I read some this evening and then took a nap. I haven't seen my cat since I took the nap at 5:30. I've been awake for about 2 hours, couldn't go back to sleep. But its okay. I don't have to go to school tomorrow. WE're DONE until August 21.
I need to call the women who cleaned my apartment and get them to come back out here. I can do it, but they do such a NICE NICE job... so much better than I ever do...
Summer: You'll get there. It'll be okay! I might not be taking classes this fall either: I can't register until I get my tuition reimbursement, and I can't do that till my professors for my summer class turn in my freaking grades. I'm going to call the registrars office again tomorrow. I emailed the instructor yesterday, and have heard nothing. I don't think it should be my job to track these twits down to get the grades they didn't turn in. This is that silly assistive tech class.
And, I might be going back to my last school district. If I do, I stand to bring home $1600 more a month AFTER TAXES than I currently bring home. We haven't had a raise since I've been in my current place... just the COLA, which is $100 a month or so. And that other district I'd be working 9 months instead of 11. I went where I was because the school is a great idea on paper, but they aren't doing what they advertise. They ARE NOT a vocational school. The other reason was the tuition reimbursement. I couldn't afford to live where I was living and go back to grad school. I could if I made $1600 a month more than I am now!
And its a larger health insurance company... Blue Cross... so I might be able to get the surgery paid for without all this fuss. But I'd be farther from home again. 2.5 hours instead of 1 hour. I don't like that AT ALL... but more money?????
I can't seem to get a job in my hometown. Somebody told me they had something like 60 openings in the County and received 1200 applications.
Everytime I try to log out of email.....someone else has posted!!!!!!!!
Mouse- are you worried about your cat???? Hope he shows up sooner as opposed to later. Gee, the extra money from going back to your previous district sounds wonderful......but a 2.5 hour commute???? (one way?????- no that's gotta be both ways combined, right?) The health care benefits are important.....guess for me the last consideration would be how happy/fullfilled you were in that district. And I guess the active working 9 months a year is a good thing...... I am sure you will choose wisely, and make the best decision for you at this time. How are you feeling today/how is your injury?
Ok, I am now really going to shut off this darned computer.......night all!
Ginny
Good morning!
I decided to stay up last night and read......and then this am went back to bed after Dh had breakfast and went to work. Actually got to see some of a morning news program too......all luxuries that just don't happen when school is in session. It is beautiful here in NY this am- clear and cool. A great morning!
Guess I'd better do something that is productive....hope everyone has a good day.
Ginny
I'd be 2.5 hours one way from the place I consider home... I want to go back to Lancaster, PA. I was raised there, and consider it home. But the better schools are tough to get into, and they hire strangely: you can't actually apply to or call any of the districts: they use an on-line application. I've had my application there for 3 years, along with another private school in the area (that one has been 7 years!). Neither place even calls me. The closest I got was right before I moved to my current school, 3 years ago, from the district I graduated from. But I'd already signed my lease, signed a contract, etc for the new district.
The other school, I just can't figure them out. They advertise for special ed openings EVERY YEAR... first they wouldn't hire me because I didn't have my master's degree, but now I do, and its in transition planning... this is a private school for disadvantaged children, run by Hershey Foods. Milton Hershey started it eons ago, and originally it was only for boys and both parents had to be dead; now only one parent has to be 'absent' and its boys & girls. The kids can start there at age 4, and once there the school doesn't generally kick them out, so they started seeing lots of kids with special needs... even mild MR isn't always obvious at age 4. Especially if the child really fits the disadvantaged profile.
They have a HUGE vocational push, too, so you'd think they'd want somebody with my background. But, every year I'm invited to apply, and every year I never hear anything. And I know LOTS of people who work there or went to school there!
Oh well!
I wouldn't drive back and forth each day, of course, but its also harder to get there for holidays or things. And I'd be farther from Hopkins for grad school. Right now I'm about 10-15 miles, I'd be 38 miles or more from there plus there is just horrible traffic.
