I must admit it was rather weird to sleep in this Saturday morning. I haven't done that in what seems like forever. My body enjoyed the rest, until my brain kicked in and started thinking about my students, parent conferences this week, the list of things I need to get done at school, and up and awake I became.
As a renewed teacher- not new, more like recycled- I'm struggling with all that I seem to be lacking. Curriculum development, understanding EST processes, understanding special ed requirements and processes, assessment procedures, rubrics, reading running records, reading and writing conferences with students.... I'm getting that I-may-have-an-anxiety-attack feeling. BREATHE.... I'm ok. just a bit overwhelmed. I've brought this upon myself, but there's no way to escape it. I've been out of the inner sanctum loop of teaching for 7 years. Now that I'm in it, I just have to hike up my pants and get through it as best as I can.
Thank goodness I have a helpful and caring 2nd grade teacher to work with. She (without knowing it) helps me focus on what I CAN do, and not to worry about all the other stuff- "it will come" she says. I've been a chronic worrier for all my life. Hence why I have had gray hair since I was 15 or 16. Yes genetics plays a part in that, but still. I'm also a perfectionist and want to know and do everything perfect RIGHT NOW. Alas, it doesn't work that way. Hence my pursuit of patience.
So on this cold and gray Saturday in late October, I'll be heading into school soon to work on the things that I can do to help my students, not the things I can't. That doesn't mean I'll stop worrying about my little girl who's parents are divorcing or my little boy who doesn't sleep for who knows what reason. They are my kids- not biological, but my kids nonetheless. All 11 of them that I want to be respectful and responsible citizens. I want to set high standards for them so that they will want to work hard and because I KNOW they can reach those high standards. They may not want to reach them (stubborn little one) but I now that they can, and I will push them gently but firmly, because THEY NEED THAT.
Ok, I'll get off my educational soapbox and get going. Do something for me- think about a teacher you had. Good or bad- why do you remember him or her? Did they set high standards for you and your class? Did they bring you on fun field trips that connected with what you were studying? What makes them a special teacher to remember?
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Procrastination at it's finest
As I'm thinking how to write this blog, a little play on Sam Cooke's "It's Another Saturday Night" but changing the words to "It's another Sunday night and I'm procrastinating... getting everything done can be so aggravating.." I'm tired and can't think of anything else snappy to add there...
I started taking a welding class at local technical center. It is hard, but it's good. Today, I took a class at LLBean in Freeport (I was in Maine for the short weekend). I took clay shooting which was also hard. It was good to have more practice shooting a shotgun than I did in my hunter safety course, but it was hard. One of the teachers told me I should take the 1/2 day course that's more intense for shotgun. I'll look into it, because I'd like to go out with my dad and go duck hunting. Get my dad off the farm for a couple of hours or so.
While I was in Maine this weekend (the main reason- haha- was to see my nephew in a soccer tournament), I was talking to my brother and his wife about how school was going, and how I was feeling overwhelmed because I haven't been in this role for 7 years and I just want to know everything and for everything to come easy. I (finally) realized that I have to be patient. My never ending pursuit!! It's hard to not feel depressed or impatient when everyone else has their stuff together and they make everything look so easy, when I'm at school until 6pm and still running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I know, I know. Breathe. It will come. Patience.
That reminds me of another song... "Patience.... yeah...ah..." Ah, Guns N Roses... good 80's band. So for all of you folks who have had a change in your life- being a grandmother, being a husband/wife/mother/father, a new job, or what have you, please don't think perfection will just switch on it's light for you. You work at it and have patience. You and I will work on that.
Just like Bob here. We all need to take Baby Steps.
I started taking a welding class at local technical center. It is hard, but it's good. Today, I took a class at LLBean in Freeport (I was in Maine for the short weekend). I took clay shooting which was also hard. It was good to have more practice shooting a shotgun than I did in my hunter safety course, but it was hard. One of the teachers told me I should take the 1/2 day course that's more intense for shotgun. I'll look into it, because I'd like to go out with my dad and go duck hunting. Get my dad off the farm for a couple of hours or so.
While I was in Maine this weekend (the main reason- haha- was to see my nephew in a soccer tournament), I was talking to my brother and his wife about how school was going, and how I was feeling overwhelmed because I haven't been in this role for 7 years and I just want to know everything and for everything to come easy. I (finally) realized that I have to be patient. My never ending pursuit!! It's hard to not feel depressed or impatient when everyone else has their stuff together and they make everything look so easy, when I'm at school until 6pm and still running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I know, I know. Breathe. It will come. Patience.
