And as a sub, I don't have to attend anything. I don't think the teachers in the district do either, but it is still 2 days off from school.
My house can finally get some attention. I haven't done a whole lot today, except catch up on some e-mails and TV watching(taped from the week). And I still have 4 hours of Sylvan today, so I don't want to get into any big projects. Tomorrow will be my big cleaning day since I have no Sylvan and don't have to leave the house.
And my parents might be coming this weekend, so that is a little extra motivation to get things cleaned tomorrow. We have a halloween party Saturday night too, so I don't want to have to clean on Sat and be too tired to enjoy the party!!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Earning money
Okay, so I have been really busy this month between subbing and Sylvan. I have been doing a long term subbing position for a paraprofessional in a Flex Kindergarten situation. I have been there for a month and am not sure how much longer it will last. Part of me, specifically my shins, are hoping that it is over soon.
I guess I better explain. My job is to follow, drag this kindergarten to his classes and make sure he is on task and safe. I am not exactly sure what his special need is, but I think he is a combination between ADHD and Autism, with some other issues mixed in. Nothing has been diagnosed yet, but slowly getting there. So, when something doesn't go his way, he throws a fit and sometimes kicks and hits. It usually doesn't last long, just needs a distraction and other times it does last a while. I have learned to dodge the kicks that I sense coming, but it is the ones I don't' that really hurt-especially when they hit the bone. So I have war wounds from my job and the pay is not really compensation enough, but it has increased since this is long term and I am starting to do better with this boy.
I guess I will stay. Originally I was told this would be till the end of the month, so I figured I could handle it that long. Now I am hearing that no one really knows when this lady is coming back-some sort of medical reason she is out. I know that I shouldn't be complaining because it is one more steady paycheck coming in, but at the same time it the pay worth the abuse.
My answer is no, but it is also not fair to this 5 year old to have a bunch of different people with him all the time. So, I am going to stick with it as long as I am needed.
The up side is that I am getting to know people in the school, including the principal, so this could be an in for next year if something opens up. I will keep my fingers crossed for that one.
I guess I better explain. My job is to follow, drag this kindergarten to his classes and make sure he is on task and safe. I am not exactly sure what his special need is, but I think he is a combination between ADHD and Autism, with some other issues mixed in. Nothing has been diagnosed yet, but slowly getting there. So, when something doesn't go his way, he throws a fit and sometimes kicks and hits. It usually doesn't last long, just needs a distraction and other times it does last a while. I have learned to dodge the kicks that I sense coming, but it is the ones I don't' that really hurt-especially when they hit the bone. So I have war wounds from my job and the pay is not really compensation enough, but it has increased since this is long term and I am starting to do better with this boy.
I guess I will stay. Originally I was told this would be till the end of the month, so I figured I could handle it that long. Now I am hearing that no one really knows when this lady is coming back-some sort of medical reason she is out. I know that I shouldn't be complaining because it is one more steady paycheck coming in, but at the same time it the pay worth the abuse.
My answer is no, but it is also not fair to this 5 year old to have a bunch of different people with him all the time. So, I am going to stick with it as long as I am needed.
The up side is that I am getting to know people in the school, including the principal, so this could be an in for next year if something opens up. I will keep my fingers crossed for that one.
Monday, October 08, 2007
food, fun, and fond memories
Friday night was my 10 year high school reunion. After a lot of thought about whether or not to go, I decided that there were a few people that I would be interested in seeing again. And there were also the others that I was curious to see what they were up to now.So, after getting lost in downtown Milwaukee-due to highway construction-we finally found the bar we were looking for (thanks to a phone call to dad) For being 30 minutes late, there really were not a whole lot of people there yet. So, we mingled a little, ate, and mingled some more. It was nice to meet the husbands/significant others of my classmates and hear what they have been up to in the past 10 years. I talked to everyone that I was interested in talking to, and even a few people that I wasn't, and was surprised to hear what some of them had been up to. Not many had kids, but quite a few were expecting. I expected most people to be married and a few that I expected to be were still single.All in all, it was a nice evening of reminiscing with high school classmates. Sharing stories that some spouses may not have heard yet, and hearing new stories of how relationships started. And I was pleasantly surprised that everyone looked pretty much the same way they did 10 years ago, in high school.
and frogs
Yes, I said frogs. I opened the breezeway door and was getting ready to head out the front door to get the Sunday paper when I noticed something greenish brown sitting on the floor between my shoes. I closed the breezeway door (I went back to the safety of the kitchen) and decided to keep an eye on this guy until Brian woke up. The Sunday paper would just have to wait.
10 minutes later when Brian came into the living room, I told him there was good news and bad news. The good news-we have a paper today (since we are only on weekend delivery this is sometimes a problem) The bad news-there is a frog in the breezeway. We then discussed ways to get him out of the house. The simplest was to go around to the front door and pull him out with a broom or something, hoping that he didn't hop all over the place. I told Brian to go for it. His response, "Why do I have to do it?" My response, "I kill all the other bugs in this house, you can deal with the frog."
Once he got around to the breezeway, he thought for sure I was smoking something because there was no sign of a frog. He moved the shoes he was between and even tapped the shelves and walked around, but nothing. I told him there was definitely a frog, maybe he was in my shoe. First shoe, nothing. Second shoe, out he hopped(fell) on his back and was "helped" outside by Brian.
Now, don't go calling PETA on us. The frog was still alive as he landed on the sidewalk outside. And when checked on a few moments later, he was frolicking (Brian's word) in the leaves by the front steps. There were no frogs harmed in this story.
The real question: How did the frog get in the breezeway?? There are 2 theories. 1. He hopped in while we were taking our time getting out the front door on Saturday night. It was dark, so it is entirely possible. 2. Someone put the frog in our mail slot during the night. It was homecoming in the area, so a neighborhood child certainly could have done it. I guess we will never know how he got it, but I am glad he got out.
10 minutes later when Brian came into the living room, I told him there was good news and bad news. The good news-we have a paper today (since we are only on weekend delivery this is sometimes a problem) The bad news-there is a frog in the breezeway. We then discussed ways to get him out of the house. The simplest was to go around to the front door and pull him out with a broom or something, hoping that he didn't hop all over the place. I told Brian to go for it. His response, "Why do I have to do it?" My response, "I kill all the other bugs in this house, you can deal with the frog."
Once he got around to the breezeway, he thought for sure I was smoking something because there was no sign of a frog. He moved the shoes he was between and even tapped the shelves and walked around, but nothing. I told him there was definitely a frog, maybe he was in my shoe. First shoe, nothing. Second shoe, out he hopped(fell) on his back and was "helped" outside by Brian.
Now, don't go calling PETA on us. The frog was still alive as he landed on the sidewalk outside. And when checked on a few moments later, he was frolicking (Brian's word) in the leaves by the front steps. There were no frogs harmed in this story.
The real question: How did the frog get in the breezeway?? There are 2 theories. 1. He hopped in while we were taking our time getting out the front door on Saturday night. It was dark, so it is entirely possible. 2. Someone put the frog in our mail slot during the night. It was homecoming in the area, so a neighborhood child certainly could have done it. I guess we will never know how he got it, but I am glad he got out.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
an end to the plumbing problems????
Well, we are hoping so anyway. Guess we will find out in a few months.
This weekend we had a tree cutting party. The neighbor had a tree to cut down and so did we, so we went in on a cherry picker together. Long story short, the tree in the front of our house that had the roots growing into our water pipe is now gone. Left in its place is the stump and all the leaves and small branches waiting to get picked up during branch pick up next week. half the wood is stacked neatly in our backyard to use for firewood next year, and the other half is sitting in the neighbors yard. (we gave them half the wood for doing the hard cutting part in the cherry picker)
So, now we can see into the neighbors front window and they can see into ours. We have also lost a bit of the shade that was provided by that tree. However, it may help heating costs in the winter as the sun can get through now.
And we will have to wait and see to find out if this ends the plumber having to roto-root every few months. If not, we will have to start the search all over again to determine the problem.
This weekend we had a tree cutting party. The neighbor had a tree to cut down and so did we, so we went in on a cherry picker together. Long story short, the tree in the front of our house that had the roots growing into our water pipe is now gone. Left in its place is the stump and all the leaves and small branches waiting to get picked up during branch pick up next week. half the wood is stacked neatly in our backyard to use for firewood next year, and the other half is sitting in the neighbors yard. (we gave them half the wood for doing the hard cutting part in the cherry picker)
So, now we can see into the neighbors front window and they can see into ours. We have also lost a bit of the shade that was provided by that tree. However, it may help heating costs in the winter as the sun can get through now.
And we will have to wait and see to find out if this ends the plumber having to roto-root every few months. If not, we will have to start the search all over again to determine the problem.
Friday, August 17, 2007
One Problem Solved
Just call Brian Mr. Tech Support. Apparently when he got home from work yesterday he was so pissed off at Dish Network and the local dealer that he decided he was going to mess around with the connections to see if perhaps the cables were hooked up incorrectly (Entirely possible since the cables were not color coded like they were supposed to be and in the switching boxes we may have switched cables). I mean, he couldn't really mess anything up any further, right?!?!
So, when I got home from work last night, I was informed that the cable is once again working and everything is doing what it is supposed to be doing.
