Today, I officially lived 43 years!
So much triumphs and challenges since the previous birthday!
On my previous birthday, I was still employed at Macy's, with a job I picked up in the first pandemic year. I was ready to move on.
I did!
I returned to the education industry as a substitute teacher. In the previous stint (2005-2018), I subbed mostly with public schools, but also with private schools as well.
This time around, I'm sticking with the private schools, only because they pay faster. Any job with the State of Hawaii makes you wait at least a month for your paycheck. I'd rather not wait!
I'm much happier being a sub than I was at Macy's.
The problem is that there's no paid leave, no sick leave, no vacation pay.
And this year, I had the biggest rent increase I've ever experienced. I'm not sure how much longer I stay in my apartment.
And my dad is retiring at the end of the year, so he'll most likely be making less on social security.
And as mentioned in the blog post "My Mental Health & Career Development", finding a steadier job with better pay that matches my talents and my psychological well-being has been a major challenge for me.
read the blog post "My Mental Health & Career Development" at https://pablowegesend.blogspot.com/2023/03/my-mental-health-career-development.html
And I've been in a less celebratory mood since the pandemic started.
Anybody who knew me pre-pandemic knew I loved parties! Facebook photos confirms that!
But the covidiots who ignored public health protocols and the bullies who tell people "covid is over" & "take off your mask" made me reluctant to go to public events, especially where alcohol is served! It's to the point where I make sure I can reach my pepper spray in case some covidiot gets close to me, though so far, covidiots tend to be cowards who comment from a far distance.
So I've been more of a recluse. I always desired a lot of "me time" before the pandemic, but now "me time" is all the time.
Well, almost all the time.
One of my friends visited my apartment last night, and we viewed yearbooks and photo albums from the past.
And earlier today, I talked with my parents, who gave me a birthday card stating
On your birthday,
remember that you make a difference in this world
just by showing up and being you!
I definitely needed that reminder as I go on through the next 12 months and beyond!