That reminds me of another song... "Patience.... yeah...ah..." Ah, Guns N Roses... good 80's band. So for all of you folks who have had a change in your life- being a grandmother, being a husband/wife/mother/father, a new job, or what have you, please don't think perfection will just switch on it's light for you. You work at it and have patience. You and I will work on that.
Just like Bob here. We all need to take Baby Steps.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
You can't always get what you want....
A colleague and I were talking yesterday about the folks in Washington who have made total asses of themselves and our country.
I had been thinking, then said it aloud, "Why is it we have to teach that bullying is wrong, but it's ok if people who represent us and our country to be bullies?" Great role models, Washington.
We here in schools around the country teach our children (our future) that we need to be respectful, responsible, and safe citizens. Why is it then that our leaders, people who our children, as well as adults, are to look up to as role models for our country, are so disrespectful to each other and to themselves?
We also teach our children to work together and to play fair. Why can't the "adults" in Washington learn how to work together?
I had a student last week that had a bit of a tantrum and I had her go take a time out. When I talked to her about why she had to be in a time out, I quoted the wonderful Rolling Stones- "You can't always get what you want... but you find sometimes, you get what you need." (I must admit, I made myself laugh... and got my student thinking I was a big fruitloop, but anyways...)
The folks in Washington need to heed to the Rolling Stones epic words. That's why we sent them to Washington- to get work done! We did not vote these folks into office to dig in their heels and not compromise! We didn't vote for people to point fingers and blame each other!
It doesn't matter whether we are republican or democrat, rich, or poor. We all had the choice to vote for who we think should represent us- our communities, our state, our country. It doesn't look like ANYONE has done a good job of representing us.
Or have they?
Is this what we've become? Adults acting like young children- pointing the blame at everyone else but them? Not working together for the common good? No respect? No teamwork? No responsibility? Having tantrums because the can't have things just the way they want? Seriously?
Folks in Washington, here's some tips from my students.
I had been thinking, then said it aloud, "Why is it we have to teach that bullying is wrong, but it's ok if people who represent us and our country to be bullies?" Great role models, Washington.
We here in schools around the country teach our children (our future) that we need to be respectful, responsible, and safe citizens. Why is it then that our leaders, people who our children, as well as adults, are to look up to as role models for our country, are so disrespectful to each other and to themselves?
We also teach our children to work together and to play fair. Why can't the "adults" in Washington learn how to work together?
I had a student last week that had a bit of a tantrum and I had her go take a time out. When I talked to her about why she had to be in a time out, I quoted the wonderful Rolling Stones- "You can't always get what you want... but you find sometimes, you get what you need." (I must admit, I made myself laugh... and got my student thinking I was a big fruitloop, but anyways...)
The folks in Washington need to heed to the Rolling Stones epic words. That's why we sent them to Washington- to get work done! We did not vote these folks into office to dig in their heels and not compromise! We didn't vote for people to point fingers and blame each other!
It doesn't matter whether we are republican or democrat, rich, or poor. We all had the choice to vote for who we think should represent us- our communities, our state, our country. It doesn't look like ANYONE has done a good job of representing us.
Or have they?
Is this what we've become? Adults acting like young children- pointing the blame at everyone else but them? Not working together for the common good? No respect? No teamwork? No responsibility? Having tantrums because the can't have things just the way they want? Seriously?
Folks in Washington, here's some tips from my students.
Always be respectful by playing fair at home and at school with your friends.
Doesn't sound like Washington is playing fair with their "friends".
Doesn't sound like Washington is playing fair with their "friends".
Always be responsible by bringing your homework back, finished (most days).
Where's that budget that was due for "homework", Washington???
Always be fair by not cheating in games.
Hey Washington- you're cheating the American public by playing games!!
Where's that budget that was due for "homework", Washington???
Always be fair by not cheating in games.
Hey Washington- you're cheating the American public by playing games!!
So, on behalf of my second graders (also known as THE FUTURE), be respectful, be responsible and be fair. These kids are watching.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Condundrums that plague us
So not only is today 9/11 and a day that we cry when we see and hear and remember the horrors of what happened that day, I had something happen in my class that was, to say the least, not pleasant.
But then as I was sitting here, watching the lightening and hear the rain and thunder and Steely Dan on the radio, the light bulb clicked on in my head. Yes, I could rant and rave about a tough day I had with a student and how grossly hot it is in my room and my apartment, but why? What real good would that do? Yes, it helps to get frustration off my chest, but you don't want to read/hear about it. You have your own conundrums in your own life.
Little Suzie is sick and has an ear infection and is up all night screaming. Your boss at work is a total donkey. Your coworkers are worse than those on the TV show "The Office". (did they put your red stapler in Jello?) Your significant other is not even giving you the time of day because football season has started and baseball season is "just starting to get good". Your car is making a weird noise and smells funny. And no, it's not your kid's football/soccer/field hockey gear in the way way back. Your dog messed with the wrong skunk. Etc, etc, etc
In other words, we all have those days. Like one of my education professors said, "Every day can't be a red letter day". Tomorrow will be better, right? Just like after 9/11, the world went on and kept going. We were and are forever changed by those events, but hopefully, we are better for it. Those 2977 people who died did not die in vain. We are (hopefully) a better nation, community, and a better person for what happened and how we have reacted to the tragedy.
We will have bad days. But we will go on and be stronger for the struggle. And never forget.
But then as I was sitting here, watching the lightening and hear the rain and thunder and Steely Dan on the radio, the light bulb clicked on in my head. Yes, I could rant and rave about a tough day I had with a student and how grossly hot it is in my room and my apartment, but why? What real good would that do? Yes, it helps to get frustration off my chest, but you don't want to read/hear about it. You have your own conundrums in your own life.
Little Suzie is sick and has an ear infection and is up all night screaming. Your boss at work is a total donkey. Your coworkers are worse than those on the TV show "The Office". (did they put your red stapler in Jello?) Your significant other is not even giving you the time of day because football season has started and baseball season is "just starting to get good". Your car is making a weird noise and smells funny. And no, it's not your kid's football/soccer/field hockey gear in the way way back. Your dog messed with the wrong skunk. Etc, etc, etc
In other words, we all have those days. Like one of my education professors said, "Every day can't be a red letter day". Tomorrow will be better, right? Just like after 9/11, the world went on and kept going. We were and are forever changed by those events, but hopefully, we are better for it. Those 2977 people who died did not die in vain. We are (hopefully) a better nation, community, and a better person for what happened and how we have reacted to the tragedy.
We will have bad days. But we will go on and be stronger for the struggle. And never forget.
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| My visit to NYC, September 9, 2005 |
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
First Day!
Today was my first day of school since 2008, when I got to start a long term substitute teaching position on the first day of school at Ferrisburgh Central School. It wasn't my own class, like I have now, but that was the last time I had a first day.
The last time I had my own class for a first day of school was back in 2005-2006 school year. I remember pieces (because that's my brain... I don't remember everything) and what I do remember is that I started the year off in fifth grade, and by the time Labor Day rolled around, I was teaching first grade ESOL/ELL students. I hated the fact that I had to start the school year twice, and missed having my fifth graders, but I loved every one of my first graders! I can picture there little faces.... I'm tempted to put their pictures up on my blog here, but for their safety (they're in middle school now, I'm sure) I'm not going to. I may change my mind by the end of this blog, so we'll see.
So, today was a whirlwind as every first day is. Parents dropping off kids, new backpacks and folders being shown to friends, new shoes and outfits and even haircuts being admired, new pencils and crayons and markers to be used, name tags that I figured out VERY quickly that second graders DO NOT LIKE TO WEAR. Oh well. The least of my problems.
My class is made up of 8 girls and 5 boys. One boy was absent (new kid) so I had 8 and 4 today. 2 of my boys have strong personalities, one of which will be fine. The other... I'm not to sure. I've been told many stories and saw quite a boy today. Can't wait for our Educational Support Team to start so I can get help for him.
Other than that, the day went well. Apparently when asked how my day was, and my reply is "Great!" it surprises some people. Sheesh. Give me a little credit now. This ain't my first rodeo, people. I mean, it has been seven years, but COME ON! Give me a little credit.
I could go off about the lack of confidence in me, but that's a whole other blog. Actually, that's all the blogs up until my big news about this job! so THERE!