And the reason I'd make more money is because its a lot more expensive to live there, at least for housing. Food and gas are about the same as here.
To be honest, I didn't really like being there, because my prinicpal didn't want the MR program in her building; but I was the MR teacher and there were kids who needed my help. But she wouldn't let me help them. My last year was horrid: my MR kids were stuffed into LD self-contained classes doing college prep, and failing; and I was stuck teaching regular ed physical science (with a reg. ed teacher) and LD/ED Civics. That just really sucked. I fought for my kids and got in trouble with the special ed chair and my supervisor (the guidance director). I wanted out of the school, but not necessarily out of the district. And the principal blocked my internal transfer. She was allowed to do that because I was the only MR certified teacher in the building. So I was truly annoyed: she was using my experience with MR kids to keep me in her building, but then not letting me use that to work with and help the kids. So I left. But the position I was looking at was in the career development program, which is what I'm doing now, and I like that... Plus, the program is managed by somebody out of the building, so they wouldn't be able to just change me to something else.
Last edited by Anonymouse; 08-06-2004 at 10:01 AM.
Morning Ladies,
Well the days of my dh being nice and considerate are done. Last night I told him about the concert. It is on Tuesday the 10th at 8 p.m. He said that is right in the middle of getting his nephew's car ready to derby on Thursday. We will have to see what all we can get done of it before we can make definiate plans to go. So instead of getting mad at him and starting a fight, I just looked at him and said that I would just go by myself than. I wasn't going to waste a chance to go see Mark Wills in concert for only 6.00. So then he said that he would try really hard to go. HE thought it would be the following week or two. So I was a little hurt last night and couldn't go to sleep. Then this morning, he was complaining about how I fold his clothes and put them in the laundry basket. He wants all his clothes sorted from now on. I will sort them all right I just might throw them in a big pile in the middle of the bedroom floor and tell him to wash and fold his own damn clothes. So maybe it is a good thing I offered to mow the yard today. Get out there and walk some steam off.
Mouse, I hope things work out for you with your job change. Would you find a place to stay up there so you wouldn't be driving 2.5 hours one way to work and then again back home. I hope you found your cat too! Is he still sucking up to you over biting you last week? Enjoy your time off from school, you earned it that is for sure.
Robyn you made me laugh about almost getting in trouble with the bailiff yesterday. So how much longer do you have to be the citizen of the year? Hope you are able to catch up on your sleep.
Ginny glad to hear that your day yesterday ended on a good note. So what are your big plans for the day today? Just wait until the fun wears off for your dd and ds to be a part. They just might grew to appreciate each other more too. I know that happened with me when I moved out of my parent's house away from my one sister.
Summer hope you are enjoying your day. What are your big plans for the day? Any playdates arranged? I will keep saying my prayers for you. Hang in there it will get better.
Well it is off to mow the yard. Fun fun fun! Atleast I don't have to listen to my dh complain about his clothes for a couple hours while I am mowing the yard.
Have a great day!
Kerry
Mouse- sounds as though you have an interesting decision on your hands....... Guess when the time is right for you to move there will be an opportunity for you to do so...
I had little idea that the politics of education were so complicated- but have seen more and more evidence of that as I go on. Here there are lots of issues with state funding and the number of classified students there are- and I guess I am somewhat disturbed that kids who should get extra help/assistance just can't have that without a lot of nonsense. (guess you can tell I am kind of new to the education world, eh?)
BTW- your cat did show up last night, right?
Kerry-What is it with the male gender????? Hope you can get rid of tons of stress mowing that lawn......and I hope you get to that concert. Sounds like too good of an opportunity to let it pass.