We once again have cable, I can record missed shows while I am at work, and we don't have to wait in anger for the installer to come out and look at things. (I think we are keeping the appointment though, just to make sure there really is not a more serious problem.)
So, when I got home from work last night, I was informed that the cable is once again working and everything is doing what it is supposed to be doing.
We once again have cable, I can record missed shows while I am at work, and we don't have to wait in anger for the installer to come out and look at things. (I think we are keeping the appointment though, just to make sure there really is not a more serious problem.)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Why does bad luck come in 3's???
Starting Saturday:
1. Our flooding/drain back up issue. Look into "The joys of home ownership" entry for more information on this problem.
2. Brian had to get new glasses after the optical tech at Wal-Mart broke his. You never expect that anything will happen once they give their "since you did not buy them here, we are not responsible should any damage happen to them during our adjustment" disclaimer. Low and behold, she broke the tip of his earpiece. The glasses would still do their job, they would just dig into the side of his head. Talk about a headache. So, since it had been 3 years since the last eye exam, we decided that was the best choice and thanked the Wal-Mart lady for her help. (We went to Lens Crafters to have the issue resolved.)
3. After spending close to 2 hours on the phone last night with Dish Network Tech Support, we have come to find out that there is a problem either with our dish or the cables that hook everything up. No big deal, we are still under warranty after recently upgrading to a new DVR, so send someone out. Well, last night we were told that no one could get out here until Friday between 12 and 5. Okay, I guess if that is the best you can do. We can live with the little TV from the basement with the basic channels for a day. Well, Brian called the local dealer, who would be sending someone out, this morning to find out that the soonest someone could be out here was NEXT WEEK Friday. Um, a whole week without cable and being able to tape missed shows while at work-I DON'T THINK THAT IS ACCEPTABLE!!!!!! So I went to work this morning and Brian was going to do some calling during breaks to see what he could get accomplished. I think that because the service lady at Dish told us someone could come out tomorrow, that is what should be stuck too. Why do we have to suffer because the local dealer gave her the wrong information???
Hopefully this is the end of the back luck. I have had all I could handle for a while. Wish us inexpensive luck on all our issues.
1. Our flooding/drain back up issue. Look into "The joys of home ownership" entry for more information on this problem.
2. Brian had to get new glasses after the optical tech at Wal-Mart broke his. You never expect that anything will happen once they give their "since you did not buy them here, we are not responsible should any damage happen to them during our adjustment" disclaimer. Low and behold, she broke the tip of his earpiece. The glasses would still do their job, they would just dig into the side of his head. Talk about a headache. So, since it had been 3 years since the last eye exam, we decided that was the best choice and thanked the Wal-Mart lady for her help. (We went to Lens Crafters to have the issue resolved.)
3. After spending close to 2 hours on the phone last night with Dish Network Tech Support, we have come to find out that there is a problem either with our dish or the cables that hook everything up. No big deal, we are still under warranty after recently upgrading to a new DVR, so send someone out. Well, last night we were told that no one could get out here until Friday between 12 and 5. Okay, I guess if that is the best you can do. We can live with the little TV from the basement with the basic channels for a day. Well, Brian called the local dealer, who would be sending someone out, this morning to find out that the soonest someone could be out here was NEXT WEEK Friday. Um, a whole week without cable and being able to tape missed shows while at work-I DON'T THINK THAT IS ACCEPTABLE!!!!!! So I went to work this morning and Brian was going to do some calling during breaks to see what he could get accomplished. I think that because the service lady at Dish told us someone could come out tomorrow, that is what should be stuck too. Why do we have to suffer because the local dealer gave her the wrong information???
Hopefully this is the end of the back luck. I have had all I could handle for a while. Wish us inexpensive luck on all our issues.
Monday, August 13, 2007
The "joys" of homeownership
We have drain backup issues. Every few months, our basement shower drain backs up and sends water out the bottom of the shower, under the walls and out into the basement. It also backs up into the shower. We had the shower replaced a year ago, and were told that was the root of our problems. That doesn't seem to be the case.
Funny I used the word root, because that seems to be exactly our problem. Anyone that has been to our house knows about the 2 large trees in front of the house. Well, it seems that the roots from one of those trees may be growing into our drain pipe by the street, causing occasional backups into the basement.
As beautiful as the trees is and a wonderful shade provider during that afternoon sun, it is starting to get very costly. And since the back ups happen on the weekends, we end up paying the plumber extra for the weekend call. That tree just may have to go.
Today our pipes had their 15 minutes of fame. The plumber came and sent a camera down our main drain in the basement bathroom. Everything appeared to be clear from our house to the street, but at the street is where the tree roots became visible. Upon the advise from the plumber, we called the city to see what they were going to do about it. They sent a crew out to open up the manhole cover and clear their MAIN pipe which runs down the middle of the street. I am told that everything is clear on their end. Then explain to me the video tape that I have showing tree roots growing into my pipe 44 feet from my house. Again, anyone that has been here knows that our house is not far from the street, so the problem would be in the street.
Well, if it is, we are still responsible because it may be in our lateral (whatever that means. That is what the city guy told me) The city is only responsible for the main line and we are responsible for anything else.
So, our pipes have been rotor-rooted, the main city pipe has been rotor-rooted. All we have to do now is wait a few more months to see if we can go swimming in the basement again. Stay tuned for the latest plumbing saga.
Funny I used the word root, because that seems to be exactly our problem. Anyone that has been to our house knows about the 2 large trees in front of the house. Well, it seems that the roots from one of those trees may be growing into our drain pipe by the street, causing occasional backups into the basement.
As beautiful as the trees is and a wonderful shade provider during that afternoon sun, it is starting to get very costly. And since the back ups happen on the weekends, we end up paying the plumber extra for the weekend call. That tree just may have to go.
Today our pipes had their 15 minutes of fame. The plumber came and sent a camera down our main drain in the basement bathroom. Everything appeared to be clear from our house to the street, but at the street is where the tree roots became visible. Upon the advise from the plumber, we called the city to see what they were going to do about it. They sent a crew out to open up the manhole cover and clear their MAIN pipe which runs down the middle of the street. I am told that everything is clear on their end. Then explain to me the video tape that I have showing tree roots growing into my pipe 44 feet from my house. Again, anyone that has been here knows that our house is not far from the street, so the problem would be in the street.
Well, if it is, we are still responsible because it may be in our lateral (whatever that means. That is what the city guy told me) The city is only responsible for the main line and we are responsible for anything else.
So, our pipes have been rotor-rooted, the main city pipe has been rotor-rooted. All we have to do now is wait a few more months to see if we can go swimming in the basement again. Stay tuned for the latest plumbing saga.
Better late than never
I finally broke down and decided to find out what this Harry Potter craze is all about. I bought all 7 books this weekend. Barnes and Noble had 1-6 in a boxed set, and I couldn't seem to resist. Of course, what good would 1-6 be without 7, so that got added on to the purchase as well. I haven't started reading yet, but books 1 and 2 look relatively short, so I should be able to get those done in no time.
If anyone out there reading this had read the series and would like to have book discussions on it, I am all for that.
Happy Reading to all!!!!
If anyone out there reading this had read the series and would like to have book discussions on it, I am all for that.
Happy Reading to all!!!!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Another year bites the dust
Yep, yesterday marked the beginning of my 28th year on this earth. It really doesn't feel any different. Brian keeps telling me to wait until I hit 30 (he will be 33 this year), and he keeps teasing me about getting older. The great things is that no matter how old I get, he will always be older!!
The day was really no different than any other Monday. Except for the fact that there were a few cards in the mail and less bills. I love having mail that doesn't require sending money to someone. The mother in law also stopped by, with one of the sister in laws, to drop off a gift and cake-we all know that Brian wasn't going to make one. And I still had to work at Sylvan, but I did get a gift certificate to Dairy Queen, so I guess it was worth it. And my student load was fairly light and easy, so I can't really complain. Now I just have to figure out how to spend all that birthday money.
The other excitement from the day was that Brian started his new job. Well, the training part anyway. I guess there is no guarantee of a job until the training is completed and passed (whatever that means). I believe that means we have another 3-6 months to wait before we know if he has permanent full time employment.
I still have no full time employment. I did get an application in the mail that I asked for 2 weeks ago. I even e-mailed them last week to make sure it had been mailed since I hadn't gotten it yet. They assured me it had been mailed-that was July 31st when I got that e-mail. The postmark on the stamp said Aug 2. Makes you wounder. Do I really want to fill out that application?? It is only at a day care center for K4. Guess I will wait to see if anything else comes along.
The day was really no different than any other Monday. Except for the fact that there were a few cards in the mail and less bills. I love having mail that doesn't require sending money to someone. The mother in law also stopped by, with one of the sister in laws, to drop off a gift and cake-we all know that Brian wasn't going to make one. And I still had to work at Sylvan, but I did get a gift certificate to Dairy Queen, so I guess it was worth it. And my student load was fairly light and easy, so I can't really complain. Now I just have to figure out how to spend all that birthday money.
The other excitement from the day was that Brian started his new job. Well, the training part anyway. I guess there is no guarantee of a job until the training is completed and passed (whatever that means). I believe that means we have another 3-6 months to wait before we know if he has permanent full time employment.