We got through some routines and all in all I think they did pretty well. I can't say enough how excited I am to be working with these students!! We will have such a great year and I can't wait!!!
ok... here's some pictures. I can't help it! There too dang cute! (6 others from the class are not pictured)
The last time I had my own class for a first day of school was back in 2005-2006 school year. I remember pieces (because that's my brain... I don't remember everything) and what I do remember is that I started the year off in fifth grade, and by the time Labor Day rolled around, I was teaching first grade ESOL/ELL students. I hated the fact that I had to start the school year twice, and missed having my fifth graders, but I loved every one of my first graders! I can picture there little faces.... I'm tempted to put their pictures up on my blog here, but for their safety (they're in middle school now, I'm sure) I'm not going to. I may change my mind by the end of this blog, so we'll see.
So, today was a whirlwind as every first day is. Parents dropping off kids, new backpacks and folders being shown to friends, new shoes and outfits and even haircuts being admired, new pencils and crayons and markers to be used, name tags that I figured out VERY quickly that second graders DO NOT LIKE TO WEAR. Oh well. The least of my problems.
My class is made up of 8 girls and 5 boys. One boy was absent (new kid) so I had 8 and 4 today. 2 of my boys have strong personalities, one of which will be fine. The other... I'm not to sure. I've been told many stories and saw quite a boy today. Can't wait for our Educational Support Team to start so I can get help for him.
Other than that, the day went well. Apparently when asked how my day was, and my reply is "Great!" it surprises some people. Sheesh. Give me a little credit now. This ain't my first rodeo, people. I mean, it has been seven years, but COME ON! Give me a little credit.
I could go off about the lack of confidence in me, but that's a whole other blog. Actually, that's all the blogs up until my big news about this job! so THERE!
We got through some routines and all in all I think they did pretty well. I can't say enough how excited I am to be working with these students!! We will have such a great year and I can't wait!!!
ok... here's some pictures. I can't help it! There too dang cute! (6 others from the class are not pictured)
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| from L to R Namir, Juan Carlos, Maria |
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| Maria, Bianca, Danna |
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| Sabrina and Juan G |
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| Jocelyn, Rogelio, Juan K, Anahy, Carla |
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| Anahy and Carla |
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| Francisco and Vanessa |
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
T'was the night before the first day of school
Twas the night before the first day of school and all through the place
The teacher busy making posters- is there marker on my face?
The alphabet was hung by the chalkboard/whiteboard with care
In hopes that all 13 of my students soon will be there
Book boxes are made, name tags galore
lots of books on the shelve, hopefully not to bore
Math manipulative's all ready in their cute little nest
Ready for students to use them the best!
Pencils sharpened and ready with paper not far
To get all kinds of thoughts down, even a drawn car
Folders all ready all shiny and new
Ready to be filled with all kinds of papers, oh, there's a few!
Stickers and glue sticks and markers, oh my
Colored pencils, Popsicle sticks, colored paper to try
Open minds will come, ready to be filled
Lots of hugs to dish out, some tears may be spilled
But what a WONDERFUL school year we have right ahead
and now I must head straight off into bed!
Good night and have a great school year to all my teacher friends and all my students past and present! Love to you all!
The teacher busy making posters- is there marker on my face?
The alphabet was hung by the chalkboard/whiteboard with care
In hopes that all 13 of my students soon will be there
Book boxes are made, name tags galore
lots of books on the shelve, hopefully not to bore
Math manipulative's all ready in their cute little nest
Ready for students to use them the best!
Pencils sharpened and ready with paper not far
To get all kinds of thoughts down, even a drawn car
Folders all ready all shiny and new
Ready to be filled with all kinds of papers, oh, there's a few!
Stickers and glue sticks and markers, oh my
Colored pencils, Popsicle sticks, colored paper to try
Open minds will come, ready to be filled
Lots of hugs to dish out, some tears may be spilled
But what a WONDERFUL school year we have right ahead
and now I must head straight off into bed!
Good night and have a great school year to all my teacher friends and all my students past and present! Love to you all!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Stress Sucks.
So... just because I have a teaching job, doesn't mean my pursuit of patience is done!
