I woke up today with my eyes glued shut. When I unglued them, I still couldn't see. Ah, the wonders of ragweed/hay fever season. Not much works for me in way of medicine- at some point (when I get a job and health insurance perhaps) I will need to get allergy shots. But in the meantime, I take either Zyrtec, Clarintin, or better yet Benedryl. I took Benedryl shortly after I got up and shortly after that it knocked me down and out. Not what I wanted to be doing today- sleeping off the medicine haze. Sometimes you have to give in. I did indeed.
I tried making my allergies better holistically- eating raw honey every day, trying to drink raw milk (I stopped buying it because I couldn't drink the half gallon fast enough before it spoiled). But here I am- red eyed with a stuffy head. I have year round allergies, but this time of year is the worst. Good ol' ragweed, just like my mom. My mom used to have such horrible symptoms that she hardly went out for a month or two. She used to get shots and have a reaction to them (which you're not supposed to do), but has very little reaction to ragweed anymore. Lucky.
So instead of picking more green beans and weeding the gardens or mowing the lawn, I stayed inside incapacitated due to ragweed. I have looked for jobs and I've just applied to be a flagger/traffic controller for the Rutland area to help with all the roadwork that will be happening due to the flooding from the hurricane. At least it's a job and will keep me out of trouble (somewhat).
Quote of the day:
Patience is also a form of action. ~Auguste Rodin
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Happy Birthday, Ted Williams!
I don't know why I love baseball, but I do. I'm the only one of my family that really loves it. My father would watch bits and pieces growing up, but wasn't a big fan. He (and my mom) would of course root for the Red Sox, but didn't know players names other than the big ones. My mom actually took me to my first game at Fenway when I was 13 or so. They lost, but it was a great experience. My brother hates (or strongly dislikes) baseball, but he got hit in the face during Little League, so can you blame him?
After third grade, my parents sent my brother and I to a private Christian School in town. I was the outsider and didn't fit in with 90% of the girls. I decided to play with the boys and learned how to play football, hone my kickball and tether ball skills, and started to collect baseball cards. This was when José Canseco and Mark McGuire were big in Oakland and the Red Sox had Mike Greenwell, Jody Reed, Dwight Evans, Jim Rice, and my favorite, Wade Boggs. Why was he my favorite? I loved third base and thought that all the cool people played third- you had to have a strong arm to play (which of course I didn't).
Somehow, I got into the history of baseball and learned about the greats- Ty Cobb, Smokey Joe Wood, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle (I took how I sign my name from him), Jackie Robinson, and many many more. I don't know what it is about old things- old movies, antiques, baseball,- I just love learning about how things were. Life seemed so much better back then- easier. You can argue that but look deep. Things were simpler. No cell phones. No television (until the 50's and 60's). No steroids. Just alcohol and tobacco were their drugs of choice. This may be disputed too, who knows.
I've always been a Red Sox fan and always will be. I must confess, my favorite player of all time is a Yankee. Hear me out, hear me out. His name is Lou Gehrig- got a disease named after him which killed my great aunt. He was a humble but powerful man. He hit after the flamboyant Ruth and was in 2130 games in a row before he benched himself and soon after died. He was a great first baseman (and football player at Columbia University). I read a biography of him when I was in 7th or 8th grade and was hooked instantly.
I'm also a big fan of Ted Williams, left fielder for the Sox. He wasn't as humble (at all) as Lou, but man was he a ball player. He was also a distinguished pilot in both World War II and Korea. His eyesight was said to be 20/10 twice better than normal vision. He literally wrote the book on hitting and had an impressive career, despite not winning a World Series. Damned Yankees.
A great book to read about Ted Williams and his 3 other baseball buddies: Johnny Pesky (the right field pole is named for him), Bobby Doerr, and Dom DiMaggio (Joe's brother) is called The Teammates: A Portrait of a Friendship. I want to read his book about hitting some day, too. Lots of good stories out there.
There's my confession- I'm a baseball fan. I have been to only 5 major league stadiums (so far) and countless other double and single A stadiums. I may not know all of the players or their stats by heart, but I know the game and the history. And on this day in 1918, Theodore Samuel Williams was born. Happy Birthday Ted!
After third grade, my parents sent my brother and I to a private Christian School in town. I was the outsider and didn't fit in with 90% of the girls. I decided to play with the boys and learned how to play football, hone my kickball and tether ball skills, and started to collect baseball cards. This was when José Canseco and Mark McGuire were big in Oakland and the Red Sox had Mike Greenwell, Jody Reed, Dwight Evans, Jim Rice, and my favorite, Wade Boggs. Why was he my favorite? I loved third base and thought that all the cool people played third- you had to have a strong arm to play (which of course I didn't).
Somehow, I got into the history of baseball and learned about the greats- Ty Cobb, Smokey Joe Wood, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle (I took how I sign my name from him), Jackie Robinson, and many many more. I don't know what it is about old things- old movies, antiques, baseball,- I just love learning about how things were. Life seemed so much better back then- easier. You can argue that but look deep. Things were simpler. No cell phones. No television (until the 50's and 60's). No steroids. Just alcohol and tobacco were their drugs of choice. This may be disputed too, who knows.
I've always been a Red Sox fan and always will be. I must confess, my favorite player of all time is a Yankee. Hear me out, hear me out. His name is Lou Gehrig- got a disease named after him which killed my great aunt. He was a humble but powerful man. He hit after the flamboyant Ruth and was in 2130 games in a row before he benched himself and soon after died. He was a great first baseman (and football player at Columbia University). I read a biography of him when I was in 7th or 8th grade and was hooked instantly.
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| The colored box is Ted's strike zone and the colors represent his sweet spots (red=best) and have his batting % |
A great book to read about Ted Williams and his 3 other baseball buddies: Johnny Pesky (the right field pole is named for him), Bobby Doerr, and Dom DiMaggio (Joe's brother) is called The Teammates: A Portrait of a Friendship. I want to read his book about hitting some day, too. Lots of good stories out there.
There's my confession- I'm a baseball fan. I have been to only 5 major league stadiums (so far) and countless other double and single A stadiums. I may not know all of the players or their stats by heart, but I know the game and the history. And on this day in 1918, Theodore Samuel Williams was born. Happy Birthday Ted!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Good-bye Irene
What a day! Lots of rain, wind. Power went out only briefly. Not too shabby. And in case you haven't seen enough pictures and footage of Irene, here's some more:
So last evening, I went and hid in my room and watched my Special Edition Joshua Tree DVD that I had gotten a couple of years back for Christmas and hadn't watched yet. Of course, it was awesome. I realized that I love U2 not because they are Irish and beautiful, but because their songs seem just for me- they fit they way I feel. Here's what I mean:
In God's Country
Desert sky, dream beneath the desert sky.
The rivers run but soon run dry.
We need new dreams tonight.(don't we all?)
MLK
Bad (one if not my favorite)
Running to a Stand Still
And so she woke up
Woke up from where she was lyin' still.