I still have no full time employment. I did get an application in the mail that I asked for 2 weeks ago. I even e-mailed them last week to make sure it had been mailed since I hadn't gotten it yet. They assured me it had been mailed-that was July 31st when I got that e-mail. The postmark on the stamp said Aug 2. Makes you wounder. Do I really want to fill out that application?? It is only at a day care center for K4. Guess I will wait to see if anything else comes along.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
A DMV visit can be accomplished in under 1 hour!!!
I was just as shocked as you are reading that, but I did it today. And I must say it was a firts for me!!! I needed to have the lein removed from my car title (the car has been paid off since May, so I decided that I would finally make the trip in to the DMV). So after teaching at Sylvan this morning, I headed to the DMV, with my title and lein removal paperwork from Ford in my hand, along with a book to read. Walking in, there seemed to be an awful lot of people, so I thought I was doomed. I waited in line to get my number. The time stamped on my number was 11:13am. There were only 4 numbers ahead of mine, maybe this wasn't going to be so long after all.
So, I took a seat and began reading. After about 10 minutes, I was noticing that the 500's were not moving at all and everything else was. (My number was 535) Finally it went to 532 and then they started flying from there. Just before 11:30, I heard that wonderful DMV voice say "now serving 535 and window number 6."
I gathered my things and went to the window. The guy took all my stuff, entered some things into the computer, took my check, and handed me my new title-with no leins!!! I was walking out of the DMV shortly after 11:30.
So for all those of you who dread going, like I used to, it is possible to make it a short trip. The trick is to pick the right day and the right time. Would I have been so lucky at 3pm on a Friday?? Probably not.
So, I took a seat and began reading. After about 10 minutes, I was noticing that the 500's were not moving at all and everything else was. (My number was 535) Finally it went to 532 and then they started flying from there. Just before 11:30, I heard that wonderful DMV voice say "now serving 535 and window number 6."
I gathered my things and went to the window. The guy took all my stuff, entered some things into the computer, took my check, and handed me my new title-with no leins!!! I was walking out of the DMV shortly after 11:30.
So for all those of you who dread going, like I used to, it is possible to make it a short trip. The trick is to pick the right day and the right time. Would I have been so lucky at 3pm on a Friday?? Probably not.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Anyone wanna trade lives?!?!?!?
Brian came home 2 weeks ago to tell me that he quit his job at the bank because they wanted him to sign something that wasn't true. When he told them he wasn't' going to sign it, they said they would have to walk him out. so, they walked him out. He couldn't even tell me this face to face, he called me form his moms house to tell me.
So he is unemployed, again. And I am still mostly unemployed.
He had a somewhat promising interview this morning. Sounded like he would get paid to play with toys and other things all day. His dream job. All he has to do is keep his thoughts to himself and things should be fine. Some days whatever he is thinking comes out his mouth, not thinking about what his boss will think.
I have sent out 4 job applications last week and one more today. I still have nothing lined up and am not even getting any interviews. I would even be happy with a NO so that I know that my resume is at least being looked at. Oh well, it is still July.
So, keep us in your thoughts as we hope for the best. If not, I may be writing this blog from a cardboard box or tent in the backyard as we may have to rent out the house.
So he is unemployed, again. And I am still mostly unemployed.
He had a somewhat promising interview this morning. Sounded like he would get paid to play with toys and other things all day. His dream job. All he has to do is keep his thoughts to himself and things should be fine. Some days whatever he is thinking comes out his mouth, not thinking about what his boss will think.
I have sent out 4 job applications last week and one more today. I still have nothing lined up and am not even getting any interviews. I would even be happy with a NO so that I know that my resume is at least being looked at. Oh well, it is still July.
So, keep us in your thoughts as we hope for the best. If not, I may be writing this blog from a cardboard box or tent in the backyard as we may have to rent out the house.
Sorry its been so long
Okay, so I logged on to see that it has been a month since my last post. In my defence, it has been a very busy month. Summer school started June 18 and ended July 20. (We had the week of July 4 off!!) So my mornings were packed with teaching soon to be kindergartners how school works, what things are done (and not done) at school, and how to behave. Overall, the 4 weeks went really well and there were no real problems. A few kids that liked to act out and need several reminders, but they wouldn't be 5 year olds if that didn't happen.
So, by the time I would get home I would have to eat lunch, do any prep work for the next day and head off to Sylvan. Sylvan has really been giving me hours, so I wouldn't get home until 9. Then I would eat, do any prep work that didn't' get done in the afternoon and go to bed. Even my weekends were busy with Sylvan and other family things.
The week off for the 4th was also busy. We spent that week camping with my dads side of the family. That was fun and luckily it didn't rain-we were in a tent!!
Now things are starting to slow down a bit. I still have a basement full of summer school stuff to sort through in my free time, but there is no rush. I will still be working at Sylvan 4 nights a week, but have also added 2 mornings a week. I hope to have a bit more time to do some postings on here, for all those of you faithful readers that like to know what is going on in my life:)
So, by the time I would get home I would have to eat lunch, do any prep work for the next day and head off to Sylvan. Sylvan has really been giving me hours, so I wouldn't get home until 9. Then I would eat, do any prep work that didn't' get done in the afternoon and go to bed. Even my weekends were busy with Sylvan and other family things.
The week off for the 4th was also busy. We spent that week camping with my dads side of the family. That was fun and luckily it didn't rain-we were in a tent!!
Now things are starting to slow down a bit. I still have a basement full of summer school stuff to sort through in my free time, but there is no rush. I will still be working at Sylvan 4 nights a week, but have also added 2 mornings a week. I hope to have a bit more time to do some postings on here, for all those of you faithful readers that like to know what is going on in my life:)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Sylvan by candlelight?!?!
We almost went that way yesterday. You see, they are ripping up the road in front of Sylvan-it is down to one lane, one direction. So, it was shortly after 5pm and all of the sudden the lights went out. There was no storm and the winds were not really all that strong, so we figured it must have been the guys out front. But what construction worker works past 4:30???
We continued teaching by the light coming in the windows, thank goodness for the sunlight. Then we had to decide what to do about the last 2 hours of the night. (The power company was called, and the had to track down employees, so who knew when the power would be back.) Did I mention the phones were dead too?!?! So, kids that were staying for the 6:15 hour had to stay since we couldn't contact parents, in an orderly fashion.
We finally decided, the teachers and one administrator (the center owner went home shortly after we lost power), that we would teach by sunlight from 6:15-7:15, but the last hour would have to be cancelled. So parents were tracked down in the parking lot as they dropped their children off and infromed of the change. No big deal and the hour went fine, but we were loosing light at the end-even my eyes were starting to hurt.
Wouldn't you know, right about 7:15 the lights came back on?!?!?!!! Well, guess I get to go home early. I mean, you couldn't very well tell the parents, "just kidding, we are really going to have that last hour of class!" I'm sure parents were a little confused as they came inside to pick up their children and the lights were on, but what can you do? One never knows what will happen with those city employees and their projects.
I will be so happy when Midway road is back to normal, which I know won't be for a while.
Hopefully tonight will be less eventful, I am not sure how much more excitement I can handle!
We continued teaching by the light coming in the windows, thank goodness for the sunlight. Then we had to decide what to do about the last 2 hours of the night. (The power company was called, and the had to track down employees, so who knew when the power would be back.) Did I mention the phones were dead too?!?! So, kids that were staying for the 6:15 hour had to stay since we couldn't contact parents, in an orderly fashion.
We finally decided, the teachers and one administrator (the center owner went home shortly after we lost power), that we would teach by sunlight from 6:15-7:15, but the last hour would have to be cancelled. So parents were tracked down in the parking lot as they dropped their children off and infromed of the change. No big deal and the hour went fine, but we were loosing light at the end-even my eyes were starting to hurt.
Wouldn't you know, right about 7:15 the lights came back on?!?!?!!! Well, guess I get to go home early. I mean, you couldn't very well tell the parents, "just kidding, we are really going to have that last hour of class!" I'm sure parents were a little confused as they came inside to pick up their children and the lights were on, but what can you do? One never knows what will happen with those city employees and their projects.
I will be so happy when Midway road is back to normal, which I know won't be for a while.
Hopefully tonight will be less eventful, I am not sure how much more excitement I can handle!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Summer School-Day 1
The crazy day. Kids coming in early, late, with parents, without parents, not on my list, wrong name on my list. I think kids started coming in at 8:20-the time they are allowed to enter the hallway. Then two families came in, one girl was in my room-her friend wasn't. The one came back a little while later, and now the other girl is in my room too. Can't split up those friends, what will the 5 year olds do!! Then one comes in and says the first name is different, is it the same kid. I don't know, sent them to the office. she came back and said they goofed. So I now have to make 2 new name tags as part of my homework tonight.
Once the parents were gone and kids were where they were supposed to be, the day went fine. I didn't realize how little was actually left in the room until the kids started playing. Oh well, they didn't really seem to mind and now that I know how fast they work, i will have more planned.
I had 4 kids out today, so my total was at 11. What a nice size and they all played so quietly!!
We will see what tomorrow brings. Hopefully nothing blog-worthy, but with 5 year olds, you just never know!
Once the parents were gone and kids were where they were supposed to be, the day went fine. I didn't realize how little was actually left in the room until the kids started playing. Oh well, they didn't really seem to mind and now that I know how fast they work, i will have more planned.