Case in point- yesterday, I had quite an anxiety attack. I've had them in the past, and I knew this was brewing and it just came to a head yesterday. The stress of moving/wanting to move all my crap out of my parent's garage/house/attic/other nooks and crannies, stress of moving teaching stuff that hasn't seen the light of day in 7+ years, stress of wanting to spend time with my brother and family AND try to move and get supplies (food!) that I need........ it all boiled over yesterday. I had a really hard time coming out of hyperventilation from crying and shaking, but I kept telling myself to breathe. My brother, his 2 kids, wife, and my mom went to the Vergennes Pool (I wanted to go, but had just gotten home... trying to unload some food/supplies...) so they left, my dad went to get something for his tractor, so I was alone. Probably a good thing, to just try to gather my thoughts and stuff. I did the dishes, packed my car to the gills, ate 3 or 4 ice pops, and headed to Bradford for the night. I talked to my dad before I left, and he said he understood.
Unloading the car didn't take as long as I thought it would. I live in "the penthouse" (aka the third floor) of an old American Legion building that was gutted and redone this year. Hardwood floors, big wood beams, dormer windows- wicked cool place. I of course don't have my mattress (or bed for that matter- it broke in Florida and I never got a replacement) so I slept on the floor in my sleeping bag, which was fine. I woke up this morning and wrote down all the things that I was worrying about- things I have to do for school, things I still need to move, things I need for the apartment, etc and made a schedule for the next week or so of when I'll be getting to this and that. I just needed to write it down and organize my thoughts. Yes, I have OCD tendencies. It's probably why I like post-it-notes and desk organizers and the like.
Anyways, I'm back in Orwell. I had some things I needed to do this morning and treated myself to lunch out on my way home. I took a rest in the sun (after doing some laundry). I worked on a school bulletin board lettering, and now I'm writing this blog. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I have a training in Stowe for reading and writing, which will be good- something different and new to think about! Before that happens, I will be spending some quality time with my family tomorrow before I have to stuff my car to the gills again and head home (!) to Bradford. I will post pictures when my camera decides to work again (soon!). Until then, I will enjoy some calmness. Also known as SLEEP!
Case in point- yesterday, I had quite an anxiety attack. I've had them in the past, and I knew this was brewing and it just came to a head yesterday. The stress of moving/wanting to move all my crap out of my parent's garage/house/attic/other nooks and crannies, stress of moving teaching stuff that hasn't seen the light of day in 7+ years, stress of wanting to spend time with my brother and family AND try to move and get supplies (food!) that I need........ it all boiled over yesterday. I had a really hard time coming out of hyperventilation from crying and shaking, but I kept telling myself to breathe. My brother, his 2 kids, wife, and my mom went to the Vergennes Pool (I wanted to go, but had just gotten home... trying to unload some food/supplies...) so they left, my dad went to get something for his tractor, so I was alone. Probably a good thing, to just try to gather my thoughts and stuff. I did the dishes, packed my car to the gills, ate 3 or 4 ice pops, and headed to Bradford for the night. I talked to my dad before I left, and he said he understood.
Unloading the car didn't take as long as I thought it would. I live in "the penthouse" (aka the third floor) of an old American Legion building that was gutted and redone this year. Hardwood floors, big wood beams, dormer windows- wicked cool place. I of course don't have my mattress (or bed for that matter- it broke in Florida and I never got a replacement) so I slept on the floor in my sleeping bag, which was fine. I woke up this morning and wrote down all the things that I was worrying about- things I have to do for school, things I still need to move, things I need for the apartment, etc and made a schedule for the next week or so of when I'll be getting to this and that. I just needed to write it down and organize my thoughts. Yes, I have OCD tendencies. It's probably why I like post-it-notes and desk organizers and the like.
Anyways, I'm back in Orwell. I had some things I needed to do this morning and treated myself to lunch out on my way home. I took a rest in the sun (after doing some laundry). I worked on a school bulletin board lettering, and now I'm writing this blog. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I have a training in Stowe for reading and writing, which will be good- something different and new to think about! Before that happens, I will be spending some quality time with my family tomorrow before I have to stuff my car to the gills again and head home (!) to Bradford. I will post pictures when my camera decides to work again (soon!). Until then, I will enjoy some calmness. Also known as SLEEP!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Well, how about that....
For you followers of my blog or blogs in general, I apologize for not being able to write since January. I have a number of excuses, if you'd prefer. Here they go:
1. I signed up and took a 4 credit course at the local community college. It took a lot of time and energy. It was Anatomy and Physiology I and my final was May 6th, the first day of my summer job.
