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.

:mouse:

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.

:mouse:

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????

:mouse:

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.

:mouse:

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.

Thanks to all of you and your friendship.

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.

:mouse:

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.

Gotta go car hunting! Enjoy the weekend!
Ginny

School and diet and going crazy
 

:dizzy:
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

Hello PEOPLE! :) :D :) :D

WhooooHOOOOO.... "Citizen of the Year" checking in!!!

For the record:
1. I did NOT get thrown into jail for laughing at the wrong times during court! We didn't have anymore witnesses called to the courtroom the 2nd day! So the microphone didn't get used! (Whew!)

2. You are all *looking* at THE JuryForeWOMAN who got voted in because I was in the restroom when they voted! Which wasn't fair and I tried to get out of doing the job but then realized IF I was IN CHARGE we might get out of there before lunch time! :D

3. We all agreed on our first official Secret vote! The plaintiff (I'll spare you the details!) got ZERO! NOTHING! NADA! ...WHICH was exactly what she deserved! Her lawyer asked for $60,000 (of which roughly $16, 000 was true expenses and the rest he deemed "Pain and Suffering"!) My jaw dropped down to my chest at the sum requested! It was outrageous! AND It wasn't happening! ZERO!

4. I have to go back next week for more fun! Actually, our little group of 7 sorta ended up chatting with the court reporter( HOW do they do that job?!) and the bailiff with the funny microphone voice! (He actually, off the record, agreed with our verdict! :) So hopefully they will say that we're too friendly with the court employees and kick us right off the next cases!)

5. It is VERY tiring to sit and listen without being able to ask a few questions yourself(! hehehehe! ) and try to think (and follow the testimony of medical doctors) and to discuss (only at allowed times and only in allowed rooms!) and to make decisions about other folk's lives! WHEW.... AND I've decided that I don't like trial lawyers OR doctors OR victims who cry "Wolf!" ARGGGHHH! And you guys thought I was jaded BEFORE my time in the court! HAAAAAA!

WELL enough about the *EXCITING* (choke, ahem, choke) life of the rural VA jury! ;)

Sooooooooo, I've resigned from the teaching position I've held for 17 years...... and I've gotten a letter stating that they will release me ONLY when a "suitable replacement has been secured".... which means that I can't sign the contract with the new school system! (Good thing I've been up to my eyeballs in crying witnesses and doctor's drolling on and on....otherwise I'd have a mouth FULL of new herpes and chronic upset tummy issues!) Sooooooooooooooo, here I WAIT....WAIT .....WAIT! Next week, on the days when I have no court, I'm headed to my old classroom to begin moving the 17 years worth of accumulation around! I'll be throwing out TONS, I'm sure! I'm also planning to fill our rented storage unit with the stuff that I want to keep! (I can't move into the new classroom officially yet!)

Anyway...as I've begun to think of it....my stomach is rumbling....guess I need to get back to reading! I'm reading _Good In Bed_ which I HIGHLY recommend! The weather is so wonderful.... I think I'm going to take my glass of water and book outside! No humidity today! Last night I actually got COLD with the windows open! (We are NEVER able to keep the windows open in August!)

Everyone ..... chins up! Keep fighting the good fight....on all fronts!

Kerry, the little red hen said it the best! "Then I'll do it myself," said the little red hen. And she did! :) Keep up the great determination! (((hugs)))

Ginny, DON'T you adore men who don't do the research but then PoohPooh yours?! Arghhh! :) You're doing a great job! (((hugs)))

Mousie, Have you checked to make sure that your applications in all those places (that have been there for 3 years) are still active? You won't believe what I've gone thru to get the new position! Also, I got the interview for this position by taking my resume and a copy of my application to the schools office and asking to speak to the principal for just a quick few minutes! I introduced myself and told her what I was wanting to do and asked if I could leave copies of the stuff that was onfile (at the central office) with her! It worked! ?????? AND (((healing hugs))) to you and that bite!

