Writing

So, as many of you know I left full-time public school teaching at the end of the last school year. I knew when I left that I would not come back to teach in that environment. There were many reasons for my departure:
1. I wanted to spend more time with Joel. I never planned to be a stay-at-home mom, but there were many things that happened that led me to stay at home part-time with Joel. We had a horrible experience with his first daycare provider. We love his current provider, but we wanted to take on more of an active role in his daily life. I didn't want to feel as though his child care provider took my place. I know that probably wouldn't have happened, but I just see more of a disconnect in our generation with our kids. I'll discuss that more in another post. Anyways, Joel goes to daycare 2-3 times a week and we love it.
2. I became disillusioned with public school teaching. It just wasn't fun anymore. I no longer had the desire to spend extra hours tutoring, attending meetings, or conducting state-assessment prep camps. When Joel was born, I also stopped believing in public education, and that has become a big issue in our family as we have to decide quickly if he'll attend public school or private school or a mixture of the two.
3. I wanted to pursue a college-teaching career. I still do, but it is difficult to get a full-time teaching job at a community college or university, so I've been teaching part-time, which works well for our family.
4. I wanted to pursue my writing career. Back in 2007, I really started to delve into creative non-fiction and fiction. It started with creating little stories for my students. I also did a 3-week writing workshop through my school district one summer which helped to solidify that desire. Murad always encouraged me to write, but I never had the time and after many rejections, I just didn't know what to do. This past fall, I started writing again. I was hired on at a few educational start-ups doing script-writing and passage-writing, but was let go due to lack of funding. I also did publish some articles here and there and started a small resume-writing service, but didn't have much success. Well, now I have a steady freelance gig with Modern Dental Practice Marketing! I write blog entries for dental practice blogs. Looks like there will be more opportunities to do website-writing, etc. Since the blog posts are to be written as if I work at the dentists' office, I will not post links to my posts on my Ashlea Campbell Writing blog. In fact, I am thinking of taking down the blog. I can do a lot more through my Facebook page and it seems as though more people follow me there than on my blog or Twitter. Anyways, I'm excited about my new journey. I promise to post more of my writing when I can!

I leave you with a picture of my boys! I love them so much and couldn't imagine my life without them. Our little man will be 23 months tomorrow! We're a month away from two! He makes me smile so much. Today, we played in the yard, took a walk and watched movies on the couch. Perfect Sunday with them. Of course, he did eat everything in sight today, but that's my son!