2. I also worked 5 days a week until April at Pico, which kept me pretty busy. Especially during President's week when I didn't have enough staff and my hair turned MUCH grayer. Then I worked sporadically until State Park season as a substitute.
3. May 6th, I began my career as Assistant Park Ranger at DAR State Park. I went through ranger training, and began cleaning up the park until opening day, Memorial Day weekend.
4. When I wasn't working or studying the functions of the central and peripheral nervous system, I was thinking whether or not I wanted to indeed go into nursing. I applied and got accepted in Castleton State College's 4 year nursing program, but would have to take 2 more years. To me that seemed like an eternity, so I started to question whether or not I really wanted to be a nurse. The fact that my A&P professor was biased (he had a favorite and wasn't shy about letting it be known), helped push me over the edge of not pursuing nursing. That and the fact that Castleton's 4 year program isn't accredited helped seal the deal.
5. So, I decided to make sure I got my teaching license again- get all my ducks in a row and start applying for teaching jobs like crazy. The state of Vermont still hasn't found my fingerprints that they issued for my initial license that all the schools I've worked at used for reference. But they're working on it.
6. Oh, and in the middle/end of April, I was going to dog sit, (because at least that was some kind of income). I got to the house, the lady went over what I needed to know- they left and not a half hour after they left, I gave their 14 year old deaf dumb and blind dog a treat and instead he decided to bite my hand. (and it was the 2nd time the same dog has bitten me...) Luckily, I got in touch with the people and they were able to race home. My mom came and brought me to the ER (I have a 6 speed standard... driving myself wasn't going to happen). If it wasn't a dog bite, I'm sure I would have needed stitches. They cleaned it out and gave me an antibiotic and sent me on my way. The pain went away after a day, but the swelling didn't. After 2 days, I went back to the ER like they told me to, and they admitted me because the infection was spreading and the antibiotic wasn't working. 3 days later, I was much better and ready to run out of the hospital home. And now I only have a 1/4 inch scar as a war wound.
I hope that's enough excuses for me not to have written since January. So now for some better news!
*I got a B as my final grade for Anatomy and Physiology! I was thinking I was only going to get a C, so I'm very happy. I might even take A&P II at some point soon just to finish it up. But we'll see.
And now, I have saved the best for last....
1. I signed up and took a 4 credit course at the local community college. It took a lot of time and energy. It was Anatomy and Physiology I and my final was May 6th, the first day of my summer job.
2. I also worked 5 days a week until April at Pico, which kept me pretty busy. Especially during President's week when I didn't have enough staff and my hair turned MUCH grayer. Then I worked sporadically until State Park season as a substitute.
3. May 6th, I began my career as Assistant Park Ranger at DAR State Park. I went through ranger training, and began cleaning up the park until opening day, Memorial Day weekend.
4. When I wasn't working or studying the functions of the central and peripheral nervous system, I was thinking whether or not I wanted to indeed go into nursing. I applied and got accepted in Castleton State College's 4 year nursing program, but would have to take 2 more years. To me that seemed like an eternity, so I started to question whether or not I really wanted to be a nurse. The fact that my A&P professor was biased (he had a favorite and wasn't shy about letting it be known), helped push me over the edge of not pursuing nursing. That and the fact that Castleton's 4 year program isn't accredited helped seal the deal.
5. So, I decided to make sure I got my teaching license again- get all my ducks in a row and start applying for teaching jobs like crazy. The state of Vermont still hasn't found my fingerprints that they issued for my initial license that all the schools I've worked at used for reference. But they're working on it.
6. Oh, and in the middle/end of April, I was going to dog sit, (because at least that was some kind of income). I got to the house, the lady went over what I needed to know- they left and not a half hour after they left, I gave their 14 year old deaf dumb and blind dog a treat and instead he decided to bite my hand. (and it was the 2nd time the same dog has bitten me...) Luckily, I got in touch with the people and they were able to race home. My mom came and brought me to the ER (I have a 6 speed standard... driving myself wasn't going to happen). If it wasn't a dog bite, I'm sure I would have needed stitches. They cleaned it out and gave me an antibiotic and sent me on my way. The pain went away after a day, but the swelling didn't. After 2 days, I went back to the ER like they told me to, and they admitted me because the infection was spreading and the antibiotic wasn't working. 3 days later, I was much better and ready to run out of the hospital home. And now I only have a 1/4 inch scar as a war wound.