Summer, You have made a plan for your family celebration and you're working it! (((hugs))) to you! You are doing so well! :) :) Let me know when I need to make you a smaller anklet! ;) I'll be happy to make you a pair of earrings or even a bracelet out of those extra beads! :)

Take care!
meeeeeeeeee

Hello iwannabequeen!

First let me tell you that asking your question now, in early August, to a bunch (ok...small group!) of very different (in what we do) teachers will get a very different
response if you ask us ....say at the end of February....which in my opinion...is the LONGEST short month of the whole entire year! :)

So.... The short (and August!) answer to your question is: YES! I love it and it was worth all the hard work!

So... The truthful and watch out...LONG(I'm famous around here for being LONGwinded! :) ) answer is: YES! I love it and can not imagine doing any other type of work! I teach first grade. I have taught a new group of 6 to 7 year olds "first grade" 16 and 1/2 times! (I was hired mid year to satisfy a state requirement regarding the ratio of teacher:students! ) There is actually what I call the "lightbulb moment" where my kiddos look at the words in a book and look up at me and the little lightbulb appears above their heads and then the kid announces..."I *CAN* read!" Wwwwhoooohoooooo! What a moment! I LIVE for those times! I go back in September hoping for those times! I push, fight, push and fight from every angle that I can think of to get those moments to happen! Sometimes they happen in Sept. , October, January, March, JUNE even! Sometimes they don't happen....and then I fight and push from every angle that I can think of to get help for the kiddo! Sometimes I have to push and fight for extra "clicks" on the paper counter in the office. Sometimes I have to push and fight with parents who don't understand things from the view point of someone who has been a "first grader" for 16.5 years..... Sometimes I have to push and fight with on site administrators who don't get what I'm trying to do, why I need $$ to buy something new, etc.... All of this pushing and fighting..... the good pushing and fighting as well as the other pushing and fighting can get to even the most dedicated and experienced teacher! Please notice that I've not mentioned the pushing and fighting that comes from the district, the state and now the federal levels. No Child Left Behind, yadda yadda yadda....

So... the true answer to your question is.... yeah, on most days I like what I do. BUT, the job can truly suck! Teaching is not for the weak, the weary, the whiners, and most certainly it isn't for those folks who think that they will be a teacher inorder to have summers off! (HA! Those don't last past the first 4 months, usually!)

I'm currently in the process of leaving the only place that I've ever taught and going to a new school system (in the area where I live) in order to CHANGE the view "from my personal window". I'm scared to death to leave the comfort of what I know! I'm also as excited as can be to be leaving the comfort of what I know! :) (I know what "crap" I have to deal with at the old school! Dealing with "new crap" will be a good wonderful change! BUT, I KNOW that there will still be "crap" to deal with!)

Any career has something horrid about it! All jobs have good points and bad points! I'm rambling on like a fool..... (the others here are used to this! LOL But I know that you're not! :P ) If you'd like to PM me, I'll give you a few stories that will cause you to never want to WALK thru a school door..... but then I will tell you MORE stories that will make you sure that you can't ever work anywhere else again! Once a 6 year old looks up with you and announces that she "can read!" and you know that YOU are the reason that she CAN read.... OR once a big "ole" 7 year old boy runs down the hall on Monday morning and gives you a hug because, he "..missed you sooo much!" OR when you read the VERY phonetically written love note addressed to you and left in your reading group seat that is written by a "Cekrt Amirer" ...you end up hooked! HOOKED on the kids and hooked on the "crap"!

Once school starts.... the view thru my "goggles" changes.... depending on the fighting and pushing of the day, the week, the month, the marking period....etc! But, when it is all over and done with....and I've sent them home for the summer...being able to read, write, add, subtract, write me letters and know to say thank you and please... I can't think of spending my time fighting and pushing anywhere else...doing anything else!

Ok...and June, July and August help a WHOLE lot! :) It is sorta like childbirth.... the summer helps us forget....and only remember the good stuff...and face our next labor (the start of the new year!) with anxious anticipation! :)

I'd love to talk more about this topic! PM me....

Ok...and for the rest of you! SHUT UP! Don't tease me about this entry!

take care.
good luck!

Call me Scarlett O'Hara.....

I'm turning into such a dramatic, hoop skirt, back of hand on forehead, "I'll never be hungry again!" sort of girl.....

whew.... I'm thinking it is cause I have WAYYYY tooo much time to think about stuff! LOL

Once school starts....won't be time to do my Scarlett routine! Won't you all be so happy! LOL

Until then.... don't PM each other ABOUT me! LOL

ya'll take care!

I like teaching, but you need to be prepared to deal with lots of political stuff. Especially if you're going to do special education. I've been in 4 states (since I went to college in NYS and did my student teaching there too), and 6 districts (I did my student teaching in 2 different districts), and public and private. I have only had two administrators that I truly respect. Which, frankly, I find to be rather sad. I can directly point out that the administrators make or break a school. My school right now is falling apart because our administrators don't know what they're doing and play favorites. I love working with the kids, but I really want to find one school that has a decent set of administrators who are doing what they should be doing for the kids.
:shrug:
:mouse:

Robyn: Yea, I go through and update the applications frequently. I've also done the whole going and dropping stuff off in person, mailing the stuff, everything. The whole deal. The thing with special ed is that the principal doesn't usually hire the special ed staff for whatever reason. Pennsylvania is somewhat insane in what they require BEFORE they'll consider you for an interview: a state-wide application, child abuse clearance, state background check, resume, a minimum of 2 references, any in-state evaluations (all evals go to a state central clearing house as well), license, transcripts and an essay. They won't even TALK to you if you don't have all of that.
I don't know what to do to get the attention of the districts anymore.
I have all of that, I have my master's degree, I have good references. I usually don't even get an interview. Since I left, I've gotten 2 interviews in Lancaster County; but didn't get the job for either one. When I was there before, I couldn't even get an interview.
My mom figures its because of the way I look, and she might be right, but some of the people who interview me are heavier than I am!
:mouse:

Welcome Riya!!!!!!
These ladies have been great to me......and although I can't speak of being a teacher, I have found much in common with them dealing with students on a daily basis. And they have been gracious enough to have me here and make me feel welcome. I do love dealing with the students......and it is by far the most rewarding (and in the same mouthful, the most frustrating!) job I have had. Previous jobs for me????? Chemical Engineer, Manufacturing Supervisor/Dept Head, Technical Writer......oh, and I should not for get the ongoing one, Mommy! The kids are great.........and I will try to be as encouraging as I can. As far as weight loss goes, I lost 30# during my first year of driving/dealing with students and have kept it off (I am on weight watchers). Wish I could get these last 10-12 # off....it will happen some day!!! What was your previous career?????

Glad to meet you- this is a great bunch of ladies!!!!!

BTW- to everyone else.......we got a car.........thank goodness that is over!
Have a great nite.
Ginny

How did I miss all the other posts????????? Sorry not to get personal with everyone........next time I will bore you with my miserable jury duty story.....sounds an awful lot like Robyns.......maybe the malingerer from NY moved to Va!!!!!'

See ya later
Ginny

Evening Ladies,
My day started out great than my dh opened his big mouth. I slept in until 9:45 and then went to get a some toast to eat at 10:30. Started in on me about how if you want to lose weight you can't be eating breakfast this late and then turn around and eat lunch at 12. So I told him to shove the toast where the sun don't shine and deal with my mood swings since I was hungry. Then when he got lunch ready he was all sweet and loving because he wanted my help fixing the kids plates. I purposelly didn't brush my teeth until after lunch, so he wouldn't keep kissing me and sucking up since he pissed me off. :) :) :) After lunch we went to Hocking Hills to Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave and Cedar Falls. We did a lot of walking and climbing today. It was a lot of fun. So my day did turn out better after I ate and got outside for a little bit. I just hate men who think they know how to lose weight, when they have been skinny all their lives. Enough about my rant.
Robyn or should we call you Mrs. Forewoman sounds like you have been very busy and will have a busy next couple of weeks. Atleast they are making it memorable for your jury duty experience. So what is Good In Bed about? Hope you enjoyed the nice weather today. Keep it up Wonderwoman!
Ginny hope you were able to find a car in your dh's price range that was agreeable to his liking. LOL. Look at it this way, you are so busy getting your dd ready for college that you are not eating as much right? Hope you were able to atleast find sometime to enjoy for yourself.
Summer so how did the family get together go? I like your idea about the strawberry cheesecake. I will have to remember that one. We have a couple family reunions coming up at the end of the month. I will have to be sure to take something I can enjoy to eat.
Mouse I am soo sorry to hear about your hand. Just when you were looking so forward to hitting the water again. I know all about PA teacher requirements. The PA line was about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes from my hometown in NE Ohio. So I checked into getting my license right when I got out of college. Hopefully one of these days some school district will call you with a job. Keep trying and one of these days it will work for you.
Iwannabequeen, we didn't scare you off yet, did we? School hasn't started yet. So our complaining is at a minium. You will enjoy being a teacher don't listen to the stories people tell you about teaching. No matter what job field you are in you are going to hear success stories and horror stories.
Have a good evening everyone.
Kerry

I swear I am going swimming tomorrow or Monday, and I don't CARE about the bite. If I can get it wet in the shower, I should be okay in the pool, right? The pool isn't dirty! It has chlorine in it! I'm going CRAZY!

:mouse:

ya know, mouse..... the chlorine might even dry up the bite faster!

we're heading off to my inlaws (insert that dummmm dummmm dummmmm music here!)
for a meal at 3:00 in the afternoon. WHAT meal is eaten at 3? We ate breakfast (Sunday breakfast is the only BIG breakfast I cook each week.... EVERYONE (but me!) looks FORWARD to it....gag!) Any way, we ate breakfast at 10.... They will want lunch later...but NOT 3! And if we feed the kids at 3.....then they are going to need SOMETHING else to eat before bedtime! 3? WHOOOOO decides to feed people at 3???? Do I sound ungreatful? Do I sound mean? 3??? ARGHHH!

_Good In Bed_ is about a "larger woman" and her quest for happiness! Here....I'll give you a REAL honest to goodness review!

"From Publishers Weekly
It is temping at first but unwise to assume Candace Shapiro is yet another Bridget Jones. Feisty, funny and less self-hating than her predecessor, Cannie is a 28-year-old Philadelphia Examiner reporter preoccupied with her weight and men, but able to see the humor in even the most unpleasant of life's broadsides. Even she is floored, however, when she reads "Good in Bed," a new women's magazine column penned by her ex-boyfriend, pothead grad student Bruce Guberman. Three months earlier, Cannie suggested they take a break apparently, Bruce thought they were through and set about making such proclamations as, "Loving a larger woman is an act of courage in our world." Devastated by this public humiliation, Cannie takes comfort in tequila and her beloved dog, Nifkin. Bruce has let her down like another man in her life: Cannie's sadistic, plastic surgeon father emotionally abused her as a young girl, and eventually abandoned his wife and family, leaving no forwarding address. Cannie's siblings suffer, especially the youngest, Lucy, who has tried everything from phone sex to striptease. Their tough-as-nails mother managed to find love again with a woman, Tanya, the gravel-voiced owner of a two-ton loom. Somehow, Cannie stays strong for family and friends, joining a weight-loss group, selling her screenplay and gaining the maturity to ask for help when she faces something bigger than her fears. Weiner's witty, original, fast-moving debut features a lovable heroine, a solid cast, snappy dialogue and a poignant take on life's priorities. This is a must-read for any woman who struggles with body image, or for anyone who cares about someone who does.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc."


I loved this book and read it VERY quickly! Couldn't get enough! :)
Anyone want me to mail them my copy?! (I bought it cause I couldn't get it at the library!)

