Career change at 60 (actually 58)

Reading classes are beginning for the fall semester and the kids are great.  For many of the students, online learning is exciting and different.  And it is something that sets them apart from other students.  Online learning makes these students feel special.

I am really glad that I made the jump into teaching a couple of years ago, though it is a move I never would have predicted for myself.  But there just came a point in my life when I had to make a decision.  Make a change with my life or live and die as a worker drone.  I chose to make a change.

It wasn't easy, at least not at first.  I went back to school and I'm still working on my teaching degree.  It was challenging, becoming a student again after all these years but it has been worth the struggle.  I've learned so much about kids and early childhood education from my own classes and it has helped me with my teaching.  And the most important thing I've learned is this: Children learn at different rates.  I know this is something that may be considered common knowledge to those who are parents and who work with kids, but for me it was an epiphany.  I had to teach each student according to their own abilities and sometimes that can be challenging in a multi-student class. I have learned, however, the other students in our online sessions are eager to jump in and help the kids that are struggling.  I find their compassion and empathy for their fellow students inspiring and uplifting.  I wish more grownups would have that ability.

Anyway, if there are any older misfits out there who are considering a career change, my advice is this....Just Do It!  Pell grants (financial aid) are available.  The government website https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell can walk you through the steps with minimal frustration.  This is a step that can be very frightening but also rewarding.  It may just change your life.

Take care,

Teresa, still a misfit at 60

 Stargazing at 60

Astronomy is something I've always loved and that I've been able to reconnect with over the past few years. In the past, my work schedule was so hectic there was very little time or energy for stargazing. But since starting my work with kids and the fact that I work from home, I've been able to enjoy the night skies once again.

I've made an attempt at astro-photography and have managed to take a few decent photos. I've found that just setting up a camera on the tripod with the widest aperture works pretty good. I've never had a lot of luck with mounting the camera on the telescope with the exception of last April's solar eclipse (April 2024).

It was a partial eclipse but I was please with the photos.

I wanted to do a sequence of photos from the beginning of the eclipse to the end but I had a to teach a class. Nevertheless, I was happy with the photos I did get.

When comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS passed through our solar system last October (2024) I was able to snap a few decent photos with this one at an f 5/6, 8-second exposure. And since I live in a rural area, light pollution was not an issue. I am hoping to get some good photos of the new comet that is passing through. Comet SWAN25B should be visible on the horizon as of now though viewing will be better next month.

With the weather cooling, I am looking forward to getting the telescope out again. I hesitate to do any stargazing during the summer months simply because of rattlesnakes. We do have them on the property and they are active during warmer weather, and yes, they intimidate me greatly.

Take care,

Teresa, still a misfit at 60

 Anxiety at 60

Another sleepless night though I don't think I can blame this one on the dogs.  Just a little bit of anxiety and I wonder if anxiety worsens as we grow older.  I don't have any health issues other than stiff joints on occasion and I know financial stuff is always a concern but anxiety seems to be getting worse the older I get.

I seem to worry over everything and most recently, political issues.  Today's political culture has gotten to be so toxic and stressful and it's hard to get away from it.  I am on twitter mainly to keep up to date with NASCAR storylines.  Twitter or X is just horrible these days and filled with so much hate and anger that I've had to take a break from it.

I try to exercise every day, a 2 mile walk followed by some moderate strength training such as light weights and elevated pushups.  Exercising does help and I think when the weather cools a bit, I can start taking additional walks in the evening and maybe that will help improve my sleeping pattern.  Also, I've just received my first order of cbd chews so I'm hoping they will help alleviate at least some of the anxiety, at least enough to help me sleep. 

Thanks for letting share my feelings and if any other misfits out there have any suggestions on dealing with anxiety, please let me know.

Take care,

Teresa, still a misfit at 60

Meet Cata!

Meet our desert tortoise Cata.  Cata is 22 years old and lives in our backyard.  She has a den to sleep in and a nice enclosure which gives her plenty of room to explore her surroundings.  

Sometimes the girls hop into the enclosure but they never bother Cata.  She moves too slow to peak their interest.  In fact, Cata seems to enjoy their company.  Here is a photo of Cata and Zenji.

Take care,

Teresa, still a misfit at 60

The girls

Just want to take a moment to introduce the girls.  This is CeeCee and Zenji.  CeeCee (on the left) is a sweet pup who loves to cuddle and Zenji is a crazy spotted dog.  Both were strays.  I found Zenji at Arivaca Lake in 2016 and CeeCee was rescued by the vet during a dive trip in San Carlos Mexico in 2017.  So you see, we're all getting up in years. Zenji and CeeCee are really good girls....unless you are a rabbit.

Zenji, also known as the crazy spotted dog.  She answers to ZenZen as well as Biscuit Biscuit.

CeeCee, the sweet one.  Affectionately referred to as Little Baby CeeCee or CeeCee Bloom (for the Beaches fans out there).  

Take care,

Teresa, still a misfit at 60

3:00 am

Up early this morning to prepare for a 4:30 am ESL class. 4:30 am Arizona time is 7:30 pm China time.  The student was awesome and speaks English pretty well already.  She was speaking to both me and her mother, switching back and forth from Chinese to English with no hesitation.  It just amazes me at how quickly she can transition from the Chinese language to the English language.  

I am also a student, finishing up my teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education at Pima Community College.  And one thing I've learned in my classes is that kids who are bilingual show improved brain function, problem solving skills, creativity, resourcefulness and better academic performance.  I don't understand why learning a second language isn't mandatory in the U.S.  It can only have positive results.

Take care,

Teresa, still a misfit at 60

 Firing up the grill:

Getting ready for the Xfinity night race at Bristol Motor Speedway.  Sirloin steaks, catfish and baked potatoes are always better over mesquite wood coals.  And just FYI, Louisiana Fish Fry is an excellent seasoning for catfish. 

Playoff racing at the Last Great Colosseum in Bristol Tennessee, hope it's a good one.

Take care,

Teresa, still a misfit at 60