I've been a teacher for over 30 years. A lot of teachers who've made it that far make it easy on themselves - they simply go into the classroom in the fall and do the same thing they did last year. Same plans, same routines, same everything. It's okay. They're still great teachers, and they do what works for them. I wish I could do that!

But, no, not me . . . I always sign up to learn the newest self-esteem program, or the latest methods on teaching literacy, or how to teach math with manipulatives, or the best discipline programs. I never stand still. I crave change.

In 1993, after 18 years of teaching, I faced the toughest challenge of my career: We moved to Hawaii when my husband was offered a job on the Big Island, in Hawi. (For those of you who watch the ironman competition, it's where they turn their bikes around.)

I asked for a hiatus from my job in Seattle and we gave it a try. Here I was, back to square one: Writing a resume, applying for jobs, interviewing, and taking a national teacher's test to see if I could teach. I was terrified and couldn't imagine what would happen if I failed the test after teaching for so long. (I passed, thank heavens!)

I started the following September at nearby Kohala School, where I subbed for grades K-12. Having been an elementary teacher my entire life, my heart pounded when I stepped foot in the high school. I love changing my routine, but this was way beyond what I was used to.

I had a blast. The older students were incredible! I never turned down a chance to sub for the high school. I stretched myself, challenged myself, and did the best doggone job I could so "they" would notice me.

During the second term that first year, I got the opportunity to sub for a fifth grade class until the end of the year. I'll always remember those students. From Melvin, who was my lifesaver on the student newspaper committee to smart as a whip Crystal, who now works for my husband, I can remember the students from that class easier than I can a class I've taught more recently.

No, I'm not senile: They were my first real class in Hawaii. They gave me a chance. They let me in. They touched my heart. Other classes have since then, but they were my first.

When they graduated from high school, I gave each of them a lei to thank them for making my first year of teaching in Hawaii a good one. I cried all the way home after I gave away the last lei. I hope they realize how special they are.

At that time, tenure was reached after two years and one day of teaching. If you weren't tenured, you could get bumped from your job by a tenured teacher.

It happened to me right before my two-year anniversary. Another teacher who had tenure applied for and got my job. I was crushed, but I knew in my heart that it must have been meant to be, and that I would find something else soon enough.

I heard about some opportunities at a school 45 minutes away. It was a new school; everyone wanted to work there. So many applied. I got the job!

I wanted to stay at Kohala, near where I lived; it was familiar. I was tired of changing. But, I guess you do what you have to do. My new home was Waikoloa Elementary for five years, teaching the younger kids I had been used to all those years back in Seattle.

When I got the call from Kohala to teach middle school, though, I grabbed it. I wanted to get back to the older kids; they had so much to offer, and they were really funny!

Now that I've been back at Kohala for a while I've been teaching a few different subjects every now and then as well as my normal curriculum schedule. Other positions, like yearbook, student activities, and Student Council, have made their way into my daily routine, and they've helped me develop a whole other part of my talents I never knew existed. I've finally found a balance between taking it easy and challenging myself.

Teaching is not just a job - it's a full-throttle roller coaster that keeps me young. A month or so ago, I was thinking about the student who was upset at my "whatever-it-takes-till-he-passes" tactics. (I was nice! I thought I was being fun! ) But before I finally got to sleep, I realized that his reaction had taught me a lesson - one I'll save for another post.

Always ready for a change, I'm applying my experience in teaching, learning and discipline to help me in my new adventure: Network Marketing! You'll read much more about this soon. But for now, may everyone - including me - Have A Better Than Good Day.

For more information on Cindy Manoske, please click here.

My email address is: CindyManoske@gmail.com