Enough for now.... I've got to go begin the process of changing into a NICE person...who doesn't mind eating (whatever the meal is called) at 3! (It is gonna take me hours to get to "nice"! hehehe)

ohhh thanks for not making fun of my "I like teaching" post! :lol:
take care

Morning Ladies,
Hope this finds everyone in bright spirits for the day. I couldn't sleep this morning, so I got up and went for a long walk around the neighborhood. Then I came home, grabbed a bowl of cereal and hit the shower. I got ready for church and then walked to church. So I think I have my excerise in for the day. I don't know what I will end up doing today. I do know that I have to go to Wal-mart for school. My boss asked me to go look for a rug for my room. It has to be washable. So I hope I don't have to be the one to wash it all the time. Plus I am going to look at some storage units there to see if I can con him into buying them for me too.
Mouse I hope you are able to go swimming today. I know you have been waiting patiently to be able to start swimming again. Have a great day!
Summer I hope your party was a success last night. Did everyone enjoy themselves?
Robyn I hope you found some time to relax this weekend before returning to do your civic duty this week. :) How long do you think you will be on jury duty?
Ginny did you find a car yet for your dd? I hope you have found a few free moments to relax and treat yourself to some much needed Ginny time.
Well I am going to and find something for lunch to feed everyone. Talk to you all later.
Have a great Sunday!
Kerry

Boy Robyn that book sounds really good! I will see if I can find it at my library first. What is the author's name?

Queenie, I am beginning my fourth year of teaching in a couple of weeks. The key to enjoying your teaching career is to find your niche. I am certified to teach preschool - 6th grade. I originally thought I would be happy teaching 2nd grade. Then I thought being a reading specialist would be my area. So far I student taught 1st grade and kindergarten. My first job was kindergarten. Then I was transferred to pre-k. I LOVE TEACHING PRE-K! I never want to teach another grade. I get to be very artistic and musical while I'm teaching my class. I'm always painting or gluing something. I am always singing. There are some really burned out and unhappy teachers in my building. I stay away from them. I hang out with the teachers who are also happy. There is a group of us that eat lunch in my room instead of the faculty room because we got tired of the negative gossip and complaining. Sure, we ***** and moan sometimes, but we are supportive of each other and always try to find the positive. So, the keys to enjoying your teaching career is finding your niche and avoiding negative people! Good luck!

Queenie, it is true that once school is in session, we are a bit feisty. Hopefully you enjoy sarcasm because there is a lot of that around here.

Robyn, forewoman? :lol: Who better for the job? I can totally picture you taking charge. I bet you are cracking your fellow jurors up. So is this it? Are you done? I can't believe your school system isn't letting you leave till they have a replacement. I have never heard of such a thing. But, a 1st grade position in CT would be snatched up so fast it would make you dizzy :dizzy: . Hopefully your job will be filled so you can sign your contract.

Mousie, take that bull by the horns girl! You gotta fight for your right to swim! As long as your not totally oozing, your cut may just dry out like Robyn said. Sorry about your job/living situation. I wish you could be living home and working where you want to. You will get there one day...don't give up.

Kerry, keep up the good work standing up for you!

Ginny, Congrats on the car! What did you buy?

The BBQ went well. DD was very entertaining sharing the Disneyworld scrapbook with each person who came last night. Her enthusiasm made everybody want to go with us to Disneyworld the next time we go so they can see it through her eyes. I stayed out of trouble with my eating. I did drink too much, but it was fun to be totally hammered. It has been a long time since my surroundings were spinning :dizzy: ! DH became very amorous after the BBQ...he wanted to get frisky in the backyard! It was a fun night.

My sister hasn't seen my backyard in a long time (she is the "queen" of the family and always commands her subjects to come to her palace) and was blown away with our landscaping. DH used to be a landscaper, and I LOVE to garden and decorate. She said that we should design the yards of the rich people in Westport and Greenwich. She knows someone who gardens for someone in Westport and makes $30 an hour to pull up weeds! I guess if I ever get burned out with teaching, I might have a new career! My sister spoke to my hairdresser earlier in the day and told me that my hairdresser is upset that I'm gonna color my platinum hair back to my natural dirty blonde to save money. My sister offered to pay for me to have my hair colored every 6 weeks. I said, "No thank you." If the sh*t hits the fan and I need to borrow money, it won't be for my hair! Hopefully we will get by on our own.