I hope that's enough excuses for me not to have written since January. So now for some better news!
*I got a B as my final grade for Anatomy and Physiology! I was thinking I was only going to get a C, so I'm very happy. I might even take A&P II at some point soon just to finish it up. But we'll see.
And now, I have saved the best for last....
I GOT A TEACHING JOB!!!!!!!
I know, right? All this patience stuff has really paid off! Alright. Let me tell the story from the beginning. It's short. I promise.
So, I apply for teaching jobs through this website, SchoolSpring.com like I've been doing for years. I apply for this elementary teaching position (didn't say what grade) and it's in East Corinth, Vermont. I thought the name sounded familiar, but I didn't think much of it. Well, I got a call at home (while I was working in the park and have no cell phone reception- wait, I was supposed to make this short- sorry). My mom comes to tell me to call a school and I do and they want to interview me. Ok ok so I drive up to East Corinth (with my insistent mother who has to come) and when I drive into the parking lot, I have a deja vu experience. I've been there before- had an interview there before. Come to find out, at least 2 of the people on the interview committee interviewed me before! Whoah. Now I'm not great at interviewing- I get nervous, look down a lot, etc. I made an effort not to do that and tried to make my best eye contact and say the best things (but not phony things- I'm not the phony type). The position is for a second grade teacher that in a few years would be moved up to upper grades- which is fine because I just want a teaching job!! Long story sort of short- Interview done- principal walking me out telling me she loves St. Mike's -where I got my BA and apparently where she got one of her master's- and told me with a firm handshake (with 2 hands on my one) that I will be hearing from them soon. 2+ hours later, I walk in the door and the message on the phone (that we had just missed) told me to call the school back as soon as possible. I did and she told me that I was the only candidate that the interview committee was presenting to the school board! So it's not final final, but I got it! Monday I have an appointment to meet the superintendent, and then I meet the school board on the 13th. I was asked yesterday by the other second grade teacher to come to school on the 12 for the step up program- where the kids meet their next year teacher, so that will be fun.
It hasn't quite sunk in yet. I don't know if it's because it hasn't been finalized completely, but I know it will sink in soon. It's just amazing. On the drive up, I felt at ease- not really worried about the interview (though I was running late....grrr) I felt- REALLY felt- if this is what I'm supposed to do, God will make it happen. If not, something else would come up, because I know that he will provide me with something. He always does.
My faith was certainly tested. And it will continue to be tested. I thank everyone who has prayed for me throughout the years and I ask that you continue to pray for me!
I'm a teacher again. How about that!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
New Year, new beginning
It's already the 23rd of the month of the new year (Happy New Year, by the way) and I'm sure you've already been bombarded with advertisements telling you to change your diet, change your hair (or lack thereof), change your face (with lifestyle lift!), change your clothes, your soft drinks, and on and on.
So I took it upon myself to do something new for me. Today, I start my new class. I enrolled in a community college course of Anatomy and Physiology to see if the medical field is really something that I can and should pursue. I read the first chapter of the text and skimmed over the first lab for tonight's class... whew! lots to remember. But I think it will be good to be back in school and to focus on something important like school work than all the other not-so-important things that seem to boggle my mind.
So I'm excited. I feel like a little kid again- my first day of school. I know. I'm such a nerd. I'll keep you all updated about my progress in the course. I hope I get to dissect something other than a frog or a worm- I did that in high school. My brother got to dissect a pig in school. Me=Jealous! We'll see what we get to dissect and other fun stuff we get to do.
Alright, time to load up the backpack and head to Rutland. Wish me luck!
So I took it upon myself to do something new for me. Today, I start my new class. I enrolled in a community college course of Anatomy and Physiology to see if the medical field is really something that I can and should pursue. I read the first chapter of the text and skimmed over the first lab for tonight's class... whew! lots to remember. But I think it will be good to be back in school and to focus on something important like school work than all the other not-so-important things that seem to boggle my mind.
So I'm excited. I feel like a little kid again- my first day of school. I know. I'm such a nerd. I'll keep you all updated about my progress in the course. I hope I get to dissect something other than a frog or a worm- I did that in high school. My brother got to dissect a pig in school. Me=Jealous! We'll see what we get to dissect and other fun stuff we get to do.
Alright, time to load up the backpack and head to Rutland. Wish me luck!
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