Once a month just isn't enough
I know this is pretty pathetic. Looking back at my archives, I see years of quality blogging now in the last year going down the drain. It doesn't help that almost no one that originally blogged with me still blogs now. Blogging never was supposed to be a big deal. I was just doing it for fun and to keep track of things I thought about. It was really just an online journal and a way of having a good time communicating with friends far away. I suppose blogging fits more with a college lifestyle.
As for my resolutions, they're slowing coming along. I don't care to repeat any of it now, but let's just say I have a long way to go. The weather is beautiful and I haven' t been outside all day. Chris has been really down the last couple days because of issues at work. It's like a role reversal, but I'm sorry he has to go through that bullshit. It's not fun from any side of it.
Yesterday a big group of us went out for Barbara's birthday. It was nice meeting some new people, even some that share some geeky interests. OOOOH, and that reminds me. One told me about an anime website I might be interested in so I can watch Inuyasha. Hm...do I blog more or do I check it out now? As if that's a question.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Progress of Resolutions...bleak
Even though I truly despise the idea of reviewing my "progress," I'm doing it anyway. Is it any better that I recognize how shittily I'm progressing? Or would it be better if I had my head up my ass? I suppose that would improve my flexibility. I love using adverbs.
The Body:
1. Work Out - Use the free gym at school at least 3-4 days a week...no. Well, the first couple weeks I could blame my minor surgery. Then intense work stress. But now...just lack of routine. That and my room has been about 90 degrees for the past couple weeks, so it hasn't exactly made me want to run down to the gym and pass out.
2. Eat Healthy - Decrease the snacks. Increase the veggies and fruit. Reduce tea and coffee consumption...eh. I've been better about the veggies and fruit. I even ate a couple apples! But the tea and coffee especially have been more difficult to shake. All in good time.
3. Use mouthwash daily and floss 2-3 times a week...halfway there. I've got the mouthwash part down. Now just to be willing to take the 5-10 minutes to floss around my stupid retainer. We'll see.
4. Maintain length and health of hair just long enough to get through the wedding and honeymoon and then...chop it, highlight it, and spike it, yo...no problem. Okay, so this goal is about as difficult and as exciting as watching grass grow.
The Mind:
1. Keep up with work - Don't let work pile up and cause late nights of avoidable stress...a little better. But I'm still behind.
2. Get the Wedding planned - Again, don't let the tasks pile up and cause stupid stress. Take it one step at a time and get everything planned out in advance... just need the cake, wedding list, invitations, and registry...and 20 other small things.
3. Stay in touch with friends and family - Doing great. As though this is a goal I would avoid.
4. Write! - Suck. I again missed an entire month so AGAIN my blog archives look dumb because there is another month missing from the past year.
5. Keep the dream - I'm still dreaming.
6. Consider grad school - Still considering.
7. Expand my musical horizons - New bands for me: Final Fantasy, Dirty Three, Lily Allen, The Prodigals, and perhaps more yet on the horizon.
The Mundane:
1. Budget - Doing better with not eating out as much, at least during the work week. Still blowing money on frivolous items now and then. But doing better overall.
2. Keep it clean - We're doing okay. Chris is much better at it than I am, but then, I do work more hours. AND the TREE IS DOWN! Can you believe it? It won't be a Memorial Day tree this year!
3. Neighbors - They're still here. And still quiet. I guess that's good.
Is there any hope for me this March? Perhaps. If not, at least we can have a good time being Irish in a little over a week. Party at our place!
Even though I truly despise the idea of reviewing my "progress," I'm doing it anyway. Is it any better that I recognize how shittily I'm progressing? Or would it be better if I had my head up my ass? I suppose that would improve my flexibility. I love using adverbs.
The Body:
1. Work Out - Use the free gym at school at least 3-4 days a week...no. Well, the first couple weeks I could blame my minor surgery. Then intense work stress. But now...just lack of routine. That and my room has been about 90 degrees for the past couple weeks, so it hasn't exactly made me want to run down to the gym and pass out.
2. Eat Healthy - Decrease the snacks. Increase the veggies and fruit. Reduce tea and coffee consumption...eh. I've been better about the veggies and fruit. I even ate a couple apples! But the tea and coffee especially have been more difficult to shake. All in good time.
3. Use mouthwash daily and floss 2-3 times a week...halfway there. I've got the mouthwash part down. Now just to be willing to take the 5-10 minutes to floss around my stupid retainer. We'll see.
4. Maintain length and health of hair just long enough to get through the wedding and honeymoon and then...chop it, highlight it, and spike it, yo...no problem. Okay, so this goal is about as difficult and as exciting as watching grass grow.
The Mind:
1. Keep up with work - Don't let work pile up and cause late nights of avoidable stress...a little better. But I'm still behind.
2. Get the Wedding planned - Again, don't let the tasks pile up and cause stupid stress. Take it one step at a time and get everything planned out in advance... just need the cake, wedding list, invitations, and registry...and 20 other small things.
3. Stay in touch with friends and family - Doing great. As though this is a goal I would avoid.
4. Write! - Suck. I again missed an entire month so AGAIN my blog archives look dumb because there is another month missing from the past year.
5. Keep the dream - I'm still dreaming.
6. Consider grad school - Still considering.
7. Expand my musical horizons - New bands for me: Final Fantasy, Dirty Three, Lily Allen, The Prodigals, and perhaps more yet on the horizon.
The Mundane:
1. Budget - Doing better with not eating out as much, at least during the work week. Still blowing money on frivolous items now and then. But doing better overall.
2. Keep it clean - We're doing okay. Chris is much better at it than I am, but then, I do work more hours. AND the TREE IS DOWN! Can you believe it? It won't be a Memorial Day tree this year!
3. Neighbors - They're still here. And still quiet. I guess that's good.
Is there any hope for me this March? Perhaps. If not, at least we can have a good time being Irish in a little over a week. Party at our place!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
So this is the new year
And I don't feel any different. For the most part, that's true. However, I have made some resolutions this year, and thus far I've made some significant progress towards keeping those resolutions. Want to know what they are? I'm sure they're predictable (considering they're pretty much the same ones every single year).
Katie's 2007 Resolutions
The Body:
1. Work Out - Use the free gym at school at least 3-4 days a week. On other days, do some sort of exercise including: hard core house cleaning, shoveling, sex, walking, sledding, pilates, tai chi, yoga, or any other good outdoor/indoor activity.
2. Eat Healthy - Decrease the snacks. Increase the veggies and fruit. Reduce tea and coffee consumption. And two months before the wedding--no coffee, tea, or soda (time to whiten the teeth).
3. Use mouthwash daily and floss 2-3 times a week.
4. Maintain length and health of hair just long enough to get through the wedding and honeymoon and then...chop it, highlight it, and spike it, yo.
The Mind:
1. Keep up with work - Don't let work pile up and cause late nights of avoidable stress. Reduce nights spent slacking when I could be catching up or getting ahead.