Well, we grocery shopped at B.J.'s Wholesale Club today. Buying in bulk is a money saver after all. My kitchen is a mess, but I am so hungover, all I want to do is take a nap. So, it may have to wait till tomorrow!

The cut is totally oozing, and I think somebody scraped my car backing up. I'm not sure if its that or dirt. And then I happened to look at the car parked next to me, and it looks like there is a little dent on his car... And on the same side as my scrapes! But my car is silver and there is no silver paint on that car, but I'm freaking out that the guy is going to blame me for hitting his car. He works in my building and he's a little, well, aggressive. He also parks illegally in the handicapped spots, which pisses me off. And I definitely lost paint on that side of the car... but the scrapes rubbed on my hand were black (IE, dirt), and not maroon (the color of his car).
I don't remember seeing the mark on his car before, and they are expensive older cars...
ARRRGH! Yes, I'm a worry-wart. I worry over nothing and everything.
I couldn't go swimming today either: I went to the store real quick early this afternoon, and used my left hand to carry the plastic bag in part of the way... and its all oozy again. I think I might have to go to the doctor down here. The scab is there, but there is this little lump right above the bite. And that is where the stuff oozed from too. :sigh: I'll call tomorrow. Its not infected, its not red or hot. Its a little pink and purple... the school nurse said it was probably just bruising.
:(
:mouse:

Another busy day here.....hard for me to keep up with the posts......

Oh, Mouse.....that hand!!!!! At this point I would swim with the darned thing.....make sure it was clean before you go in, and as long as it does not appear infected, swim away!! Let us know what the Dr says, though.

Robyn- well, how were the inlaws?????? Mine serves "dinner" at 3 pm also.....too early for dinner, too late for lunch........and then you need a snack at 8pm (when she can sucker you in to stay for more food!). Aw, I hope your day went well.......and DON'T get me started on inlaws!!!!! (I can rant and rave for hours)

Kerry- Did you find a rug???? Sounds like you had a nice day.....I would love to be able to walk to church (we live 3 miles from it). Good for you getting all that walking in Saturday too!!! (WTG sticking to your guns......hang in there!)

Summer- glad the BBQ went well......My yard needs help!!!!!!!Want to come redesign mine???? BTW- around here the going rate for weeding is $30/hour......Ds and 2 buddies (one of whom's mom really set up the business, she is a master gardener who will more than likely be a guest on a Martha Stewart Living production) were paid a total of $30/hour to weed or mulch. Sounds like a good trip to BJ's. We belong to Sam's and you can save a bundle if you shop wisely.

Queenie- ok so we have totally scared you off now from teaching, right????? (even though I am not a teacher!) But I agree with Summer- and have heard this too from some teachers thru the years...everyone has a specific age that they relate too better than others....guess that is the tough part, figureing out which it is. And yes, this gets a little silly once we are in the trenches.......January is the pits for me, as the days seem so short......so is my temper.......the kids can't get outside......colds abound......but I totally agree with Summer,(I think?) that the light on a childs face when something clicks is worth all the abuse!!!! Ok, I do not teach a subject......but I talk to my kids all the time- safety issues and the like....and when they can actually answer their own questions - or I hear one of them say "don't do that, Mrs. S (me) says it is unsafe.....or something like that.....or the kid who cried for days getting on the bus gives you a hug.....or even bigger than that a student confides in you about some big personal issue (got one HS student I have been praying for all summer, gosh I hope he is ok!)......well, then it is all worthwhile. If you can touch one life- make one kids life better/easier........these kids do have it hard these days...there is your payback.

Got Dd a car- a silver (actually champagne metallic, they call it silver) Altima with 33,000 miles on it in beautiful shape! (wish I had this car). Even Dh had to approve of the choice......hehehe.
Off to play Scrabble with Dd and Dh. Enjoy what is left of your weekend.
Ginny

And I though I was going to be short............I am such a blabberpuss.

