twist in the plot

Today I found out that someone I worked with last year, (and I was friends with), has been an aide for 6 years, and is now doing her student teaching at Munhall School and will be fully certified in January, is also eyeing the long term sub posiition. She apparently has been in contact with the pregnant teacher about the sub possibility, and is also a favorite of one of the fourth grade team teachers. I totally didn't see it coming......I really never thought of her being a candidate....mainly because I forgot she would be certified by then. Sooooo.....now I am even more concerned about this.
The only thing I am hanging on to, is that I know this lady didn't always see eye to eye with the principal, and even had a bit of an issue with him last year, resulting in a slap on the wrist for her. But--let me be truthful in saying that this person is VERY capable of running a classroom. I was always impressed with her abilities to do whatever task was put before her with above standard work, and how she seemed to have a natural way with the kids. (It was just some of the adults that she sometimes rubbed wrong).
So, I guess I will have to just wait and see what happens. I have no idea when to expect to have this "conversation" with Mr. Adkins......I know that the actual interview will be much more intense than I previously thought it would be, as I hear it will involve the principal, asst. principal, team teachers, and curriculum coordinator. ( I got this info. from Mrs. Smith, one of my teachers who went through this whole process last year.)

I again feel overwhelmed by this whole thing.....it is hard to want something, and not know if #1, you are really ready to handle it, and #2 if others believe in you. I am trying to absorb as much as possible everyday, but sometimes my time in the classroom is limited, due to projects I am working on for the teachers. So- there are times I feel I know absolutely not enough. Then there are times that I am secure in my abilities, or at least secure in that I am a quick learner, and I can't have forgotten EVERYTHING.....

I just need to relax and know that I've been praying about this, and God knows what is best for me.

To my amazement....

There was no school today--School Improvement Day. So, the kids were home, and I went to school! :0) We took a bus at 7:30am to Christ Community Church for a seminar on Depression and Suicide, which was quite interesting and eye opening, actually. Then we went back to the school for "SIP" type things. We had a speaker talk about Behavior Intervention and Special Ed info., had the Reading Resource teacher talk about how her role would be changing this year, and got to hear from the new Curriculum coordinator. We had a break for lunch...(at which time some of the aides left, and others ate, then started working on projects teachers had left for them.)....and I was unsure what I should do. I really wanted to attend the next session, mainly for the teachers--about the new Language Arts Curriculum. The program has been a difficult adjustment for the teachers, and I was curious about what was to be discussed. I attended the original trainng day for the program last year....and felt some new insight would be helpful....if I were to ever teach in D303. This morning, the principal mentioned that the aides were welcome to the afternoon sessions, but it was obvious to us all, that we would be out of place in the discussions that would be taking place, and that we would be more useful getting ongoing class projects done.

ANYWAY, I went near the LRC right before the next session, and the principal was standing by the door. He called me over--and asked if my certification was active now. When I answered in the affirmative, he said, "well, you know, Nicole (4th grade teacher) is pregnant"--I told him that I had heard the happy news. Then, he said, "Would you be interested in talking about that?" I about jumped out of my skin! "YES! I would be very interested in talking about that!" (He of course, was speaking of the need for a long term sub while Nicole was on maternity leave.) I was shocked he brought it up, because she is just 14 weeks pregnant, and I thought it would be another couple of months before they would be figuring out who would take her class. Then I asked him about the upcoming Language Arts session....he replied that I was in a unique situation, "looking towards a future as a teacher and having your own class one day"....and that he indeed thought I should be in there. :0)

Pure happiness on my part. It was nice to know he was thinking of me in that way......without me trying to put it in his face.

Of course, I have NO idea when he plans on discussing anything. AND I am a little panicked. I have my typical self-doubt....what if after all of this, I can't answer his questions to his satisfaction? What if I am not really ready for taking over a class even if my desire is to do so? ETC., ETC.