2. Get the Wedding planned - Again, don't let the tasks pile up and cause stupid stress. Take it one step at a time and get everything planned out in advance.
3. Stay in touch with friends and family - If I'm caught up with work and planning, I'll have plenty of time set aside for socializing. These relationships really are what make life worth living, so cherish them.
4. Write! - Despite the fact only five people read this blog, keep on writing. Blogging for the past 5 years has been the best way to track my emotional development and significant moments of my life. Don't give up.
5. Keep the dream - I have a dream that involves crepes. I'm never going to lose it and one day I will find a way to make it come true. Next summer, I'm telling you. It's going to happen.
6. Consider grad school - This spring I will know whether I am at the same school again. Whether I am or not, grad school is in my future. I just hope it's with the school behind me to help pay for it this fall. Part time, of course.
7. Expand my musical horizons - I'm very slow at this. It takes a month for me to get to know a band and it's album and bring it into my conciousness. I need to take more chances and listen to the beauty out there.
The Mundane:
1. Budget - No question. Things are going to be tight this year. I'm a teacher because I love the work and not the money. Sometimes it's frustrating to see things so far out of my reach, but sometimes, it's worth the wait.
2. Keep it clean - This apartment is lovely. And I need to keep it that way as often as possible. It's so fun playing hostess. And it's so much better when friends have a place to sit that's not covered with school work or pretzel crumbs.
3. Neighbors - Even if they're as antisocial as possible, keep putting out the friendly hand. When they're gone, who knows what will move in, so again, cherish what you have.
There's an overview, anyway. The bigger resolutions have some more specific lists to accompany them, but that's for me to worry about. All I need from you is a smile and a thumbs up for trying. Happy New Year.
And I don't feel any different. For the most part, that's true. However, I have made some resolutions this year, and thus far I've made some significant progress towards keeping those resolutions. Want to know what they are? I'm sure they're predictable (considering they're pretty much the same ones every single year).
Katie's 2007 Resolutions
The Body:
1. Work Out - Use the free gym at school at least 3-4 days a week. On other days, do some sort of exercise including: hard core house cleaning, shoveling, sex, walking, sledding, pilates, tai chi, yoga, or any other good outdoor/indoor activity.
2. Eat Healthy - Decrease the snacks. Increase the veggies and fruit. Reduce tea and coffee consumption. And two months before the wedding--no coffee, tea, or soda (time to whiten the teeth).
3. Use mouthwash daily and floss 2-3 times a week.
4. Maintain length and health of hair just long enough to get through the wedding and honeymoon and then...chop it, highlight it, and spike it, yo.
The Mind:
1. Keep up with work - Don't let work pile up and cause late nights of avoidable stress. Reduce nights spent slacking when I could be catching up or getting ahead.
2. Get the Wedding planned - Again, don't let the tasks pile up and cause stupid stress. Take it one step at a time and get everything planned out in advance.
3. Stay in touch with friends and family - If I'm caught up with work and planning, I'll have plenty of time set aside for socializing. These relationships really are what make life worth living, so cherish them.
4. Write! - Despite the fact only five people read this blog, keep on writing. Blogging for the past 5 years has been the best way to track my emotional development and significant moments of my life. Don't give up.
5. Keep the dream - I have a dream that involves crepes. I'm never going to lose it and one day I will find a way to make it come true. Next summer, I'm telling you. It's going to happen.
6. Consider grad school - This spring I will know whether I am at the same school again. Whether I am or not, grad school is in my future. I just hope it's with the school behind me to help pay for it this fall. Part time, of course.
7. Expand my musical horizons - I'm very slow at this. It takes a month for me to get to know a band and it's album and bring it into my conciousness. I need to take more chances and listen to the beauty out there.
The Mundane:
1. Budget - No question. Things are going to be tight this year. I'm a teacher because I love the work and not the money. Sometimes it's frustrating to see things so far out of my reach, but sometimes, it's worth the wait.
2. Keep it clean - This apartment is lovely. And I need to keep it that way as often as possible. It's so fun playing hostess. And it's so much better when friends have a place to sit that's not covered with school work or pretzel crumbs.
3. Neighbors - Even if they're as antisocial as possible, keep putting out the friendly hand. When they're gone, who knows what will move in, so again, cherish what you have.
There's an overview, anyway. The bigger resolutions have some more specific lists to accompany them, but that's for me to worry about. All I need from you is a smile and a thumbs up for trying. Happy New Year.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
"O" 7 We Will Watch Them Fall...and then Rise
A sort of nod to Prince (though I realize he says "All seven" not "Oh seven"...but it can sound like that...even if it doesn't make sense). ANYWAY, I thought that I may as well get on the bandwagon with the rest of the Minnesotans. Though I can't say that singing "Purple Rain" at midnight was my favorite choice of possible New Year's Eve songs. Definitely not. But the kiss was sweet and nearly PG-13 rated.
With the fall of 06 and the rise of 07, it is time for the honored tradition of listing the crap that has happened in the past year, good and bad, tragic and lovely. The year 2006 certainly had its share of moments.
Top Ten Worst Moments of 2006
10. Getting knocked down on the dance floor at Liz's wedding reception.
9. Losing my favorite winter hat.
8. Being told I can't play DDR in the house due to the huge noise and banging it makes for the downstairs neighbors.
7. Teaching summer school which was a lot more work and stress than I had thought it would be, all while I was applying for jobs and looking for apartments.
6. Stressful days and nights at my current school trying to catch up on work for students who don't appreciate it.
5. Unsuccessful interviews and filling out numerous applications for a new job.
4. Feeling the loss of friendships and self-esteem.
3. Moving Grandma into the nursing home, seeing her decline in mental and physical health.
2. Moving to the new apartment on the hottest day of the year (and cleaning the old apartment the next day).
1. Being denied a contract renewal for my job at the middle school that I believed was the job of my dreams.
Top Ten Best Moments of 2006
10. Buying a wedding dress (and trendy new eyeglasses).
9. Winter Break.
8. Sweet parties: 3rd Annual Bastille Day, Birthday/Engagement Party, Anti-Valentine's Day, Halloween, New Year's Eve.
7. Finding the necklace Chris bought for me when I thought it was lost forever.
6. Liz's wedding celebration in WI Rapids.
5. Awesome concerts: Architecture in Helsinki, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Decemberists.
4. Chicago vacation with Chris.
3. Getting a good job and the apartment we really wanted.
2. Trip to Ireland with my mom.
1. Becoming engaged.
I'm sure I'm missing some great moments and horrible ones, but you get the idea. I have a lot of work to do to fulfill my resolutions this year. "What are they?" you ask. How about I list them in my next blog, okay?
A sort of nod to Prince (though I realize he says "All seven" not "Oh seven"...but it can sound like that...even if it doesn't make sense). ANYWAY, I thought that I may as well get on the bandwagon with the rest of the Minnesotans. Though I can't say that singing "Purple Rain" at midnight was my favorite choice of possible New Year's Eve songs. Definitely not. But the kiss was sweet and nearly PG-13 rated.