Said I gotta do something
About where we're (I'm) goin'.
Step on a fast train
Step out of the driving rain, maybe
Run from the darkness in the night.
Singing ah, ah la la la de day
Ah la la la de day.
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (my ring tone and my life song)
I have climbed the highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you.
I have run, I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you.
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.
And (Psalm) 40
What a day! Lots of rain, wind. Power went out only briefly. Not too shabby. And in case you haven't seen enough pictures and footage of Irene, here's some more:
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| view from the house- surveying the damage to the fields |
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| some damage on Cook Road |
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| East Creek spilled over and created a pond in our field |
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| my sunflowers had seen better days... |
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| Route 73 just outside of Brandon (the is the Otter Creek overflowing- the longest river in Vermont) |
The weather made me stir crazy. Went outside to make sure the dog went to the bathroom- not too bad. The wind picked up last night tonight and I hear lots of flooding had happened. Youtube Vermont flood and check it out. Crazy stuff!
In God's Country
Desert sky, dream beneath the desert sky.
The rivers run but soon run dry.
We need new dreams tonight.(don't we all?)
MLK
Sleep, sleep tonight
and may your dreams be realized
if the thunder cloud passes rain
so let it rain, rain down on me
so let it be, so let it be
(very fitting after a hurricane)and may your dreams be realized
if the thunder cloud passes rain
so let it rain, rain down on me
so let it be, so let it be
Bad (one if not my favorite)
If you twist and turn away.
It you tear yourself in two again.
If I could, yes I would
If I could, I would let it go.
Surrender, dislocate.
If I could throw this lifeless life-line to the wind.
Leave this heart of clay, see you walk, walk away
Into the night, and through the rain
Into the half light and through the flame.
If I could, through myself, set your spirit free
I'd lead your heart away, see you break, break away
Into the light and to the day.
To let it go and so to find away.
To let it go and so find away.
I'm wide awake.
I'm wide awake, wide awake.
I'm not sleeping.
If you should ask, then maybe
They'd tell you what I would say
True colours fly in blue and black
Blue silken sky and burning flag.
Colours crash, collide in blood-shot eyes.
If I could, you know I would
If I could, I would let it go.
This desperation, dislocation
Separation, condemnation
Revelation, in temptation
Isolation, desolation
Let it go and so to find away
To let it go and so to find away
To let it go and so to find away
I'm wide awake, I'm wide awake, wide awake
I'm not sleeping
Oh no, no, no.
It you tear yourself in two again.
If I could, yes I would
If I could, I would let it go.
Surrender, dislocate.
If I could throw this lifeless life-line to the wind.
Leave this heart of clay, see you walk, walk away
Into the night, and through the rain
Into the half light and through the flame.
If I could, through myself, set your spirit free
I'd lead your heart away, see you break, break away
Into the light and to the day.
To let it go and so to find away.
To let it go and so find away.
I'm wide awake.
I'm wide awake, wide awake.
I'm not sleeping.
If you should ask, then maybe
They'd tell you what I would say
True colours fly in blue and black
Blue silken sky and burning flag.
Colours crash, collide in blood-shot eyes.
If I could, you know I would
If I could, I would let it go.
This desperation, dislocation
Separation, condemnation
Revelation, in temptation
Isolation, desolation
Let it go and so to find away
To let it go and so to find away
To let it go and so to find away
I'm wide awake, I'm wide awake, wide awake
I'm not sleeping
Oh no, no, no.
Running to a Stand Still
And so she woke up
Woke up from where she was lyin' still.
Said I gotta do something
About where we're (I'm) goin'.
Step on a fast train
Step out of the driving rain, maybe
Run from the darkness in the night.
Singing ah, ah la la la de day
Ah la la la de day.
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (my ring tone and my life song)
I have climbed the highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you.
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you.
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.
And (Psalm) 40
I waited patiently for the Lord.
He inclined and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay.
I will sing, sing a new song.
I will sing, sing a new song.
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
I can't wait to sing a new song. Pretty powerful, huh? Yes, they're my favorite band. God bless them. And thank goodness the hurricane is gone!
He inclined and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay.
I will sing, sing a new song.
I will sing, sing a new song.
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song?
You set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm.
Many will see, many will see and hear.I will sing, sing a new song.
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song.
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song? How long to sing this song?
I can't wait to sing a new song. Pretty powerful, huh? Yes, they're my favorite band. God bless them. And thank goodness the hurricane is gone!
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| this sunflower broke and it was much taller than me! |
Saturday, August 27, 2011
A word (or two) about hurricanes
In the summer and fall of 2004 (the year the Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years), there were 16 storms of which 4 hurricanes that criss crossed the state of Florida. My first encounter was while staying with my aunt and uncle before I found my own place. Her name was Frances and she took her sweet time doing her thing off the coast before deciding to move inland. It was weird- I had been in storms, but nothing like that. I helped put the storm shutters up and get all of the supplies and listen to the nonstop hurricane updates. The media really knows how to play it up, let me tell you. The hurricane had such low pressure the I slept through it (which was nice.) Soon after, Ivan and Jeanne criss crossed the state in just about the same area. Not good for those who had roof damage from Frances. Kids were happy because we were out of school. Palm Beach County is one of the largest school districts in the country, so if one school is without power, we're all out of school. Luckily the Sox were playing in Tampa Bay so I got to go and see them while waiting to go back to school!
2005 was an even busier year for hurricanes and tropical storms that were in the Atlantic Ocean. There were 28 named storms to be exact, the most in recorded history.
So, to all you hurricane "virgins", there will be wind. There will be rain bands (the arms of the hurricane bring bands of rain). There is the potential for tornadoes. But since this storm has already hit land in North Carolina and Virginia and else where, the most we'll get here in Vermont is wind and rain. And it may be heavy! We might loose power, but we're used to that. The stupid news and other media hypes storms up. Maybe because people aren't prepared and have any lick of common sense ("common sense ain't so common"). You've all made your list and bought out the store with batteries, milk, (why?) water, maybe even a generator (don't use it in your house, please). You'll be fine. Curl up with a good book. Drink a beer or other beverage, and watch the storm.
Just don't get yourself electrocuted after the storm or have carbon monoxide poisoning because you put your grill in your house to cook hot dogs.
2005 was an even busier year for hurricanes and tropical storms that were in the Atlantic Ocean. There were 28 named storms to be exact, the most in recorded history.
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| 2005 hurricane map |
I remember during one hurricane (either 2004 or 2005- I don't remember now), I was in my apartment during a hurricane. I had a big window in my bedroom and my back wall was sliding glass door/window to my patio. The wind was making the back glass door move and I was afraid it might burst or something. So I hid in my bathroom (the safest place). When the eye of the hurricane came, it was quiet- no rain or wind. I heard some people outside so I went out and checked on the damage too. A tree had landed on a neighbors car- so lucky mine was ok! Then the back end of the hurricane started. Thank the good Lord my door had a deadbolt because my door was going to blow in! Scary stuff! Power went out. Driving anywhere was taking your life in your own hands- not many people stop at a stop light that isn't on. Like I've told many people, I'll take a snowstorm over a hurricane any day! You just shovel and keep going! Hurricanes, there's flooding, power outages, heat, bugs. Not fun.
