I really shouldn't be upset about being busy - sitting around not doing much more than sleep and watch tv is only entertaining for a little while before I twiddle my thumbs and make myself read. (Which in some cases is also boring).
I have a lot to think about and complete this week. Surgery on Friday for the dreaded bunion. Four days of crazy busy grading papers/lesson planning/meetings/class before spring break. And, to top it off, I need to write my unit plan for the scholar program I'm in...fill out/complete an essay question for a summer writing project (which would mean 4 days a week, commuting to Daytona, and 2 of those 4 coming back to teach a night class).
YES. I have officially been assigned a course, starting June 6! It's for 12 weeks, which is a small answer to my unpaid summer blues. With all of the other stuff I've had to do (and is due before this class starts), all I've wanted to do is get started on doing what professors do before a class, yet I really have NO idea what that entails!
I haven't celebrated St. Patrick's day in a long time - in fact, the last real party I went to was when I was still living in Michigan and was able to hang out with some girlfriends that I'll see in less than a month! I enjoyed the evening at a local brewery playing flip cup. So what - we lost in the first round - it was entertaining and I loved watching the other team strategies/drinking games on the side, and just plain entertainment!
Looks like this week will be crazy busy, but it's just the crazy before the even crazier! Here's to finishing out the marking period, getting to all of the meetings/appointments, having a successful bunionectomy, and NOT falling off the crutches when taking dogface out to do his business.
All the Good Things: So excited for my parents and their moving to their new house and entering retirement. It's refreshing knowing they've sold their house and can move on without the stress of leaving a house behind. I'm also thankful for my health, health insurance, friends, new adventures (hello, Caribbean cruise!), and making the most out of the days I have.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Evaluation
I just spent a short time reviewing my past few posts. I do realize the lack of Paris/London pictures and details of my experiences there... aside from that, I'm quite disappointed with myself in not completing much of my big, scary list of 2011. I also don't like that I haven't begun my novel (or novel ideas, no pun intended). I've barely had time to read, let alone a classic that will no doubt take longer than a kid-lit book.
Where does the time go?
You know, "they" say that teachers have all the time in the world to do what they want because their job ends at 3pm. I'd like all of those "they" people to do my job for a day and see where their time goes. Not to mention, what time they begin/end work.
I realize it's the choice I make - just "speaking" out loud...
Makes it worth the hard work when my boss says "I ran out of places/items to check on your evaluation in everything you do for this school and in your own time to better yourself for the sake of the students, along with their care." It made me feel great that she thought that, but also that she told me! I don't do the extra stuff to earn a pat on the back - I do the extra stuff because I love what I do...it's what teachers do.
Where does the time go?
You know, "they" say that teachers have all the time in the world to do what they want because their job ends at 3pm. I'd like all of those "they" people to do my job for a day and see where their time goes. Not to mention, what time they begin/end work.
I realize it's the choice I make - just "speaking" out loud...
Makes it worth the hard work when my boss says "I ran out of places/items to check on your evaluation in everything you do for this school and in your own time to better yourself for the sake of the students, along with their care." It made me feel great that she thought that, but also that she told me! I don't do the extra stuff to earn a pat on the back - I do the extra stuff because I love what I do...it's what teachers do.
Cookies
Cookie season is upon my house - and I'm the only one in it that can eat them. So much for the diet (at least until the cookies are gone).
Lots to update on... this past week I've been involved in getting a lot of stuff completed. I'm nearing the 3/4 mark on the First Coast Scholars program. If I want to be eligible for the Princeton trip (all-expense paid), I have to get my narrative done, along with a unit plan that has to do with multicultural literature. Sounds easier said than done, considering I want to use banned books and bring to light the hugely overrated deal with censorship.
I've also applied for an academy for teachers and professionals in education (who hold a master's degree) who want to become a principal. I feel like a student this week, completing essay question answers in order to persuade people to pick me! I have tons to offer! Blah blah blah. Yes, I do want to do what I've applied for; I just wish it didn't involve a lenghty written response - invite me in! I'll win you over!
Paperwork for teaching college has been sent in. Phew! I had to track down a notary (harder than I thought). I didn't think I'd have to spend 10 bucks to have a guy stamp a piece of paper and sign it. Oy. But, it does mean that if the college needs an additional adjunct professor for the writing class, I'm one step closer to earning some extra cash and fine-tuning my resume.