With the fall of 06 and the rise of 07, it is time for the honored tradition of listing the crap that has happened in the past year, good and bad, tragic and lovely. The year 2006 certainly had its share of moments.
Top Ten Worst Moments of 2006
10. Getting knocked down on the dance floor at Liz's wedding reception.
9. Losing my favorite winter hat.
8. Being told I can't play DDR in the house due to the huge noise and banging it makes for the downstairs neighbors.
7. Teaching summer school which was a lot more work and stress than I had thought it would be, all while I was applying for jobs and looking for apartments.
6. Stressful days and nights at my current school trying to catch up on work for students who don't appreciate it.
5. Unsuccessful interviews and filling out numerous applications for a new job.
4. Feeling the loss of friendships and self-esteem.
3. Moving Grandma into the nursing home, seeing her decline in mental and physical health.
2. Moving to the new apartment on the hottest day of the year (and cleaning the old apartment the next day).
1. Being denied a contract renewal for my job at the middle school that I believed was the job of my dreams.
Top Ten Best Moments of 2006
10. Buying a wedding dress (and trendy new eyeglasses).
9. Winter Break.
8. Sweet parties: 3rd Annual Bastille Day, Birthday/Engagement Party, Anti-Valentine's Day, Halloween, New Year's Eve.
7. Finding the necklace Chris bought for me when I thought it was lost forever.
6. Liz's wedding celebration in WI Rapids.
5. Awesome concerts: Architecture in Helsinki, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Decemberists.
4. Chicago vacation with Chris.
3. Getting a good job and the apartment we really wanted.
2. Trip to Ireland with my mom.
1. Becoming engaged.
I'm sure I'm missing some great moments and horrible ones, but you get the idea. I have a lot of work to do to fulfill my resolutions this year. "What are they?" you ask. How about I list them in my next blog, okay?
Friday, December 22, 2006
One Day More
15 hours to freedom! And then, no classes 'til next year. I love the way that sounds. Two weeks off is going to be fucking awesome. If only I would actually use that time wisely. So many things to do...
Projects to do:
*Wrap Chris's Christmas present
*Put up the Christmas tree
*Finish putting plastic on the windows
*Finish knitting Chris's mom's scarf
*Knit a scarf for sister-in-law Beth
*Arrange a photographer for the wedding
*Shop for a tiara
*Clean the apartment
*Back up files on external hard drive
*Rest and rekindle the romance
*Download and develop digital photos
*Finish hanging framed pictures/paintings
*Finish and mail Jenni's Birthday/Christmas/New Year's CD
*Organize photos into albums
*Oh yeah, and catch up on grading and lesson planning. Vacation doesn't last forever :P
15 hours to freedom! And then, no classes 'til next year. I love the way that sounds. Two weeks off is going to be fucking awesome. If only I would actually use that time wisely. So many things to do...
Projects to do:
*Wrap Chris's Christmas present
*Put up the Christmas tree
*Finish putting plastic on the windows
*Finish knitting Chris's mom's scarf
*Knit a scarf for sister-in-law Beth
*Arrange a photographer for the wedding
*Shop for a tiara
*Clean the apartment
*Back up files on external hard drive
*Rest and rekindle the romance
*Download and develop digital photos
*Finish hanging framed pictures/paintings
*Finish and mail Jenni's Birthday/Christmas/New Year's CD
*Organize photos into albums
*Oh yeah, and catch up on grading and lesson planning. Vacation doesn't last forever :P
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Living in
Today, the first picture was hung. It only took four months, but it is done. Well, halfway done. The dartboard, two Japanese mountainscapes and the streets of Paris now adorn these walls. I suppose it's my version of decking the halls. Or maybe I just couldn't bring myself to haul out the Christmas tree when our apartment was a mess and the dining/sitting/writing room closet won't close due to a stack of framed paintings and pictures barring the way.
Perhaps this week we'll finish the hanging and bedeck our duplex with boughs of plastic. Hey, the wreath is up in the front hall. That must count for something, even though no one can see it unless they are walking up the front stairs. We'd put it on the front door of the duplex, but we're not sure if our downstairs neighbors celebrate the holidays. As it is, if it were Chris's choice, these halls would remain undecked indefinitely. But I love my godless man anyway.
I'm a strange mixture, it's true. Born Catholic and presently some sort of "deist." I could say I'm Taoist, but I'm not sure I agree with all of those tenets, nor those of any religion. But can I say I don't believe in God? Not really. It just wouldn't be true, not if I really admitted my heart's feelings. Do I believe in some old man figure directing the cosmos? No. Do I feel there is something good and holy to strive for, a connection between all living beings that we should hold dear--something akin to loving all of creation? Yes.
So why not celebrate a holiday that brings families together and contains a lifetime of cherished memories for me? Do I need to be Christian to put up a tree and decorate it with my life's souvenirs? Do I need to be Christian to practice a tradition of my heritage? I don't think so. So Merry shopping, folks. This year, I shop little and love lots.
Today, the first picture was hung. It only took four months, but it is done. Well, halfway done. The dartboard, two Japanese mountainscapes and the streets of Paris now adorn these walls. I suppose it's my version of decking the halls. Or maybe I just couldn't bring myself to haul out the Christmas tree when our apartment was a mess and the dining/sitting/writing room closet won't close due to a stack of framed paintings and pictures barring the way.
Perhaps this week we'll finish the hanging and bedeck our duplex with boughs of plastic. Hey, the wreath is up in the front hall. That must count for something, even though no one can see it unless they are walking up the front stairs. We'd put it on the front door of the duplex, but we're not sure if our downstairs neighbors celebrate the holidays. As it is, if it were Chris's choice, these halls would remain undecked indefinitely. But I love my godless man anyway.
I'm a strange mixture, it's true. Born Catholic and presently some sort of "deist." I could say I'm Taoist, but I'm not sure I agree with all of those tenets, nor those of any religion. But can I say I don't believe in God? Not really. It just wouldn't be true, not if I really admitted my heart's feelings. Do I believe in some old man figure directing the cosmos? No. Do I feel there is something good and holy to strive for, a connection between all living beings that we should hold dear--something akin to loving all of creation? Yes.
So why not celebrate a holiday that brings families together and contains a lifetime of cherished memories for me? Do I need to be Christian to put up a tree and decorate it with my life's souvenirs? Do I need to be Christian to practice a tradition of my heritage? I don't think so. So Merry shopping, folks. This year, I shop little and love lots.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Reading Frenzy
Because of school, I've become a reading fiend, grabbing this and that from my shelves until I felt I could teach those same books to the students. This week is the start of much "easier" times when it comes to teaching three of my classes. We're reading novels, so it's just a matter of keeping them motivated and puncuating the lessons here and there with other topics.
This is the kind of stuff I really like to teach, the things that keep kids interested and put the education ball in their court. Of course, it takes some scaffolding to get them to this point, getting them to read smaller works and giving them time to work in groups as practice for continual group work for the next 1.5 months. So far, so good, though I'm afraid I'm not doing 1984 justice. I want the kids to work independently, but I also want them to pick up on the subtleties...but that means I need to nudge them that way. It's tricky, and I'm not an expert with balancing those skills yet. I suppose it's just a matter of guess, test, and revise for next year.
If there is a next year. God and every other higher power knows that I need to be at this school another year so I can boost my resume. Aside from that, I think I actually WANT to be at this school another year. Sure, it has its faults such as some ethnic tension and lack of extracurricular activities, but it's a school where I can grow. The admin seems very supportive of that and they give me many opportunities to take on responsibility and almost leadership. It's such a vast contrast to my last school, where I was the least senior member of my team and therefore was most often just nodding my head to whatever tune my older colleagues were humming.
I like my students too. They challenge me every day. Just when I think I've got it all together, they bring in new ideas for lessons or teaching strategies by the way they respond. For example, one student voiced a concern that we weren't writing enough in class. I thought, wait, that's not true. But when I looked back at the first quarter, I realized we only had one major assignment. My other classes have had more, but this one has been wrapped up in literature, and I really haven't given them a chance to put a voice to their responses and give them room to write their own ideas. That's something major I have to work on with them, and I had best do it soon.
Other than teaching, my life hasn't been too thrilling lately. Thanksgiving was a wonderful holiday, but nothing like real life. I almost miss my family after spending so much time with them. Then I remember what they're like during the week days, and I recall why I'm here and they're there. Naturally, I love them and can't wait to see them again. My parents can be so sweet. And I never see enough of my brothers, sisters-in-law, or my little nephews and niece. Honestly, she's so adorable it makes me wretch a lot less at the idea of having children someday. Stupid beautiful big eyes and drooly smile :P
It was great seeing friends too, although again, it brought to mind that which is lacking (see previous post). And I have a renewed sense of the awesomeness of Scattegories. We brought it back with us. Anyone up for a game?
Because of school, I've become a reading fiend, grabbing this and that from my shelves until I felt I could teach those same books to the students. This week is the start of much "easier" times when it comes to teaching three of my classes. We're reading novels, so it's just a matter of keeping them motivated and puncuating the lessons here and there with other topics.
This is the kind of stuff I really like to teach, the things that keep kids interested and put the education ball in their court. Of course, it takes some scaffolding to get them to this point, getting them to read smaller works and giving them time to work in groups as practice for continual group work for the next 1.5 months. So far, so good, though I'm afraid I'm not doing 1984 justice. I want the kids to work independently, but I also want them to pick up on the subtleties...but that means I need to nudge them that way. It's tricky, and I'm not an expert with balancing those skills yet. I suppose it's just a matter of guess, test, and revise for next year.
If there is a next year. God and every other higher power knows that I need to be at this school another year so I can boost my resume. Aside from that, I think I actually WANT to be at this school another year. Sure, it has its faults such as some ethnic tension and lack of extracurricular activities, but it's a school where I can grow. The admin seems very supportive of that and they give me many opportunities to take on responsibility and almost leadership. It's such a vast contrast to my last school, where I was the least senior member of my team and therefore was most often just nodding my head to whatever tune my older colleagues were humming.
I like my students too. They challenge me every day. Just when I think I've got it all together, they bring in new ideas for lessons or teaching strategies by the way they respond. For example, one student voiced a concern that we weren't writing enough in class. I thought, wait, that's not true. But when I looked back at the first quarter, I realized we only had one major assignment. My other classes have had more, but this one has been wrapped up in literature, and I really haven't given them a chance to put a voice to their responses and give them room to write their own ideas. That's something major I have to work on with them, and I had best do it soon.
Other than teaching, my life hasn't been too thrilling lately. Thanksgiving was a wonderful holiday, but nothing like real life. I almost miss my family after spending so much time with them. Then I remember what they're like during the week days, and I recall why I'm here and they're there. Naturally, I love them and can't wait to see them again. My parents can be so sweet. And I never see enough of my brothers, sisters-in-law, or my little nephews and niece. Honestly, she's so adorable it makes me wretch a lot less at the idea of having children someday. Stupid beautiful big eyes and drooly smile :P
It was great seeing friends too, although again, it brought to mind that which is lacking (see previous post). And I have a renewed sense of the awesomeness of Scattegories. We brought it back with us. Anyone up for a game?
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Changing
Lately I just suck. No journal writing. No blogging. No myspace updates. Few phone calls to out-of-town friends. Even fewer phone calls to family. No exercise.
What have I been doing lately? Work, work, work. And not even productively. I've been reading novels that I'll be teaching, sure, but is my grading up to date? nope. Are my lessons well-planned? Hardly. I feel like I have no spare time, and yet the time I have isn't used to its fullest.
Geez, even my writing sucks today. I see friends have blogged and remodeled and lost inches. And what do I have to show for myself? Not enough. Sure, I'm busy and stressed, but I can still get stuff done if I have the motivation. But it's harder to have the motivation when I just don't care.
When I've had the free time, I've just been sitting back and enjoying it. Let's go shopping! Let's watch my favorite TV shows! Let's eat out! Let's hang out with friends! Let's read a novel! Let's have a wonderful discussion! Let's take a nap! Let's play a game!
All those things are wonderfully fun, but they keep me from using my time for some other healthy activities. But you know, aside from needing to lose a few pounds, what really bothers me the most is losing some connections with friends. Blogging doesn't solve anything, but it's the only journaling I feel like doing right now. And right now I feel the need to vent my frustrations with the changing tide of frienships.
I love all the friends I've made throughout my life and hold each one dear to my heart. That's why it's so difficult for me when I feel like I'm losing touch with any of them. Even with years of adjustment, it's still a sore spot that Jenny W. chose a new life without her old friends, including her once "best friend" who seemed to have such a strong connection. And I always feel a little embarassed when I come across a friend I know I could email or call now and then but with changing cities and lifestyles, have just sort of let go. But when it's friends that just seem hard to reach that were once considered close?
Those are the ones that you wonder, what more could I do? Am I not trying hard enough? Am I being too needy? Am I being unreasonable? Do I seem unapproachable? Have I changed so much? Is life so busy and difficult for them that all friendships must be put on hold, or just mine?
It's those times I appreciate those friends who have gone out of their way, time and time again, to spend time with me and others, and have shown me just how special their friendship really is. I love my friends, and am so happy to have those few that have come through for me year after year, despite the changes in our lives. I suppose it's unreasonable to think that every friendship can survive those trials. I'm sure it is.
But that doesn't make me miss them less.
Lately I just suck. No journal writing. No blogging. No myspace updates. Few phone calls to out-of-town friends. Even fewer phone calls to family. No exercise.
What have I been doing lately? Work, work, work. And not even productively. I've been reading novels that I'll be teaching, sure, but is my grading up to date? nope. Are my lessons well-planned? Hardly. I feel like I have no spare time, and yet the time I have isn't used to its fullest.