So, to all you hurricane "virgins", there will be wind. There will be rain bands (the arms of the hurricane bring bands of rain). There is the potential for tornadoes. But since this storm has already hit land in North Carolina and Virginia and else where, the most we'll get here in Vermont is wind and rain. And it may be heavy! We might loose power, but we're used to that. The stupid news and other media hypes storms up. Maybe because people aren't prepared and have any lick of common sense ("common sense ain't so common"). You've all made your list and bought out the store with batteries, milk, (why?) water, maybe even a generator (don't use it in your house, please). You'll be fine. Curl up with a good book. Drink a beer or other beverage, and watch the storm.
Just don't get yourself electrocuted after the storm or have carbon monoxide poisoning because you put your grill in your house to cook hot dogs.
Friday, August 26, 2011
What I did today
I started this post yesterday, but after reading through it, I had to overhaul it a bit.
Jobs I applied (or reapplied) for yesterday:
quote of the day:
Patience: A minor form of despair disguised as a virtue. ~Ambrose Bierce
Jobs I applied (or reapplied) for yesterday:
- Variety Pack Operator at Woodchuck Cider in Middlebury
- Apple Picker at Sunrise Orchards in Cornwall
- Schoolwide teacher (help with reading or math) in Fair Haven
- Fourth grade teacher in Foxborough, MA
- Elementary classroom teacher in Gloucester, MA
- mowed veggie garden (around the plants- mostly to mow down the ragweed)
- weeded onions
- watered veggies
- mowed lawn
- watered flowers
- applied for jobs
- washed a quilt and hung it out on the line
- nearly drowned my beans, corn, and pumpkins (water on for over an hour... oops)
- I think that's it.
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| My nephew, Jeremiah Holden Park, who's 8th birthday is today |
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| Jeremiah can always make me smile |
Patience: A minor form of despair disguised as a virtue. ~Ambrose Bierce
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
busy bee
Happy Wednesday! When people ask what my favorite day of the week is, I always say Wednesday because it's fun to spell! True story.
I started to write about all my teacher friends getting ready for school tomorrow and that I'm not. Yes, it sucks that I'm not with them getting ready. I need to not dwell (and bore you too much more) with what should have/could have been. Instead I will tell you about the past few days in the life of me. (how exciting)
Yesterday, I had a list of things to do- weed, pick green beans, put laundry on the line.. you know, fun stuff. I did do laundry and put it out on the line. I smells so much better when it's air dried! Clothes get a little crispy (towels especially), but I like it. My dad had mowed a bunch of hay a few days ago and started tedding it (not raking, but tedding which is like teasing it out to let it dry). He had to leave to go to work at Tractor Supply, so I finished the field for him. When I was finished that (which took and hour or 2), I worked on the deconstruction of our "sway-back" barn where the cows take shelter in the winter. It's falling apart and my dad is going to rebuild it (in his free time, whenever that is). 5 hours later, after hitting my left knuckle with the hammer and my right hand hurting from holding the hammer and crowbar for 5 hours, I went in and cleaned up. I was exhausted and could hardly move. It felt good going to bed early except for the fact that my allergies started acting up right before bed. Not fun. I woke up with my eyes glued shut this morning. Allergies suck.
So today, I did more laundry (sheets) and helped my dad rake- 4 rows into 1. Then he baled it while I ran to Rutland (Rut-Vegas) and picked up some stuff at Home Depot and Walgreen's. Back home, got laundry off the line, started to fill out a job application for a 2nd grade position in Dixfield, Maine that closes Friday only to realize that I am missing one of my transcripts as well as the fact that I'm pretty sure my packet will not reach Dixfield, Maine by Friday unless I drive it there. Oh well.
I have applied for teaching jobs this fall, apple picking, looking at retail jobs until subbing calls start. I'm wishing ski season would start soon- at least that's a good part time job. I'm not sure what else to do but apply like crazy to anything and everything. Keep busy and not worry about what could have been or what will be. Easier said than done, but I'm working on it.
In the mean time, I'll be here on the farm- weeding, mowing, picking veggies, canning, and putting laundry on the line. Tomorrow calls for rain, so I guess I'll stay inside and work on applications and work on my various books that I've started but can't seem to finish. Here's a list:
Churchill by Paul Johnson (short bio but I still can't seem to finish it)
Animal Farm
Mansfield Park (Jane Austen isn't easy to read)
as well as a bunch of other books I want to read. We'll see what tomorrow brings!
Quote of the Day:
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
I started to write about all my teacher friends getting ready for school tomorrow and that I'm not. Yes, it sucks that I'm not with them getting ready. I need to not dwell (and bore you too much more) with what should have/could have been. Instead I will tell you about the past few days in the life of me. (how exciting)
Yesterday, I had a list of things to do- weed, pick green beans, put laundry on the line.. you know, fun stuff. I did do laundry and put it out on the line. I smells so much better when it's air dried! Clothes get a little crispy (towels especially), but I like it. My dad had mowed a bunch of hay a few days ago and started tedding it (not raking, but tedding which is like teasing it out to let it dry). He had to leave to go to work at Tractor Supply, so I finished the field for him. When I was finished that (which took and hour or 2), I worked on the deconstruction of our "sway-back" barn where the cows take shelter in the winter. It's falling apart and my dad is going to rebuild it (in his free time, whenever that is). 5 hours later, after hitting my left knuckle with the hammer and my right hand hurting from holding the hammer and crowbar for 5 hours, I went in and cleaned up. I was exhausted and could hardly move. It felt good going to bed early except for the fact that my allergies started acting up right before bed. Not fun. I woke up with my eyes glued shut this morning. Allergies suck.
So today, I did more laundry (sheets) and helped my dad rake- 4 rows into 1. Then he baled it while I ran to Rutland (Rut-Vegas) and picked up some stuff at Home Depot and Walgreen's. Back home, got laundry off the line, started to fill out a job application for a 2nd grade position in Dixfield, Maine that closes Friday only to realize that I am missing one of my transcripts as well as the fact that I'm pretty sure my packet will not reach Dixfield, Maine by Friday unless I drive it there. Oh well.
I have applied for teaching jobs this fall, apple picking, looking at retail jobs until subbing calls start. I'm wishing ski season would start soon- at least that's a good part time job. I'm not sure what else to do but apply like crazy to anything and everything. Keep busy and not worry about what could have been or what will be. Easier said than done, but I'm working on it.
In the mean time, I'll be here on the farm- weeding, mowing, picking veggies, canning, and putting laundry on the line. Tomorrow calls for rain, so I guess I'll stay inside and work on applications and work on my various books that I've started but can't seem to finish. Here's a list:
Churchill by Paul Johnson (short bio but I still can't seem to finish it)
Animal Farm
Mansfield Park (Jane Austen isn't easy to read)
as well as a bunch of other books I want to read. We'll see what tomorrow brings!
