Glutton for...

Thursday August 19th marked a very EXCITING day! After an entire summer of seeking out a teaching job, I got an interview that resulted in the magic words "we'd like to extend a job offer to you." Well, if you know me, you know that I was a giddy girl who jumped up and down for a while after the job offer.

Well, that excitement quickly led to some major tear-shedding on Friday August 20th. You see, the job I interviewed for (or thought I was) was going to be teaching self-contained Special Education in the morning at the Jr. High and co-taught in the afternoon at the High School. Well, Friday morning, there I was at Teacher Institute meeting a LOT of new faces, getting keys, seeing my rooms for the first time, getting rosters, materials, making lists, and unpacking my already jam-packed car because I had been storing these items all summer. Little did I know that I was about to take on more than I realized. I found out at the high school that I wouldn't be co-teaching, rather I'd have a second classroom in which I'd be the teacher of Algebra 1b (Soph-Senior) and Algebra 1A (Freshman) as well as Biology and a class called Link. Wow- after the 40 min drive to get a TB shot read (which by the way had a reaction- an ALLERGIC one). I got home and had a major meltdown. Luckily, (or unfortunately) I had planned to have a garage sale Saturday and babysit 7 hours after that so I didn't have much time to fret on Sat. But Sunday, I just couldn't decide what to do. You see, Danville High School called me on Friday (while driving home) to see if I was interested in teaching there. What would I do there you may ask- teach one class (in one classroom) all day. Wow! SO MUCH LESS PLANNING and SO MUCH MORE PAY!

I decided that I'd already committed to one job and that it was too much to ask myself to do it all perfectly at the beginning. So, I've been setting up my classrooms and teaching simultaneously and so far, things are going okay. My co-workers are supportive and my students are much nicer than last year. So, I'm praying that this turns out to be the God-send I thought it was when I was jumping up and down Thursday Aug. 19th. However, I do have a few prayer requests... namely, that I get the appropriate technology needed to teach a classroom. Secondly, that I find a way to budget my time so I am not working the 14 hour days (or more) that I've put in thus far. Third, that I get a easy to use system to run my Reading-Language Arts class in a room full of students with various needs. With love, Care

reminder

Someone remind me why I went into special ed?!?!?

Got a job and MUCH more

Okay- so I got a job teaching at PBL today! I start tomorrow and I am so relieved. God certainly tested my faith but my spirits never did waiver. I mean, I did pray and fast for a job last spring! So PBL Jr High/HS, here I come!

Let me give you a brief overview since my last post...

Tuesday was good- I went to the pool with Paula for about 4 hours in the cold overcast day. So much for not seeing students at work (as several co-workers had said) I saw 4!!! I had pizza with Tony and Chris and I watched the Changeling- good movie but it angered me a lot!

Wed- I got my Physical and TB test done and will need to go back tomorrow to get the results. I made lunch with Chris, swam with Trisha, went wedding dress shopping with Jessi, dropped off water at RUM and took Paula to swim therapy. I also got a call saying that I would have an interview thurs.

Today- I interviewed, beat myself up most of the drive, got groceries at Meijer, went to the Library, napped, walked the dog, showed Jessi how to use a wedding budget tool and found out I got the job and set up a garage sale and loaded my car with teaching supplies...

I am ONE BUSY GIRL!!!

Pools, cards, birthdays, and more

So, let me get you up to speed since Friday. Friday, at some point, I strained a muscle in my back which led to me getting little sleep on Friday night. Sat, when my alarm went off after staying up late, it was really hard to get up. However, I made it on my way to my 3 hour trek to Lil's place. Lilian had Lisa, Heather and myself over for the day. We totally had a blast! We ate great food at a deli (http://www.jasonsdeli.com/) and then went swimming at her local pool. This pool wasn't like the one we have in Champaign though- it was much nicer! It has lap lanes, huge tube slides and water slides, it also had diving boards and a waterfall that you jump off. (Since no one had a camera- Google images below)


We had so much fun and the water made me temporarily forget how much pain my back was in. We had dinner at Fox and Hound which turned out to be great and we enjoyed playing cards (well maybe not Lil as much) . I had so much fun- the pace was totally my speed. To me there is nothing better than sitting around talking/ playing cards/ just being with friends. I also got to show Lilian the wedding budget tool that made my life so much simpler when planning our wedding. (http://planning.theknot.com/wedding-budget)

Sunday, we got a late start getting up because we stayed up til 3 talking. So, we arrived at the very busy restaurant a bit later than planned. But, breakfast was amazing. Lilian ordered this apple pancake which looked more like apple pie and tasted like cinnamon rolls with apple.
(The picture below was the closest resemblance I could find on google images)

I got this amazing Banana French Toast that was rolled in corn flakes and topped with bananas- delish! I truly enjoyed every moment spent with my girls! On the way back, I missed my road when it split and had to take an alternate route. I arrived at my niece Olivia's 2nd birthday party late but I did get to see her play with her new toys (wooden make-up kit, bubble blowers, wagon, "whooshing" and more)


and I got to watch her eat her chocolate cupcake with green icing!! We hung out all day and played some cards until nearly midnight.

Today, I woke up so exhausted that I hit "snooze" for an hour. I don't do that- EVER! I had a great "Back to School Breakfast with my old co-workers: Jackie Baxter, Jill Cappa, and Carah Ferrill. Afterward, I decided to "suck-it-up" and pick up a substitute application that turns out to be a book and a mile long list of things to do before getting hired. This evening, I volunteered at our church's "Back to School Blast" and I felt so overwhelmingly humbled and grateful for my church. They gave out so many freebies to the people in our community who just really could use a hand. Our church gave our backpacks and school supplies that our members donated. They gave free professional haircuts, family photographs, manicures, dinner, food from the food pantry to take home and they also had inflatables and games set up in the gymnasium. After I painted nails of some very familiar faces for 2 hours, I got my free dinner and I sat so awed at how wonderful our God is and how grateful I am to be a part of such a generous group of believers.

When I got home, Trisha came back and we walked Cooper and Deja together and watched the dogs play together. We did several rounds of card games that ended around 11:30. It has been so much fun lately!

Lady Antebellum & State Fair

Well, today was a great adventure! We (Michael, Stephanie, Chris and I) faced the 100 degree oppressive heat at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. It was quite a fun day despite the heat! The day started a bit rocky when Steph nearly fainted from heat exhaustion. But, she quickly recovered and we got to see the sites! Sheep, cow barn, butter cow, milk a cow, food, food, food, dancers, clowns, phew!! We got relief from the heat when a storm front rolled in, it really was quite nice because we could just watch the storm clouds roll on in and the wind dropped the temp 20 degrees instantly. The Fair announced that we should find the nearest storm cover in case of storms. Shortly thereafter, the wind picked up and we all laughed at the people running and screaming and took that as our opportunity to get the good food with no waiting! It did begin to rain a bit but we made our way to the Grand Stand where we stood in the excessively hot, crowded downstairs portion. They let us in to our seats and when we finally got to the top, we were met with a waterfall that was splashing all over our seats. Let me take this moment to say that this was Chris and my gift to M&S for their birthday- do we know how to give a gift or what?!? Ha ha, we sat in our wet bench and we waited for an hour watching a team of people debate about what to do. We got a great lightning show!! They finally decided to cancel the concert- afterwards, we of course got to wait in traffic for the entire duration of the Lady Antebellum cd. What a memorable day!!! Ultimately, I had a BLAST! (pics to come later)
Cow milking-


Smooching aboard the sky glide-


This is what one looks like with sand blowing in their eyes and a huge eery cloud looming behind them...


And this was our concert...

Prayers needed

All you prayer warriors out there- I really need your help! Today, I learned that the two positions I had been "banking on" have already been filled- without even an opportunity for me to interview. While that news was saddening, I still believe that something great is out there! That said, an opening or two were posted online recently, I just caught it today and I really would like an interview. Please pray that I not only get an interview, but a job!

THaNKS!!!

Birthdays

Chris and I were born 2 years and 363 days apart. Monday, I turned 26 and today he turned 29. We celebrated mine an hour early because we were on Indiana time. Stephanie didn't miss a beat to give me a card with a gift card to get a pedicure (or at least that is what I'm using it on.) Thanks Steph! The day was good. We traveled a bit and when I got home Cooper was THRILLED to see me. Jessi made me a super cute hand-made card with Carrie-coupons good for things such as pedicures together and girl's date night. My dad & siblings took Chris and I out to Billy Barooz which of course was delicious! Service could have been a little better but at least all the water she spilled only splashed our feet. Christina made us chocolate cake so we came back for cake/ice cream and played cards- it was fun!!!

Yesterday, I got my hubby to swim with me which was a small miracle. The water was 88 perfect degrees. Tony moved his stuff in and he'll be with us for the next 8 days.

Today, Chris and I did some shopping- thanks to price-matching we saved 33%. We went out to Jupiters 2 for his b-day and he beat me terribly at air hockey, but we had a blast! (I also learned today that I won't be getting an elementary job in town as they already filled the positions- so Lord only knows what I'll do this year.)

Indy Vacation

We got back early Monday afternoon from a great vacation!!! Rose & Jim treated M&S&O&C& myself to a wonderful Indianapolis vacation from Friday through today! We went to lots of wonderful restaurants- Romano's Macaroni Grill, Melting Pot and Cheesecake Factory as well as some sight seeing things like the Zoo and Children's Museum and Canal Walk. The weather was mild and we came back to 95 degree weather that felt like it was much hotter. Check out some of the fun below!

Swimming galore

This week has been going too fast. It started with me on a serious mission... GET A JOB!!! Monday I interviewed, afterwards I began updating cover letters and resumes knowing I'd need to continue searching. Tuesday, I continued updating and perfecting them to take them to the perfect future job sites. Wednesday, they were delivered and I did my bargain shopping. Thursday, I had Mikey come over and play and Megan swam with me this afternoon. The weather was AMAZING today following the oppressive heat and nasty storms we had Wed. This evening has been SO MUCH FUN!!! Jessi came by and we shopped, played with pups- (pictured below), feasted, and swam in the dark, we're having a sleepover night and in the am I'm off to Painter Family vacation in Indy! The pups are for sale and I'm so in love with Mr. two black eyes and Spot!

Found keys and other happy thoughts

A month ago, I lost my keys. I knew they weren't far because I drove home with them. I finally found them Saturday in my car. What a relief!

This past week has been great! Thursday Megan came by and we swam all day after having a great lunch together. It was so great catching up. Jessi came by for three hours after that and we laid around having girl talk. Friday, I dolly-sat, ran errands and my sisters came over. We went to Centennial Park to look at one garage sale and take Cooper on his first stroll around that park. We ate out at El Toro and watched AI.

Saturday, was fun because Teresa and I went shopping and I got a new piece of furniture and it makes our LR look much better. Chris, Teresa and I put it together and Ben brought us dinner. It was sweet.

Sunday- Chris and I hung out at church all morning, ate out for lunch and were reunited with some old friends. We enjoyed being lazy and playing at the park!