Spring is Here

It sure doesn't feel like spring is here. Well, now it does. Our house is a hot 77 degrees. Earlier last week it was cold though. What gives? None of us have adjusted well to all the weather changes. Joely was really sick on Easter and most of last week. Thank God we have that Nebulizer; it's been such a life-saver
Tonight was the championship game for NCAA Men's Basketball. Louisville beat Michigan. I'm thankful for that since Michigan beat my Jayhawks in the Elite Eight. One crazy thing happened this year was that the university in my hometown made it to the Final Four. Yes! Wichita State University Shockers made it to the Final Four. We were in Wichita last week for Easter and were able to watch the game in Old Town with lots of Shocker fans, and lots of Wichita natives like myself. Although I am not an alum of Wichita State, I did take U.S. History After the Civil War there one summer and I also attended band camp there the summer after sixth grade. I also did countless activities there, so you catch my drift. No matter what though, I'm always a Jayhawk! I bleed Crimson and Blue
We've had some big changes and not so big changes in our home during the month March
1. We bought a new car! We bought an SUV (read: mom mobile) two years ago before Joel was born. We traded in Murad's 09 Ford Fusion for a 2011 Kia Sorento. Murad was going to drive my 04 Jetta and I'd drive the Sorento. We kind of ended up sharing the Sorento because the Jetta had so many problems and we wanted to keep the miles low on it. Well, we finally traded it in a few weeks ago and purchased a 2012 Nissan Altima. So now I'm back to driving the mom-mobile...er...Kia and Murad drives the Altima. We all feel a little safer on the road. I think we had starting skipping a lot of the big and small maintenance issues with the Jetta, and as a result we just didn't know when it'd die on the side of the road
2. We started remodeling. Over Easter our contractor pulled up the carpet and stained the concrete. We're going with the stained concrete look until we can afford to put down hardwood floors. It's so nice!!! This summer, we are gutting our master bathroom. We're extending the size of our master closet, putting in double sinks and a whirlpool tub. We're saving a ton of money by putting in some sweat equity, but our contractor is doing a lot of the big stuff
3. we got new jobs..again. So, Murad had been working in hospice and it was great and a payraise, but not enough for the work he was doing. Such a shame because he really loved his clients. Now, he's working for the county as a court investigator and loves it! Last week, I was hired on as a content manager (read: freelance writer) for Modern Dental Practice Marketing. I'm so excited about this job because I will work with get to start my writing career! The job is local, so I'll get to interact with other likeminded people, but it's work from home so I'll get the flexibilty I love. It's contract work for now (they had just hired a full-time writer when my application came in), but I have the opportunity to move into full-time work and still work from home. I'd really love to do that and give up some of my other jobs (namely teaching online). In addition, I'm still doing resumes and writing projects for clients. I'm now delving into editing. A friend of mine is writing a book and asked me to look over her first chapter. I loved, loved, loved reading and suggesting edits. I'm hoping my experience with MDPM will help me develop my editing skills and that I will be able to add that to the list of services Ashlea Campbell Writing provides.
4. Our Joely just keeps growing. He's now taking showers instead of baths. This has helped tremendously because we've all been so sick and the hot, steamy showers helps break up his mucous. He also loves to pee on the floor before getting in the shower and he does it when getting out of the shower. I'm using this as an opportunity to place him on his potty. Today I did it and he screamed. I'm hoping he'll warm up to the idea of peeing in the potty instead of on the floor. Joely can count to four. He loves to say two which is great since he turns two next month. I keep asking him how old he is and I'm trying to coach him to say two. Hoping he gets it down by May 22nd! Joel has a great obsession with airplanes. There are quite a few that fly over our house on the way to DFW and since we live next to a hospital we get a few helicopters flying over us from time to time. I think it's only fitting that he likes airplanes since his dad and I met at an airport. He got some cool airplane PJs from Nana and Papa for Easter. He looks so cute in them. Joel is finally starting to understand what no means. He loves to say it loudly at Kroger too! More importantly, he understands that when I say "no, no, no," he needs to stop doing whatever he's doing and repeat "no, no, no" after me. Saturdays are daddy/Joely days since I teach. Murad snapped a picture of Joel in the wine aisle at the sandwich shop. His caption read, "he darted to the wine aisle; just like his mom. smh." I could only laugh. My dear, sweet, future alcoholic (I kid) son
5. Abby is going through a lot right now. She's been asking to come stay with us more since her mom is so unstable. Not sure if she'll be down this summer, but it's looking like she will be for at least a week. Just keep her in your prayers. Hoping her mom gets her act together and that Abby can do well there, or that she can be where she needs to be.
6. Murad and I celebrated four years of marriage on March 21st! We celebrated in true Campbell fashion: lunch date without Joely and filling out brackets for March Madness. It seriously is our favorite time of year! Even though KU didn't go as far as we wanted, we had a great time watching basketball with friends, with family and with each other. I feel like NCAA March Madness should've been incorporated into our vows. Either way, it's a part of our family and it's what we love! I'm including a picture of us on St. Patrick's Day. We all wore green, but Joel is wearing the same Rock Chalk Shamrock shirt he wore last year (it's a 2T shirt). He can finally fit it! LOL


Happy April!! Hoping for some nice, spring weather!!!