I had 4 kids out today, so my total was at 11. What a nice size and they all played so quietly!!
We will see what tomorrow brings. Hopefully nothing blog-worthy, but with 5 year olds, you just never know!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
It's been a long time
In my defense, I have been very, very busy. I haven't even been on the computer very much this month. And when I was I was to tired to do anything but check for important e-mails and get off. I guess I will start at the beginning of the month. I had subbed pretty much non stop since the 14th of May. I had maybe 2 days off in there. Yes, i was even kept very busy during that last week of school. I guess that is what happens when a parapro quits with a few weeks left of the year. I was not her long term sub, but I subbed for her sub a few times. So, school was don on the 8th of June.
What have I been doing since then, you ask? Well, that day we left for Watertown-Adams graduation party was on Saturday. Sunday it was down to Milwaukee for the graduation party of our old neighbors. Followed by a drive back to Kaukauna. I felt like I live in the car last weekend.
Monday I got to sleep in, it had been a while. Shortly after I woke up, I was asked to babysit for a friend so they could get some work done outside and not worry about the baby. Well of course I said yes, I would never turn down Abbie time. I went back there on Tuesday morning as they had some errands to run and to make them quicker, they left Abbie at home. Wednesday I went supply shopping for summer school and spent the rest of the day organizing school stuff. Today I went to school to see my room and what was there. Minimal things, but I think I will be able to make due. After all, it is only 4 weeks. Hopefully the weather is nice and we can spend some time each day outside. Tomorrow I plan to go to the library to get some books for summer school before all the good ones are taken(hopefully it is not too late already!!) of course, all these busy days are followed by nights spent at sylvan. I even get to go on Saturday. As far as I know it should be a somewhat relaxing weekend, but we will have to see if that proves to be true.
Stay tuned for good first day of summer school stories on Monday!!
What have I been doing since then, you ask? Well, that day we left for Watertown-Adams graduation party was on Saturday. Sunday it was down to Milwaukee for the graduation party of our old neighbors. Followed by a drive back to Kaukauna. I felt like I live in the car last weekend.
Monday I got to sleep in, it had been a while. Shortly after I woke up, I was asked to babysit for a friend so they could get some work done outside and not worry about the baby. Well of course I said yes, I would never turn down Abbie time. I went back there on Tuesday morning as they had some errands to run and to make them quicker, they left Abbie at home. Wednesday I went supply shopping for summer school and spent the rest of the day organizing school stuff. Today I went to school to see my room and what was there. Minimal things, but I think I will be able to make due. After all, it is only 4 weeks. Hopefully the weather is nice and we can spend some time each day outside. Tomorrow I plan to go to the library to get some books for summer school before all the good ones are taken(hopefully it is not too late already!!) of course, all these busy days are followed by nights spent at sylvan. I even get to go on Saturday. As far as I know it should be a somewhat relaxing weekend, but we will have to see if that proves to be true.
Stay tuned for good first day of summer school stories on Monday!!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Never a dull moment...
...in this neighborhood. When your doorbell rings at 4 in the morning, you tend to get a little worried. Luckily Brian was awake, so he answered the door. At 4am, would you expect anything but the police?! I didn't go to the door, but I guess there were 2 policeman there wondering if there was a 20 something person in the house that was bleeding. Ummmm, we are all sleeping, so I don't think so. Feel free to come in and look. They didn't take us up on that offer, but continued to search outside and visit a few of the neighbors.
(Apparently they had received a call that there was someone bleeding profusely at one of 3 houses.)
But they could not find anything. Supposedly a car that was involved was found about 20 minutes away in another city. What are you doing in this one then!!!!!!
A few minutes later, 2 of the 5 cop cars in front of our house left. I do not know when the others left and Brian said he could still see someone searching the train tracks behind our house. I never heard ambulance sirens, so I am guessing no one was found (or at least not in serious condition).
Have you ever tired to go back to sleep after something like that?!?! First of all, you are looking outside to see if you can figure out what is going on. Then when you finally do climb back into bed every sound makes you jolt awake. By the time you have settled yourself down, it has been an hour and will be time to wake up shortly.
And, if that weren't bad enough, this is not the first time police have been in the neighborhood. The truancy officers have been to a house down the street several times. They are not something i worry about. But the police have been to the neighbors house a couple times. Do you know what it is like to look out the window and see 3 cop cars in the driveway of the house next door, lights flashing and guns possibly drawn?? Makes you want to know exactly what is going on. Is that public knowledge?
If anyone is looking for excitement, come stay with us for a week and you may just find some.
(Apparently they had received a call that there was someone bleeding profusely at one of 3 houses.)
But they could not find anything. Supposedly a car that was involved was found about 20 minutes away in another city. What are you doing in this one then!!!!!!
A few minutes later, 2 of the 5 cop cars in front of our house left. I do not know when the others left and Brian said he could still see someone searching the train tracks behind our house. I never heard ambulance sirens, so I am guessing no one was found (or at least not in serious condition).
Have you ever tired to go back to sleep after something like that?!?! First of all, you are looking outside to see if you can figure out what is going on. Then when you finally do climb back into bed every sound makes you jolt awake. By the time you have settled yourself down, it has been an hour and will be time to wake up shortly.
And, if that weren't bad enough, this is not the first time police have been in the neighborhood. The truancy officers have been to a house down the street several times. They are not something i worry about. But the police have been to the neighbors house a couple times. Do you know what it is like to look out the window and see 3 cop cars in the driveway of the house next door, lights flashing and guns possibly drawn?? Makes you want to know exactly what is going on. Is that public knowledge?
If anyone is looking for excitement, come stay with us for a week and you may just find some.
Subbing, Subbing, Subbing
I have finally had a few days off to catch my breath. I have been subbing for the past week and a half. Don't get me wrong, that is a good thing, but it has been a while since I have worked a full week. I have been a preschool parapro, I have supervised in school suspension, I have been in the CD room working with small groups, and I have been a "floating" kindergarten teacher. I have enjoyed all except the in school suspension. I actually thought, at first, that would be easier and more boring than the middle school library. I was wrong, WAY WRONG. The child I was supervising was an EBD (emotional, behavioral disturbed) student and could change moods in an instant. One minute he would be doing his work just fine and the next he would be flipping out about something. And when he flipped out it took quite a while to get him back on track again. Course, I didn't know any techniques that they were using in the EBD room, so that was a bit challenging. I survived, but would not want to do it again-if I had my choice.
The other days went well and it hardly felt like working. Especially in preschool, I mean where else can you get paid to play and color for most of the day. I did have some other "teacher like duties" too, but they were not as tough as controlling my EBD student.
The district is off today for an unused snow day, so I knew that I would have today to catch up on the house work that got neglected by the time I would get home at 8 every night.
The other days went well and it hardly felt like working. Especially in preschool, I mean where else can you get paid to play and color for most of the day. I did have some other "teacher like duties" too, but they were not as tough as controlling my EBD student.
The district is off today for an unused snow day, so I knew that I would have today to catch up on the house work that got neglected by the time I would get home at 8 every night.
Monday, May 07, 2007
oh to be a student teacher again
Ok, maybe not really. I mean all that hard work with none of the pay for it. But subbing when there is one in the room is pretty awesome. This was the case last Friday. I subbed in a 3rd grade classroom and didn't know there was a student teacher in the room until i got there that morning. And he was to the point in his student teaching that he was teaching everything. Again, I was only there to help with crowd control and give feedback as necessary. And I was doing odd jobs for the teacher as she wanted me to leave the room several times during the day. I would have to say it was pretty easy day. And the class was fairly well behaved that I didn't even have to help with discipline, he had everything under control. This teacher is also out on Thursday and Friday of this week, so I am hoping that i could possibly be back there again. Hey, it is more easy money for not having to do a whole lot. I would have to say it is easier than the middle school library.
Thank goodness for student teachers!!
I don't know if I could ever be a mentor teacher. I am not sure that my teaching skill are the greatest yet. Maybe someday i can have the luxury of having a student teacher in my classroom-course, I would need a classroom first!!
Thank goodness for student teachers!!
I don't know if I could ever be a mentor teacher. I am not sure that my teaching skill are the greatest yet. Maybe someday i can have the luxury of having a student teacher in my classroom-course, I would need a classroom first!!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Busy, Busy, Busy
Between subbing, Sylvan, friends visiting from out of town and the beautiful weather, I haven't had much time to write in the past week or so. Last week, I subbed 3 days and so far this week I have subbed 2. last week I even got a few days in the middle school library, so those were easy days, but tiring. I would much rather be doing something, after all I am getting paid to work. Middle schoolers just don't have book check out as often as those elementary schoolers do.
I am hoping to get more subbing in as the month goes on, I mean there are bound to be personal days when the weather gets warmer, right?!?!
This weekend was full of visiting and reminiscing. Someone Brian and I went to college with and her husband were up from IL this weekend staying with some other friends of ours, so we spend the weekend out of the house-literally. On Saturday, we visited in our backyard since the weather was so nice and then we went out to eat and back to Bill and Kristins house. Sunday we went to Oshkosh to the outlet mall. All six of us and the baby found something during that journey-and accomplished our goal of me finding dress pants and Brian finding shorts. What a great weekend.
I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend again. And hopefully I will get a few more sub days in this week so that i have a reason to want to relax.