Quote of the Day:
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monday, August 22, 2011
history is funny...
Tonight I finally mowed the lawn or 2/3 of it. I came in to turn on my computer so it can take forever to update and scan for viruses and all that jazz. I went back out to get the laundry off the line and the light became brighter and I turned and looked and the sky was pink/orange. Who knew air pollution could be so beautiful? Yes, this was my thought as I looked at the sunset. Cynical. Crappy attitude. I'm tired, my allergies have been bothering me, and I don't have a job and it's pissing me off!
While everyone else is getting ready for back to school- buying more post-it-notes and setting up their classes- I vainly look for teaching jobs online for that glimmer of hope that maybe, just MAYBE there might be a job that I can still apply for and possibly have someone look at my cover letter and resume. I feel like I'm torturing myself by even looking and still hoping that I could still get a job this late in the game. School starts here in Vermont next week! Ugh, what am I thinking? I just want a job, that's what I'm thinking. I want to get out of here- out of living with my parents who have become dependent on me which makes me resentful. I'm just a big pile of patheticness. Pitiful. Pitiful Pearl my family used to call me as a child. (thanks)
I know I'm not the only one seeped in self pity. There are thousands of people without jobs. My cousin Steffi is one. She is a teacher also- has taught art, Spanish, and last year moved to the Republic of Georgia to teach English. Now that she's back, she can't get a job, either. What the heck!?! Does the world have something against us Park girls?? Patience. Patience. I'm listening to a song by the group Train right now... "I won't give up if you don't give up..." very fitting. Thanks for that, God.
I just wish I didn't worry about the future so much. It's not like my worrying can help. And looking back at past faults doesn't help, either. I told my 5th graders "history repeats itself" which is totally true, but that's a whole other discussion. (Empires come and go, lets just leave it as that) I think we need to learn from the past to make the future better. Don't dwell on the past- study it, learn from it, and move toward the future. Whoah. That was deep.
Something we can learn from history:
Q: What is the fruitiest subject at school?A: "History, because it's full of dates!"
here's some more http://www.ducksters.com/jokesforkids/history.php
While everyone else is getting ready for back to school- buying more post-it-notes and setting up their classes- I vainly look for teaching jobs online for that glimmer of hope that maybe, just MAYBE there might be a job that I can still apply for and possibly have someone look at my cover letter and resume. I feel like I'm torturing myself by even looking and still hoping that I could still get a job this late in the game. School starts here in Vermont next week! Ugh, what am I thinking? I just want a job, that's what I'm thinking. I want to get out of here- out of living with my parents who have become dependent on me which makes me resentful. I'm just a big pile of patheticness. Pitiful. Pitiful Pearl my family used to call me as a child. (thanks)
I know I'm not the only one seeped in self pity. There are thousands of people without jobs. My cousin Steffi is one. She is a teacher also- has taught art, Spanish, and last year moved to the Republic of Georgia to teach English. Now that she's back, she can't get a job, either. What the heck!?! Does the world have something against us Park girls?? Patience. Patience. I'm listening to a song by the group Train right now... "I won't give up if you don't give up..." very fitting. Thanks for that, God.
I just wish I didn't worry about the future so much. It's not like my worrying can help. And looking back at past faults doesn't help, either. I told my 5th graders "history repeats itself" which is totally true, but that's a whole other discussion. (Empires come and go, lets just leave it as that) I think we need to learn from the past to make the future better. Don't dwell on the past- study it, learn from it, and move toward the future. Whoah. That was deep.
Something we can learn from history:
Q: What is the fruitiest subject at school?A: "History, because it's full of dates!"
here's some more http://www.ducksters.com/jokesforkids/history.php
Sunday, August 21, 2011
a word about old movies
*Warning* This post has nothing to do with patience. At least not on the surface.
I just finished watching the movie "Gunga Din" on my favorite channel, Turner Classic Movies. As my family has told me long ago, I was born at the wrong time. I have loved old movies since I was very little. Shirley Temple was a favorite as a little girl, then came Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. And Gene Kelly! So many great actors and actresses. This month, they have one star that they play their movies all day. I missed Humphrey Bogart the other day (it was a sunny day and lots to do). I still need to watch "Maltese Falcon"- one of Bogart's famous movies (after Casablanca, which I know by heart).
I have a list (are you surprised?) of old movies I need to see. Let's see how many I can remember...
I just love old movies. And not all of them end well. Saw a Montgomery Clift movie with Elizabeth Taylor last night that didn't end well. It was "A Place in the Sun". Not my favorite, but it was good. Entertaining when nothing else was on. I saw "Citizen Kane" a week or so ago and wasn't that impressed. It was pretty good, but I don't get why everyone (whoever they are) thinks it's the best movie of all time. I think every politician in Washington (and those who vote for them) should see "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" about the corruption of politics. And it was made in 1939! (I thought it was the 40's but I looked it up)
My suggestion- if you are bored, the Red Sox are losing, and nothing's on, flip on over to the old movie channel and watch how our parents and grandparents were entertained. You'll be surprisingly entertained too!
I just finished watching the movie "Gunga Din" on my favorite channel, Turner Classic Movies. As my family has told me long ago, I was born at the wrong time. I have loved old movies since I was very little. Shirley Temple was a favorite as a little girl, then came Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. And Gene Kelly! So many great actors and actresses. This month, they have one star that they play their movies all day. I missed Humphrey Bogart the other day (it was a sunny day and lots to do). I still need to watch "Maltese Falcon"- one of Bogart's famous movies (after Casablanca, which I know by heart).
I have a list (are you surprised?) of old movies I need to see. Let's see how many I can remember...
- Maltese Falcon
- Gone With the Wind (no, I haven't seen it all in its entirety- don't tell)
- To Kill a Mockingbird (need to read the book first)
- All about Eve ("Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night")
- Vertigo (bought a copy at a garage sale this weekend)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Sunset Boulevard
- Giant (James Dean's last film)
- Stagecoach (with John Wayne)
- Fantasia (all the way through)
I just love old movies. And not all of them end well. Saw a Montgomery Clift movie with Elizabeth Taylor last night that didn't end well. It was "A Place in the Sun". Not my favorite, but it was good. Entertaining when nothing else was on. I saw "Citizen Kane" a week or so ago and wasn't that impressed. It was pretty good, but I don't get why everyone (whoever they are) thinks it's the best movie of all time. I think every politician in Washington (and those who vote for them) should see "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" about the corruption of politics. And it was made in 1939! (I thought it was the 40's but I looked it up)
My suggestion- if you are bored, the Red Sox are losing, and nothing's on, flip on over to the old movie channel and watch how our parents and grandparents were entertained. You'll be surprisingly entertained too!
