Thursday, June 03, 2010

A day full of beginnings and endings...kind of.

Today was the first day of summer school. I had the chance to set up my room and meet some new teachers. I always get a little nervous on days like this..a little from the excitement of a new class and a little from just having to experience something new.

Setting up my room took no time at all. I arranged my little desk *they look super little compared to what my 5Th graders used* and organized my teacher time table. I also had a little fun pulling out all my bins for turning in papers and for the organization of my teaching materials. I carried in two huge Rubbermaid containers but left the majority of the contents in the bins. I figure if I need it.... it's there. I really did not think there was any reason to empty any them though. This took me approximately 45 minutes to complete...Did I mention they gave us 4 hours to move in?

To waste time I loaded up with some teachers from my home school and ventured to the old run down John Marshall High School (I think) to gather up some free multi-cultural resource books the district was giving away for free. Once we were done breathing in all of the mold, we moved on to Lakeshore. Lakeshore is like heaven... I can't wait to start building my classroom for next year (that is if they allow me to resign my contract).

The remainder of the day was spent picking up resources and sorting them and also having our orientation meeting. Here's where my *unwanted* honesty comes in... I believe that teaching is not only a passion but a profession. Having said so, I believe that it is a place that professional dress should be worn. I am not saying that I expect teachers to come to school in a suit set or anything, but i do expect them to look clean and well put together.I was always taught: Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.

Anyway, while speaking to my summer school principal, she mentioned that teachers who were on non-continuing contracts were being held off on being rehired until after next Monday's board meeting. I never thought I'd say it, but this is one board meeting I'd like to attend. This is apparently where the decision comes in. Which also brings me hope (most likely false hope) that I will know in the next week or two if I get to stay with my school.

After hearing this I enjoyed a hot afternoon of apartment hunting with one of my favorite people. WELCOME REALITY. While apartment hunting I quickly learned what I would be capable of maintaining /affording. I have a good hunch and am comfortable with a certain apartment in a building also occupied by a close friend. I just hope it remains available over the next few weeks and can earn the stamp of Mom approval.

xxxooo


Wednesday, June 02, 2010

My Idea of Free Therapy... Read at Your Own Risk

To Post…Or not to post?

That seems to be the question at hand this evening. I have officially created this blog approximately 1 hour ago and already I am nervous about posting the truth.

What’s on my mind at the moment you ask? Friends, Men (Or in most of their cases..lack of being so), the beautiful weather, finding a job for August in case my current job doesn’t hold up…. Just to name a few.

Friends: You win some, you lose some. Probably not the best theory to go on in the word of friendship but it seems the most accurate at this point. I have many amazing friends but seem to find it interesting that I have can’t ever find some one to hang out with. I’m finding my conversations with the dog growing the greater lengths than probably mentally healthy. Maybe that’s a reason I’ve turned to blogging. It’s a way for me to talk without necessarily having to have someone to listen. Maybe this will improve as I put forth more effort. Maybe I just need some new friends??

Men: A few words come to mind when I think the word Men:
Dishonest
Greedy
Disloyal
Inconsistent
Invigorating
Helpful
Kind
Funny
And yes, that is the order that those words came to mind. My hope and faith in men seems to have dissipated over the last couple of years. I wouldn’t say I’ve had terribly bad experiences, as much as I would say I have had a lot of disappointments. I refuse to name names or talk about these experiences on here due to my distaste of pointing fingers.  Boring…. I know.

But I will vent some pent up….rage? no… emotion of some sort… definitely.

My biggest issue has always been honesty. How hard is it to have a conversation? I just ask that both parties exchange an honest expression about what they want and/or expect from whatever it is that is going on. What was ever done before texting…. Is it impossible to talk in person anymore? Why is there always that awkward text that forces you to define yourself? It would be so much easier in person…yet some people shy away from it…or down right run from it. I’m really not a complicated person…I know what I want and when I want it. I will happily tell you if you ask. If you never ask questions and continue to make assumptions then that is your own fault. And YES, I will be angry that you made up my mind for me without asking me first. I was raised to vent my opinions and plan to continue to do so.

The Beautiful Weather:
Seriously, The Weather is currently perfect. I am not an outdoorsy kind of girl. Not a surprise to most, but I have officially spent the last 2 hours outside on my balcony with my laptop. Now of course it was around 10pm when I came out here...so no sunshine... no major heat... but still! I get to enjoy the outdoors. It smells amazing, the breeze is perfect. I can hear the bugs and frogs... (of course my sound machine does this also). My only worry is that Nessie seems to be eating the balcony.

Job:(Or the lack of there being one) Due to the increase budget cuts my position isn't guarenteed back to me next year. Shocking to most is that I actually don't mind staying at my current school. My principal gave me a 90% positive chance that I would be returning as a first grade teacher in the fall. Yep, First grade. I think it would be a good change of pace for me and definately a learning experience. I was getting hyped up for it. But of course...being the over thinker I am, I am worried about the what if 10% chance I am not hired back. Therefore I have been applying everywhere I can find. I have been emailing and praying that some principal will be impressed with my lack of experience and impressive placements and hire me. :) With the job concern comes the risk of what if I can't pay my rent come September? Do I resign my lease in July? Or hope that I find a job and a new place to live before then?

Anyway, that's more than enough to write for this evening. I should really get back inside and do something???? I don't know. It's not like I really have any other option of what to do at 12:15am.

xoxox

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Fresh Start...Maybe...Sorta...Kind of.

Currently located on my balcony while writing this. Why? Because it is the only place I can get consistant internet in my apartment.

I've decided to start writing a blog again because I need something to keep me accountable. I'm 22 and the most exciting thing I do in my free time is puzzles, read, and chase my dog around. Not that Nessie doesn't keep me entertained, but I've decided to make this summer a bit more memorable than I had planned.

My goal of this summer is to create a sort of bucket list. I want to create a list of things I hope to accomplish this summer and to set out and do so before August. Do I really have any idea about what is going to go on my list as of now??? No. BUT! I am determined to make it more exciting than laying in my bed watching or reading cheesy dramas...