A New Year of Happiness

The fall of 2012 was a rough time for me. I always get a little depressed in the fall, especially around November. My cousin committed suicide four years ago, so each year I get a little depressed around his death. Usually at the end of the month I pick myself up especially when we travel to NJ for Thanksgiving. This fall was a little different. Like I said it was four years ago that my cousin committed suicide. It was four years ago that Barack Obama was voted into office, which my cousin got to see. He didn't see his inauguration. While I was happy to see Obama elected into office again, it brought back that time in my life. A few days before the anniversary of my cousin's death, my dear friend's father passed away. He lost his battle with Alzheimer's, and while I was so sad for my friend, I could not help but think of how full his life had been. And then of course, I felt sad about my cousin whose life was full of despair. And while I know there was nothing I could do to change things, or stop him, that guilt never goes away. And it makes you think how can someone do this? But I'm learning to accept what happened four years ago.
I started feeling rejected by family as well. Like I mentioned before, I had a cousin who up and decided to no longer speak to me or acknowledge my existence. That hurt because I thought we were close despite being step-family.
While I don't regret my decision to leave K-12 teaching full-time, last fall I felt as though I was at a stand still career-wise. There were no adjunct teaching positions available at the community college where I previously taught, so I ended up taking a position at another community college. While I was thankful for the opportunity to teach and earn money, I quickly discovered the college was not for me. I love the students, but I couldn't adapt to the lack of organization and administration. I don't think the administration cared for me much either. I hate to leave places on bad terms (and I didn't. I did my job and did it well despite how much I hated it.), but I was so ready for the semester to end
I also started a small writing service. While I had high hopes for the company, it didn't do well. I averaged one or two clients a month. Not good! I really started to doubt my writing skills.
Murad and I reached a rough patch too. Communication is always hard in marriage, but the past fall was extremely difficult. Between job changes, medication changes, and raising a toddler, we just weren't communicating.
So, I've slowly worked at picking myself back up (Not that I was ever really down. I mean things suck sometimes, but I still have a pretty rockin' life!). I can honestly say that I woke up extremely happy on Friday. I thought about this new year and things are really looking up professionally and personally
I'm back teaching one class at my old community college which I really love. I also somehow stumbled into teaching at a university this semester, and it looks like the demand for instructors isn't going to slow down at all, so I'll have steady work each semester. Oh and the pay is so much better. I absolutely love it there. The administration is great and I'm basically left alone to teach! While I do miss K-12 teaching from time-to-time, especially when I receive sweet emails from former students, I have found my niche in teachin developmental literacy courses. Someone asked if I want to become an English professor, and while that would be nice, I'd rather becomea full professor of Developmental Writing or Reading.
I've seen a steady increase in the number of clients of Ashlea Campbell Writing. I am mostly contacted for resume and cover-letter writing services, I have new cient for different writing projects. My favorite so far: a scavenger hunt for a PTA Multicultural Night.
My husband is pretty amazing. Our communication is getting better, and I think I had forgotten how much he goes out of his way to make me feel like a princess (or queen). He's also been very patient with me as I exit my funk and he's encouraged me to keep following my dreams. If it wasn't for him, I'd still be teaching public school. He saw my unhappiness and encouraged me to leave. He believed in me and still does. While he can piss me off royally some (most? just kidding) I'm so lucky to have him by my side. He's had a rough time lately, but he's always happy despite rough times. I guess that's what makes us different. He ha such a hard life. He can get through the setbacks because he still has me and Joely. I had an easy life (not easy, but I had it pretty good growing up) and sometimes the setbacks are a major blow.
Lastly, my family stuff? Well, I can't bring my cousin back, I can't force my cousin to talk to me and I've even lost some more family members along the way, but I'm learning to accept everything. It's not easy, but I have to not let it affect how I see me. The truth is that I'm pretty awesome. I have a career in which I'm happy and making money, a wonderful husband, a perfect son, two loveable dogs, and a wonderful home. When I think about all of this, it makes everything else with which I was concerned trivial. Instead of dwelling on the past, I want to live each day to the fullest. I'm excited for a new year of happiness. When I'm not happy, I hope I can pick myself back up and move on.