Here's a poster of my favorite movie:
Saturday, August 20, 2011
dog tired
I'm tired. It's late. It's been a long day. OK day I guess, but long. The other day I wrote about 6 jobs I didn't want to have. I'm going to quickly (before I fall asleep on the keyboard) come up with my favorite 6 jobs that I've had. Here it goes:
1. Swimming instructor- I taught my roommate, college friend, and a little girl how to float and not be afraid of the water. A great accomplishment, if I do say so myself.
2. Theater technician- I mostly worked on lights and cued them up via a computer program in college. I learned a lot from Jim Price, and he was sad to see me go. Probably because I was eager to learn and a hard worker.
3. Product tester- no, I didn't make food at Costco. I tested outdoor power equipment, (mowers, chippers, tillers, chainsaws, etc.) lost a lot of weight, got a great tan, and brushed up on my technical skills. I also learned that Wild Parsnip is not my friend.
4. Customer service phone rep- I hate talking on the phone. Something about talking to total strangers about buying outdoor power equipment made it easier. "How's the weather out there in Bowlegs, Oklahoma?"
5. Substitute teaching- I think the best part of subbing is seeing the kids outside of school and saying hi. I saw a girl today actually who couldn't remember exactly where she knew me from until I said that I had subbed for her. I saw a bunch of kids at the county fair recently that I knew showing their animals. It was pretty cool. I also get to see them grow up and go from elementary school, to middle school, to high school. And they still say hi to me.
6. Teaching (of course)- I had 29 students my very first class of my very own. They were Hispanic, Haitian, African American, Vietnamese, and Caucasian and a great bunch. I had some tough kids and it was tough (being a perfectionist isn't easy). They are seniors now and I hope they still remember me.
OK OK I'm getting mushy. The dogs that I'm dog-sitting for are all asleep as I should be. Good night!
Quote of the day:
When we are tired, we are attacked by ideas we conquered long ago. ~Friedrich Nietzsche
1. Swimming instructor- I taught my roommate, college friend, and a little girl how to float and not be afraid of the water. A great accomplishment, if I do say so myself.
2. Theater technician- I mostly worked on lights and cued them up via a computer program in college. I learned a lot from Jim Price, and he was sad to see me go. Probably because I was eager to learn and a hard worker.
3. Product tester- no, I didn't make food at Costco. I tested outdoor power equipment, (mowers, chippers, tillers, chainsaws, etc.) lost a lot of weight, got a great tan, and brushed up on my technical skills. I also learned that Wild Parsnip is not my friend.
4. Customer service phone rep- I hate talking on the phone. Something about talking to total strangers about buying outdoor power equipment made it easier. "How's the weather out there in Bowlegs, Oklahoma?"
5. Substitute teaching- I think the best part of subbing is seeing the kids outside of school and saying hi. I saw a girl today actually who couldn't remember exactly where she knew me from until I said that I had subbed for her. I saw a bunch of kids at the county fair recently that I knew showing their animals. It was pretty cool. I also get to see them grow up and go from elementary school, to middle school, to high school. And they still say hi to me.
6. Teaching (of course)- I had 29 students my very first class of my very own. They were Hispanic, Haitian, African American, Vietnamese, and Caucasian and a great bunch. I had some tough kids and it was tough (being a perfectionist isn't easy). They are seniors now and I hope they still remember me.
OK OK I'm getting mushy. The dogs that I'm dog-sitting for are all asleep as I should be. Good night!
Quote of the day:
When we are tired, we are attacked by ideas we conquered long ago. ~Friedrich Nietzsche
Friday, August 19, 2011
Well, fiddle dee dee....
I'm not sure about this blogging thing. Am I supposed to write everyday? I don't think anyone cares and not many read it anyways. For those of you who do, I'm sorry I've been a slacker. I'll be good. It's not that I've run out of things to say. Oh, no way. I just don't want to bore you all. But I'm sure I will. And I've been house/dog sitting and trying NOT to get my hand bitten. Again.
The other day, I saw a job posted on schoolspring (education job website that hasn't worked yet) that was a hospital educator position. I had applied last year with this company that goes into hospitals and teaches kids who are patients. It sounded interesting, so I applied even though the job is located in Aiken, South Carolina. I got a reply back from someone in the organization that "The population that we work with in this location is emotional/ behavioral (EBD) students. Examples of common problems that these students face are bipolar disorder and major depression." Oh. Hmm. I have worked with EBD students before, and though I have patience for all kinds of children, I believe this job would chew me up and spit me out in a heartbeat. In my best Scarlett O'Hara voice, "I thank you kindly, but no."
I know what you're thinking. "Beggars can't be choosers." True, but I'm not up for this one. I mean, I've already gotten a call from a school that has dates for me to sub! (I haven't called back, but I will) Have I settled? Probably.
I've been thinking today whether or not to renew my teaching license that expires in June. It means I have to take another "master's course" to keep my license as well as pay all the fees to get a green and white piece of paper with my name on it. If I don't renew, my pay as a sub will go down, so I guess I have to do it.
Question for the day- When do you know when to give up and settle with what you have? Not that I have much to settle with, but I'm feeling like my dream of teaching again is looking slim to nil and I need to base camp it back to reality. Am I unreasonable?
Today's quote:
Patience is the ability to count down before you blast off. ~Author Unknown
The other day, I saw a job posted on schoolspring (education job website that hasn't worked yet) that was a hospital educator position. I had applied last year with this company that goes into hospitals and teaches kids who are patients. It sounded interesting, so I applied even though the job is located in Aiken, South Carolina. I got a reply back from someone in the organization that "The population that we work with in this location is emotional/ behavioral (EBD) students. Examples of common problems that these students face are bipolar disorder and major depression." Oh. Hmm. I have worked with EBD students before, and though I have patience for all kinds of children, I believe this job would chew me up and spit me out in a heartbeat. In my best Scarlett O'Hara voice, "I thank you kindly, but no."
I know what you're thinking. "Beggars can't be choosers." True, but I'm not up for this one. I mean, I've already gotten a call from a school that has dates for me to sub! (I haven't called back, but I will) Have I settled? Probably.
I've been thinking today whether or not to renew my teaching license that expires in June. It means I have to take another "master's course" to keep my license as well as pay all the fees to get a green and white piece of paper with my name on it. If I don't renew, my pay as a sub will go down, so I guess I have to do it.
Question for the day- When do you know when to give up and settle with what you have? Not that I have much to settle with, but I'm feeling like my dream of teaching again is looking slim to nil and I need to base camp it back to reality. Am I unreasonable?
Today's quote:
Patience is the ability to count down before you blast off. ~Author Unknown
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
making lists
I love post-it-notes. It's got to be one of the best inventions (after plumbing and peanut butter). I have always loved buying post-it-notes and writing all kinds of things on them. I have my car mileage written down so I know when to change my oil. (I'm overdue...) I write down grocery lists, things I need to do or want to do that day, songs or things I remember while I'm anywhere- I write them all down. I enjoy making lists- it's the crossing things off when they've been accomplished which feels good. But also it's the things that don't get done that maybe I dwell on- or just move it to tomorrow's to do list.
