So, why Marching Fourth?

As most people tend to do, I struggled with what to name my blog.  I went through many pages of brainstorming ideas.  I ran them through my husband, and he would veto them all.  Big Al is a critic.  I digress.  I kept wanting to find something that reflected who I am, where I've been, and where I'm going.  My last name is Goforth, which I absolutely love.  I love it so much that I refused to change it when I got married.  A lady doesn't do such things where I'm from.  I've also always loved that I was born on March 4th.  Goforth?  March Fourth?  Get it?  I'm marching forward!  Hence, Marching Fourth was born.


For the past 10 years, I have dedicated my career and life to higher education.  I was an English instructor at a small community college.  I loved it until I just didn't anymore.  It was hard to sit back and watch students slip through my fingers.  There were times that more could have been done, and then there were times that I had to just let them go.  It wears on a person.  Some say I gave up the good fight.  I say that I left to find other ways to help.


I am also a guardian ad Litem, which is more important to me than any paying job.  I am the voice and advocate for children who have been taken away from one or both parents.  I find myself reading some horrible court documents.  Some of them would make anyone's stomach turn; however, these children need an advocate.  I find satisfaction in this volunteer position because it has taught me to communicate with a diverse group of people and to understand that all families are different.  I also feel like I am making myself an active part of my community.


My life recently took a huge turn.  I had jumped ship as a college instructor and tried my hand at being a technology trainer for a large law firm.  Um, no.  Just no.  It just wasn't a good fit for me.  I always like to do any job well, but I think that people need to understand the impact of what they do or lack thereof.  As my friend Heather Kay likes to say, "Oh, honey.  We aren't fixing tiny baby hearts."  I moved on fairly quickly from this job and decided to explore other roads. 


As of now, I'm in the beginning stages of working on a children's series of books with a very talented friend of mine.  I'm dedicating myself to my poetry because it makes me smile.  I'm spending more time with family and friends.  I'm saying yes to more adventures.  For example, I will be on my way to Cali soon to visit another blogger friend of mine to work on a new project.  I have no idea what is in store for me and for Big Al.  All I know is that I have to "Goforth" and "March Fourth."  My name and birthday demand it.