Joely updates

I decided to provide some updates on Joel since he has changed so much in the past months and weeks. As much as I want to keep him a little baby, he reminds me that he's determined to be a little boy
1. Joel loves to sweep with a broom. The last few weeks have been rainy and our dogs have tracked in lots of mud. Joel has grown accustomed to seeing Murad or me sweeping up dirt in the mornings. Now, Joel gets the broom out and sweeps before heading to his high chair. If anyone knows were we can get a child-size broom, we would greatly appreciate it
2. Joel loves to load and unload the dishwasher. Today after breakfast I washed dishes and put dishes in the dishwasher. Joel came over, so I gave him a (plastic) plate to load. He did it perfectly. I gave him a spoon and he did that as well. He just loves to be a little helper
3. Joel refuses to use his "baby" flatware when eating. He now uses the same forks and spoons that mommy and daddy use to eat
4. Joel loves to dance. I mean he dances anytime music plays. His dancing consists of stomping his feet, but it's still dancing
5. Joel is in the toddler group at the library story hour. We had tried the toddler group over the summer, but we still wasn't ready, so we kept him in the infant (0-20 months) group. Now he's in the 18-36 month group and he loves it. He still has a hard time remembering not to run under the parachute until after we sing "Ring Around the Rosy," but he's learning.
6. Joel's vocabulary has expanded quite a bit. He has now added phrases and one complete sentence. Here are some of his favorite things to say
"Abby"- he says her name probably ten times a day. Even though he's not old enough to fully understand who she is, we try to talk about his sister and show him pictures of her. I guess it's working because he loves saying her name
"Why?" - he usually asks this after we tell him to stop doing something
"Hi!" - he's always saying "hi!" It's usually to his cell phone or to strangers
"Eww!" - lately he's been saying "ew" when someone (usually his dad) does something gross. He must've learned it at daycare, right? How does he know when something is gross? Enigma
"What are you doing?" - he started asking me this question this week. The other day he picked up his cellphone and put it to his ear: "Hi! What are you doing?
7. He finally has an interest his LOL Elmo. He likes to tickle "Melmo," talk to "Melmo" and give love to "Melmo."
8. Joely has been "using" the potty, but nothing has hit the bucket yet. We're just glad he sits on his potty chair
9. Our friends were kind enough to gift us their old toddler bed, so we're getting it ready to put in Joel's room. Not sure how this will go, but we're excited as he has already "thrown" himself out of his crib once
10. Finally, Joely will go on his first time away from mom and dad. We've both been away from him overnight, but he's never stayed away from both of us at the same time. He will get to spend the night with Nana and Papa while Mom and Dad head to Kansas City to see friends and celebrate our 4 year wedding anniversary. Nana and Papa's excitement is through the roof as they've already bought diapers and alerted most of the city of Wichita of his arrival. Joel will have his two best buds, Sampson & Maya, there for support. We're hoping he does well with them so that we can plan more trips in the future. Well, that's it on our awesome little man! Hard to believe he's 20 months. He's given us so much joy over the past 20 months!

Happy New Year from the Campbells

I have seriously neglected my blog this semester, but I'm hoping I will resume blogging regularly in 2013!
As I reflect on 2012, I feel a mixture of sadness and excitement as it ends. 2012 was a difficult year, but our little Campbell family experienced so much joy as well. Here is our recap of 2012
In May, Murad passed his licensure exam and is now a licensed master social worker! This was truly an exciting day for him and his hard work paid off tremendously. Since earning his license, Murad switched careers and is now a hospice social worker. Working in palliatative care can be exhausting, but Murad is gifted in his care of individuals and families experiencing this difficult time in life. Murad has also become more active in social and professional groups around Dallas. He enjoys the opportunities given to him to network and volunteer in our community
In May, I also experienced a career change as I left K-12 public school teaching after seven years. While I enjoyed enriching the lives of young folks each year, my passion changed once I became a mom. Not wanting to be far from education, I now teach developmental writing part-time at a community college, and serve as a teaching assistant for an online university. In addition to that, I started a small resume-writing service. Working from home and part-time has allowed me to spend more time at home with Joel while still keeping my foot in the door career-wise.
This year also marked a big change for me as I did the "BIG CHOP!" I had been going natural for almost two years, but having long, curly hair was not for me! I was forunate enough to have the support and encouragement of my husband when I decided to do it!
Well, Joely had an exciting year as well. In February, he was kicked out of daycare. Yes! You read correctly. At first, we were bummed, but we later figured out that his care-providers were not as compotent as we thought. He now is with Rebecca who is wonderful! I had the pleasure of teaching Rebecca's children years ago. Her son Austin is a freshman at Richland College and her daughter Shelby is a freshman at Berkner High School. Shelby often baby-sits for us on date-nights too. Both "kids" are the kind of children who make parents proud! While with Rebecca, Joel has mastered baby-sign language and is now beginning to talk. Rebecca also takes Joely to a preschool program called "Gym Dandies," and he loves it!
In May, we celebrated Joel's first birthday with two birthday parties!!! His New Jersey grandparents hosted a baseball themed party in their home, and we hosted a Sesame Street themed party in our home. Both parties were amazing!
Since entering his 2nd year, we have seen more of Joely's little personality come out--good and bad! He imitates his father, but loves on me! He is obsessed with Sampson & Maya. He imitates their growling, tries to eat their food, gets in the cage with them, kicks them and chases them. Fortunately, they love him too. I think our neglected pups are just glad to get some attention again! Since the weather is cooler, I've started walking with them.
What is in store for 2013? Murad will continue working as a social worker. I will change gears a bit and teach developmental reading for a small, Christian university. Joely will turn two (help!). Sampson and Maya might get a break from Joely once he figures out that he's not a dog! We plan to travel and hopefully do some remodeling on our home. We are looking forward to the new year!
Happy New Year from the Campbells!

things for which I'm thankful

I think the word "family" gets thrown around loosely. Recently, I've seen how members in my own family have hurt each other. As a result, I have been hurt too by "family." I've seen "family" put their own morals above family. I had a family member who completely shut me out of her life. She refuses to speak to me and I don't know why. I've seen family espouse hate each and everyday. Their statuses, likes and comments on Facebook just scream hatred and ignorance.

Luckily, Murad and I live far away from both of our families, so little Joel isn't exposed to all of that, but it still hurts. What do we tell him about why he doesn't see or talk to those people? I dunno. It's hard to know how to do what's right especially when everyone is doing wrong.

Instead of focusing on that, I want to focus on the good I have in my life and what I get to share with Joely.

1. My parents instilled in Ryan and I a desire to do well for ourselves. Education was so important to them and not going to college wasn't an option. I realize there are many who are not that fortunate. My parents made sure we got good grades and had the resources to complete our school work. My parents worked hard so that we could go to college. I am thankful that Joel will be raised in a home in which both his parents have advanced degrees.
2. I'm thankful for the relationships Murad and I have with our siblings. I hope Joel will be close to his future siblings and that he looks to us to model that with our own siblings. I also hope that he has a good relationship with his sister Abby.
3. I'm thankful that Joel will be raised in a loving faithful, two-parent household. Joel won't ever have to worry about whether or not his parents love each other. I'm thankful he'll have us as models. I'm thankful that I can have a career and stay home with him.
4. I'm thankful that my parents and brother loved the friends I brought to our house. No matter who they were, my parents were accepting of them. As a result, we love everyone in our house. While I'm far from it, I try to be Christ-like in my interactions with others. I always want to offer help rather than hate.
5. I'm thankful for the relationship I have with Jesus. I'm thankful that my parents made sure that we were part of a community of faith. I'm thankful that one year ago, Murad and I vowed to do the same for Joel.

Those are the morals and values I hope to pass on to Joel. Education, Family, Friends and Faith.

this is love

I'm sick. I hate it. My Sam is sick too. Today was not a good day. Runny nose, headache, etc.

The bright spot in my day happened early and then everything went down hill.

I was Joely's room picking up stuff. He ran over to me, wrapped his arms around me and gave me a big ole' kiss! He's never done that before. He usually pushes me away from him. He must've known I needed that today. It was perfect. It was everything parenting is supposed to be. He really loves me.

this is love.

of course, I proceeded to attack him with hugs and kisses (I hope I didn't get him sick too). Gosh, I love this little boy. Temper tantrums and all.