I have a dear friend of mine visiting this week. Rose and I met while I was doing my work/study at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. I had 2 jobs- no, 3 jobs. I cleaned bathrooms (didn't do that long), worked in the theater doing stage building, lights, and sound (really fun job), and I worked as a dishwasher, pots and pans washer, then breakfast and lunch prep cook in the cafeteria. Sweating over pots and pans is where I met Rose. She was one of the chefs. She did (at the time) baked goods- cakes, cookies, desserts, as well as lunch and dinner preparing. Her daughter, Becky, also went to Roberts and worked in the cafeteria. Becky and I had classes together and became friends, but Rose was my friend first. She welcomed me like another daughter into her family. She is a dear friend.
Anyhoo, she asked me a question this evening which took me aback. She asked me if teaching is what I really wanted to do with my life. I gasped a little, but then said that yes, I think so- I was good at it and yes, I think I really did want to be a teacher. Then she asked, "Well, if you couldn't be a teacher, what would you do?" I said that I really liked working outdoors, in the gardens and on the farm and such. I also have thought of working in a sandwich and coffee shop- that that would be fun, but I'd miss being outside. We talked a bit more and she said, "You should make a list of 6 (her number, not mine) things you don't want to do." I thought, huh, now there's something different. I've done many jobs (too many), but I've never thought of making a list of things that I don't want to do. So I thought I'd try it. Here it goes:
What are your six things that you would never do for work?
I have a dear friend of mine visiting this week. Rose and I met while I was doing my work/study at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. I had 2 jobs- no, 3 jobs. I cleaned bathrooms (didn't do that long), worked in the theater doing stage building, lights, and sound (really fun job), and I worked as a dishwasher, pots and pans washer, then breakfast and lunch prep cook in the cafeteria. Sweating over pots and pans is where I met Rose. She was one of the chefs. She did (at the time) baked goods- cakes, cookies, desserts, as well as lunch and dinner preparing. Her daughter, Becky, also went to Roberts and worked in the cafeteria. Becky and I had classes together and became friends, but Rose was my friend first. She welcomed me like another daughter into her family. She is a dear friend.
Anyhoo, she asked me a question this evening which took me aback. She asked me if teaching is what I really wanted to do with my life. I gasped a little, but then said that yes, I think so- I was good at it and yes, I think I really did want to be a teacher. Then she asked, "Well, if you couldn't be a teacher, what would you do?" I said that I really liked working outdoors, in the gardens and on the farm and such. I also have thought of working in a sandwich and coffee shop- that that would be fun, but I'd miss being outside. We talked a bit more and she said, "You should make a list of 6 (her number, not mine) things you don't want to do." I thought, huh, now there's something different. I've done many jobs (too many), but I've never thought of making a list of things that I don't want to do. So I thought I'd try it. Here it goes:
- politician
- telemarketer
- professional athlete (I was never great at sports anyways)
- artist (I can't draw and photography doesn't count)
- singer/musician
- make up artist/person who sells make up
Monday, August 15, 2011
Patheticness
Thank you to all that responded to my first blog. I read a comment from a friend of a friend that said that I had already found patience. Oh my heck- I wish! I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some things. Or maybe just question everything to the nth degree. Let's see how it goes.
First, I am embarrassed at the length of my pursuit of a teaching job. I have questioned myself so much lately (as well as in the past)- What am I doing wrong? Why won't anyone hire me? What did I say in my interview that they didn't like? What didn't I say? I have experience, but they still don't hire me. I don't have my masters (a.k.a. I'M CHEAPer) and they still don't hire me. Apparently, I have to try smelly resumé paper like in "Legally Blonde".
I am also EXTREMELY embarrassed that I had to ask my dad today for a loan so I could pay my bills. I feel ashamed because I don't even have a part time job to help pay my bills. I'm working on that though- I've applied for a job at a local apple orchard for the season. I hope to hear back from them.
Second, I know I'm pathetic, but I don't want other people to see my patheticness. (Is that even a word? It should be- it's a good adjective for Mad Libs.) I truly love everyone who believes in me and tells me "don't give up", "The right job just hasn't come to you yet," and all those wonderful clichés. You have no idea how much I want to believe you. I have doubted myself an infinite amount of times (like right now) and have thought (and still think) about giving up.
I am actually thinking of applying for a full time coffee barista/deli job. I have always wanted to have my own coffee shop and sandwich shop (I make a great tuna sandwich with bacon and pickles and cheddar cheese that's pretty awesome). I've also always wanted to work at LL Bean at their store in Freeport, ME where it's open 24 hours a day. I've been there at midnight and it's pretty cool- even on Christmas. But then I think, is this what I really want to or should do? To make coffee and sandwiches? Is that really and truly my dream? Although I think it would be fun, I am a great teacher, even though I feel like the biggest loser (and not like the reality show folks.)
A couple of years ago, I worked as a teacher's assistant/paraeducator in Addison. They had "spirit" week with different things we had to dress throughout the week. One day, we had to dress as our hero. A bunch of little kids dressed as superheroes or what they wanted to be when they grew up. I dressed up like my dad. He was a chief in the Air Force, so I dressed in his dress blue uniform. People asked me what I was, and I said I was my dad because he was in the military my whole life, and had retired, and bought a farm which was his dream. He never forgot or gave up on his dream. That is why he's my hero. (here's a tissue for you)
I just wish someone would give me a chance so they could see it for themselves. I'm so sick of getting rejection letters. My friend Amy and I could wallpaper a few houses with our letters. Rejection is such an awful thing to put someone through. It's like we're teenagers all over again, trying to fit in somewhere, anywhere. I hear the theme to "The Breakfast Club" now...
"don't you... forget about me..."
quote of the day:
How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young? ~Paul Sweeney
First, I am embarrassed at the length of my pursuit of a teaching job. I have questioned myself so much lately (as well as in the past)- What am I doing wrong? Why won't anyone hire me? What did I say in my interview that they didn't like? What didn't I say? I have experience, but they still don't hire me. I don't have my masters (a.k.a. I'M CHEAPer) and they still don't hire me. Apparently, I have to try smelly resumé paper like in "Legally Blonde".
I am also EXTREMELY embarrassed that I had to ask my dad today for a loan so I could pay my bills. I feel ashamed because I don't even have a part time job to help pay my bills. I'm working on that though- I've applied for a job at a local apple orchard for the season. I hope to hear back from them.
Second, I know I'm pathetic, but I don't want other people to see my patheticness. (Is that even a word? It should be- it's a good adjective for Mad Libs.) I truly love everyone who believes in me and tells me "don't give up", "The right job just hasn't come to you yet," and all those wonderful clichés. You have no idea how much I want to believe you. I have doubted myself an infinite amount of times (like right now) and have thought (and still think) about giving up.