Geez, even my writing sucks today. I see friends have blogged and remodeled and lost inches. And what do I have to show for myself? Not enough. Sure, I'm busy and stressed, but I can still get stuff done if I have the motivation. But it's harder to have the motivation when I just don't care.
When I've had the free time, I've just been sitting back and enjoying it. Let's go shopping! Let's watch my favorite TV shows! Let's eat out! Let's hang out with friends! Let's read a novel! Let's have a wonderful discussion! Let's take a nap! Let's play a game!
All those things are wonderfully fun, but they keep me from using my time for some other healthy activities. But you know, aside from needing to lose a few pounds, what really bothers me the most is losing some connections with friends. Blogging doesn't solve anything, but it's the only journaling I feel like doing right now. And right now I feel the need to vent my frustrations with the changing tide of frienships.
I love all the friends I've made throughout my life and hold each one dear to my heart. That's why it's so difficult for me when I feel like I'm losing touch with any of them. Even with years of adjustment, it's still a sore spot that Jenny W. chose a new life without her old friends, including her once "best friend" who seemed to have such a strong connection. And I always feel a little embarassed when I come across a friend I know I could email or call now and then but with changing cities and lifestyles, have just sort of let go. But when it's friends that just seem hard to reach that were once considered close?
Those are the ones that you wonder, what more could I do? Am I not trying hard enough? Am I being too needy? Am I being unreasonable? Do I seem unapproachable? Have I changed so much? Is life so busy and difficult for them that all friendships must be put on hold, or just mine?
It's those times I appreciate those friends who have gone out of their way, time and time again, to spend time with me and others, and have shown me just how special their friendship really is. I love my friends, and am so happy to have those few that have come through for me year after year, despite the changes in our lives. I suppose it's unreasonable to think that every friendship can survive those trials. I'm sure it is.
But that doesn't make me miss them less.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
A short time ago in a Target near, quite near you...
STAR WARS
It is a bright time for the rebellion.
Rebel forces have secured copies of
the original Star Wars Trilogy on DVD.
During the acquisition, sixty dollars were
spent, much to the dismay of Katie's
signifcant other. With these original theatrical
releases, Katie will now have the power to watch
an entire childhood of pop culture memories
splayed across the TV in widescreen fashion.
Obsessed with seeing Ewoks sing in joy
again, Katie will spend thousands of seconds
watching movies and dreaming of adventures
in space...
STAR WARS
It is a bright time for the rebellion.
Rebel forces have secured copies of
the original Star Wars Trilogy on DVD.
During the acquisition, sixty dollars were
spent, much to the dismay of Katie's
signifcant other. With these original theatrical
releases, Katie will now have the power to watch
an entire childhood of pop culture memories
splayed across the TV in widescreen fashion.
Obsessed with seeing Ewoks sing in joy
again, Katie will spend thousands of seconds
watching movies and dreaming of adventures
in space...
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
High!
The onslaught of high school teaching has begun. And yes, I mean onslaught. Damn, I had it easy at the last school. Today I supervised breakfast, amused an extended homeroom class, introduced two different English courses, supervised lunch (and had a few carrots and a granola bar), introduced two more English courses, had a short respite of a prep hour (with a class taking place in my room), supervised an assembly, and then supervised students as it took an HOUR for their buses to show up.
Needless to say, from now until June 15, I am going to be very busy. I guess the upside is that I will be a lot more interesting. And judging from my negligable attempts at blogging during my summer "vacation," I doubt that working long hours will affect my blogging in the least bit. Hell, I'll likely blog more for escapist reasons. Speaking of...I think I have to organize my dresser drawers...
The onslaught of high school teaching has begun. And yes, I mean onslaught. Damn, I had it easy at the last school. Today I supervised breakfast, amused an extended homeroom class, introduced two different English courses, supervised lunch (and had a few carrots and a granola bar), introduced two more English courses, had a short respite of a prep hour (with a class taking place in my room), supervised an assembly, and then supervised students as it took an HOUR for their buses to show up.
Needless to say, from now until June 15, I am going to be very busy. I guess the upside is that I will be a lot more interesting. And judging from my negligable attempts at blogging during my summer "vacation," I doubt that working long hours will affect my blogging in the least bit. Hell, I'll likely blog more for escapist reasons. Speaking of...I think I have to organize my dresser drawers...
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Family Portrait Reflected in a Mirror
For a few days this week I went to my parents' house to help my mom go through boxes upon boxes of items from my grandma's house. (A couple weeks ago she moved into a retirement home so my parents needed to empty her house to sell it). My parents' garage and basement were full of everything from dressers, pots and pans, jewelry, antique dishware, to boxes of bran cereal and smelly old sheets. Realize that my grandmother had been living in the same house for her entire life and the house belonged to her parents...that creates a shite-load of accumulation.
The sorting of what to keep, what to give away, and what to sell took us almost 3 days, and that’s after my parents already went through some of it. It was a real backache. If I hadn’t helped, it would have taken twice as long—my dad, the pack rat, is not so good at throwing things away. I also needed to go through and figure out what items I would like to keep, as I am the only granddaughter.
Naturally, being the only granddaughter also has its benefits. Sure, my brothers and sisters-in-law will take some of the stuff, but for things like jewelry and other keepsakes, I get first dibs. I’m so glad that grandma is still alive and doing okay, though. I’d much rather be going through old cards and keepsakes knowing I can share memories with my grandma and talk with her about them, than just thinking how each item is something she won’t see again.
Still, it’s hard watching her deteriorate. She’s always been a strong-willed woman, living on her own, stubborn, a worrier, with favorite pastimes of cleaning and shopping. Not exactly a thrill-seeker, but she had been very independent. Now it is difficult to hold a conversation with her. She forgets words and gets confused sometimes. And her hearing aids haven’t been working that well, so I have to talk fairly loudly and simply to make sure she understands what I’m saying. At least we can still have pleasant conversations, just not very deep ones. I just wish I had been a little older when she was a little younger so that I could know her better. In college, it was hard thinking about family when school and friends took priority. And before that, I really didn’t have the idea that my grandma was that interesting nor the thought that she would be gone someday.
Her life hasn’t been easy and her personality hasn’t always been easy to get along with. She’s not into playing games or reading and didn’t really bring up topics to talk about. Most of the time, we’d be in the living room chatting or watching CNN. All she’d really watch is the news, which would repeat all day. A young person gets bored with all that. I wonder, maybe next time I visit her, I’ll bring a photo album and talk with her about some of it. I’ve seen Chris show his great-grandma pictures, and it gives her something to see and gives both of them something to talk about. Hopefully my grandma’s vision is good enough for it.
On the bright side, she seems to be adjusting to her new home. Apparently one day she was actually dancing to some music that was playing there. I have NEVER seen her dance and the idea daunts me. She’s never been the “grandma” type making baked goods and reading stories. I think sometimes she had difficulty relating to us kids growing up in the ever-modernizing world. After we stopped wanting to color in coloring books, we were just difficult to manage.