My big plans for the day....I just ordered a computer for Dd from Dell (and that is one of the reasons I have been online so much the past day, that along with some medical research for Dm's basal cell......) And in a bit I am taking Dd and some buddies to the park to enjoy this magnificent weather. (the poor kid must think that mom lives on the computer!) Got a bit of a headache......maybe some fresh air will help with that. This evening Dh and I are looking for a car for Dd......this college thing is just getting to be an all consuming task and she is doing little to help us.
Ok, nuff from me........off to auto land (online, that is).
See ya later.
Ginny
If I change back to the district that I left, I'll live down there. I consider Lancaster home, but since I don't seem to be able to get a job there unless I'm willing to go back to working for really bad city school districts, I will have to deal.
I'm not willing to go back to working for really bad inner city school districts.
The cat was always in the apartment. He can open doors, but I usually remember to throw the deadbolt, and he can't open that! He has gotten out of my mom's house when we didn't throw the deadbolt once. He's too talented for his own good.
And yes, he's still being sweet and begging ear rubs. I have an almost whole scab now, but the center of the bite is still open. I'm going to try the waterproof bandages again... If I can get them to stick, I'll hit the pool in the morning.
I waited a week... I'm out of the antibiotic, its not red or swollen... I can swim, right????
Evening Ladies,
Oh boy what a day it has been. Why is it when you have your day planned out, something either goes wrong or you have to wait on someone or something? I planned to mow the yard this morning. When I went out to mow my dh said not yet, that he had to sharp the blades on the lawm mower. So I waited for him to do that. Then it was time for lunch, so I made lunch for everyone. Then after lunch, the kids took naps, so it was wait until they get up. So at 1:45 I finally was able to start the yard. Then around 4:15 I was finally down with the yard. My dh went his brother to get powerball tickets in WV. We are about 45 minutes from the state line. So I had to get dinner ready for the kids. We were going to have steak, but I didn't feel like messing with the grill after doing the yard. So we had fish sticks, green beans and cottage cheese. Naturally after I am done feeding the kids, my dh shows up at home. He left again with the boys to go to his other brother's house. So it will be a quiet evening at home with my stepdd. After the day, I had I think it calls for a small bowl of butter pecan ice cream. Have any of you tried the Carb Smart or Carb Solution ice cream? It is really good. This way I don't feel guilt eating ice cream and get to enjoy it more. Enough about me.
So how is everyone's evening going so far? What is everyone's big plans for the weekend? I don't have any as of yet.
Mouse I hope you get to go to the pool tomorrow. It must be making your days seem awful long not being able to swim. I know when I don't do some form of excerise during the day, I feel like crap and moody.
Ginny hope you find a good reliable car for your dd. She has a wonderful set of parents to get her a computer and a car for college. She might not be helping much to get ready for college right now. But she will appreciate what you and your dh is doing for her in the long run.
Robyn and Summer I hope you are having a great day!
Have a wonderful weekend ladies!
Kerry
You're right, Kerry. I'm in a terrible mood. I should work on that insurance stuff, but I just don't know what to say or how to say it, and I'm angry that I have to fight with them. I'm even thinking about just giving up the whole thing... Why should I keep paying $81 a month for the gym when I still don't lose any weight? And why should I keep watching what I eat? Eating healthy costs way more than eating crap!
As for ice cream: I didn't like the CarbSmart or CarbSolution. But a local dairy in Lancaster, which as you all know, is home... just started marketing a carb-reduced ice cream. Its REALLY REALLY good... but even better, when they started doing that, they switched over to Splenda in the no sugar added/no-fat ice cream... so I've been buying that regularly. They just this month started doing ice cream sandwiches with the sugar-free ice cream.
But this week, I bought root beer floats...120 calories, 3 grams of fat. Barq's rootbeer and vanilla ice cream.
They didn't have the ice cream sandwiches, and I have part of a half-gallon of cherry vanilla fudge still.
