have truly found what I am great at and what totally fulfills me. I really believe I was meant to coach and to teach. While I have many dreams and things to fulfill in my life I know this is my calling.

I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all those who have prayed for me and encouraged me (Especially my WONDERFUL, AMAZING, FAITHFUL, BEST FRIEND, Michelle). Everyone has been so sweet to me and I hope that I can be an encouragement and use this time that God has taught me to help others in a similar situation.

I would also like to share with those who read this that never give up in pursuing what you love. I have fought and worked for the past nine years in trying to figure out what I was called to do. I know that I will never fail because I love it too much. 78% of Americans wake up hating what they do EVERYDAY and I was not going to be one of those people.

"If you wake up doing what you love you will never work a day in your life" Lou Holtz

I am continuing to pray that this will become full-time, then my biggest fan can quit so we can add to our family. lol

I love you honey. Your the greatest.