Mexico: to go on a cruise, or not go on a cruise...That is the question. Because of my financial woes of late, I've been put in a pinch. I will receive my tax return in the next two weeks and would like to go on a cruise with my friends in October. It's a cheap cruise for a week with a cheaper airfare than the friends are paying...but should I be frugal and save the money with the state of our economy and proposed job/education cuts? Save it because I'm having another surgery (I know, HUGE groan) this summer? I think I just answered my own question, unfortunately... maybe the cruise can wait til next year.
Bunions. They are the devil. In fact, the bunion isn't the problem. I have an overly long big toe that's pressing into the second toe, causing the bunion. Because of the constant pushing, I no longer have any cartilage between the top two bones on the big toe, thus the need to have a bone fragment removed, the bone fused together, and the toe is magically fixed/shortened. Luckily, it's an outpatient surgery and I get to be a lazy bum on the couch for 10 days. Downer: Charley-dog still has to go outside and have a walk around the block. I'd really like to schedule the surgery for the Friday of spring break so I can get it over with, but I'm not so sure I want those bills to trickle in yet.
Boys. No boys. Met one not too long ago, gave him my number, saw him last week and he said "I have a funny story for you... I put your number in my phone, got a new phone, and now I don't have your number. Can I have it again?"
OK. I know people can get busy, they can lose numbers, etc., but whenever I've purchased a new phone, I made certain I had the numbers written down and/or transferred by the phone company so nothing silly would happen. I guess guys don't all think that way.
I did give him my number again and we've texted... He did ask if I could meet up this past Saturday, but I had previous plans... no fingers crossed on this one. Just living within the moment.
Freelance writing - LOVE the group. I've tried twice now to attend their weekly critiques; however, something has come up both times with work. I enjoy going to discuss with the members, learn from them, and to have a reason to write!
So much more to do tonight... until next time:
All the Good Things: Talking my bank into giving me a one-time/lifetime credit to my account to not overdraft (even though the money is there...just takes FOREVER to post) - Enjoying a fab. sandwich and beer for dinner - laughing with a student over a funny question she asked (think about the show Kids Say the Darndest Things) - Looking forward to seeing a close group of girls from college in about a month for our annual WEekend away from the world. - Accomplishing so much over the past two days and hopefully those lead into bigger and better things for the future of my job and financial future.
Lots to update on... this past week I've been involved in getting a lot of stuff completed. I'm nearing the 3/4 mark on the First Coast Scholars program. If I want to be eligible for the Princeton trip (all-expense paid), I have to get my narrative done, along with a unit plan that has to do with multicultural literature. Sounds easier said than done, considering I want to use banned books and bring to light the hugely overrated deal with censorship.
I've also applied for an academy for teachers and professionals in education (who hold a master's degree) who want to become a principal. I feel like a student this week, completing essay question answers in order to persuade people to pick me! I have tons to offer! Blah blah blah. Yes, I do want to do what I've applied for; I just wish it didn't involve a lenghty written response - invite me in! I'll win you over!
Paperwork for teaching college has been sent in. Phew! I had to track down a notary (harder than I thought). I didn't think I'd have to spend 10 bucks to have a guy stamp a piece of paper and sign it. Oy. But, it does mean that if the college needs an additional adjunct professor for the writing class, I'm one step closer to earning some extra cash and fine-tuning my resume.
Mexico: to go on a cruise, or not go on a cruise...That is the question. Because of my financial woes of late, I've been put in a pinch. I will receive my tax return in the next two weeks and would like to go on a cruise with my friends in October. It's a cheap cruise for a week with a cheaper airfare than the friends are paying...but should I be frugal and save the money with the state of our economy and proposed job/education cuts? Save it because I'm having another surgery (I know, HUGE groan) this summer? I think I just answered my own question, unfortunately... maybe the cruise can wait til next year.
Bunions. They are the devil. In fact, the bunion isn't the problem. I have an overly long big toe that's pressing into the second toe, causing the bunion. Because of the constant pushing, I no longer have any cartilage between the top two bones on the big toe, thus the need to have a bone fragment removed, the bone fused together, and the toe is magically fixed/shortened. Luckily, it's an outpatient surgery and I get to be a lazy bum on the couch for 10 days. Downer: Charley-dog still has to go outside and have a walk around the block. I'd really like to schedule the surgery for the Friday of spring break so I can get it over with, but I'm not so sure I want those bills to trickle in yet.
Boys. No boys. Met one not too long ago, gave him my number, saw him last week and he said "I have a funny story for you... I put your number in my phone, got a new phone, and now I don't have your number. Can I have it again?"
OK. I know people can get busy, they can lose numbers, etc., but whenever I've purchased a new phone, I made certain I had the numbers written down and/or transferred by the phone company so nothing silly would happen. I guess guys don't all think that way.
I did give him my number again and we've texted... He did ask if I could meet up this past Saturday, but I had previous plans... no fingers crossed on this one. Just living within the moment.
Freelance writing - LOVE the group. I've tried twice now to attend their weekly critiques; however, something has come up both times with work. I enjoy going to discuss with the members, learn from them, and to have a reason to write!
So much more to do tonight... until next time:
All the Good Things: Talking my bank into giving me a one-time/lifetime credit to my account to not overdraft (even though the money is there...just takes FOREVER to post) - Enjoying a fab. sandwich and beer for dinner - laughing with a student over a funny question she asked (think about the show Kids Say the Darndest Things) - Looking forward to seeing a close group of girls from college in about a month for our annual WEekend away from the world. - Accomplishing so much over the past two days and hopefully those lead into bigger and better things for the future of my job and financial future.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Time Flies
It's amazing how much time flies by, when you think it's really going in slow motion.
I have a lot to catch up on, including my amazing trip to Paris over the new year holiday.
I've been reflecting a lot on what I want out of life and in my life. It's a never-ending battle I've allowed myself to fight. I know I need to quit over-thinking, over-analyzing, and just live my life. I think I started to do this yesterday.
I finally went to a freelance writer's meeting. I remember contacting the chair of the group before September, and I finally made it to one meeting in February, with plans to have a piece to critique on Thursday. I was full of fear going into the meeting and almost left before the chair (someone I used to work with) showed up. I sucked it up and went - meeting another new member, Amber, among some great people. It's an eclectic group, ranging in many ages. Betty is a faith-based writer, Red is a musician and writer, Mr. Smith writes a blog, Chaz is very articulate, Nancy is published, and then there was me. Luckily, I stuck my nose into everything, learning my way around the dynamic of the group. I opened myself up to criticism, I fought the fear of rejection in my writing, and will hopefully make some new friends. I was amazed to learn that if everyone showed up, there'd be 25 people.
I left there and bought myself a couple Moleskine journals and a storyboard book at a local bookstore that's in liquidation. I have the itch to write - and now have a chair on my new front porch, itching for me to sit and write in it.
All The Good Things: My parents house has sold (after 2.5 years on the market); I've moved into a cheaper and larger apartment in an exciting, older, neighborhood; I experienced Paris and London by myself; have a fun weekend planned for April with some great college friends; and have the craving to satisfy my hunger for writing. One day at a time.
I have a lot to catch up on, including my amazing trip to Paris over the new year holiday.
I've been reflecting a lot on what I want out of life and in my life. It's a never-ending battle I've allowed myself to fight. I know I need to quit over-thinking, over-analyzing, and just live my life. I think I started to do this yesterday.
I finally went to a freelance writer's meeting. I remember contacting the chair of the group before September, and I finally made it to one meeting in February, with plans to have a piece to critique on Thursday. I was full of fear going into the meeting and almost left before the chair (someone I used to work with) showed up. I sucked it up and went - meeting another new member, Amber, among some great people. It's an eclectic group, ranging in many ages. Betty is a faith-based writer, Red is a musician and writer, Mr. Smith writes a blog, Chaz is very articulate, Nancy is published, and then there was me. Luckily, I stuck my nose into everything, learning my way around the dynamic of the group. I opened myself up to criticism, I fought the fear of rejection in my writing, and will hopefully make some new friends. I was amazed to learn that if everyone showed up, there'd be 25 people.
I left there and bought myself a couple Moleskine journals and a storyboard book at a local bookstore that's in liquidation. I have the itch to write - and now have a chair on my new front porch, itching for me to sit and write in it.
All The Good Things: My parents house has sold (after 2.5 years on the market); I've moved into a cheaper and larger apartment in an exciting, older, neighborhood; I experienced Paris and London by myself; have a fun weekend planned for April with some great college friends; and have the craving to satisfy my hunger for writing. One day at a time.
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