Wow! I miss one day of posting, and you all "go to town!" I'm having my sister, brother, and their spouses over for a BBQ tonite. It is my sister's birthday tomorrow and my brother's later in the month. So, this is our family gathering for August birthdays. I bought a strawberry cheesecake since I'm allergic to strawberries. This way I know I won't be tempted to eat it! I'm barbecuing chicken and making baked beans. Most of the sugar in the BBQ sauce should burn off on the grill and the sugar in the baked beans will be balanced by the high amount of fiber in the beans. I saw on a commercial that diet pepsi and rum is the lowest carb alcoholic drink out there. So, I bought caffeine free diet pepsi (caffeine also causes a problem with hypoglycemics by triggering adrenyline), and I already have rum in the house from another party. No margaritas tonite. When I have time, I'd like to work on a margarita recipe using lime flavored drink mix with nutrisweet. But I don't have time for that today. My sister is bringing her gourmet potato salad. Since I don't like it, it won't tempt me. So, I have figured out how to enjoy my BBQ without putting my body in harms way. I will be spending the day cleaning to prepare.
Mousie, I'm so happy about your new job opportunity. Working 9 months and making more money sounds like a win-win situation. Then again, it is hard to have a long commute. I guess you need to write down the pros and cons and decide what you can live with and what you can't. I will pray for you to get a new perspective on the situation so you can make a decision.
Kerry, I was so happy to read that your DH was being more respectful. I think it is because you are obviously standing up for yourself. I am so proud of you. I can see that he has made you unhappy lately too. But I think you should focus on the fact that you are taking control of your life and not letting anyone treat you like a door mat anymore! You go girl!!!
Robyn, You are actually involved in a case now. Wow. I've never made it that far in the process, and I hope I never do. I hope this thing gets settled quickly. I'm sure you would like at least a little time to yourself before school starts.
Ginny, good luck with sending your DD off to college. A few years ago, my sister and nephew "had words." He up and moved across the country to Colorado. I was devastated because he is not only my favorite nephew (I know we aren't supposed to have favorites), but he is DD's Godfather. My sister was happy because my niece (who is special needs) and nephew feuded constantly. She was jealous because he is living a very happy and successful life of a 20 something male, and her life is limited by her mental disabilities (but she is high-functioning enough to know she is missing out on a lot). My sister's household is calmer. I just really miss my nephew. Luckily his girlfriend's (I think soon to be fiance) family lives on Long Island. So, they come back to visit annually. At least we get to see him then. Enough about me. I'm glad your household will be more peaceful. Thanks for being so supportive of me.
Morning Ladies,
It is a bright sunny day here, so hopeful it will be a wonderful day. I guess my family is going to Old Man's Cave today. I have only been trying to get us to go there since last spring. I guess my little talk with my dh last night seems to be working about how I didn't really enjoy my summer since I had to take care of the kids all by myself when he had to rest his arm and his leg to let them heal. That we never went anywhere with the kids except to the ball park. That I was going to enjoy the last few weeks of freedom before I am tied down with my classroom again. That I was going to start doing things by myself if the family don't want to do anything with me.
Since I have taken this stand,our relationship has been better. So I am glad that I am being outspoken again. Let's hope I can keep it up.
Summer you have a wonderful time with your family today celebrating the birthday's. Sounds like you have a wonderful plan to stay OP today. Enjoy your diet pepsi and rum tonight. Drink a few for me. LOL
Mouse I hope you were able to go to the pool today. The ice cream sandwiches sounds good. I am going to have check out and see if I can find some in the frozen food section of the store to see if carb soloutions or smart makes them. I will just have to hide them in the freezer so the kids don't eat them. Hope you are able to have an easy time making the job decision. Here is prayers and hugs going out to you.
Robyn and Ginny hope you have wonderful Saturdays. Take some time to pamper yourselves. You have been both very busy lately.
Have a wonderful Saturday!
My dh is bellyaching about wanting the computer. So instead of aruging with the baby, I'll just let him have it. Check back with you all later. You know he wants the computer when he keeps coming in here and standing behind.