She seems to be making some friends at the home, but I think she’s not used to having so many people around. She falls back on the way some of her old friends were, not really genuinely caring, but making pleasantries. The only really good friend she’s had in a long time was Aunt Pat. But Aunt Pat’s been gone for a few years now. I’m glad that grandma’s been able to keep going despite her loss and depression, but she really hasn’t been the same since then. I hope she can find the effort and will to make new friends. I know it’s also hard adjusting to the life in the home, with people going to bed a lot earlier than she’s used to. She’s always been a night owl since she takes naps in the afternoon. ::sigh:: She’s a woman after my own heart.
I really love my grandma, but I don't know her as well as I think I should. I learned a lot about her by going through her belongings, but that's not the same as learning it first hand. I'll just have to visit her more often and appreciate the time I have with her--that's what they say anyway. I suppose that's all I can do, make the effort. I think what bothers me the most is that we're all getting older. My dad just turned 60. The thought of my parents aging and eventually needing help like my grandparents scares me. They've always been pillars in my life and I want them to be there as I grow older too. It can be so hard making decisions between dedication to family and to my own life. And those decisions will only become more difficult. When is it selfish and when is it growth and independence? Maybe as I grow older I WILL grow wiser and figure that out.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Waste of Time
Only two weeks left now until I begin another year of teaching. In one week, I get to experience In-Service meetings at the new school. If they're anywhere near as exciting as last year's meetings, I had best be prepared and bring some crossword puzzles with me.
It's going to be hard getting to know a whole new staff. I can only hope that my "team" is encouraging and cooperative like we were at ALA last year. Surprisingly, a few other teachers decided to leave that school this summer as well. This year probably would have sucked there, especially with a rawer deal for health insurance.
I'm a little worried, since I didn't use much time this month to prepare for the school year. I was mostly wrapped up in organizing the new apartment, relaxing and actually having some fun during the little bit of summer I have left. But next week I really need to crack down, get up early every day, and start plotting out the school year for each of the four classes. I just want the year to go well. I don't want to be thinking in December that I'd have been better off going back to grad school or working some stupid office job. Optimisim. That's the ticket.
I know I CAN handle the work load; the question is, do I really WANT to teach four different classes and be responsible for the writing, reading, and comprehension skills of the entire high school? That's a lot of responsibility, especially now that the grades I give them will count for their GPA and actually affect their futures.
Alright, this is too heavy for me to think about right now. I think I'll go back to my usual plan of eating lunch, straightening the apartment, and feigning interest in reading the textbooks I'll be using this year. Oh, and flipping through the channels on the off chance that daytime television doesn't completely suck ass.
Only two weeks left now until I begin another year of teaching. In one week, I get to experience In-Service meetings at the new school. If they're anywhere near as exciting as last year's meetings, I had best be prepared and bring some crossword puzzles with me.
It's going to be hard getting to know a whole new staff. I can only hope that my "team" is encouraging and cooperative like we were at ALA last year. Surprisingly, a few other teachers decided to leave that school this summer as well. This year probably would have sucked there, especially with a rawer deal for health insurance.
I'm a little worried, since I didn't use much time this month to prepare for the school year. I was mostly wrapped up in organizing the new apartment, relaxing and actually having some fun during the little bit of summer I have left. But next week I really need to crack down, get up early every day, and start plotting out the school year for each of the four classes. I just want the year to go well. I don't want to be thinking in December that I'd have been better off going back to grad school or working some stupid office job. Optimisim. That's the ticket.
I know I CAN handle the work load; the question is, do I really WANT to teach four different classes and be responsible for the writing, reading, and comprehension skills of the entire high school? That's a lot of responsibility, especially now that the grades I give them will count for their GPA and actually affect their futures.
Alright, this is too heavy for me to think about right now. I think I'll go back to my usual plan of eating lunch, straightening the apartment, and feigning interest in reading the textbooks I'll be using this year. Oh, and flipping through the channels on the off chance that daytime television doesn't completely suck ass.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
On the inside looking out
Having just finished moving Sunday and having not yet called the cable provider, I am at a local coffee shop getting my Internet fix. It's pretty nice and if I didn't need the Internet quite often for work, I would just go to a shop whenever I wanted to use it. I'm trying to remember if there was something else I am supposed to do on here before I leave. At least this place is only about a 3 min drive from our place, just 9 blocks away.
Our place is starting to take shape, ever so slowly, and ever so expensively. We've spent at least 200-300 dollars on new rugs, shower supplies, cleaning utensils, alarms, and various other things in the past few days. I'm hoping to get reimbursed for a few things from our landlord. He's okay, pretty laid back, but he doesn't sound that helpful about maintenance. The main things that need fixing are a window that tends to drift open, a light about the kitchen sink that doesn't work, and we are in need of a couple more keys. One or two of the copies he made aren't very helpful. Oh well. Overall, I'm happy with the place and I know I'll be even happier when we get more boxes unloaded and arrange some furniture.
I'm almost done with the kitchen. It sucks because the people who moved out were bastards who didn't lift a finger to clean the place before they left. The oven is a mess, the fridge could use work, the bathroom is icky, and I had to wash out every drawer and cupboard in the kitchen. I figured I'd do the kitchen first since having a usable kitchen is rather essential to eating. I've put down new liner in almost all of the cupboards and drawers in there. I still need to do a few more, but I think I may need to buy a new roll. The primary dishes are washed and put away. I hope to finish it all by the end of the day.
Then it's time to clear some boxes and figure out the living room and office areas. It's difficult to decide what should go where. It would friggen help if we had a bed together. We couldn't get the damn box spring out of our apartment. It got IN there, so it seems logical it can get OUT of there. I think maybe since our landlord redid the front stairs there's a little less room...just enough inches to make it nigh impossible to remove the box spring mattress. So, we've been sleeping on our regular mattress on the floor. It makes it dang inconvenient to move around in the bedroom and prevents us from arranging the room how we'd like it. I suppose we could put our dressers and such in order, but the motivation is lacking knowing it'll still look tacky with a mattress on the floor like so many college students.
I really like how many outlets we have. Seriously, there are 4 usable ones in the kitchen, not counting the one in use already for the fridge and oven. AND not counting the one that is disturbingly situated under the sink by the pipes. Every room has at least 4 I think. That's in vast contrast to our last place which even had a few ungrounded outlets. Having an actual furnace and vents in every room will also be nice. We have a lot of windows...11 I think, instead of our old 6, even one in the bathroom. We'll definitely have to put up plastic this year, since we're paying for heat. But I already have 3M plastic in the basement in winter storage.
Ah, our basement. I love it. It's so nice having a decent basement that doesn't seem creepy at all, with free laundry machines all to ourselves. We can actually store things down there without fear of big nasties crawling into our boxes. The only down point is that it's not easy to store a bike down there and haul it upstairs, as Chris is finding out. He's going to have to work something out with our hallway or something. Maybe he can store it in the front area. Eh, details.