I am hoping to get more subbing in as the month goes on, I mean there are bound to be personal days when the weather gets warmer, right?!?!
This weekend was full of visiting and reminiscing. Someone Brian and I went to college with and her husband were up from IL this weekend staying with some other friends of ours, so we spend the weekend out of the house-literally. On Saturday, we visited in our backyard since the weather was so nice and then we went out to eat and back to Bill and Kristins house. Sunday we went to Oshkosh to the outlet mall. All six of us and the baby found something during that journey-and accomplished our goal of me finding dress pants and Brian finding shorts. What a great weekend.
I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend again. And hopefully I will get a few more sub days in this week so that i have a reason to want to relax.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Back in the subbing game
still not as much as I would like to be, but better then a sporadic call every few weeks. I subbed Wednesday-Friday last week and I have 3 more days set up for next week. I still don't have anything for this week, but it is only Tuesday. I wish I could get more teacher jobs instead of the parapro jobs, since they pay more, but I guess at this point money is money and I will take it however I can get it. (Short of having to go stand on the corner of College Ave. somewhere downtown)
Still no job leads for next year. I have sent in a few recent applications and am still waiting to hear back on them (or not hear back) I am sure that more will be coming up in the next few weeks as contracts come due and districts start working on budget things for next year. I am not going to totally worry until the end of August. I didn't get hired until the middle of August when we first move to the Fox Valley, so I know that a lot of schools are not in a real hurry to hire sometimes. I also have to decide how far I am willing to drive each day to work and how that drive would interfere with the hours i would work at Sylvan. But at this point I am willing to do about a 30 minute commute, one way.
Off to do more job hunting.
Still no job leads for next year. I have sent in a few recent applications and am still waiting to hear back on them (or not hear back) I am sure that more will be coming up in the next few weeks as contracts come due and districts start working on budget things for next year. I am not going to totally worry until the end of August. I didn't get hired until the middle of August when we first move to the Fox Valley, so I know that a lot of schools are not in a real hurry to hire sometimes. I also have to decide how far I am willing to drive each day to work and how that drive would interfere with the hours i would work at Sylvan. But at this point I am willing to do about a 30 minute commute, one way.
Off to do more job hunting.
Successful Easter
As mentioned before, we had Easter dinner at our house this year. I would have to say that everything went pretty well. Brian's mom couldn't make it because she "won" the work lottery and had to work on Easter Sunday(Do people actually call with insurance questions on Easter?!?!) But Brian's dad was able to make it for a little while, my parents came up, Adam came in from school (probably more for the home cooked meal then the visiting), and my aunt came up from Fond du lac. I think that everyone had a great time, even if Brian's dad didn't come with an off button and talked pretty much from the time he got to our house until the time he left. That's okay, I spent most of my time in the kitchen preparing food along with my mom who brought pretty much everything that we would need for that day.
Overall a wonderful time spent with family.
Overall a wonderful time spent with family.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Spring Cleaning???? Happy Easter!!!!!
Not sure if you can really consider it spring cleaning when it is snowing outside, but I am cleaning my house. Oh and not just the normal dusting and vacuuming. I have cleaned out closets, drawers, file cabinets, kitchen cabinets, and the normal cleaning as well. It is just so hard to think of it as spring cleaning. Does this mean I will have to do it all over again once we really get spring?!?! I won't be-once a year is enough for this kind of cleaning for me. And I probably wouldn't be doing it now if it weren't for the fact that we are having people over for Easter. Sure, I didn't have to clean out closets and cabinets, but as long as I knew I wouldn't be called to sub this week I couldn't think of a better time. So,, I have completed (almost)my spring cleaning in what would appear, to anyone reading this today, to still be the middle of winter.
I hope it stops snowing so that all our travelers can get here safely tomorrow. Not that any of the snow is really sticking, but with Mother Nature you can never be too sure.
I would also like to wish everyone reading a Happy Easter Whether you are cooking or someone else is doing the cooking, I hope you all have a wonderful time visiting with family and friends.
Off to do more cleaning:)
I hope it stops snowing so that all our travelers can get here safely tomorrow. Not that any of the snow is really sticking, but with Mother Nature you can never be too sure.
I would also like to wish everyone reading a Happy Easter Whether you are cooking or someone else is doing the cooking, I hope you all have a wonderful time visiting with family and friends.
Off to do more cleaning:)
Monday, April 02, 2007
March goes out like a lamb
a cold wet lamb, but at least there was no snow. What a month March was!! I think we experienced all the seasons in 31 short days. (We even saw fall, with leaves blowing off our roof from last fall!) Gotta love Wisconsin. I mean where else can you experience at least 2, sometimes 3, seasons in one day? Now, when we should be having Spring weather, we are getting colder temps with a threat of snow over the next couple of days. I would much rather have the rain that we had all weekend-at least I don't have to shovel that. Sure, it makes the already large puddles of mud on the lawn every bigger, but then it also keeps the neighborhood children off the lawn. And if not, you can at least track them by the footprints left in the mud!:) Just kidding, we don't really do that. And the neighborhood children and pretty good about staying on the sidewalk, it is the neighborhood dogs that we have to worry about. If you ever see a story about flaming dog poop found on someones porch in Kaukauna, it was probably us:)
Menasha is on Spring Break this week, so I don't have to worry about any wake up calls. That is okay, because we have having the parental units (and an Aunt) over for Easter on Sunday and I could use the the free time to clean the house. I plan to spend a good portion of the week doing a huge spring cleaning of at least the first floor of the house-the basement is pretty organized and cleaned out. (Too bad I won't be able to open the windows, without freezing, to let all the dust that will be stirred up out of the house.) Oh well, life goes on and so do we.
Menasha is on Spring Break this week, so I don't have to worry about any wake up calls. That is okay, because we have having the parental units (and an Aunt) over for Easter on Sunday and I could use the the free time to clean the house. I plan to spend a good portion of the week doing a huge spring cleaning of at least the first floor of the house-the basement is pretty organized and cleaned out. (Too bad I won't be able to open the windows, without freezing, to let all the dust that will be stirred up out of the house.) Oh well, life goes on and so do we.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
A bit of good news
No, I don't have a job for next year yet. However, the interest rate on the car loan for the new Outlander went down. So did our payments. We will be paying $20 less a month:) The money we will be saving makes up for all the money we had to pay in our taxes this year. Unemployment really stinks. They could at least take out some taxes so you don't get socked with them all at the end of the year. At least we won't have to worry about that next year. And I am hopeful that I will find a full time teaching position so we will be able to pay down some of our debts. Contracts are due in a few weeks, so I am waiting to see what kind of postings I will see then. Can't wait. I have the printer warming up for all those resumes it will need to spit out. All I need now is more resume paper!
Sorry that this is all the exciting news I have. Subbed last Friday for an LD parapro, but nothing since.
Sorry that this is all the exciting news I have. Subbed last Friday for an LD parapro, but nothing since.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Death and Taxes
Those are the only things that we can count on in life. And right now I am not happy about that. We decided to have our taxes prepared again this year, by H&R Block. All was going well, until we got to the IRA contributions. Turns out they were entered wrong last year, giving us a credit that we should not have gotten. So, H&R is doing an amended tax return from last year, for free since their guy screwed up. (Which doesn't surprise me after the trouble the guy had last year. which is why we specifically asked for someone else this year.) H&R will also cover any interest or penalties that occurred because of the error, but we still have to pay the back tax. And, as if that weren't bad enough, we are probably going to owe the feds quite a bit this year again-mostly due to my unemployment and the fact that they are not taking enough taxes out of our paychecks. Needless to say we have changed our exemptions so that will not happen again for 2007. So, we go back in on Saturday to find out exactly what our damage is to the government. I am sure that it will not be good since that seems to be how our life is going right now. I just hope that someone in a higher power grants me a much needed full time job for the 07-08 school year. If that could happen, things will slowly get better.
There is a piece of good news though. I only have 2 more payments on my truck and then it is mine. And we will have that extra money each month. Yeah, we will finally own something!!
There is a piece of good news though. I only have 2 more payments on my truck and then it is mine. And we will have that extra money each month. Yeah, we will finally own something!!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
I learned something new yesterday.
Ok, for all you computer savvy people this may not seem like a big deal, but I was pretty excited. I was subbing at the middle school library as the parapro yesterday. the librarian was showing a video on the big 6 steps to research paper writing. Well, during the research stage they were talking about searching on google. If you want to narrow your search, you can put a minus sign in front of any words you don't want included in the search. I never knew that before, but it is going to save me a lot of time next time i have to google something. I also learned that if you are searching for a name of a person, put that name in quotes otherwise it will look for the first name and the last name, not necessarily together. I thought those were pretty interesting tips and wish I would have found them out sooner, would have made all those college paper searches a little bit faster. Oh well, I guess this just further proves that you are never to old to stop learning.
Since I am not subbing today, I am not really expecting to learn anything new today-unless it comes from the news. Course, the book that I am reading for Lent has provided some pretty thought provoking questions. (Rae Ann, still waiting to start discussions!)
Since I am not subbing today, I am not really expecting to learn anything new today-unless it comes from the news. Course, the book that I am reading for Lent has provided some pretty thought provoking questions. (Rae Ann, still waiting to start discussions!)
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Haven't gotten a wake up call in a week.
I haven't subbed since last Wednesday. I thought for sure with cold and flu season lasting longer this year I would be kept nice and busy. Guess teachers have found ways to stay healthy. Oh well, hopefully something will come soon.
I have been keeping busy applying for a few jobs. 2 in Kimberly and 1 for the new school they are building in DePere. I already got a no from Kimberly for one of them, but I am still hoping. The jobs are starting to show up more now that contracts are coming out.
For anyone wondering, we ended up driving to Watertown on Friday night. Not the best drive I have every had, but we made it in one piece without landing in the ditch. It took us about an hour longer to get there then normal, which was actually quicker then I was expecting. The main highway was not too bad, but the country roads had major drifting. Especially as we got closer to my parents. By the time we pulled in, the back of my car was buried in snow and the underside was also caked in snow. It is days like that where i am glad that I own an SUV, even if it does not have 4 wheel drive. I am not sure we would have done so well in a car.
Well, I am off to do some more applications.
I have been keeping busy applying for a few jobs. 2 in Kimberly and 1 for the new school they are building in DePere. I already got a no from Kimberly for one of them, but I am still hoping. The jobs are starting to show up more now that contracts are coming out.
For anyone wondering, we ended up driving to Watertown on Friday night. Not the best drive I have every had, but we made it in one piece without landing in the ditch. It took us about an hour longer to get there then normal, which was actually quicker then I was expecting. The main highway was not too bad, but the country roads had major drifting. Especially as we got closer to my parents. By the time we pulled in, the back of my car was buried in snow and the underside was also caked in snow. It is days like that where i am glad that I own an SUV, even if it does not have 4 wheel drive. I am not sure we would have done so well in a car.
Well, I am off to do some more applications.
Friday, March 02, 2007
To Go or Not To Go...
that is the question. It is snowing now and we are supposed to have 2-4 inches by the time it is done. 1-800-ROAD-WIS says all the roads are snow covered and slippery. The sun is out right now and I am sure there are at least plow trucks on 41. The only problem is after 41 I still have about an hour drive on 2 lane dark roads. I really want to go to Watertown just to get away from everything here for a weekend, but I don't want to end up in a ditch. I guess I will wait to see as the day goes on and call the roads again later and see how they are. Who knows, maybe the snow will stop sooner then they expect and the roads will all get cleared up. If things get too bad, guess we could always leave early tomorrow morning and drive at least in the day light. Too bad Brian works until 5:45 tonight.
Speaking of work, they didn't cancel Sylvan last night, but they might as well have. I didn't have to be there until 5, but called at 4 to make sure they were still having classes. they said they were, so I made the trek in. 2 minutes from Sylvan, my cell phone rings. they are asking me if I am on the road yet. Hmmm, 10 minutes before I am supposed to be there and I live 20 minutes away in good weather-YES I AM ON MY WAY. So she said okay, come on by and we will figure something out. I got there, ended up teaching no students at the 5 class, but got everything pulled that they need for Saturdays classes. 6:00 class, there were 2 students that hadn't called in by 5:45 and there were 2 teachers. Would be a slow night. At a little after 6, one of the students called in. So, we were all heading home at 6:15 and the director would teach the other student if she showed up. I busted my butt to get to Sylvan and will only be getting paid for 1 hour of my 2 hour scheduled shift. They didn't close because of the hassle it would have been to schedule make ups for all the kids in the schedule that night. Well, now they have to schedule make ups for all those kids anyway-except for the 4 that showed up for the 4-6 class. Snow has a way of screwing everything up. GRRRRRR-I hate snow!!!!!
Speaking of work, they didn't cancel Sylvan last night, but they might as well have. I didn't have to be there until 5, but called at 4 to make sure they were still having classes. they said they were, so I made the trek in. 2 minutes from Sylvan, my cell phone rings. they are asking me if I am on the road yet. Hmmm, 10 minutes before I am supposed to be there and I live 20 minutes away in good weather-YES I AM ON MY WAY. So she said okay, come on by and we will figure something out. I got there, ended up teaching no students at the 5 class, but got everything pulled that they need for Saturdays classes. 6:00 class, there were 2 students that hadn't called in by 5:45 and there were 2 teachers. Would be a slow night. At a little after 6, one of the students called in. So, we were all heading home at 6:15 and the director would teach the other student if she showed up. I busted my butt to get to Sylvan and will only be getting paid for 1 hour of my 2 hour scheduled shift. They didn't close because of the hassle it would have been to schedule make ups for all the kids in the schedule that night. Well, now they have to schedule make ups for all those kids anyway-except for the 4 that showed up for the 4-6 class. Snow has a way of screwing everything up. GRRRRRR-I hate snow!!!!!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
And March Comes In Like A Lion
We are getting our second major snowstorm this week, and it promises to be worse then the one from the weekend. "Edward" is going to be dropping about the same amount of snow as "Danielle", but it will also be bringing sleet and freezing rain. Wonderful news for all people without a snow blower. Course, I am not sure how well a snow blower would work with really wet snow. Many schools are closed today, with many more closing by 1pm. We are supposed to get the brunt of everything tonight, and I am hoping they are right. We are hoping to drive to Watertown tomorrow night to visit my parents and I really don't want to do the 2 lane country roads if it is snowing/sleeting/raining. And according to the radar, the precipitation will be changing depending on the part of the state you are in. Gotta love this wonderful winter weather. I guess I shouldn't complain, I mean we had to know that we were going to get hit hard with the way winter started out so mild.
So, now I sit here, watching the snow, waiting to see if Sylvan will be cancelled for tonight as well. I am assuming they will, since most area schools are closing early, but you never know. And I am sure that schools will be closed tomorrow, so no subbing there either. Luckily I got a little bit of subbing in yesterday afternoon.
So, now I sit here, watching the snow, waiting to see if Sylvan will be cancelled for tonight as well. I am assuming they will, since most area schools are closing early, but you never know. And I am sure that schools will be closed tomorrow, so no subbing there either. Luckily I got a little bit of subbing in yesterday afternoon.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
The rest of my life
I know that I haven't written in a while. That is for 2 reasons. 1. I subbed on Thursday and Friday last week and didn't feel like sitting on the computer when I got home. 2. I have been battling a cold since Friday, which kept me off the computer since then too. I am feeling a little bit better, but still have a stuffy nose and cough(not a very productive one either)
So, my Lenten goal has not been off to a good start. With subbing and this cold I haven't fit it in. I was recommended a book, that I am going to dry to find and hopefully that will help (thanks Rae Ann)
When will the snow stop? We got about a foot here, and there is more on its way for sure on Thursday. I wouldn't mind it so much if we had a snow blower, but we have to shovel the heavy wet snow(actually, Brian had to shovel this weekend since i was sick). Hopefully we are getting one soon. Mom said that Dad wants a new one and he will probably give us his old one. Luckily we have nice neighbors who snow blow our driveway for us, but it would be nice to return the favor.
OK, I think you are filled in. Sad that it only took a few sentences, but what can I say.
So, my Lenten goal has not been off to a good start. With subbing and this cold I haven't fit it in. I was recommended a book, that I am going to dry to find and hopefully that will help (thanks Rae Ann)
When will the snow stop? We got about a foot here, and there is more on its way for sure on Thursday. I wouldn't mind it so much if we had a snow blower, but we have to shovel the heavy wet snow(actually, Brian had to shovel this weekend since i was sick). Hopefully we are getting one soon. Mom said that Dad wants a new one and he will probably give us his old one. Luckily we have nice neighbors who snow blow our driveway for us, but it would be nice to return the favor.
OK, I think you are filled in. Sad that it only took a few sentences, but what can I say.
Final Outlander Update
We picked up our silver Outlander on Friday-just in time for the snow. Brian is still getting used to driving it, especially since he is used to driving a car. The garage is still a challenge for him, and those of you who know our garage/driveway layout know why. The added challenge of the snow is not helping either, the apron of the driveway has been made smaller with the piles of snow.
In a few minutes I will be off to pick up the floormats for the outlander, and then everything will be done. I found it a little strange that the car didn't come with installed floormats, but they have to be ordered seperately. I guess they are looking for ways to make an extra buck.
In a few minutes I will be off to pick up the floormats for the outlander, and then everything will be done. I found it a little strange that the car didn't come with installed floormats, but they have to be ordered seperately. I guess they are looking for ways to make an extra buck.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Outlander update
We were hoping for an anniversary edition, which is $400 less then the other model because they only made 2500 of them for their 25th anniversary. And on Saturday, our salesman didn't think he would have trouble finding one by the end of the week. However, our salesman is having a hard time locating one because they were so popular after they premiered in a SuperBowl commercial. (Except for FL where they are actually selling for above sticker because of the popularity. Crazy Floridians:)) So we are most likely getting a base model (which is exactly like the anniversary edition), and our payments will go up slightly. Oh well, we are still around where we want to be.
As for the color, it sounds like we a getting a silvery one because a dealer in the Fox Valley area may have one. As of yesterday, however, it was not for sure. We could also be getting a grayish one. Brian would really like a silvery one, but I am open to either. And like I mentioned before, Brian will be the primary driver, so I am not sure that my color opinion matters a whole lot.
I will keep posting as new developments in the car saga occur.