Evening Ladies,
Sounds like everyone has a had a great day! My day was great. This evening I took the kiddos and my mil to her church for evening services. It was a trip trying to keep two twin 6 year old boys entertained during church to pay attention. We no sooner got out of the church and one of the twin's said that we need to get dad to come to church with us. It is fun to listen about God. Daddy needs to find the Holy Spirit again. My mil and I were just floored that a 6 year old would come to that realization. We got home and he said that to his dad and his dad really couldn't say much after that one. Time will tell if he will listen and follow through with Justin's request.
Mouse I would try to go swimming anyway. You have been so good in waiting and so looking forward to getting in the pool again. I am like you too a big worrywart. I hope that guy doesn't cause any problems with you about the cars.
Ginny congrats on finding a car. Sounds like you did a great job on all your research. Glad to hear that your dh approves. :) So any other major purchases between now and the end of August. Or can you relax for a few weeks before having to pack up your dd for college.
Robyn hope your dinner at the inlaws was okay. I know what you mean about getting together with the inlaws. I get along great with my mother in law, it is just some of my dh's siblings and spouses that I have problems with at times.
Summer glad to hear that your BBQ last night was a huge success. It was great to hear the happiness in your post. You deserved to have a little time of relaxation and great company. Sounds like everyone enjoyed your scrapbook from DW.
Queenie I hope you come back to visit us. We are a very supportive group. You can be having a bad day and come to this fourm and be cheered up.
Well I have had a long day. So I think I am going to try to go to sleep for a little while.
Talk to you all later. Have a great Monday!
Kerry

Good morning!

Kerry- isn't it funny how children can see things so very clearly..........I know our oldest Dd was one of the reasons that we got Dh back into church... Give that 6 year old a big hug...........and his brother too! Let Justin's admonition and a bit of divine intervention do their work.......and be watch and wait...... Sounds as though you had a great Sunday.

As for me, Dd has soccer camp this week (I will miss her......the 8 yr old). Then I have to go for an echocardiogram. This is (hopefully!) a recheck on my heart murmmer- which I have had for years.....has never amounted to anything.....and the Dr just wants to see that there is no change. And of course I have SO much time for this kind of stuff during the school year- so I am going this am. Then tonite I have to take Ds to his pitching coach... gosh today is going to be busy. I did get my WW tape in this am (4 AP's!) - the only way I was going to get a work out in.
BTW- yes the car is really about the end of the big purchases for Dd- short of some more dorm room items (refrigerator being the biggest). And she can put her own computer together!!!!!!!!
Gotta go make breakfast for the troops.....hope everyone has a great day.
Ginny

I remember going off to college in 1991. No car, but freshman weren't allowed to have them. It made life challenging because when I started at Hood College there was no way to get from Frederick, MD to Lancaster. I could go from Hood to DC and then to Philadelphia by train, but not directly to Lancaster. My mom had to come down and pick me up most of the time. And then I left Hood... spent a year working at the community college for free tuition because I left too late to get financial aid or scholarships at my chosen University... CW Post. Took 15 credits almost free, which was fantastic. :)
Went to Post, learned how to take the bus up there to the grocery store, and the LIRR into the City so I could go home. One time, I got to fly back because US Air has a student fare thingy, so I could fly really cheaply from Lancaster to La Guardia and take the subway to the LIRR. :) And then my junior year I started doing student teaching observations and such, so we finally got a car. This was 1994-95, and my mom and a good friend of our family picked out a 1984 Town and Country station wagon! I was mortified! But boy, was I POPULAR with my friends that year; I don't drink, and I had a car that could fit everybody! I was even more popular with my suitemates: one of them used a wheelchair and we always used my car so she could come with us; and then whenever we had fire drills on cold nights, we'd huddle in my car.
The car survived until just after graduation, when I bought my first Saturn. I haven't owned anything but a Saturn since then.
But it was funny. We didn't have ANY money to buy anything I needed for my dorm room... well, very little... I see what they sell now for dorm rooms and how they recommend decorating and I'm just floored. ;)
I just heard from the doctor's office: they think it might be infected so they want to see me. But, my primary care doctor is on vacation, so I'm going to see the nurse practioner. :o: We'll see how that goes.