Another down point? We don't know our neighbors too well yet. They seem nice enough, though they go to bed early and maybe are a bit too trendy for our taste. Oh well, not every neighbor can be your best friend :) I miss you Tricia! And Barbara! And lovely little 3rd floor apartment. But I can definitely get used to this neighborhood. It's cool and I can't wait to explore it more. Well, battery's running low. Time to fly! Or maybe just go to a Twins game.
Having just finished moving Sunday and having not yet called the cable provider, I am at a local coffee shop getting my Internet fix. It's pretty nice and if I didn't need the Internet quite often for work, I would just go to a shop whenever I wanted to use it. I'm trying to remember if there was something else I am supposed to do on here before I leave. At least this place is only about a 3 min drive from our place, just 9 blocks away.
Our place is starting to take shape, ever so slowly, and ever so expensively. We've spent at least 200-300 dollars on new rugs, shower supplies, cleaning utensils, alarms, and various other things in the past few days. I'm hoping to get reimbursed for a few things from our landlord. He's okay, pretty laid back, but he doesn't sound that helpful about maintenance. The main things that need fixing are a window that tends to drift open, a light about the kitchen sink that doesn't work, and we are in need of a couple more keys. One or two of the copies he made aren't very helpful. Oh well. Overall, I'm happy with the place and I know I'll be even happier when we get more boxes unloaded and arrange some furniture.
I'm almost done with the kitchen. It sucks because the people who moved out were bastards who didn't lift a finger to clean the place before they left. The oven is a mess, the fridge could use work, the bathroom is icky, and I had to wash out every drawer and cupboard in the kitchen. I figured I'd do the kitchen first since having a usable kitchen is rather essential to eating. I've put down new liner in almost all of the cupboards and drawers in there. I still need to do a few more, but I think I may need to buy a new roll. The primary dishes are washed and put away. I hope to finish it all by the end of the day.
Then it's time to clear some boxes and figure out the living room and office areas. It's difficult to decide what should go where. It would friggen help if we had a bed together. We couldn't get the damn box spring out of our apartment. It got IN there, so it seems logical it can get OUT of there. I think maybe since our landlord redid the front stairs there's a little less room...just enough inches to make it nigh impossible to remove the box spring mattress. So, we've been sleeping on our regular mattress on the floor. It makes it dang inconvenient to move around in the bedroom and prevents us from arranging the room how we'd like it. I suppose we could put our dressers and such in order, but the motivation is lacking knowing it'll still look tacky with a mattress on the floor like so many college students.
I really like how many outlets we have. Seriously, there are 4 usable ones in the kitchen, not counting the one in use already for the fridge and oven. AND not counting the one that is disturbingly situated under the sink by the pipes. Every room has at least 4 I think. That's in vast contrast to our last place which even had a few ungrounded outlets. Having an actual furnace and vents in every room will also be nice. We have a lot of windows...11 I think, instead of our old 6, even one in the bathroom. We'll definitely have to put up plastic this year, since we're paying for heat. But I already have 3M plastic in the basement in winter storage.
Ah, our basement. I love it. It's so nice having a decent basement that doesn't seem creepy at all, with free laundry machines all to ourselves. We can actually store things down there without fear of big nasties crawling into our boxes. The only down point is that it's not easy to store a bike down there and haul it upstairs, as Chris is finding out. He's going to have to work something out with our hallway or something. Maybe he can store it in the front area. Eh, details.
Another down point? We don't know our neighbors too well yet. They seem nice enough, though they go to bed early and maybe are a bit too trendy for our taste. Oh well, not every neighbor can be your best friend :) I miss you Tricia! And Barbara! And lovely little 3rd floor apartment. But I can definitely get used to this neighborhood. It's cool and I can't wait to explore it more. Well, battery's running low. Time to fly! Or maybe just go to a Twins game.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
3, 2, 1 Contract!
As I said, it's not over until I sign a contract. well, today I did. I won't be making much more than last year--just about $600 more, which I suppose isn't too bad. And I will be doing more work, in some ways. Instead of preparing for 2 classes, I'll be preparing for 4 of them. But I'll also only be teaching 4 sections instead of 5. My day starts out easy, with prep time in the morning. My room seems decent--someone was teaching in there for summer school, so I didn't get more than a glimpse.
I'll be teaching Language/Grammar, Writing, and Literature 1&2 as 4 different classes, with some mixture for grades of students, but it will tend to go in that order, 9-12. Teaching a whole high school of kids sounds a bit intimidating, but with textbooks, novels, and set online curriculum, I should have some good help in the matter. They expressed strongly that I will need to stick to the course curriculum, though they said I could add anything I want that will help the learn the course. I just can't do things like substitute a different novel or skip a concept that seems over their heads.
So, basically August is going to be a time of major preparation. Besides settling into our new place, I'll have to get a lot of materials planned ahead and ready to go. I'll especially want the first few weeks planned, since that's a time of major adjustment to the school itself. Well, speaking of busy times, I had best get to packing more of our shit. We made a lot of progress yesterday, but there's still a butload to go. Our goal is to have a moving truck for Thursday so we can get that done before my parents come to visit Friday-Saturday. Thankfully, they'll be staying at a hotel so we don't have to worry about lodging them. And lucky us, our parents will be meeting each other Friday evening for dinner. If we can keep our stress levels down, we all should be cool, just going to a sports bar/grill. If.
As I said, it's not over until I sign a contract. well, today I did. I won't be making much more than last year--just about $600 more, which I suppose isn't too bad. And I will be doing more work, in some ways. Instead of preparing for 2 classes, I'll be preparing for 4 of them. But I'll also only be teaching 4 sections instead of 5. My day starts out easy, with prep time in the morning. My room seems decent--someone was teaching in there for summer school, so I didn't get more than a glimpse.
I'll be teaching Language/Grammar, Writing, and Literature 1&2 as 4 different classes, with some mixture for grades of students, but it will tend to go in that order, 9-12. Teaching a whole high school of kids sounds a bit intimidating, but with textbooks, novels, and set online curriculum, I should have some good help in the matter. They expressed strongly that I will need to stick to the course curriculum, though they said I could add anything I want that will help the learn the course. I just can't do things like substitute a different novel or skip a concept that seems over their heads.
So, basically August is going to be a time of major preparation. Besides settling into our new place, I'll have to get a lot of materials planned ahead and ready to go. I'll especially want the first few weeks planned, since that's a time of major adjustment to the school itself. Well, speaking of busy times, I had best get to packing more of our shit. We made a lot of progress yesterday, but there's still a butload to go. Our goal is to have a moving truck for Thursday so we can get that done before my parents come to visit Friday-Saturday. Thankfully, they'll be staying at a hotel so we don't have to worry about lodging them. And lucky us, our parents will be meeting each other Friday evening for dinner. If we can keep our stress levels down, we all should be cool, just going to a sports bar/grill. If.