Kerry
I probably won't hear anything about a job in time to do a change this year. Which I suppose is okay, because I'd feel guilty leaving everybody in the lurch for both a case manager and my new position. I think. I'm not sure.
And, frankly, I doubt that I'd be able to find a place to live down there, move, and get settled before the school year started. Although I'm still not happy about having to make the decision. I don't WANT to go back there, I want to go HOME! But as I said, you can't apply directly to any of the districts in the Lancaster & Lebanon counties... they only accept applications through their on-line process, and I've been listed there for 3+ years now. And they had 60 openings with 1200 applicants. Obviously, the special ed teacher shortage hasn't infected my hometown.
I didn't get to the pool today... I cracked the scab last night, somehow, and it was bleeding this morning. That means its open again, so I can't go. But it is looking better, so hopefully by Monday?
I don't know about carbsmart or carbsolutions making ice cream sandwiches, but I saw some by Klondike at the store, and there no-sugar ones by Healthy Choice (the caramel ones aren't too bad), and Skinny Cows. Those last ones are good, but very expensive.
At this point, I've already changed everything I eat... and I can't eat chicken either, so I'm just NOT giving up anything else. I refuse. I don't CARE if I shouldn't have caffeine. Not that I have that uch since I largely drink diet ginger ale or diet orange... but planning my shopping trips so I can go to stores that sell the diet soda I can drink is a pain in the butt.
Just a drive by visit for me........still car shopping and last night after all the hours/days (yes that much time!) I have spent driving, reading, searching of foot and online, Dh decided that I had narrowed the search too much, basically disagreed with my choices....(wait till he sees the prices on the cars he picked out!!!!! Big $$$$$).
Oh well....he did the same thing with the computer I just bought for her (she is paying for 85% of that with graduation gifts) and then this morning after grunting and groaning looked up at me and said "gee, she is going to have a great computer".
Guess he just had to hear himself bellyache.......
Mouse- I hope that darned cut heals!!! I like your game plan now......wait this year out but now you are poised to move for the next school year if something comes thru.
I love the Lancaster area.....wish we could live there.........
Kerry- Enjoy the nice weather and your day! Glad things have picked up with your relationships too. Oh, I hear ya with enjoying the last few weeks/days off. That is why I let myself get some extra ZZZZZZZZZZ's the past 2 days. Those days are almost over for us.
Summer- I love your game plan for the cheesecake, you stole something right out of my book!!!!!! Hope the BBQ goes well. Have a great day.
Robyn- did they stick you in jail????? Hope you are doing fine. Enjoy your weekend.
I am hoping one of you teachers can give me some positive feedback that it is all worth it!! I am a career changer, currently going to grad school for special education. I work full time and I am desperately trying to get into a healthier weight range (have 50 pounds to lose). I feel like I am a hamster on a wheel, just spinning my wheels!! I have 1-1/2 years of school left (including student teaching) and I keep hearing all this negativity about the school systems. I have waited SO long to do this while my kids grew up, and now that i am on my way all negative comments are hurled my way. (turning 40 last month didn't help either with my outlook!).
So, are you guys teachers? Tell me you love it and it was worth all the work!! Riya
Welcome iwannabequeen,
We are all teachers, except for Ginny is our bus driver. We are all a great bunch of fun loving and supportive ladies here. So if it is words of encouragement and support you need you came to the right place.
Somehow we have all been able to manage school, family life and dieting to lose weight. It gets tough sometimes, but we keep at it.
As for teaching, I wouldn't have it any other way. I have worked in two ice cream shops in college and in a craft store when I was out of college. I was not happy at either job. But now that I am teaching I am very happy.
Well I have to go and help my dh get lunch plates ready. Talk to you all later.
Kerry
He has gotten out of my mom's house when we didn't throw the deadbolt once. He's too talented for his own good.
School and diet and going crazy