As for the color, it sounds like we a getting a silvery one because a dealer in the Fox Valley area may have one. As of yesterday, however, it was not for sure. We could also be getting a grayish one. Brian would really like a silvery one, but I am open to either. And like I mentioned before, Brian will be the primary driver, so I am not sure that my color opinion matters a whole lot.
I will keep posting as new developments in the car saga occur.
Ash Wednesday
I have just returned from Ash Wednesday mass, since I didn't have to sub today and will not be able to go tonight due to Sylvan. I have decided that I am not going to give anything up this Lent because I always go right back to doing what I gave up as soon as Easter is over. In years past, I have tried to give up chocolate (which worked for a little while until a chocolate cake was served at my cousins birthday party). I have tried to give up soda, not that I drink that much to start with, but I like the carbonation every once in a while. I have even tried to give up swearing. And while I will admit that I have cut down quite a bit, there is still the dumb driver out there that will cause a naughty word to come out of my mouth.
This Lent I have decided that I am going to try to strengthen my relationship with God. Fr. Mike said at mass today that wearing just the ashes is not good enough if your heart is empty. So, I am going to try to read something from the bible every day and reflect on it. This is something i hope to continue once Lent is over. I am hoping that by surrendering more to God, it will improve my life and make me a more giving person.
This Lent I have decided that I am going to try to strengthen my relationship with God. Fr. Mike said at mass today that wearing just the ashes is not good enough if your heart is empty. So, I am going to try to read something from the bible every day and reflect on it. This is something i hope to continue once Lent is over. I am hoping that by surrendering more to God, it will improve my life and make me a more giving person.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Our big purchase of 2007
This weekend Brian and I signed on a new car. The Mitsubishi Outlander-an SUV Crossover type vehicle. We are just waiting for them to call saying they have located one in a color we wanted-then we can give the okay to have it shipped in to Appleton. I knew we would be deciding on a vehicle soon-Brian has a lease, which comes due in May-I was just thinking that we were going to wait until it got closer to May. That is life though, and we were able to get a pretty good deal on the Outlander with all of Brian's negotiating skills, thanks to a friend of ours who also recently bought an Outlander from the same salesman-so he knew all the tricks and how far we could push this guy. So we are getting a great deal to trade in Brian's Honda, as well as a good deal of money off of the Outlander. I didn't know that Brian had those negotiating skills, but I guess we all have hidden talents. So, hopefully by the end of the week or the weekend, we will have the Outlander in our possession. It is exciting, even though I know that I probably won't be driving it as much since Brian in kinda anal about the cars he owns/leases. We are leasing this vehicle, with the intention to buy it once the lease is up. Luckily my truck is paid up in May, so we wont' have two SUV car payments.
Keep tuned in to the Outlander saga and I will fill you in as new details arise.
Keep tuned in to the Outlander saga and I will fill you in as new details arise.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
It wasn't a wake up call, but...
...I did get called at 9:30 for an afternoon position :) The only downfall is that it is a parapro(paid hourly). But it some money, no matter how small the amount. And it is at the preschool, so I know it shouldn't be that stressful of a day. Then I get to go right to Sylvan until 8:15, so it will be a long night. But at least I will have a reason for being tired when I get home.
Off to do the dishes since I won't have time this afternoon :)
Off to do the dishes since I won't have time this afternoon :)
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
Do Brian and I qualify as an old married couple because we are not exchanging gifts or doing anything special tonight?? I have to work, so going out to dinner is not a great option. We are going to go out this weekend. We have decided not to spend money on gifts-I am making him a card, not sure what he is doing. And I am going to attemp heart shaped chocolate chip cookies-which may turn into plain old chocolate chip cookies-we will have to see how things go. Oh well, I guess when you are married, Valentine's Day becomes less important and is just another day.
For all those of you voyaging the crowds to go for a nice dinner(have a drink for me) or a movie-good luck(and be safe). For those of you who have yet to shop for that special person-WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????? and extra good luck to you. (watch out for all those other crazy last minute shoppers)
Guess I need to go finish that card and work on those cookies :)
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone :)
For all those of you voyaging the crowds to go for a nice dinner(have a drink for me) or a movie-good luck(and be safe). For those of you who have yet to shop for that special person-WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????? and extra good luck to you. (watch out for all those other crazy last minute shoppers)
Guess I need to go finish that card and work on those cookies :)
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone :)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Did I jinx myself??
I didn't do much at home yesterday, I surfed the internet and watched some TV. I had dishes and laundry to do, but figured that I would have time today. I am thinking that I jinxed myself thinking that way. So I am going to get all the dishes and laundry done today so that I will be free the rest of the week to get called to sub. I haven't been called since last Wednesday. I am picking up a few more hours at Sylvan, so that is helping a little bit-but the pay is not the greatest there. That is okay though, I like what I do there and all the people I work with-I wouldn't give it up for anything. Which is why I am having sucha hard time finding a full time day job. Any one that I see, would conflict with the hours I work at Sylvan and I don't want to put them in a bind by me having to cut back on hours. I am there every day that they have instruction and almost every hour of instruction.
New topic: When will this cold weather be out of here?? I am glad that I am not living on the East Coast after seeing the weather there lately. So much snow has fallen out there and more is on the way. I wish we could have a little snow here, at least it would make the cold a little more bearable. But the wind here today is crazy. I am sitting at the computer and can hear the wind blowing through the house every once in a while. course, could just be that the house is old and has poor insulation, but I can still hear it.
Well, off to do my chores and work on a Valentine's Day gift for Brian :)
New topic: When will this cold weather be out of here?? I am glad that I am not living on the East Coast after seeing the weather there lately. So much snow has fallen out there and more is on the way. I wish we could have a little snow here, at least it would make the cold a little more bearable. But the wind here today is crazy. I am sitting at the computer and can hear the wind blowing through the house every once in a while. course, could just be that the house is old and has poor insulation, but I can still hear it.
Well, off to do my chores and work on a Valentine's Day gift for Brian :)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
My welcomed 6:05am phone call
Yes, it happened today. After 2 weeks of no phone calls, and the cold weather closing yesterday, I finally got the 6am phone call I have been waiting for. I threw back the covers, checked the caller ID (just to be sure it was Carol and not someone else calling at 6am), and accepted the preschool parapro position. It was an hourly job, and one at a school with the longest unpaid lunch of all, but it was a job none the less.
It turned out to be a much easier day then I thought (except for the fact that I had bus duty, which put me outside 4 times today). I spent the morning doing bulletin boards and cutting things for the teacher that would be used next week. The afternoon was spent in a class that I had been in for a week in January, and was pretty laid back due to the fact that the teacher in the room was also a sub. In fact, the whole building was crawling with subs since the teachers were all testing for kindergarten next year. But, I can't complain-I made some money today.
Then there was Sylvan. Not a tough night-actually a pretty easy day for me. The only down side is that I am really tired at 9:30pm. But at least I have a reason for that which beats sitting at home all day.
It turned out to be a much easier day then I thought (except for the fact that I had bus duty, which put me outside 4 times today). I spent the morning doing bulletin boards and cutting things for the teacher that would be used next week. The afternoon was spent in a class that I had been in for a week in January, and was pretty laid back due to the fact that the teacher in the room was also a sub. In fact, the whole building was crawling with subs since the teachers were all testing for kindergarten next year. But, I can't complain-I made some money today.
Then there was Sylvan. Not a tough night-actually a pretty easy day for me. The only down side is that I am really tired at 9:30pm. But at least I have a reason for that which beats sitting at home all day.
Monday, February 05, 2007
BRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
Could it be any colder outside?? Ok, yes it probably could. With the wind chills today it is -36 degrees. Without the wind it is still -18 degrees. It is so cold that all of the schools in the area are closed-a few even decided last night that they were going to close. So, I am not subbing today. However, I am taking this opportunity to catch up on the laundry and dishes from the weekend,in preparation for being called for the rest of the week. Maybe a little wishful, but I am thinking positively.
So, we watched the SuperBowl last night and most of the commercials. We missed the very beginning, which I am told had a cute Blockbuster commercial. I am hoping that one makes it air and I will see it soon. I was really not impressed with the quality of the new commercials this year. I actually didn't see a whole lot of new ones either. Coke had quite a few and I found out on the news this morning that the commercial for the Chevy HHR, when all the guys are taking their shirts off, was created by a college girl from UWM. I thought that was pretty cool. I can't say that I have a favorite, but I did like the one for Budweiser with the dalmation and the white dog who got splashed with mud from a passing car and then decided to join the other dalmation in the Budweiser wagon. Pretty cute and intelligent for a dog. I would love to hear what your favorites were-if you had any.
So, we watched the SuperBowl last night and most of the commercials. We missed the very beginning, which I am told had a cute Blockbuster commercial. I am hoping that one makes it air and I will see it soon. I was really not impressed with the quality of the new commercials this year. I actually didn't see a whole lot of new ones either. Coke had quite a few and I found out on the news this morning that the commercial for the Chevy HHR, when all the guys are taking their shirts off, was created by a college girl from UWM. I thought that was pretty cool. I can't say that I have a favorite, but I did like the one for Budweiser with the dalmation and the white dog who got splashed with mud from a passing car and then decided to join the other dalmation in the Budweiser wagon. Pretty cute and intelligent for a dog. I would love to hear what your favorites were-if you had any.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Happy February!!