:mouse:

Mouse,
MY husband has had wonderful experiences with nurse practioners.....I think the level of care for something like you have is actually better. Not that MD's are bad,just they can get caught up in all the paperwork.......the NP's give you a more personal touch.
Good luck- let us know how you make out.

Survived the echo- stupid me I had a ton of coffee this am.....hope it does not mess up the results.
Guess I'd better go get something done.....see ya later!
Ginny

(of course you know come September I will be lucky to get here once a day.....)

Oh, and BTW, Mouse.....I agree with this decorate the dorm thing....think you have to pay for books......essentials.....and I must admit Dd is being great about this- she is not asking for tons of $ for anything, and she worked hard for her scholarships....all Mom and Dad have to pay for is room and board, which is why she is getting a car. We are not loaded......not by a long shot!

Let's try this one more time. I typed out a post and then went to send it. It came back saying the page was not found. So I turned off the computer for a little while.
My morning was okay. The dh and I had words this morning. Once again I slept in and he started about me eating late. I don't think eating breakfast at 9:15 in the morning is late. But of course, I was the one who had to fix waffles for the kids and try to clean up the kitchen from last night's dinner too. So I ate my two pieces of toast and drank a glass of milk. He was still running his chops and said that he wouldn't go to the concert with me tomorrow night. I called his bluff and said good I don't want to go with you after all. He does this stuff to try and get out of going to things after he has promised me that we would go. I use to get mad at him and then sit around and pout. I don't do that anymore. I just speak my mind and go with life.
I swept all the floors and did a load of laundry. So I think my housework for the day is done. I just might finally be able to go to Curves to work out.
Sounds like you had a busy morning there Ginny. Glad that your test went fine. When will you hear about your results? Show me a teacher or bus driver who is loaded with a lot of money. I don't know why people think that people in the education world makes tons of money. Most of my in-law's think that I am rich and have all kinds of money to spend on stuff. Little do they realize how much we have to forgo in order to live comfortably.
Mouse I hope your hand gets better soon. Things have to start looking up for you soon. Sounds like you have been hitting brick walls every time you turn around to do something huh. I am sending you some (((hugs))). I hope they make you feel better and things start going in your favor soon. :) :)
Robyn and Summer I hope you are enjoying the last few weeks before school starts.
Well I best get my big butt moving out the door if I want to go to Cuvres today. Can you all tell my workout buddy was unable to go with me today? That is why I am having such a late start to my day.
Take care,
Kerry

Well I made it to the gym. I came home and spray painted some wooden blocks for school. So I guess working out motivated me to do some more stuff around the house. Hope everyone is having a good day!

Okay... if you can't tell from my sig, I am cleared to swim again! I just have to watch that it doesn't get infected anymore (it was a teeny bit, but not enough that they thought I needed more antibiotics... they think its just left over inflammation), and I can put hydorcortisone on it so it doesn't itch. It looks really nasty right now because the scab fell off in the pool, and there's all this dead skin... ICKY! I'm trying to resist the temptation to trim the dead skin off...
So that is my good news. I note that the district that I left to take my present job and that I am considering going back to (lot of the reason is because of the money, as horrid as that sounds... I'm tired of living paycheck to paycheck and working two jobs plus grad school! I want to be able to give my mom money each month to help her out, and get those undergrad loans paid off, buy a house....!!) now had TWO full-time career and transition positions open. TWO. I was there two years and they didn't have ANY... and one of them is at the school that I tried to get my school to go down and observe because they just don't seem to have a clear idea of what they're doing or what they should be doing for these kids. I really like the school's program and how it is set-up... I'm just not sure I should take that step and CALL the school directly. I'd leave a whole lot of people,mostly the students, in the lurch because we start fall session for staff in 2 weeks.
I'm not being egotistical, but I know they won't find somebody with my background to teach the introduction to voc. ed the way I will... and I really think the way I want to do it is going to be one of the best ways for the kids.

:mouse: