I'm Just Being Me

     A new session of classes has started for this girl. Once I complete these two courses, I'll be half way through that particular MAT program!! Go me!! While taking part in online classes, I've realized that I'm some what of a special breed. For some reason, I believe that everyone thinks and acts just like me; I must be completely self-centered. But I genuinely tilt my head like a confused puppy when I realize that everyone is not like me. For instance, the most fun assignment of online classes is the introduction. Why would I not have a blast with that? It takes me all of five minutes, submit, and bam, 100...starting off with an A is a great feeling. However, this term makes me realize that my introductions don't conform to the social norm of what one produces. And now, I present to you, my latest introduction that I submitted last week. And yes, this is what I submitted, no changes have been made:

It’s fourteen minutes past my bedtime, and I’m sitting at the kitchen counter, spooning out clumps of cookie dough like it’s the healthiest thing in the world, mind you that just three hours ago I was instructing a fitness class and twenty minutes ago I posted healthy lifestyle tips on my discussion board for a fitness group I administer. That’s me in a nutshell; I’m a contradiction in every way possible. But at least I’m aware of it. Isn’t that what they teach you? That admitting it is the first step to acceptance, which leads to recovery. Hello, my name is Abigail Newton, and I’m a contradiction to myself. I’m pretty sure if I continued on that tangent I could publish a very unpopular memoir, so I’ll be moving on...

As I mentioned above, my name is Abigail Newton. I taught high school English in the state of North Carolina for five years. Last year, I had a whirlwind of a moment and found myself teaching Kindergarten for one semester and Preschool the second semester. This year, I am an educational aide in a kinder room. I’m proud to say that what I feared was a developing drinking problem has actually lessened over the past few months; there’s nothing these five year olds can do to shock me into finding comfort and religion in a glass of wine on a Tuesday evening anymore. As crazy as our school days can be, I love those kiddos, a little too much at times…legally.

I received my bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University in December of 2006. I was fortunate to have gotten hired right off the stage in January of 2007. I’ve been teaching ever since. I’ve never questioned my profession, sometimes my sanity, but not my profession. I have a love for education and a disdain for ignorance. Again, another way I contradict myself, for I am one of the most ignorant individuals you’ll come across. (<- See, I just ended a sentence with a preposition even though I’m an English teacher…who does that?) At the conclusion of the last school year, I decided to finally get my masters. Because it makes sense to invest a lot of money into something the moment you’re currently making less than you ever have, right? This is my fifth and/or sixth course with this program. It all depends on which class you’re reading this because I’m taking two courses, and I’m a big fan of copy and paste. I’ve been very pleased with this program, mostly because they keep letting me register for classes. The main reason I am getting my masters is for personal fulfillment. I’ve been envious of those who have found the time and the attention span to obtain theirs, so with being in a position where my responsibilities are fewer than my previous positions, I feel like this is the best time to complete the degree.

I have a passion for teaching those who “just don’t get it.” I told my students that I became an English teacher because that was the subject at which I sucked least. I wasn’t good at it; I’m still not, but I know the feeling of trying my hardest to only get a B or a C. I speak underdog. Advanced students…no thank you. There’s a strong chance they are smarter than me, and they know it. My level D readers intimidate me if that completes the picture for you. They’re all like, “I recited all fifty sight words last night.” And I’m like, “Yeah, well, I almost found Waldo last night, sooo….”

A few important facts to know about me is that I managed to land the most amazing husband in the entire world; he’s my best friend and I wouldn’t trade him for a Kit Kat, which is saying a lot because Kit Kats are pretty much what makes the world go round. We are currently raising our one year old Torby girl named Seyo; she’s part cat, part Satan, but I love her so much because when she’s not hating my existence, she does this thing when she presses her paw against my cheek…ahhh…melt my heart. I am originally from Canton, North Carolina, Roll Tide, but currently live in Yangju, South Korea. I am in a constant battle between working out and eating my feelings, food usually wins. I maintain an unpopular blog about that particular subject. I love love love reading my Kindle, snuggling my cat, dancing in the car, dancing in the kitchen, dancing in the shower, eating Kit Kats, baking bread, dancing in public, reading recipes, dancing with my Seyo, instructing fitness classes, dancing with my husband, and overwhelming my daily schedule. I am an adamant Christian and sing out hymns at the drop of a chopstick. I do not use curse words or words in place of them; however, I have a strong country accent, so when I say ice, it sounds like @ss, and my friends always think they’ve “caught” me cursing. I’m a very open person and feel it necessary to let everyone know when I have cramps; I guess I just consider that to be a warning. My husband and I do not watch TV. We feel that our time is better spent when pouring over pinterest for an entire weekend. I am a longwinded person and if given an inch, I’ll take an acceptance speech. With that being said, I must retire for I have a five a.m. workout session with a girlfriend in the morning and dozens of cookies to destroy tonight. I look forward to the next eight weeks, and I apologize that you have me as your classmate: I can be a little much. Goodnight.

Every time I post one of my introductions, I go on to read what others did. As usual, it's one paragraph that summarizes three major points: education, career, and family. When people do take the time to read my intro, they point out how much they enjoyed reading something different for a change. And this is just my intro...my personality creeps into my assignments as well, and I never realized it until today. One person wrote to me that they purposely seek out my posts because they know it will insightful and hysterical. I'm just sitting over here being me doing what I do. 

I know I use this blog to complain about myself and my different levels of unhappiness, but in truth, I love being me. I love that people who I have never met can read my words and find enjoyment from them. I love that my friends actually miss me since I've moved. I love that my husband finds something to compliment every single day. I don't see myself as others do, but I love that what I show others has the outcomes it does. After years upon years of questioning, bullying, and doubting myself, I'm starting to find happiness being me. I recommend you do the same.