So, it is finally February with all of its cold glory. And it is only going to get colder. Still no sub calls this week-but there is still tomorrow:)
So, I sit at home contemplating what to do. There is cleaning that needs to be done as we are having company tomorrow night. I know that I should get it done today, because I may get called tomorrow and then I will be screwed. But part of me is thinking that I probably won't get called so I might as well hold off. Oh the delemas of my life. Wish I had bigger delemas.
Well, the time of the morning has come where I search the employment websites to see if there are any work from home jobs that don't require any money up front-or if there are any other part time jobs I could do as a filler for my days. I am confident that subbing will pick up soon. After all, this cold weather is bound to make some people want to stay home and take a personal day, right?! Or the germs will finally come back and spread throughout the schools. I know the germs are in my house. My scratchy throat turned into a head cold, and that is excatly where it is staying. See, if I had been called this week, I could have spread my cold germs around-potentially getting more subbing calls!! (I actually had a friend suggest that I take in blankets laced with small pox to schools. I wouldn't want to kill the staff, jsut knock them out for a day) Oh well, so I spend another day sitting here, waiting for the phone to rign for even a half day sub and thinking about all the cleaning that I should be doing but am putting off. UGG procrastinating- it is like school all over again!!!
So, I sit at home contemplating what to do. There is cleaning that needs to be done as we are having company tomorrow night. I know that I should get it done today, because I may get called tomorrow and then I will be screwed. But part of me is thinking that I probably won't get called so I might as well hold off. Oh the delemas of my life. Wish I had bigger delemas.
Well, the time of the morning has come where I search the employment websites to see if there are any work from home jobs that don't require any money up front-or if there are any other part time jobs I could do as a filler for my days. I am confident that subbing will pick up soon. After all, this cold weather is bound to make some people want to stay home and take a personal day, right?! Or the germs will finally come back and spread throughout the schools. I know the germs are in my house. My scratchy throat turned into a head cold, and that is excatly where it is staying. See, if I had been called this week, I could have spread my cold germs around-potentially getting more subbing calls!! (I actually had a friend suggest that I take in blankets laced with small pox to schools. I wouldn't want to kill the staff, jsut knock them out for a day) Oh well, so I spend another day sitting here, waiting for the phone to rign for even a half day sub and thinking about all the cleaning that I should be doing but am putting off. UGG procrastinating- it is like school all over again!!!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Here I sit again
I haven't gotten called to sub since last Monday. This darn cold weather, killing all the germs. Except I think that I may be coming down with a cold. I had the scratchy throat a few days ago and now my nose seems to be stuffed up. But I would give anything to get a 6am phone call this week. As tired as I feel by the time I get home from a 12 hour day, the money is really nice. And you would think that with all this time off, the house would be cleaner. That is not the case-but it is not a pigsty either. I did a good cleaning a week ago and am doing things to maintain that, but I am just not in the mood to clean either. I am keeping up on the dishes, but that is about it.
So, if anyone knows of any school district in the Appleton area, who is looking for teachers for next year-or even this year-let me know. And if anyone in the Appleton area has any odd jobs that they are willing to pay someone to do-let me know.
So, if anyone knows of any school district in the Appleton area, who is looking for teachers for next year-or even this year-let me know. And if anyone in the Appleton area has any odd jobs that they are willing to pay someone to do-let me know.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
I have...
...my health.
...a wonderful husband.
...a family who loves me.
...friends who care about me.
...2 part time jobs that bring in some money.
...a house (hopefully that we will be able to keep)
...a college degree.
...a wonderful husband.
...a family who loves me.
...friends who care about me.
...2 part time jobs that bring in some money.
...a house (hopefully that we will be able to keep)
...a college degree.
WHY...
...can't money grow on trees?
...can't the necessities in life be cheaper-or free:)
...aren't more teachers getting sick?
...can't I find a full time teaching position?
...does it have to be so flippin cold?
...does it seem like bad things are always happening to good people?
...can't we ever seem like we are on top of things?
...can't we win the lottery? (guess it might help a little if we played, huh?!!?!)
...can't you make money from home without having to put money in first?
...am I not lucky in the sweepstakes that I enter?
...can't I think of something creative to make and sell? (I am open to ideas)
...does it seem like my life sucks and always will?
...won't a school district hire me?
...am I questioning if I am a good teacher? (Am I a good teacher?)
...am I sitting here feeling sorry for myself?
I guess that is all for my slef pity for today. Feel free to add any of your own WHY's to the list.
...can't the necessities in life be cheaper-or free:)
...aren't more teachers getting sick?
...can't I find a full time teaching position?
...does it have to be so flippin cold?
...does it seem like bad things are always happening to good people?
...can't we ever seem like we are on top of things?
...can't we win the lottery? (guess it might help a little if we played, huh?!!?!)
...can't you make money from home without having to put money in first?
...am I not lucky in the sweepstakes that I enter?
...can't I think of something creative to make and sell? (I am open to ideas)
...does it seem like my life sucks and always will?
...won't a school district hire me?
...am I questioning if I am a good teacher? (Am I a good teacher?)
...am I sitting here feeling sorry for myself?
I guess that is all for my slef pity for today. Feel free to add any of your own WHY's to the list.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Pretty, pretty snow!!
when you are watching it from the inside, curled up under a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa. It is snowing here and has been all morning. I think watching snow is really prertty. Since this is our first measurable snowfall here in the Fox Valley, I think it is neat. Course I will probably change my tune once it stops snowing and I have to go out and shovel it. That's right, I said shovel. We don't have a snow blower and if I wait for the neighbors (who graciously do it once in a while) I may be waiting a while or get my door mat shredding again (that happened last year). so once the snow stops, I will bundle up and venture outside. I will be sure to have the cocoa waiting for me when I come in.
I hope all those of you who are also getting this beautiful snowfall are enjoying it. There may be snowmen in our yard soon:)
I hope all those of you who are also getting this beautiful snowfall are enjoying it. There may be snowmen in our yard soon:)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Easiest $91 I ever made
Get your minds out of the gutter. I was back at the middle school library again today-for the librarian. The day was a very slow day. There were no classes coming in to check out books, so I didn't have that guarenteed work. I sat in the back all morning, reading a book (the parapro told me to) while she took care of the few kids that came in between classes to check out books. she also did a few odds and ends around the library. I spent the afternoon sitting at the desk, watching classes work on the computers and checking in and out a small amount of books. Wonder if I will be back there tomorrow. Can't think of a better way to spend a Friday, if I really have to go to work that is!!
Well, as simple as my day was I am still exhausted. Must be all the hard work I do at Sylvan, sitting all night!!!
Well, as simple as my day was I am still exhausted. Must be all the hard work I do at Sylvan, sitting all night!!!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Happy New Year
Christmas celebrations are finally over. (Well, I still have a party for Sylvan, but who knows when that one will happen) We had our last on on Saturday with my dads side of the family. Since everyone is so spread out and has different travel plans, it usually is January that we celebrate with them. We got home last night and started to take all the decorations down. All we have left is the tree and the lights. I am going to do the lights shortly and Brian will do the tree when he gets home. Then it will be time to start getting ready for Valentine's Day.
Anyone make any good resolutions for the New Year? I didn't, but after writing my last entry I think it should be to finish the sign language book. And maybe learn Spanish since that would come in handy with subbing at some schools. Well, stay tuned for 2007 in review to find out if any of those happen. can't wait to hear yours.
Anyone make any good resolutions for the New Year? I didn't, but after writing my last entry I think it should be to finish the sign language book. And maybe learn Spanish since that would come in handy with subbing at some schools. Well, stay tuned for 2007 in review to find out if any of those happen. can't wait to hear yours.
2006 in review
Ok, so I meant to do this last week, but ended up subbing in a preschool classroom as an aide. So time got away from me.
Here are the few things that happened in the Burns house during 2006:
*All family and friends have been relatively healthy
*1st full year in the house, which brought:
*landscaping-as much as the budget could handle
*happy birds
*garage door remodels
*Brian learned to put in a toilet (hoping to replace another one soon)
*1st September in 5 years I didn't have to get a classroom ready for kids to come (that is kind of a sad one)
*Reconnected with old friends (both in person and in e-mail)
*one couple had a baby whom I got to babysit for quite a bit
*one friend got married
*I started this blog to keep better connected
*Kaukauna saw a big pyrotecnics show
*attempted a rummage sale (semi successful, but still had a lot of stuff left over)
*survived 3 years of marriage
*attempted to teach myself sign language(that lasted about 3 weeks and I still haven't finished the book)
Here are the few things that happened in the Burns house during 2006:
*All family and friends have been relatively healthy
*1st full year in the house, which brought:
*landscaping-as much as the budget could handle
*happy birds
*garage door remodels
*Brian learned to put in a toilet (hoping to replace another one soon)
*1st September in 5 years I didn't have to get a classroom ready for kids to come (that is kind of a sad one)
*Reconnected with old friends (both in person and in e-mail)
*one couple had a baby whom I got to babysit for quite a bit
*one friend got married
*I started this blog to keep better connected
*Kaukauna saw a big pyrotecnics show
*attempted a rummage sale (semi successful, but still had a lot of stuff left over)
*survived 3 years of marriage
*attempted to teach myself sign language(that lasted about 3 weeks and I still haven't finished the book)
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