I am actually thinking of applying for a full time coffee barista/deli job. I have always wanted to have my own coffee shop and sandwich shop (I make a great tuna sandwich with bacon and pickles and cheddar cheese that's pretty awesome). I've also always wanted to work at LL Bean at their store in Freeport, ME where it's open 24 hours a day. I've been there at midnight and it's pretty cool- even on Christmas. But then I think, is this what I really want to or should do? To make coffee and sandwiches? Is that really and truly my dream? Although I think it would be fun, I am a great teacher, even though I feel like the biggest loser (and not like the reality show folks.)
A couple of years ago, I worked as a teacher's assistant/paraeducator in Addison. They had "spirit" week with different things we had to dress throughout the week. One day, we had to dress as our hero. A bunch of little kids dressed as superheroes or what they wanted to be when they grew up. I dressed up like my dad. He was a chief in the Air Force, so I dressed in his dress blue uniform. People asked me what I was, and I said I was my dad because he was in the military my whole life, and had retired, and bought a farm which was his dream. He never forgot or gave up on his dream. That is why he's my hero. (here's a tissue for you)
I just wish someone would give me a chance so they could see it for themselves. I'm so sick of getting rejection letters. My friend Amy and I could wallpaper a few houses with our letters. Rejection is such an awful thing to put someone through. It's like we're teenagers all over again, trying to fit in somewhere, anywhere. I hear the theme to "The Breakfast Club" now...
"don't you... forget about me..."
quote of the day:
How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young? ~Paul Sweeney
Sunday, August 14, 2011
A story about driving in Florida
I wrote a post last night for today, but thought I should save it for another day. You can only take so much ranting and whining before it sounds like a TV talk show.
I'm going to give you the quote of the day, then a story that relates.
Here you go:
Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead. ~Mac McCleary
We live in a fast paced society. Cell phones that are really computers. TV dinners and TiVo. So it's no wonder that I drive fast. Or did. Here's the story.
After graduating from St. Mikes, I got a job in Bakersfield, VT (east bum-shoe) and lived in Jeffersonville, just 7 miles south. I had a Ford Escort and drove it fast through the pot-hole laden back roads of Lamoille County. I got stopped a couple of times (oops) for speeding. Then I moved to Florida, where everyone sped and tailgated- even the "Blue-hairs" (older folks). I think South Florida is one of the most dangerous places to drive in the US and no one has car insurance! Super! When I moved to West Palm, I didn't change over my plates right away. The beautiful Green Mountain State plate stuck out like a sore thumb compared to the 120 different (check it out http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/specialtytags/) Florida plates, so I got stopped. Gee, thanks.
Fun Fact! When you move to another state and get a driver's license there, your driving record goes with you! So, with my Vermont record and 2 Florida stops, I almost lost my license unless I took an online driver's ed course. Reading through the course was actually not too bad- everyone should have to do that every 5 years or so. It reminded me to not tailgate and slow down (a.k.a. BE PATIENT!) This has kept me ticket free (until last month, thank you Windsor County Sheriff in Bridgwater!). I still speed occasionally, but I keep a safe distance and not tailgate, because I hate it when people do it to me. Lesson learned!
I'm a patient driver, but not patient with everything else in my life. I just want a job- a teaching job. If I had that, then I feel like all the rest will fall into place. Life doesn't work like that, I have found out. I need to stop watching so many old Hollywood movies with happy endings. Although, I did finally see "Citizen Kane" the other night, and that didn't have a happy ending. That is a weird movie that many people say is the greatest of all time. I beg to differ. I have found a mantra that I need to think of more often. The Rolling Stones said, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need." Words to live by.
So if you are ever behind a tan Mazda with bumpers stickers and are too close (because you are trying to read my witty bumper stickers), you will get my brakes to let you know that you are TOO DANG CLOSE!
And by the way, I chose the Florida State Wildflower plate (because I didn't want the MyFlorida.Com one).
I'm going to give you the quote of the day, then a story that relates.
Here you go:
Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead. ~Mac McCleary
We live in a fast paced society. Cell phones that are really computers. TV dinners and TiVo. So it's no wonder that I drive fast. Or did. Here's the story.
After graduating from St. Mikes, I got a job in Bakersfield, VT (east bum-shoe) and lived in Jeffersonville, just 7 miles south. I had a Ford Escort and drove it fast through the pot-hole laden back roads of Lamoille County. I got stopped a couple of times (oops) for speeding. Then I moved to Florida, where everyone sped and tailgated- even the "Blue-hairs" (older folks). I think South Florida is one of the most dangerous places to drive in the US and no one has car insurance! Super! When I moved to West Palm, I didn't change over my plates right away. The beautiful Green Mountain State plate stuck out like a sore thumb compared to the 120 different (check it out http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/specialtytags/) Florida plates, so I got stopped. Gee, thanks.
Fun Fact! When you move to another state and get a driver's license there, your driving record goes with you! So, with my Vermont record and 2 Florida stops, I almost lost my license unless I took an online driver's ed course. Reading through the course was actually not too bad- everyone should have to do that every 5 years or so. It reminded me to not tailgate and slow down (a.k.a. BE PATIENT!) This has kept me ticket free (until last month, thank you Windsor County Sheriff in Bridgwater!). I still speed occasionally, but I keep a safe distance and not tailgate, because I hate it when people do it to me. Lesson learned!
I'm a patient driver, but not patient with everything else in my life. I just want a job- a teaching job. If I had that, then I feel like all the rest will fall into place. Life doesn't work like that, I have found out. I need to stop watching so many old Hollywood movies with happy endings. Although, I did finally see "Citizen Kane" the other night, and that didn't have a happy ending. That is a weird movie that many people say is the greatest of all time. I beg to differ. I have found a mantra that I need to think of more often. The Rolling Stones said, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need." Words to live by.
So if you are ever behind a tan Mazda with bumpers stickers and are too close (because you are trying to read my witty bumper stickers), you will get my brakes to let you know that you are TOO DANG CLOSE!
And by the way, I chose the Florida State Wildflower plate (because I didn't want the MyFlorida.Com one).
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Here I go!
So I'm new at this whole blog thingy here. I'm not even sure if my pursuit is or will be interesting to anyone else out there. I believe we all are pursuing something- it's a human characteristic that we all have. Pursuing love, a house, a job, a shoe, a glass of beer, what have you- we are all looking for something. So let's take the journey together!
My reason for starting a blog is to get out my frustration/anger over what has become my life to this point. I love my parents and family, don't get me wrong. I just feel like I have failed somewhere along the lines here and don't know how or where to fix my mistake. Or even if this path of perseverance is even a mistake.
For those of you who don't really know, I'll give you my sappy story. I, being a nerd or preppy, took college prep classes in high school and went straight to college after graduating. Not definite of what I wanted to do/study, I took a bit of everything. Bio wasn't too bad- did better than many nursing majors. (except my lab partner- Lipid Cheese Girl) I figured nursing wasn't quite up my alley, so I became an education major with a social studies/history concentration. Being taught how to be a teacher from a text book and a guy who had spit bubbles coming out of his mouth was not my idea of a good time. So, I went to a different college in the middle of nowhere (western PA where they say "pop" and "sweeper" and are very fond of football) and lived in what should have been a condemned building filled with black mold. I got very sick (I'm not sure who didn't get super sick from that place) and went home feeling defeated.