Friday, July 21, 2006
So, Yeah, As I Was Saying
For all my bitching and complaining...I got a job offer today. It's for the school I mentioned in my last post. I'd be teaching at a small charter school for grades 9-12. It sounds a little intimidating since I think I might be the only high school teacher there, so it would mean four different preps, unless they mix their classes. I haven't talked to them yet about details. After talking to the the HR director, I scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to talk about the job and to see the school. They had left a message on my phone this morning while I was struggling to pound through a stack of assignments my summer school kids gave me on the LAST DAY of summer school.
Today was really boring, actually. Most of my students left at 10am since they were nice enough to let the passing students with good attendance out early. Naturally, that meant I had 3 kids left who were all passing and had little work to do but had been absent and needed to make up the time. What to do with 3 kids that doesn't involve anything I'm going to grade? Not a whole hell of a lot. I had to get grading done, so I couldn't do much that was interactive. I gave them a puzzle worksheet and turned on a movie. They chatted and kept themselves busy, so I suppose it worked.
In other news, my grandmother on my dad's side is moving from Two Rivers into a nursing home in GB. It might be hard for her to make the transition, but she's been really miserable at home alone, so I think this might be really great for her. Otherwise, she sits at home and watches CNN or maybe once in a while visits the senior center nearby. But it's different when you're just visiting vs. when you're actually a resident, a member of a supportive community. It was tough on my dad to make the decision, but it helped to see how happy she was conversing with residents when they went to check out different nursing homes. Turns out she likes the one that is a block away from my parents' church, so that will be really convenient. She'll have to give up some independence, but she'll gain more time with her family, more friends, and health services that she needs.
::sigh:: Life is so busy, and then it stands still on certain moments. At least I got a job offer before I filled out the pages of essays for a couple jobs I'm really not even interested in. I'll still keep an eye out and send a couple apps, just in case. A job's not a job until my name's on the signature line.
For all my bitching and complaining...I got a job offer today. It's for the school I mentioned in my last post. I'd be teaching at a small charter school for grades 9-12. It sounds a little intimidating since I think I might be the only high school teacher there, so it would mean four different preps, unless they mix their classes. I haven't talked to them yet about details. After talking to the the HR director, I scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to talk about the job and to see the school. They had left a message on my phone this morning while I was struggling to pound through a stack of assignments my summer school kids gave me on the LAST DAY of summer school.
Today was really boring, actually. Most of my students left at 10am since they were nice enough to let the passing students with good attendance out early. Naturally, that meant I had 3 kids left who were all passing and had little work to do but had been absent and needed to make up the time. What to do with 3 kids that doesn't involve anything I'm going to grade? Not a whole hell of a lot. I had to get grading done, so I couldn't do much that was interactive. I gave them a puzzle worksheet and turned on a movie. They chatted and kept themselves busy, so I suppose it worked.
In other news, my grandmother on my dad's side is moving from Two Rivers into a nursing home in GB. It might be hard for her to make the transition, but she's been really miserable at home alone, so I think this might be really great for her. Otherwise, she sits at home and watches CNN or maybe once in a while visits the senior center nearby. But it's different when you're just visiting vs. when you're actually a resident, a member of a supportive community. It was tough on my dad to make the decision, but it helped to see how happy she was conversing with residents when they went to check out different nursing homes. Turns out she likes the one that is a block away from my parents' church, so that will be really convenient. She'll have to give up some independence, but she'll gain more time with her family, more friends, and health services that she needs.
::sigh:: Life is so busy, and then it stands still on certain moments. At least I got a job offer before I filled out the pages of essays for a couple jobs I'm really not even interested in. I'll still keep an eye out and send a couple apps, just in case. A job's not a job until my name's on the signature line.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Um, Thanks?
So I have a little less suspense now. Less than an hour ago, I found out that we got the apartment we REALLY wanted in Minneapolis. And, our current landlord informed me that he rented out our apartment today to the two fellows that we showed it to last night.
That means a whole lot less stress on us since we no longer have to look for places or worry that we won't get new tenants in here in time for Aug. 1st and then have to pay our Aug. rent.
I still have to wait about jobs, well, actively wait since I'll be sending out applications and resumes wherever I can...which there aren't many.
So thank you, landlords, renters, and powers that be. One less thing to worry about. Now to plan dinner...
So I have a little less suspense now. Less than an hour ago, I found out that we got the apartment we REALLY wanted in Minneapolis. And, our current landlord informed me that he rented out our apartment today to the two fellows that we showed it to last night.
That means a whole lot less stress on us since we no longer have to look for places or worry that we won't get new tenants in here in time for Aug. 1st and then have to pay our Aug. rent.
I still have to wait about jobs, well, actively wait since I'll be sending out applications and resumes wherever I can...which there aren't many.
So thank you, landlords, renters, and powers that be. One less thing to worry about. Now to plan dinner...
Suspense Can Bite Me
I've had enough suspense for one day. In fact, how about many days. If I were to watch an Alfred Hitchcock film right now, I think I'd have to puke. No more suspense!
Today I had an interview for a teaching job in St. Paul. Today we are supposed to find out whether or not we have a new apartment. This week I am supposed to wait for another school to call me. Sometime soon Chris will find out if he is offered a job working for the state.
I'm just sick of it! I just want a job and want an apartment and I don't want to have to think about it anymore. And yet probably I'll end up in suspense about both for another month, just to spite my impatient self. ::sigh::
Okay, so my interview went well today. I think my only shortcomings are my two years experience and the fact that I'm very white and interviewed for an all black school. But I STILL came on strong with my other "fish out of water" past job experiences. Dang, I forgot to mention working with all Mexican women. Not that many Spanish skills would come much in handy there. GAH! At this point, I'd be happy working at an ALC in Anoka.
You know, there's a lot of things they train teachers to be, but you never see a class for "Human Baggage to Be Tossed" in the curriculum.
I've had enough suspense for one day. In fact, how about many days. If I were to watch an Alfred Hitchcock film right now, I think I'd have to puke. No more suspense!
Today I had an interview for a teaching job in St. Paul. Today we are supposed to find out whether or not we have a new apartment. This week I am supposed to wait for another school to call me. Sometime soon Chris will find out if he is offered a job working for the state.
I'm just sick of it! I just want a job and want an apartment and I don't want to have to think about it anymore. And yet probably I'll end up in suspense about both for another month, just to spite my impatient self. ::sigh::
Okay, so my interview went well today. I think my only shortcomings are my two years experience and the fact that I'm very white and interviewed for an all black school. But I STILL came on strong with my other "fish out of water" past job experiences. Dang, I forgot to mention working with all Mexican women. Not that many Spanish skills would come much in handy there. GAH! At this point, I'd be happy working at an ALC in Anoka.
You know, there's a lot of things they train teachers to be, but you never see a class for "Human Baggage to Be Tossed" in the curriculum.