PLEASE pray for me, that God would give me peace and bring to mind all that I have been trying to absorb during my time at Ferson Creek. This could be my big shot.....as it is fairly common for long-term subs to be strongly considered for teaching positions that open up the following year. I don't want to mess up any opportunities I may have!

busy as usual

I am home from work, checking my email, and reading the blogs I normally read...(just three) and trying to get nathan to finish his homework (today he has a Math Homelink, Math Minute, Spelling activity, study for a social studies test, cursive practice sheet, needs to get a newsletter signed, and read for a half hour) before his soccer practice which is from 6-7:30pm. It is 4:24pm right now....and I have to pick up Ben from Set Crew at 5pm, then feed Nathan something quick, get him going for practice (change into his practice uniform, get his jug of water and ice set, etc.) then scoot out the door at 5:35pm. On the way home from dropping off Nathan, I need to grab dinner for myself, eat it while I am driving, run into the house, go to the bathroom, fix my makeup, and then go back out the door to Jacob's Back to School Night. Matt will hopefully feed the boys and himself Clam Chowder tonight, then run to pick up Nathan from practice, then help with whatever homework is leftover until I come home. When I get home, it will be the whole bedtime routine thing.....and most probally--when all the boys are in there beds (about 10pm when Ben finally goes into his room) Matt and I can relax. Oh yes, somewhere in there I need to read the first chapter of a book I am reading with my girlfriend (the same book the women at our church are reading for Bible study). We are reading it together because neither of us can attend the study this year, so we decided to keep to their study schedule, and discuss the book with eachother on Wednesday nights. (When the kids go to youth group and Awana). We are reading "The Excellent Wife" a Biblical Perspective by Matha Peace. I have actually read this book before, after I heard Martha Peace speak at a woman's retreat. So, hopefully--the reading and discussion will not be new to me--just a refresher and conviction of what I should be aiming for!

A long and busy day again.....but, I think and hope I am getting used to them. (?????)

brrrr

Would you believe I woke up this morning and I was cold? Actually, if you know me, that isn't so strange--I seem to be always cold. My boys are usually amazed at how I carry a sweatshirt around with me in the middle of a heatwave. (You never know when you'll get a chill!!....Really, it is because every building during the summer has their air conditioning on way too high!)
ANYWAY-we left our windows open last night....to let some nice cool fresh air in. Unfortunately, it happened to be COLD air. (In my opinion anyway....) The house temperature only dropped to 70 degrees, but after living a few months with our air conditioning set at 80 degrees, this was a drastic change. I promptly got of bed (with my long sleeves and long pant p.j.'s) and had to put on a sweatshirt and fuzzy socks!
Oh- how I dread winter.....

subbing

I talked with my teachers today about subbing for them if they ever need to be absent. It went over well. Basically, I'll get on the sub list, and when one of them needs a sub, I will be able to take the class instead of her having to find a random one. I think it will be a nice chance for me to experience subbing--and feel fairly comfortable too, knowing the classroom procedures already.
I also have my eye on a long term sub position that will become available in March. One of the fourth grade teachers announced she was pregnant last week.....and will be leaving in March-maybe for the rest of the year. Hmmmm.....we'll see what happens there.
The biggest problem I can see with me subbing is trying to figure out what to do with Nathan. I will need before school care at the very least. I need to be praying about that. Sure wish I had my mom living by me! :0) Oh well....if it is meant to be, it will work out, right?

my first day of school

So-I went to my first day of school (work) today. It went well....it is good to be back. I got lots of welcome back greetings and smiles, and spoke with both Mrs. Foss and Mr. DiNicola (last years teachers) briefly. I can tell you that Jaime foss is not happy about not getting me as her aide. I happen to know that the aide she DID get, will be wonderful....she has been an aide for 6 years, and she must know what she is doing. She also is very nice. BUT--I am disappointed, too. I really enjoyed both the age of the kids and my experience with Jaime and David. Jaimie, in particular, was such a great mentor, and she was really rooting for me. She wanted to help me "ready myself" for any upcoming interview or opportunity that came my way. Last year, she encouraged me to update my resume' and gave me her portfolio to help me model mine after. (I had never seen one of these before---but now they are a requirement in interviews!)
Okay, so we've established that I was a bit saddened not to be back over in the 1st grade..... I found out that Jaimie has been sharing with numerous people that she was very disappointed not to have me, and the other 1st grade teacher Mrs. Criss also reitterated that point. They both requested me verbally and in writing, so when they didn't get me......they were surprised. I knew it was an hours thing. It is okay.

On a positive note--I am completely fine, and even happy about where I have been placed. I will learn alot in the 3rd grade, too. And the variety of teaching techniques that I will be observing can only do me good. I already know I like Michelle Smith--we were friends last year. And, I thought I would be with Dawn Spurney, who I don't know well.....but I guess at the last minute that switched around, too....so i was placed in a different 3rd grade class. One where there are two teachers job sharing. (which is an interesting concept I might add.) They both seem nice--the morning teacher is Amy Hudson, and the afternoon teacher is Jen Shanahan. I will be working with both, as currently, I think the plan is that I will flip flop between classes, doing an everyother day situation. Today I was in Michelle's class in the morning, then after lunch, I was in the Hudson/Shanahan classroom, with Jen Shanahan. Tomorrow I start over with Amy Hudson, and after lunch go to Michelle's. And so on. We will see how that works out, and make adjustments as need be.

After school, I came home just in time to quickly pee and let Emmy outside, then I hopped back in my car to pick up Nathan. Got him started on homework, made a call to his school about an orchestra mix-up, then Jacob walked in. He invited about 5 friends inside, Nathan went to his friend Kenny's house (after homework, and a check from me), and I worked on emails that I needed to send as the U9 team coordinator....confirming this Friday's game times, figuring out who still needed uniform pieces, who wasn't making it to practice today, etc. Then Ben called from school at 4:30 for me to pick him up....he stayed after for his first Stage Crew meeting. Got him, then made a cup of tea. (Ahhhhh, a little breather.) At 5:10, when Nathan was supposed to be home to get ready for his 6pm practice, he wasn't anywhere to be found. Total chaos ensues, as I call Kenny's house (and was told they were out walking the neighbors' dog), then I hop in my car, looking for him, to no avail. (Major mad and worried mom....) Then I send Jacob out on his bike to find him --thinking they may have walked to the local park. Jake comes home just as Nathan does, at 5:35pm .....Nathan in tears as I yell at him about not asking to leave Kenny's house....and him crying that his mom was supposed to tell him when to go home (and she just did). I let the matter drop BRIEFLY (to be picked up again later, believe me! ) because my main concentration needed to be to get him out the door! (And he does not do good under pressure!) We leave the house at 5:45pm with him mostly dressed (to finish in the car), with me juggling snacks (because thwere was no time for his usual prepractice dinner), a huge jug of water and his bag/ball.... The drive is 15 minutes with no traffic. This is rush hour time!! We are very lucky that we made it at 6:01pm, and his coach was just about to walk them over to their practice field. Of course, I missed someone who was waiting to give me something--but I'll have to catch him later.

THEN at 6:05....Matt calls, he has just gotten off the train, and he wants to know what is for dinner. I, of course, haven't thought about it yet. Who had time? And said-"Please pick up Portillo's". :0) Now (he just walked in) we will shovel food in our mouths.....and I will be off again, to pick up Nathan at 7:30pm.....going a little early to meet up with one of the parents to hand him a schedule.....because they never went to parent meeting for the team. Hopefully, once I am home, we can finally relax a little. (Although, i am sure there will be more homework issues to handle!)

Life of a working mom of three boys, I guess. :0)

shocking

Okay- who says you never use math skills after high school?
I crack myself up, because I just spent the last few minutes thinking and calculating how much money I have spent on feminine products in my lifetime. (I know....don't I have better things to do?)
Anyway, I have been needing a new box of tampons (or pads, in the early years) every month (at least) for 25 years. (Just realizing that bit of info was shocking in itself!) And yes, I realize three of those years I went 9 months without having to do that, due to pregnancy--but I figure that I made up for that by having to buy both tampons and pads each month in the last few years. (Is this too much information?)
So, I think conservatively, I have spent $6 a month for 25 years on this stuff. $6 x 12months = $72 a year.
$72 x 25 years = $1800 WOW. That is alot of money to flush down the toilet! :0)

Maybe this whole entry is just too weird. I apologize.