At home, I was able to work at Country Home Products (home of the DR Trimmer and no, it's not "doctor trimmer") until I figured out what to do next in my college education situation. I did many jobs at CHP and was proud to have worked in several departments while taking part time college courses at UVM and community college. (Anthropology is an interesting subject) In the fall of 2000, I had gotten in to Trinity College in Burlington, VT to finish my education degree. Only a month before school was to start, Trinity decided to close it's doors and send students to St. Michael's College, though they couldn't get me in until fall of 2001. Yet again I worked and persevered and patiently waited. At 23 I was a junior at St. Mike's finishing my degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. (Yes, a double major- sounds better than it was/is) Did all my stupid requirements and graduated in 2003 on Mother's Day. I almost didn't go to my graduation, but wanted the feeling of finality and completion of that part of my life (and a little party didn't hurt, either).
Here comes the next leg of the story. Finding a teaching job in Vermont= not easy. I did get a long term substitute job in East Bumshoe (Bakersfield, VT- look it up or drive there yourself). It was a job. After that, I couldn't find a job and was not very patient (student loans didn't help). My aunt and uncle in south Florida told me of the thousands of teaching jobs in Florida. Now Florida is great for visiting your aunt and uncle or grandparents in the dead of winter, but not where I necessarily wanted to live. I actually swore to my mom that I would never live south of the Mason-Dixon line. Haha... don't you hear God laughing now??? Anyways, to make a long story a bit shorter, I got a job in South Florida (West Palm Beach- sounds glamorous, doesn't it?) and headed south. What the heck is up with hurricanes? WAY too many my first year (first 3 months!) living down there. I taught 5th graders my first year and 1st graders my second year. It was a great but hard experience and I do miss my friends in Florida, but I missed my family and actual seasons (winter) so I moved back to Vermont and have been here ever since, substitute teaching in 4 school districts (2 mostly- sometimes 3, but I'm on the list at 4 districts). I've been applying all over Vermont- Canadian border to Massachusetts border. I had gotten my Maine teaching license at one point, but it has expired. I have applied to schools in Massachusetts now too. I just want a job!
My parents bought a farm while I was in Florida and I have lived with them here for the past six years. Yeah. Six years. I know, it's cheap rent and I'm extremely grateful. It's not like I planned to have lived with my parents for this long and it's not like I haven't been trying to get out of this po-dunk town. So we come to the name of my blog- pursuing patience. Why am I "pursuing patience"? That is a question I hope to answer at some point in my life. Hopefully soon. Am I right to want to be a teacher? I think I'm good at it, but it's sooooooooooo hard to get a job as a teacher. I know I'm not the only one out there who is looking for a job or even a teaching job for that matter. Fun fact: for every teaching job here in Vermont there are at LEAST 100 applicants. Ugh.
This is why I'm pursuing patience.
quote of the day:
A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains. ~Dutch Proverb
My reason for starting a blog is to get out my frustration/anger over what has become my life to this point. I love my parents and family, don't get me wrong. I just feel like I have failed somewhere along the lines here and don't know how or where to fix my mistake. Or even if this path of perseverance is even a mistake.
For those of you who don't really know, I'll give you my sappy story. I, being a nerd or preppy, took college prep classes in high school and went straight to college after graduating. Not definite of what I wanted to do/study, I took a bit of everything. Bio wasn't too bad- did better than many nursing majors. (except my lab partner- Lipid Cheese Girl) I figured nursing wasn't quite up my alley, so I became an education major with a social studies/history concentration. Being taught how to be a teacher from a text book and a guy who had spit bubbles coming out of his mouth was not my idea of a good time. So, I went to a different college in the middle of nowhere (western PA where they say "pop" and "sweeper" and are very fond of football) and lived in what should have been a condemned building filled with black mold. I got very sick (I'm not sure who didn't get super sick from that place) and went home feeling defeated.
At home, I was able to work at Country Home Products (home of the DR Trimmer and no, it's not "doctor trimmer") until I figured out what to do next in my college education situation. I did many jobs at CHP and was proud to have worked in several departments while taking part time college courses at UVM and community college. (Anthropology is an interesting subject) In the fall of 2000, I had gotten in to Trinity College in Burlington, VT to finish my education degree. Only a month before school was to start, Trinity decided to close it's doors and send students to St. Michael's College, though they couldn't get me in until fall of 2001. Yet again I worked and persevered and patiently waited. At 23 I was a junior at St. Mike's finishing my degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. (Yes, a double major- sounds better than it was/is) Did all my stupid requirements and graduated in 2003 on Mother's Day. I almost didn't go to my graduation, but wanted the feeling of finality and completion of that part of my life (and a little party didn't hurt, either).
Here comes the next leg of the story. Finding a teaching job in Vermont= not easy. I did get a long term substitute job in East Bumshoe (Bakersfield, VT- look it up or drive there yourself). It was a job. After that, I couldn't find a job and was not very patient (student loans didn't help). My aunt and uncle in south Florida told me of the thousands of teaching jobs in Florida. Now Florida is great for visiting your aunt and uncle or grandparents in the dead of winter, but not where I necessarily wanted to live. I actually swore to my mom that I would never live south of the Mason-Dixon line. Haha... don't you hear God laughing now??? Anyways, to make a long story a bit shorter, I got a job in South Florida (West Palm Beach- sounds glamorous, doesn't it?) and headed south. What the heck is up with hurricanes? WAY too many my first year (first 3 months!) living down there. I taught 5th graders my first year and 1st graders my second year. It was a great but hard experience and I do miss my friends in Florida, but I missed my family and actual seasons (winter) so I moved back to Vermont and have been here ever since, substitute teaching in 4 school districts (2 mostly- sometimes 3, but I'm on the list at 4 districts). I've been applying all over Vermont- Canadian border to Massachusetts border. I had gotten my Maine teaching license at one point, but it has expired. I have applied to schools in Massachusetts now too. I just want a job!
My parents bought a farm while I was in Florida and I have lived with them here for the past six years. Yeah. Six years. I know, it's cheap rent and I'm extremely grateful. It's not like I planned to have lived with my parents for this long and it's not like I haven't been trying to get out of this po-dunk town. So we come to the name of my blog- pursuing patience. Why am I "pursuing patience"? That is a question I hope to answer at some point in my life. Hopefully soon. Am I right to want to be a teacher? I think I'm good at it, but it's sooooooooooo hard to get a job as a teacher. I know I'm not the only one out there who is looking for a job or even a teaching job for that matter. Fun fact: for every teaching job here in Vermont there are at LEAST 100 applicants. Ugh.
This is why I'm pursuing patience.
quote of the day:
A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains. ~Dutch Proverb
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