ever present question.

The ever present question in my life right now is :

What career path should I take?

Luckily, I am not alone. Countless college graduates are wondering the same thing.

To pass the time and put a little money in my pocket I am now a freelance writer for Demand Studios. I just published my first article with them about the "Average Cost of Air Conditioning in America" - LAME.

Career path? WRONG.

My ideal path? Teaching.

I had begun looking into what would be required to do the alternative teaching licensing program so that I could be a high school journalism teacher.

However, I was reminded last night that a teachers salary is not nearly as impressive as my potential earnings should I return to school, get my masters degree in PR and subsequently pursue a corporate position.

Blah blah blah.

Yes - I realize that.

If I was only concerned with myself then this would be an easy decision. I could teach, live relatively cheap throughout the year and then really enjoy my nice summer breaks! Oh man - so IDEAL! But I am well aware that this is a decision that will impact my future wife and family. So I should probably factor them into the equation. I want to be able to provide a comfortable way of life. *However, do not confuse 'comfortable' with 'rich'.

My biggest fear is that I will not be able to provide my family with what they need/want and thus every day ends with me looking in the mirror and seeing failure incarnate. I would gladly choose single life over that kind of personal living hell.

So - I'm kind of stuck at the moment.

my family.

Some of my holiday posts might lead you to believe my family is crazy.

The truth is - WE ARE!

But name a family that isn't. Every family has their own issues to deal with. That's life! As for the Aldous family, I do not always like some of the things that are done around here by certain individuals. Those crazy acts will never change the fact that I love my family, ALOT. And so to start this new year off I've decided to do a little tribute post to the ones I love. . . .

Dad

You are an enduring example of what a good husband and father is. You make the gospel a priority and it shows in everything you do. If somehow I can even come close to measuring up to the standard you have set then I will count myself blessed beyond anything I could possibly deserve.

Mom

I've never questioned your love. It has been there through all of my craziness and it is that love that has gotten me through some of my hardest times. You have taught me well (even though I know I haven't always acted in accordance with those teachings - haha). You run around daily trying to make sure we are happy - your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.

Kailynn

I'm the oldest, but at times I feel like you're the most mature of the kids. Haha.

No, but seriously.

Because of that, I feel like I have looked up to you for years now. You've always been so disciplined and able to succeed. You are going to seriously be a supermom! In fact I might just come live in the basement and have you guys take care of me. j/k

Or am I? haha

Dallas

You somehow snuck your red haired genes into this family- haha. Anyways, I've learned to look past it. The thing I admire most about you is your drive (not in golf - even though it is better then mine.... for now) You know what you want and you just go out and take it. Your drive shows in your high level of competitiveness. Never settling for anything less than winning (except when playing me, when of course defeat is inevitable, haha) I couldn't have asked for a better brother in law.

Kory

Oh man, I can remember how we fought like crazy growing up about the dumbest things. You are one of my best friends now. You have this great knack for making things happen - even when everything seems to be working against you. You always pull through and always will. (I'm counting on you perfecting this whole handicapping thing so I can ride those plays to the bank, haha)

Kourtney

What else is there to say besides the fact that you are successful at pretty much everything you touch. A true perfectionist. I love it and have always admired your ability to seemingly do EVERYTHING.

Korinne

You do not accept NO for an answer. I have seen this work against you at times - haha - but this trait will pay off huge in the future when you really learn to put it to good use. I look at you and see tremendous potential to be successful in the whatever endeavor you decide to pursue.

Kameron

You've got a good heart and do a great job of getting us all together to do things. You have more to offer then you realize right now and I really hope you begin to see your true value. You will be so successful when you begin to catch a glimpse of the many talents and qualities you have.

I have a crazy family, but I love them and when push comes to shove I would do anything for any of them.

hello 2010.

Holiday handicapping has ended - the results are in :

Kory and Karlie are still together.

Josh and Kourtney are still together

Kyle and Leah are NOW together : )

There were a couple fights.

Historical sites were visited.

Christmas cookies got some inappropriate decorations.

I struck out on 2 of my plays though :

No foil dinners were made. Lame. (Mostly because the firepit in the back is under alot of snow.

Police were never called. (It's probably better this never happened)

So I went 6 for 8. Not bad. A successful sports handicapper needs to average 65%. I pulled a 75% average, so I'm feeling good.

While riding high on my 75% - I am going to make 3 picks for 2010. . . . . .

An Aldous gets married (5*)

This is money in the bank. Kourtney? Kory? Me?

All 3 of us had friends come to visit over the Christmas break so it could be any or all of us but-

I've got a good feeling that this is gonna be my year....

I get a job (5*)

I'm exercising some serious faith here. Haha. It's gotta happen, right?

The Aldous plantation experiences it's greatest harvest yet (5*)

Good grief, I feel like I'm talking about the pilgrims when I describe the possibilities of a bounteous harvest. Haha. Dad got some books about "cloning" and "breeding" plants so if science wins out this year then we could see some serious fruits and vegetables in the fall.

Ok, those are my 3 big picks for the upcoming year. Feeling positive on all 3. I'm sure different things will come up throughout the year that I might add to this list, so keep an eye out for any potential handicapping to come.