CH-CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGES!!!!

As 2010 draws to a close, I have started reflecting over the past year - the strides I've made and the mistakes I've made - and also began to wonder what this new year will bring. Every year for the last three, there has been a major theme that enveloped it:

2008: My brother was married to his fiance (now wife) Janet. If it wasn't for that event, however, this year would have definitely been labeled as my dark age. I was surrounded by death on many occasions as a handful of my friends and family members passed away.

2009: I graduated FIU with my B.A. in History and minor in Education. Alexandra and I also made it to our five year anniversary (which come October 2011 will be obsolete since a new anniversary will be established ;).

As for 2010, it has probably been the most exciting year in my life.

First off, there were many changed made on the job front. I was hired a local, private Catholic school to teach my favorite subjects - Government and History (including one AP United States History course and two AP United States Government courses).

Secondly, my then-girlfriend Alexandra, not only started her second internship program at a news station, but started her career in the profession that she has grown to love the last few years: broadcast journalism.

Perhaps the most important thing that occurred this year happened on November 4th. My then-girlfriend of 6 & 3/4 years accepted my proposal for marriage. This is an exciting step in my life, and while it will take personal sacrifices by both of us, she is worth the sacrifice.

2011 will be another year of change (our wedding is set for October 30th). And with that, there are a few resolutions I hope to keep. Yes, a few of them are typical:

I resolve to lose weight/get healthy/work out more.
I resolve to procrastinate less.
I resolve to be more patient.

But the resolution that I will be trying my hardest to keep is to take steps in developing my relationship with God further. At this point in time in my life, I am closer to God than I have ever been, but there is still much more to do. I am of the opinion that one cannot say he is set with God. There is always something one can improve to further develop his/her relationship with the Lord or to do his/her part in the building of God's kingdom here on earth.

So, last but not least.....

I resolve to find ways to get closer to my Lord and Savior.

The Times Are a'Changin

I'm baaaaaaack! I'm sorry for my neglectful ways, my friends. I can't believe it has been 6 months since I last posted. I'm hoping that in the coming year, I can be a bit more active in the blog front.

Bob Dylan once wrote that "The Times They Are a-Changin'." That particular line has been so true over these past six months, but seeing as I am not a big fan of way-too-long blog posts myself, I'll see if I can briefly explain to you what has been going on.

June 2010: I accepted a position at Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School as a Social Studies teacher. This was a huge step in my life for many reasons:

1) Education is the profession I have wanted to be in since the middle of my
collegiate career. This is the first opportunity I have to teach an
entire schedule of classes on my own and get paid for it.

2) I am teaching AP United States History along with 12th Grade American
Government. I am also teaching one class of World History. These are the
subjects that I have been passionate about since my late elementary
school years. Now, I get to share that passion with the youth of
Southwest Miami-Dade County.

3) I am teaching at a Catholic school, and unlike other schools that I have
visited, this particular school is very committed to enhancing a faith-
based learning environment. Its motto - "First the Kingdom of God" -
explains what its mission is centered on - Christ.

I will save the details on my experience at the school for a later blog, but so far, my time there has been absolutely wonderful. Busy, hectic, and time-consuming? Yes. But wonderful nonetheless.

In August, I began work at the school and have successfully survived half the year. Not an easy task with seniors who are already coping with premature senioritis.

Now, comes the bigger change in my life. On November 4th, I proposed to my high school sweetheart Alexandra. It was a long-time coming, and I will post details about that day soon (I hope).

Times are certainly changing for me; in my opinion, they are changing for the better. Does this mean I am getting older? Certainly. However, I have never felt more fulfilled in my life.

I am marrying the woman I love and working in a career that I love, all the while serving the One whom I love and trust above all. All of these things remind me of that verse from Scripture (and being that it is Advent, I find it most appropriate):

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth.