FINALLY. I have not worked this much in years! And my paycheck arrived yesterday. Of course, it was less than I had hoped for but still probably the largest I have ever received. And today I went for my 'interview' at the employment agency. They don't ask you much, you just fill in a bunch of forms and take a LONG test on their computer. So I scored above average for all my Microsoft Office application skills, and I typed 60 wpm with six errors. So if they get anything in they will call, particularly in Excel.
The Excel thing is ironic, because I sent a resume over to a church on the recommendation of a friend. Her mother is retiring from the position and they need someone to work part time but to be their main office secretary. I am sure I'd be able to do the job and do it well, but I may not get the chance because it turns out they may want someone with bookkeeping experience, and related software. So I have experience annualizing rates of return and compiling statistics but since I have not used accounting software or kept a simple ledger, I may not even be granted an interview.
Otherwise, I am just happy to be off on a weekday! Brian had a tutor come by to try to help him with biology, but the teacher is so disorganized that there's nothing to help us figure out what he needs next. There's one assignment on the web but Brian claims it's not for his class. I had him do it anyway, with the tutor. She won't be cheap but if she comes once a week and helps him through his work, when he gets the study guide for the final, hopefully she can coach him through to a better grade than he got on the midterm!
Now I am going to take him out to get a couple of things for our trip. I am anxious to get down there - the stress leading up to it is always exhausting: dogs, cats, house, shopping, packing, flying ... and yesterday, Molly pooped on the rug again! Right next to me! I sat down on the floor to pet her and she started to come over - then walked away and went right into a squat! I threw her our, turds flying everywhere. It was just awful. She had been let out several times, but it was raining. I don't know whether to just take her to the kennel with Wilbur or to pray really hard that the dog walker comes through and walks her every day next week. She tries to hold out for those walks, and if she doesn't get them, nature takes over.
Of course, I think she did go outside this morning already. When I opened the door to let them in, I saw Wilbur eating what seemed to be a fresh pile. The fun is never-ending.
My horoscope for today says go to a very crowded place, that I will be energized by the crowds. I find this advice tough to follow - but maybe I'll give it a try in a little while. I've been feeling fairly anti-social lately!
And in other news, the sun is finally peeking through the clouds. We should have some monstrous shrubs and perennials this year. This has been crazy! I only hope it will hold off till after we have already flown to Florida to rain again ... and I hope it stays dry while we're down there!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
spring broke
Well, spring is here, they say. And I guess it is, it's soaking wet outside! Makes it not so bad to be working or in school today and tomorrow! Good thing Brian is off because last night when I went upstairs I found him in his room with all the lights out. He said his head and stomach hurt because he had eaten too much. He had several donuts (I assume), then McDonalds with a chocolate shake, and God knows what at the movies (he saw How to Train a Dragon), and then came home and ate pasta with bolognese sauce. So he said he didn't want motrin but Kevin pushed the issue and five minutes later there was chocolate shake puke all over the bathroom.
So Kevin had to clean it up.
Anyway, he is fine today; he really was a lot better even after that, and now tonight, is ravenous. He ate a muffin and a hot chocolate all day and devoured his dinner and is now scavenging for scraps on which to gorge himself. It's odd because that's the third time he's had cheeseburgers with some sort of chocolate milk or shake and thrown up afterward.
And today I subbed in regular ed. It was wonderful. They behaved the whole time and even though the lesson plans were a little scant, I managed to drag them out and they never complained. I think we had a good day! I checked the plans for tomorrow and it might be a little harder to drag the morning story out, so I may look for a book to read them or print out a puzzle instead. At least, I think they were wonderful. It may just be that I have lowered my standards! (no, they really were good!)
So one more day in that class, and one more day of school for Megan. She is at practice now, and is on her antibiotic for four more days. I don't like that she blows her nose non-stop in the morning for about an hour. Oh, and of course: H1N1 makes the news again. Mostly in Georgia? Right next to Florida? Great. Oh, and it was last year that all of this began just right after everyone came back from spring break!
And in other news, I have found someone to tutor Brian in biology and she will come on Wednesday morning. My fear for him in this class is that he will fail the final if he doesn't get it pulled together. If she can get him to start passing some tests with better than 70's, maybe he can get that average up a little more. And we'll work on the other classes on our own. So it will be a start. An expensive one. But necessary for right now. Also, I have my interview with that agency on Wednesday, the one I had to cancel, so we'll see how that goes. Maybe they can get me some temp work at least, for over the summer. I don't know how much they get in that's only part-time but I did get some jobs years back when I temped, that were only 9 till 1. I'm not holding my breath for the job referral I got from my friend. It would be lovely if it worked out, but I have learned not to allow my expectations to rise. But for now, I am looking forward to the week off. I am pretty sure this is the longest I have gone without a day off in ten years!
So Kevin had to clean it up.
Anyway, he is fine today; he really was a lot better even after that, and now tonight, is ravenous. He ate a muffin and a hot chocolate all day and devoured his dinner and is now scavenging for scraps on which to gorge himself. It's odd because that's the third time he's had cheeseburgers with some sort of chocolate milk or shake and thrown up afterward.
And today I subbed in regular ed. It was wonderful. They behaved the whole time and even though the lesson plans were a little scant, I managed to drag them out and they never complained. I think we had a good day! I checked the plans for tomorrow and it might be a little harder to drag the morning story out, so I may look for a book to read them or print out a puzzle instead. At least, I think they were wonderful. It may just be that I have lowered my standards! (no, they really were good!)
So one more day in that class, and one more day of school for Megan. She is at practice now, and is on her antibiotic for four more days. I don't like that she blows her nose non-stop in the morning for about an hour. Oh, and of course: H1N1 makes the news again. Mostly in Georgia? Right next to Florida? Great. Oh, and it was last year that all of this began just right after everyone came back from spring break!
And in other news, I have found someone to tutor Brian in biology and she will come on Wednesday morning. My fear for him in this class is that he will fail the final if he doesn't get it pulled together. If she can get him to start passing some tests with better than 70's, maybe he can get that average up a little more. And we'll work on the other classes on our own. So it will be a start. An expensive one. But necessary for right now. Also, I have my interview with that agency on Wednesday, the one I had to cancel, so we'll see how that goes. Maybe they can get me some temp work at least, for over the summer. I don't know how much they get in that's only part-time but I did get some jobs years back when I temped, that were only 9 till 1. I'm not holding my breath for the job referral I got from my friend. It would be lovely if it worked out, but I have learned not to allow my expectations to rise. But for now, I am looking forward to the week off. I am pretty sure this is the longest I have gone without a day off in ten years!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
iPost!
And so this is the first post from the new iMac! I guess Kevin was feeling a little entitled due to his upcoming bonus, and a little disgusted with the old PC, and he just came home with it yesterday. I usually use the old laptop which now has to be anchored to a wall at all times because it shuts down as soon as the charging cable becomes disconnected. Although the iMac is obviously superior, it also takes some getting used to. It's like Windows, but not. Or should I say - Windows is like the Mac, but not. But we were used to Windows.
Anyway, I have survived Round 1 of my long term temping job. The next two days will be in a third grade class, and then I have a break. Then the one day with the boy, and then off to Florida. It's been such a long time coming that I can't believe it is time for that trip again. Funny to think that we had E with us last year!
The good news is that Brian's report card arrived and yes - he passed everything. Mostly 'passed' being the silver lining to the actual numerical grades. The highest was an 80, and that was Spanish, where he used to have 90's, until he spent two weeks failing every test he took in school. I have devised a plan to try to get his grades up by the end of the year. First, I am going hire a biology tutor, probably once a week, to get him on track. I'd ask her to come more, but I don't know if we can afford it. She is expensive. Second, since he seems to keep missing points for stupid mistakes when he takes math tests, I am going to enlist Megan's help as a tutor after Nationals. I'll tie her pay to his performance, and reward him somehow as well, so he won't be belligerent to her. It will be unorthodox and perhaps not always recommended, but it will be better than paying 'real' tutors x2, on top of the tuition. I can handle the history and English. He will be on his own with religion and Spanish.
And then I have to figure out a way to ensure that he passes the summer reading test in the fall. I'm considering reading the books myself and then testing him on them. I guess it depends on how much free time I will have, which, right now, is unlimited.
On that front, I have sent out a couple of additional resumes, and I'm waiting to see if I will hear anything. I also want to contact that temp agency, possibly tomorrow, because I'll have prep and lunch, at least. In the other job I don't get a break at all, all day. If needed, I would be allowed to run off and make a call, but I can't ask to do it for no reason at all. And as a sub, I don't want to get the reputation of not being dedicated.
Megan is also waiting to hear something on an application we filled in for summer work. Supposedly she has the job as assistant swim coach, but she also applied to lifeguard and we have not heard anything at all. The coach is a reference, but we didn't specifically flag the application in any way so it may be at the bottom of a pile. The town held a job fair last week so I'm sure they got a lot more at that time. I don't know what she'll do if she doesn't hear back on this. She hasn't put in for anything else. I guess she will have to get on that when she gets back from Florida too.
Also on the horizon is her junior prom, which I guess she would be just as happy to skip. She hates the whole idea of the dress and probably also hates the one I suggested and she agreed to. Now it has to be shortened and we don't know where to take it. I have to work on that some more tomorrow. She will also need shoes, which she also hates to wear. No flip-flops, no sneakers. That's her only footwear.
Right now she is at the mall shopping for more things for their trip next week. I can't imagine what else she needs, so I hope she won't spend much more. I'm going to leave in a little while and go down to pick them up, but I'll get there a little early and shop a bit myself first.
And in other news, the plans for the pets are set for when we go away. Hopefully, Molly will hold herself together for the Doll, who is going to try to get her once-a-day dog walker in to walk Molly so she will do her business. She gets a little stubborn and holds it in when she is in unfamiliar territory. She's always been that way, but now that she is old, the results are usually unpleasant. In the absence of poor Buddy, the cats will only need to be looked in on every other day. Nobody trashes the litterbox or stinks it up the way he used to do. And nobody is particularly fond of wet food anymore either, so that usually ends up going to waste. I stretch one can out over three days for three cats and still throw some out every day.
But the real news is that someone stole our street sign again. It's that time of year, when the college acceptances arrive, and everybody wants a street sign that says 'Lehigh.' The question is, can the town afford a new one this year?
Anyway, I have survived Round 1 of my long term temping job. The next two days will be in a third grade class, and then I have a break. Then the one day with the boy, and then off to Florida. It's been such a long time coming that I can't believe it is time for that trip again. Funny to think that we had E with us last year!
The good news is that Brian's report card arrived and yes - he passed everything. Mostly 'passed' being the silver lining to the actual numerical grades. The highest was an 80, and that was Spanish, where he used to have 90's, until he spent two weeks failing every test he took in school. I have devised a plan to try to get his grades up by the end of the year. First, I am going hire a biology tutor, probably once a week, to get him on track. I'd ask her to come more, but I don't know if we can afford it. She is expensive. Second, since he seems to keep missing points for stupid mistakes when he takes math tests, I am going to enlist Megan's help as a tutor after Nationals. I'll tie her pay to his performance, and reward him somehow as well, so he won't be belligerent to her. It will be unorthodox and perhaps not always recommended, but it will be better than paying 'real' tutors x2, on top of the tuition. I can handle the history and English. He will be on his own with religion and Spanish.
And then I have to figure out a way to ensure that he passes the summer reading test in the fall. I'm considering reading the books myself and then testing him on them. I guess it depends on how much free time I will have, which, right now, is unlimited.
On that front, I have sent out a couple of additional resumes, and I'm waiting to see if I will hear anything. I also want to contact that temp agency, possibly tomorrow, because I'll have prep and lunch, at least. In the other job I don't get a break at all, all day. If needed, I would be allowed to run off and make a call, but I can't ask to do it for no reason at all. And as a sub, I don't want to get the reputation of not being dedicated.
Megan is also waiting to hear something on an application we filled in for summer work. Supposedly she has the job as assistant swim coach, but she also applied to lifeguard and we have not heard anything at all. The coach is a reference, but we didn't specifically flag the application in any way so it may be at the bottom of a pile. The town held a job fair last week so I'm sure they got a lot more at that time. I don't know what she'll do if she doesn't hear back on this. She hasn't put in for anything else. I guess she will have to get on that when she gets back from Florida too.
Also on the horizon is her junior prom, which I guess she would be just as happy to skip. She hates the whole idea of the dress and probably also hates the one I suggested and she agreed to. Now it has to be shortened and we don't know where to take it. I have to work on that some more tomorrow. She will also need shoes, which she also hates to wear. No flip-flops, no sneakers. That's her only footwear.
Right now she is at the mall shopping for more things for their trip next week. I can't imagine what else she needs, so I hope she won't spend much more. I'm going to leave in a little while and go down to pick them up, but I'll get there a little early and shop a bit myself first.
And in other news, the plans for the pets are set for when we go away. Hopefully, Molly will hold herself together for the Doll, who is going to try to get her once-a-day dog walker in to walk Molly so she will do her business. She gets a little stubborn and holds it in when she is in unfamiliar territory. She's always been that way, but now that she is old, the results are usually unpleasant. In the absence of poor Buddy, the cats will only need to be looked in on every other day. Nobody trashes the litterbox or stinks it up the way he used to do. And nobody is particularly fond of wet food anymore either, so that usually ends up going to waste. I stretch one can out over three days for three cats and still throw some out every day.
But the real news is that someone stole our street sign again. It's that time of year, when the college acceptances arrive, and everybody wants a street sign that says 'Lehigh.' The question is, can the town afford a new one this year?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
good grief
I cannot believe how fast time has gone yet how long the week has seemed to be! I checked and I see my last blog post was four days ago. The crime! It's just been hectic. Of course, working till 3 and then having a meeting Tuesday night at the high school, a dinner with Brian through his school last night, and then tonight the foreign languages fundraising dinner at Megan's school. Not to mention a Monday and Tuesday from hell in my classroom, although thankfully they were balanced out by the two best days yet, in yesterday and today.
Times are a little stressful though. The school budget news has really been grim, and they posted the number of teachers to be cut as right around 72 in the district. The superintendent says to think of it as positions and not people, alleging that they will try to move everyone into open spots as people retire. But this really only applies to the tenured staff. So the non-tenured are really on edge. And I can forget about my dream of getting in there permanently, at least for now. So the search must go on.
Along those lines, I finally discovered who was hired for the job I didn't get, and as I suspected, they went the 'young and just out of college' route. I can't wait to see the first finished product, but I imagine they will be happy anyway. After all, Harvard they ain't, thought they may think they are just as good. I imagine as long as someone gets the job done reasonably well, they won't notice any different. And as long as she isn't asking to leave to go drive a kid somewhere for half an hour, they'll be happy.
Tomorrow is report card day for Brian. I think he is passing everything, albeit barely. He has a biology quiz tomorrow and that seems to be his worst subject, no matter what he does. I was actually considering moving him back to the public schools until this budget news hit. Now those C's aren't looking so bad. And anyway - he is happy there. Hopefully that will motivate him to improve.
Megan's health is improving, on this third course of antibiotics. I hope she will be healthy for nationals - terrible news for some of these poor college swimmers, all sick with the gastro ailment in Chicago! That happened to some swimmers in Florida two years ago. They ate chicken at our hotel and it landed them all in the hospital for a few days. What a shame.
My charge in school is going to be on vacation next week, so I will go in tomorrow and work wherever they need me, but then on Monday and Tuesday, I'm working in a third grade class in my other school. I'll go back in with my boy on Easter Monday but then we're off for Florida. Then when I come back, I'll stay with him until he leaves the school, which I believe will be the end of the month.
Anyway, in other news, Megan's prom dress is here. I have to find a seamstress and have it altered, it is too long and probably too big in some spots (she hasn't tried it on yet! they had another dress in the same size but not this one, they had just sold it when I estimated her as a smaller size than she actually needed). I'd like to get it into someone next week so it will be ready when we get back from our trip. Oh, and while I was out today, Wilbur ate the cushion off of one of the kitchen stools. Then later, when I took him (and Molly) for a walk, a neighbor asked if anything had happened at our house a few days ago. He said he heard the dog barking so badly that he almost came over to make sure we were OK! I said, no. That's just Wilbur.
Times are a little stressful though. The school budget news has really been grim, and they posted the number of teachers to be cut as right around 72 in the district. The superintendent says to think of it as positions and not people, alleging that they will try to move everyone into open spots as people retire. But this really only applies to the tenured staff. So the non-tenured are really on edge. And I can forget about my dream of getting in there permanently, at least for now. So the search must go on.
Along those lines, I finally discovered who was hired for the job I didn't get, and as I suspected, they went the 'young and just out of college' route. I can't wait to see the first finished product, but I imagine they will be happy anyway. After all, Harvard they ain't, thought they may think they are just as good. I imagine as long as someone gets the job done reasonably well, they won't notice any different. And as long as she isn't asking to leave to go drive a kid somewhere for half an hour, they'll be happy.
Tomorrow is report card day for Brian. I think he is passing everything, albeit barely. He has a biology quiz tomorrow and that seems to be his worst subject, no matter what he does. I was actually considering moving him back to the public schools until this budget news hit. Now those C's aren't looking so bad. And anyway - he is happy there. Hopefully that will motivate him to improve.
Megan's health is improving, on this third course of antibiotics. I hope she will be healthy for nationals - terrible news for some of these poor college swimmers, all sick with the gastro ailment in Chicago! That happened to some swimmers in Florida two years ago. They ate chicken at our hotel and it landed them all in the hospital for a few days. What a shame.
My charge in school is going to be on vacation next week, so I will go in tomorrow and work wherever they need me, but then on Monday and Tuesday, I'm working in a third grade class in my other school. I'll go back in with my boy on Easter Monday but then we're off for Florida. Then when I come back, I'll stay with him until he leaves the school, which I believe will be the end of the month.
Anyway, in other news, Megan's prom dress is here. I have to find a seamstress and have it altered, it is too long and probably too big in some spots (she hasn't tried it on yet! they had another dress in the same size but not this one, they had just sold it when I estimated her as a smaller size than she actually needed). I'd like to get it into someone next week so it will be ready when we get back from our trip. Oh, and while I was out today, Wilbur ate the cushion off of one of the kitchen stools. Then later, when I took him (and Molly) for a walk, a neighbor asked if anything had happened at our house a few days ago. He said he heard the dog barking so badly that he almost came over to make sure we were OK! I said, no. That's just Wilbur.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
weekends are different when you work
They go so much faster! And I used to be able to say, well, if I don't finish this today, I'll just finish it tomorrow, I won't take any jobs. Now my days are spoken for from 8:15 through 3:30, and I get very little accomplished. With swimming winding down (two weeks till Nationals!) at least I'll have more time in the afternoons when I don't have to run the swim shuttle for a while. (although then the trips to the beach practices will begin! But at least those are enjoyable)
I didn't get much accomplished this weekend. Yesterday the entire morning went to Megan and her illness, as I had to take her in to the doctor when she woke herself up with a sneeze at 8am, after she had threatened bodily harm to anyone who dared disturb her slumber. The afternoon was spent shopping for a dress for her to wear to her prom, because I thought maybe I could find something without her there and if she didn't like it, I could just take it back. I did find one, but it was the wrong size, so she ended up having to come with me today anyway, to try on the other sizes.
In the end, they didn't have the right size anymore, and I had to order it. It should arrive this week, and then we'll have to find someone to alter it. It's too long and will probably be too big in some spots. It's hard to find a dress to fit her swimmer's shoulders :/. But the price was reasonable and I didn't think we'd have much luck (and after the E experience I was afraid to try) shopping at boutiques trying to spend less than $200, so I grabbed it up.
Speaking of E, after a chance encounter on Friday night, she stopped by today for a few hours to visit. She stayed for dinner and we had a nice chat, so she is doing well. She is en route to have her plate removed from her big collarbone accident last year.
As for Brian, he is passing all his classes, as far as we know. If he managed to get a 70 or higher on his biology test on Friday, he will be passing biology as well. If not, he'll have to cruise through the final marking period to ensure he passes the class for the year. It was a rough marking period, which it should not have been. He started off on a high note in all his classes, and ended up almost failing four of them. (!)
And in other news, Molly continues to show her age with a couple of accidents in the house. The other night, she peed (more like exploded) under the kitchen table, and tonight, she just suddenly got up and left behind a small pile of excrement! Horrible! This is not an easy time with her. I just hope she doesn't do anything like that at the Doll's when we're in Florida. I don't have anything else to do with her if she makes herself an unwelcome visitor! I don't think she is actually doing it on purpose. She just hates to get up so she lies around and then finally it just comes out when she goes to get up. But other times she can go for hours without incident. Poor Moll. At least both times were on the tile floor. So far. She has had long days all these past three weeks that I've been working without a problem. I hope she can keep that up! I usually walk them in the afternoon, and she waits for that.
I didn't get much accomplished this weekend. Yesterday the entire morning went to Megan and her illness, as I had to take her in to the doctor when she woke herself up with a sneeze at 8am, after she had threatened bodily harm to anyone who dared disturb her slumber. The afternoon was spent shopping for a dress for her to wear to her prom, because I thought maybe I could find something without her there and if she didn't like it, I could just take it back. I did find one, but it was the wrong size, so she ended up having to come with me today anyway, to try on the other sizes.
In the end, they didn't have the right size anymore, and I had to order it. It should arrive this week, and then we'll have to find someone to alter it. It's too long and will probably be too big in some spots. It's hard to find a dress to fit her swimmer's shoulders :/. But the price was reasonable and I didn't think we'd have much luck (and after the E experience I was afraid to try) shopping at boutiques trying to spend less than $200, so I grabbed it up.
Speaking of E, after a chance encounter on Friday night, she stopped by today for a few hours to visit. She stayed for dinner and we had a nice chat, so she is doing well. She is en route to have her plate removed from her big collarbone accident last year.
As for Brian, he is passing all his classes, as far as we know. If he managed to get a 70 or higher on his biology test on Friday, he will be passing biology as well. If not, he'll have to cruise through the final marking period to ensure he passes the class for the year. It was a rough marking period, which it should not have been. He started off on a high note in all his classes, and ended up almost failing four of them. (!)
And in other news, Molly continues to show her age with a couple of accidents in the house. The other night, she peed (more like exploded) under the kitchen table, and tonight, she just suddenly got up and left behind a small pile of excrement! Horrible! This is not an easy time with her. I just hope she doesn't do anything like that at the Doll's when we're in Florida. I don't have anything else to do with her if she makes herself an unwelcome visitor! I don't think she is actually doing it on purpose. She just hates to get up so she lies around and then finally it just comes out when she goes to get up. But other times she can go for hours without incident. Poor Moll. At least both times were on the tile floor. So far. She has had long days all these past three weeks that I've been working without a problem. I hope she can keep that up! I usually walk them in the afternoon, and she waits for that.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
budget blues
Yep, so it's crazy around here these days! Brian's marking period is ending, which means tests galore for him, and emails from teachers, and worries of failures (and failures to worry about), not to mention my job, which absolutely wears me out! Also since I have been working in this school I have been sick! First I had a cough, and then it turned into a stuffy nose with sneezing. At least I am coughing less, but enough is enough! And Megan is starting to sniffle and cough again, too! I feel like she can't win - twice on antibiotics is the limit. She can't go on them again, so she is going to have to fight this one off on her own. She's taking Claritin-D, which usually helps. She is OK, just stuffy, but I've been wondering if I should try Zyrtec and see if that might work better.
I think she will improve once she doesn't have to swim in that indoor pool anymore!
So today I went to see a play for a huge array of kindergarteners at a local community theater. It was cute, but of course, too long for my charge, who announced he had to go to the bathroom at about an hour into it, and then just finally stood up when I had stalled him too long for his liking. I was practically shaking after the trip, worrying what he would do out on the street and in the theater, and then pushing ahead of others in line, and worrying about how the rest of the day would go. I think I have this job for next week and then two days the week after, which is when our spring break begins. After that, I have to find out what they want me to do since I'll be away the following week. If they want me to get a sub for myself, or if they just want to put someone else in there until the end of the assignment. I'll ask the principal either tomorrow or next week. She's always very busy, and I feel very menial and hate to trouble her.
As far as this job turning into anything permanent, I am not optimistic at all after the news that came out today on the state funding cuts to the district. Apparently they are way worse than feared and the district is going to have to resort to drastic measures. So this means teachers cut, classes cut, programs cut, and of course, classroom aides cut. They plan to cut 18 of these. Also, they're slashing the sub teacher pay by $10 and the sub aide pay by $1 per hour, which will make the substitute aides higher paid than the sub teachers, if you calculate the teacher rate on an hourly basis. But it also looks like there won't be any new jobs opening up for quite a while to those of us on the sub list!
I also worry about the high school swim team. It makes me wonder if this is why Megan and her friend got the awards that usually go to seniors. Was this some kind of foreshadowing, or simply giving credit where it's always been due? I guess we'll find out. Also, Megan is worried because she heard they'd cut AP classes. And AP classes which she needs to be in when she's applying to colleges next year! It's pretty bad, to be kind.
Anyway, in other news, I have some food in the oven that isn't cooperating and I must go and see if it is ready to come out. Seems like we eat later and later these days. I am looking forward to Florida and the end of the winter swim season!
I think she will improve once she doesn't have to swim in that indoor pool anymore!
So today I went to see a play for a huge array of kindergarteners at a local community theater. It was cute, but of course, too long for my charge, who announced he had to go to the bathroom at about an hour into it, and then just finally stood up when I had stalled him too long for his liking. I was practically shaking after the trip, worrying what he would do out on the street and in the theater, and then pushing ahead of others in line, and worrying about how the rest of the day would go. I think I have this job for next week and then two days the week after, which is when our spring break begins. After that, I have to find out what they want me to do since I'll be away the following week. If they want me to get a sub for myself, or if they just want to put someone else in there until the end of the assignment. I'll ask the principal either tomorrow or next week. She's always very busy, and I feel very menial and hate to trouble her.
As far as this job turning into anything permanent, I am not optimistic at all after the news that came out today on the state funding cuts to the district. Apparently they are way worse than feared and the district is going to have to resort to drastic measures. So this means teachers cut, classes cut, programs cut, and of course, classroom aides cut. They plan to cut 18 of these. Also, they're slashing the sub teacher pay by $10 and the sub aide pay by $1 per hour, which will make the substitute aides higher paid than the sub teachers, if you calculate the teacher rate on an hourly basis. But it also looks like there won't be any new jobs opening up for quite a while to those of us on the sub list!
I also worry about the high school swim team. It makes me wonder if this is why Megan and her friend got the awards that usually go to seniors. Was this some kind of foreshadowing, or simply giving credit where it's always been due? I guess we'll find out. Also, Megan is worried because she heard they'd cut AP classes. And AP classes which she needs to be in when she's applying to colleges next year! It's pretty bad, to be kind.
Anyway, in other news, I have some food in the oven that isn't cooperating and I must go and see if it is ready to come out. Seems like we eat later and later these days. I am looking forward to Florida and the end of the winter swim season!
Monday, March 15, 2010
home at last
What a harrowing weekend! Driving out there in the rain after dropping Brian at school, getting gas, and dropping Wilbur at the kennel, only to watch Megan get overtaken in the final strokes of the race, and then having to rush her home to sleep, get back up and get her to the pool by 6:30, then home to rest again and then the back and forth, back and forth, all weekend long. Until the harrowing drive last night in the rain on the two turnpikes finally brought us into the driveway around 10:40.
And not to mention the time change! I'm just glad Megan didn't have the extra early session on Sunday! She didn't have to be to the pool until 8:30.
But it was a successful meet by all accounts. The reason she was out of energy at finals was because of her long distance swim in the mid-session, which she knew would probably cost her the top spot but was worth it because she qualified for nationals in that event as well. (and set a record at her Y)
Brian ended up stuck at the Doll's because of the nor'easter, which took down trees all around the home of the friend who was to be his Saturday night salvation. But they did manage to come by and pick Brian up early Sunday morning and take him to church, back to their house, and then back home to ours afterward. We are most grateful to have these friends to do that for us! Especially because the Doll was making noises about bringing Brian back here to wait alone in the house for us, even though I assured her we would be home by 11 and he would be fine. The last thing I wanted to do was add extra time to that trip home, when we all had to be up early today.
So today we are all back to our respective spots, except for Kevin, who stayed home to deal with the wet basement issues. I guess we have a rug to replace, but I think that may be about it. It was a pretty ugly rug anyway, and the smallest one of the three down there. Although admittedly not the ugliest.
I am sneezing, coughing, have no voice. Last week I had a cough with a tickle, but otherwise felt fine. I think I am coughing less, but now my nose is all stuffy. The hoarseness isn't a good thing in my line of work! Although most of the time I only have to talk to one kid, and he barely listens to me anyway.
But the good news is that the school is having their pajama day tomorrow and - I KNOW ABOUT IT! And then we have a trip on Thursday. I think it will be a pretty eventful week, but then, every day is eventful with this kid!
And in other news, the dogs are just thrilled to be here! Since Kevin was home, I asked him to go and pick them up. As much as I wanted to be Wilbur's savior myself, since it was still raining pretty hard today I thought he'd be happier at home where he'd have space to roam. I'm sure at the kennel they don't get out as much or for as long in rains like these. It's a shame. I'm sure it was pouring the entire time he was there. He probably never even got to have a really good playtime. Molly is, of course, sleeping.
And I keep forgetting to do things for them. Like it was 8:15 before I remembered I feed Wilbur at 5 or 6! I turned my back and his food was gone! Poor little guy. Molly was OK - someone had put some food in her bowl earlier and she still had a lot left. And now Kevin is off to get Megan from the Y and Brian is upstairs allegedly studying. I guess I should check on that.
And not to mention the time change! I'm just glad Megan didn't have the extra early session on Sunday! She didn't have to be to the pool until 8:30.
But it was a successful meet by all accounts. The reason she was out of energy at finals was because of her long distance swim in the mid-session, which she knew would probably cost her the top spot but was worth it because she qualified for nationals in that event as well. (and set a record at her Y)
Brian ended up stuck at the Doll's because of the nor'easter, which took down trees all around the home of the friend who was to be his Saturday night salvation. But they did manage to come by and pick Brian up early Sunday morning and take him to church, back to their house, and then back home to ours afterward. We are most grateful to have these friends to do that for us! Especially because the Doll was making noises about bringing Brian back here to wait alone in the house for us, even though I assured her we would be home by 11 and he would be fine. The last thing I wanted to do was add extra time to that trip home, when we all had to be up early today.
So today we are all back to our respective spots, except for Kevin, who stayed home to deal with the wet basement issues. I guess we have a rug to replace, but I think that may be about it. It was a pretty ugly rug anyway, and the smallest one of the three down there. Although admittedly not the ugliest.
I am sneezing, coughing, have no voice. Last week I had a cough with a tickle, but otherwise felt fine. I think I am coughing less, but now my nose is all stuffy. The hoarseness isn't a good thing in my line of work! Although most of the time I only have to talk to one kid, and he barely listens to me anyway.
But the good news is that the school is having their pajama day tomorrow and - I KNOW ABOUT IT! And then we have a trip on Thursday. I think it will be a pretty eventful week, but then, every day is eventful with this kid!
And in other news, the dogs are just thrilled to be here! Since Kevin was home, I asked him to go and pick them up. As much as I wanted to be Wilbur's savior myself, since it was still raining pretty hard today I thought he'd be happier at home where he'd have space to roam. I'm sure at the kennel they don't get out as much or for as long in rains like these. It's a shame. I'm sure it was pouring the entire time he was there. He probably never even got to have a really good playtime. Molly is, of course, sleeping.
And I keep forgetting to do things for them. Like it was 8:15 before I remembered I feed Wilbur at 5 or 6! I turned my back and his food was gone! Poor little guy. Molly was OK - someone had put some food in her bowl earlier and she still had a lot left. And now Kevin is off to get Megan from the Y and Brian is upstairs allegedly studying. I guess I should check on that.
Friday, March 12, 2010
morning ramblings
Wow! I cannot believe it's been since Monday without an update. It's been a whirlwind of a week! The job is obviously keeping me busy all day, and I am exhausted when I get home. Tuesday I had to drive Megan to the newspaper for the all-conference photos, and then on Wednesday night they had their high school sports 'ceremony,' and she actually won MVP! We weren't expecting this at all, because in past years they have made sure that only seniors get the two plaques. So every year, Megan and her friend have carried the team, and every year they have watched others get the awards. We expected the same this year, but went anyway because they usually say a little about their accomplishments over the season.
This year was different in that too - other teams would announces this one or that one broke this or that record, won this or that event, or were selected for this or that conference team. Not hers - they said that the girls' team placed in the top ten at both the county and conference meets. That was it. So it was a bit disappointing, since she was undefeated the entire season, including the county and conference meets, and she broke her two records set last year after the old ones had stood for twenty years. (They did give her a trophy for this in their private session.) But when they got to the awards and gave one to a sophomore boy, my ears perked up. But the boys' has gone to younger kids before, just not the girls'. Then when they announced the first award for was Megan's friend, I really sat up straight. And sure enough, they announced her as MVP. So that was exciting.
And the job: it is rough. On Wednesday I had to be with the other kid, the one I had thought I would be with when I showed up on Monday. He was bad twice during the day and got in big big trouble. I feel like trouble follows me. I don't know if I am not doing what I should be to keep these kids from behaving like this, or if they don't respond to me, or if it's just the way they are. I assume I am going to have the job back for the remainder of the time but I have to double check on that today. I have always preferred the older kids when given the choice, and I definitely feel that I do better as a classroom aide than a personal aide - because that's when they kids just need a little help or extra focus, and not these major negotiations just to keep them in line. So I'm having a bit of a hard time with it too. A couple of times I had to fight off the urge to just get up and walk out of the school! (not really, but I felt like it.) But that didn't happen yesterday for the first time, so maybe I'm getting better. My kid still doesn't have the right kind of respect for me yet. And maybe he won't ever.
Finally, the weekend of the state meet has arrived. Kevin and Megan are out in PA already, and I have to drop off Brian and Wilbur this morning, then work. I'll leave straight from the school at 3 and hope to get to the pool in time for finals at 6:15. I'll expect texted updates throughout the day. I'm irritated that I can't leave sooner, and the weather is going to be awful. I feel bad for Wilbur because he won't have much fun outside with the other dogs in this projected mess. Molly won't like going out, but she lies around all day anyway, and she's with the Doll, who will also come by and pick up Brian after school.
As for Brian, he pulled his grades up in the two classes but then dropped the ball in a third. He has a bunch of tests coming up as the marking period draws to a close, and hopefully he is staying current on the material. He has instructions to study all day tomorrow, and then he is allowed to go sleep at a friend's house. They both have to be in church all day Sunday, He finished tennis tryouts yesterday and although teams are to be posted Monday, he heard only three freshmen would make it, and he feels he knows who they are based on yesterday's court placement. So that will make him a little sad, but he can use the time to pass the year!
And in other news, Kevin found out his bonus and compensation info this week. He was happy with the raise, but the bonus was the lowest it's been in three years. The bank explained it by saying blah blah blah and of course in this economy one has to be understanding. But it's still always a disappointment to see your total compensation go down, when you know your group has been a high performer. So you take a hit to cover for the others. But it's still a nice bonus. And on that note...I am off.
This year was different in that too - other teams would announces this one or that one broke this or that record, won this or that event, or were selected for this or that conference team. Not hers - they said that the girls' team placed in the top ten at both the county and conference meets. That was it. So it was a bit disappointing, since she was undefeated the entire season, including the county and conference meets, and she broke her two records set last year after the old ones had stood for twenty years. (They did give her a trophy for this in their private session.) But when they got to the awards and gave one to a sophomore boy, my ears perked up. But the boys' has gone to younger kids before, just not the girls'. Then when they announced the first award for was Megan's friend, I really sat up straight. And sure enough, they announced her as MVP. So that was exciting.
And the job: it is rough. On Wednesday I had to be with the other kid, the one I had thought I would be with when I showed up on Monday. He was bad twice during the day and got in big big trouble. I feel like trouble follows me. I don't know if I am not doing what I should be to keep these kids from behaving like this, or if they don't respond to me, or if it's just the way they are. I assume I am going to have the job back for the remainder of the time but I have to double check on that today. I have always preferred the older kids when given the choice, and I definitely feel that I do better as a classroom aide than a personal aide - because that's when they kids just need a little help or extra focus, and not these major negotiations just to keep them in line. So I'm having a bit of a hard time with it too. A couple of times I had to fight off the urge to just get up and walk out of the school! (not really, but I felt like it.) But that didn't happen yesterday for the first time, so maybe I'm getting better. My kid still doesn't have the right kind of respect for me yet. And maybe he won't ever.
Finally, the weekend of the state meet has arrived. Kevin and Megan are out in PA already, and I have to drop off Brian and Wilbur this morning, then work. I'll leave straight from the school at 3 and hope to get to the pool in time for finals at 6:15. I'll expect texted updates throughout the day. I'm irritated that I can't leave sooner, and the weather is going to be awful. I feel bad for Wilbur because he won't have much fun outside with the other dogs in this projected mess. Molly won't like going out, but she lies around all day anyway, and she's with the Doll, who will also come by and pick up Brian after school.
As for Brian, he pulled his grades up in the two classes but then dropped the ball in a third. He has a bunch of tests coming up as the marking period draws to a close, and hopefully he is staying current on the material. He has instructions to study all day tomorrow, and then he is allowed to go sleep at a friend's house. They both have to be in church all day Sunday, He finished tennis tryouts yesterday and although teams are to be posted Monday, he heard only three freshmen would make it, and he feels he knows who they are based on yesterday's court placement. So that will make him a little sad, but he can use the time to pass the year!
And in other news, Kevin found out his bonus and compensation info this week. He was happy with the raise, but the bonus was the lowest it's been in three years. The bank explained it by saying blah blah blah and of course in this economy one has to be understanding. But it's still always a disappointment to see your total compensation go down, when you know your group has been a high performer. So you take a hit to cover for the others. But it's still a nice bonus. And on that note...I am off.
Monday, March 8, 2010
the good the bad and the ugly
Well, first the good, for a change. I spoke to the vet today and Molly's blood work was .. OK. There was one enzyme that was elevated, and this could mean Cushing's Disease, so he wants me to monitor her water intake over two days and report back to him. If she is drinking way too much, then she will have to undergo additional testing and possibly be treated. If not, I don't think we do anything but keep an eye on her. She seems fine today. She's perking up with the nice weather, I guess. And she does not have any kidney issues at all!
I took them both for a double-length walk. They liked that. Wilbur is funny, he criss-crosses constantly in front of me the whole walk. It would be annoying if he were larger, but I feel like he's doing some deep-seated ancient cavedog ritual and that makes it kind of cute.
OK, so now the bad and the ugly. It could be worse. And it's certainly not to be unexpected, given my track record with jobs. I got into school today only to be told that there has been a change. It seems that one of the students in another class is moving out of town in a few weeks, and so the woman who is assigned to him has been reassigned to the spot that I was supposed to have. I am now with the soon-to-be-moving child, which is a finite (and exhausting) assignment. And I'm not even sure if I am in this spot for the whole time, or just for the five days I had signed on for, or what. And now I have to miss Friday at the meet in PA for this, and there is very little likelihood, if any at all in light of the news on budget cuts, that it will lead to anything more permanent. :-( How does this always happen?
And then another teacher called and asked if I would work for her in two weeks. I had to say no, but I wasn't happy having to do so. But I suppose I will be able to pay off my credit card bills and sock a little money aside for summer if I work for all these weeks. It's just a physically and emotionally tiring job, and not having expected it, I had some adjustment issues today.
Anyway, in other news, there is some more good news that I forgot to mention. Brian is no longer failing any classes. He managed to bring his grades up high enough, and although we don't know the biology test grade (but are not optimistic) hopefully his strong early scores this marking period will carry him for the remainder. And he had tennis tryouts today but all they did was run. They will play tomorrow, but he expects heavy cuts. I think he is hopeful but not expectant. I'm sure he will be sad if he is cut, but I don't think it will be devastating. He heard they were only going to take three freshmen. I guess he'll know this by the end of the week.
I took them both for a double-length walk. They liked that. Wilbur is funny, he criss-crosses constantly in front of me the whole walk. It would be annoying if he were larger, but I feel like he's doing some deep-seated ancient cavedog ritual and that makes it kind of cute.
OK, so now the bad and the ugly. It could be worse. And it's certainly not to be unexpected, given my track record with jobs. I got into school today only to be told that there has been a change. It seems that one of the students in another class is moving out of town in a few weeks, and so the woman who is assigned to him has been reassigned to the spot that I was supposed to have. I am now with the soon-to-be-moving child, which is a finite (and exhausting) assignment. And I'm not even sure if I am in this spot for the whole time, or just for the five days I had signed on for, or what. And now I have to miss Friday at the meet in PA for this, and there is very little likelihood, if any at all in light of the news on budget cuts, that it will lead to anything more permanent. :-( How does this always happen?
And then another teacher called and asked if I would work for her in two weeks. I had to say no, but I wasn't happy having to do so. But I suppose I will be able to pay off my credit card bills and sock a little money aside for summer if I work for all these weeks. It's just a physically and emotionally tiring job, and not having expected it, I had some adjustment issues today.
Anyway, in other news, there is some more good news that I forgot to mention. Brian is no longer failing any classes. He managed to bring his grades up high enough, and although we don't know the biology test grade (but are not optimistic) hopefully his strong early scores this marking period will carry him for the remainder. And he had tennis tryouts today but all they did was run. They will play tomorrow, but he expects heavy cuts. I think he is hopeful but not expectant. I'm sure he will be sad if he is cut, but I don't think it will be devastating. He heard they were only going to take three freshmen. I guess he'll know this by the end of the week.
monday morning already
So it's here - the first day of my assignment so we'll see how this turns out. It's already causing me all sorts of problems with Friday, because Megan has to be in PA for the swim meet Thursday night, swimming three sessions Friday (presuming she makes finals and they bring back 24 so I think she will) with nobody to ferry her back and forth to the pool, or to make sure she has food.
I keep thinking of a few years ago when I almost had that job and lost it when it went for board approval and they had the other woman who was in the union and needed a position, and I lost everything. If I have given up my day Friday and gone through all this trouble and this turns out to be just another sub assignment, I will be really upset. I want to say heartbroken, but that would imply that I have a strong expectation that it will be extended to permanent, and this is not the case. However, I do hope that after giving up this day, I will at least get to work in the room beyond the one week.
But the news last week was not good either, with massive budget cuts coming due to the governor's reduction in state aid to the schools. I understand the need to balance the budget but the threatened cuts can be devastating, even under the best scenario.
Anyway, we have decided to leave Brian here after all, rather than drag him to PA. So he'll stay with the Doll and she can make sure he gets all of his work and studying done, and then he should be able to stay with a friend from church for the second night, and he has to spend nearly the whole day at church on Sunday for his confirmation class. We probably won't get back till very late, which I hate, but that's what happened last year. So either someone will have to feed him dinner or I'll have to leave him something he can make himself.
And in other news, yesterday we took the dogs to the dog park for the first time since fall. The ground was a muddy mess but the place was full of dogs. At first Wilbur was his usual clingy self but then all of a sudden he became drawn to a shiba inu, and he started to play with her. Then, for about half an hour, he was just running crazy with everyone. It was so cute! I was trying to get him ready to go to the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm on Friday. He has to get used to being around dogs that do more than sleep all day. Which reminds me, we had some blood work done on Molly on Saturday. I'll talk to the vet today and see if everything is OK with the poor old girl.
I keep thinking of a few years ago when I almost had that job and lost it when it went for board approval and they had the other woman who was in the union and needed a position, and I lost everything. If I have given up my day Friday and gone through all this trouble and this turns out to be just another sub assignment, I will be really upset. I want to say heartbroken, but that would imply that I have a strong expectation that it will be extended to permanent, and this is not the case. However, I do hope that after giving up this day, I will at least get to work in the room beyond the one week.
But the news last week was not good either, with massive budget cuts coming due to the governor's reduction in state aid to the schools. I understand the need to balance the budget but the threatened cuts can be devastating, even under the best scenario.
Anyway, we have decided to leave Brian here after all, rather than drag him to PA. So he'll stay with the Doll and she can make sure he gets all of his work and studying done, and then he should be able to stay with a friend from church for the second night, and he has to spend nearly the whole day at church on Sunday for his confirmation class. We probably won't get back till very late, which I hate, but that's what happened last year. So either someone will have to feed him dinner or I'll have to leave him something he can make himself.
And in other news, yesterday we took the dogs to the dog park for the first time since fall. The ground was a muddy mess but the place was full of dogs. At first Wilbur was his usual clingy self but then all of a sudden he became drawn to a shiba inu, and he started to play with her. Then, for about half an hour, he was just running crazy with everyone. It was so cute! I was trying to get him ready to go to the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm on Friday. He has to get used to being around dogs that do more than sleep all day. Which reminds me, we had some blood work done on Molly on Saturday. I'll talk to the vet today and see if everything is OK with the poor old girl.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
quick news
Well, I do not have a job but I do have a trial assignment for five days beginning on Monday, and a two day assignment for today and tomorrow in a third grade class as an aide. So seven straight days of working as an aide, actually eight and a half in two weeks plus one day subbing. So that's good but I will have to put off my departure for the Y meet in PA by a day. Oh well.
If the week goes well I may have another three week trial and then the whole situation will be re-evaluated. Nothing is every easy in my life or in the life of a child with needs. So that's where I am today.
Kevin is on his way to Canada, Brian is in school hopefully passing tests, as this was just the worst report ever, with four classes reporting unacceptable progress. It's making us seriously consider removing him from the school. This isn't really doing any of us any good at this point, although I will say he IS learning despite failing all of these tests. Megan had some great test results on her physics and history tests and she got a message from her high school coach that she's on the all-conference team again, although this year we expected it because she won every race during the season.
On that note, I must be off as the school is about 20 minutes away on a good day, and I still have to call the agency with whom I am supposed to meet at 10 this morning to discuss possible temporary or part-time office assignments. I'll just postpone it a bit, and let them know at the end of next week what my latest situation will be. Also, there's still the summer to think of, and if they have part-time work at that point, I'd be thrilled to try it out.
And in other news, The orthodontist told us yesterday that probably in about three months he will begin what he calls 'Phase 2' of treatment, and put brackets on all of Brian's new teeth. Then it will just be a matter of lining them all up, which is practically done as a result of the five year long 'Phase 1' already! The only bad part is that we have paid off Phase 1 and will need to begin payments anew when we embark upon Phase 2. And now, I must run. More later. (disclaimer: post not proofread!)
If the week goes well I may have another three week trial and then the whole situation will be re-evaluated. Nothing is every easy in my life or in the life of a child with needs. So that's where I am today.
Kevin is on his way to Canada, Brian is in school hopefully passing tests, as this was just the worst report ever, with four classes reporting unacceptable progress. It's making us seriously consider removing him from the school. This isn't really doing any of us any good at this point, although I will say he IS learning despite failing all of these tests. Megan had some great test results on her physics and history tests and she got a message from her high school coach that she's on the all-conference team again, although this year we expected it because she won every race during the season.
On that note, I must be off as the school is about 20 minutes away on a good day, and I still have to call the agency with whom I am supposed to meet at 10 this morning to discuss possible temporary or part-time office assignments. I'll just postpone it a bit, and let them know at the end of next week what my latest situation will be. Also, there's still the summer to think of, and if they have part-time work at that point, I'd be thrilled to try it out.
And in other news, The orthodontist told us yesterday that probably in about three months he will begin what he calls 'Phase 2' of treatment, and put brackets on all of Brian's new teeth. Then it will just be a matter of lining them all up, which is practically done as a result of the five year long 'Phase 1' already! The only bad part is that we have paid off Phase 1 and will need to begin payments anew when we embark upon Phase 2. And now, I must run. More later. (disclaimer: post not proofread!)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
headspins
Oh, what a difference a day makes.
Last night in desperation, I called the sub caller for the classroom aides. She has not called me on her own in two years, but said that this was because she didn't know I wanted to work, and that she has trouble filling spots most days. So as of 7 last night when I still had nothing for today, I called her.
And she never called me back.
But at 6:45 this morning, a job popped up on my screen for one of the fifth grade teachers at my regular school. I snatched it up, and rushed to get ready. When I got there, I found out that it was the Dr. Seuss birthday celebration, and everyone in the entire school was in pajamas! But nobody told me! And, in an effort to make myself feel more professional so I can market myself as such in the near future, I even wore 'nice' pants instead of the usual jean/sweater outfits I put together when I'm in familiar territory.
Anyway, the day turned out just fine. There's an in class support teacher and an aide in the room in the morning, and an aide in the afternoon. The class had special and Spanish, and a guest reader. And they were pretty well behaved anyway. It was a very easy day. Although my feet hurt and I wish I had worn flannel pants and sneakers to school instead!
So I got home, found Brian's progress report with the Spanish and English classes that he's failing, as well as a failed biology quiz which he hadn't told us about. He isn't failing biology, but it isn't going to get easier, so he has to step it up in there. And then I took Megan to practice.
Then I got home again and the phone rang. Tomorrow I have a job as an aide again, covering for my friend. This was the secretary from the school, asking me if I would like to interview for a position that just opened up as an aide in a K class. =:-O
Would I ever! So of course I told her yes, I would, and she asked if I could be there at 10, and I told her I will be there at 9! Until 3! So she said she'd tell the principal that and she'll call me down at some point. So please keep your fingers crossed for me on this one. My ideal goal is to get hired by the district to which I've already committed eight years of my life! And the rate of pay is considerably higher than that bozo who made me call him and then never called me back! So stay tuned for news on this one. I didn't ask if they were interviewing others or if this was a formality. But I will find out tomorrow. Then the secretary also told me that she would like me to cover for a different aide on Thursday and Friday if this new job has not yet started! So I was happy to hear this news. Even if it doesn't pan out, I feel like things are beginning to happen.
And in other news, I also have an interview for Thursday morning, with an employment agency. I sent them my resume several days ago asking if they ever get in part time positions. They also have temporary positions. So I'll keep that on the back burner as well. I do want to work part time in the summer; although I also plan to try to apply for one of the spots in the summer school program here in town. As for the rest of the family, Megan continues her recovery (I may not have even posted this but she had to go on another antibiotic for the chest congestion issue and coughing fits, the doctor even gave her an inhaler although she hasn't used it yet) and Kevin prepares for some sort of international travel, although I do believe this time it will be intracontinental. Who can say...
Last night in desperation, I called the sub caller for the classroom aides. She has not called me on her own in two years, but said that this was because she didn't know I wanted to work, and that she has trouble filling spots most days. So as of 7 last night when I still had nothing for today, I called her.
And she never called me back.
But at 6:45 this morning, a job popped up on my screen for one of the fifth grade teachers at my regular school. I snatched it up, and rushed to get ready. When I got there, I found out that it was the Dr. Seuss birthday celebration, and everyone in the entire school was in pajamas! But nobody told me! And, in an effort to make myself feel more professional so I can market myself as such in the near future, I even wore 'nice' pants instead of the usual jean/sweater outfits I put together when I'm in familiar territory.
Anyway, the day turned out just fine. There's an in class support teacher and an aide in the room in the morning, and an aide in the afternoon. The class had special and Spanish, and a guest reader. And they were pretty well behaved anyway. It was a very easy day. Although my feet hurt and I wish I had worn flannel pants and sneakers to school instead!
So I got home, found Brian's progress report with the Spanish and English classes that he's failing, as well as a failed biology quiz which he hadn't told us about. He isn't failing biology, but it isn't going to get easier, so he has to step it up in there. And then I took Megan to practice.
Then I got home again and the phone rang. Tomorrow I have a job as an aide again, covering for my friend. This was the secretary from the school, asking me if I would like to interview for a position that just opened up as an aide in a K class. =:-O
Would I ever! So of course I told her yes, I would, and she asked if I could be there at 10, and I told her I will be there at 9! Until 3! So she said she'd tell the principal that and she'll call me down at some point. So please keep your fingers crossed for me on this one. My ideal goal is to get hired by the district to which I've already committed eight years of my life! And the rate of pay is considerably higher than that bozo who made me call him and then never called me back! So stay tuned for news on this one. I didn't ask if they were interviewing others or if this was a formality. But I will find out tomorrow. Then the secretary also told me that she would like me to cover for a different aide on Thursday and Friday if this new job has not yet started! So I was happy to hear this news. Even if it doesn't pan out, I feel like things are beginning to happen.
And in other news, I also have an interview for Thursday morning, with an employment agency. I sent them my resume several days ago asking if they ever get in part time positions. They also have temporary positions. So I'll keep that on the back burner as well. I do want to work part time in the summer; although I also plan to try to apply for one of the spots in the summer school program here in town. As for the rest of the family, Megan continues her recovery (I may not have even posted this but she had to go on another antibiotic for the chest congestion issue and coughing fits, the doctor even gave her an inhaler although she hasn't used it yet) and Kevin prepares for some sort of international travel, although I do believe this time it will be intracontinental. Who can say...
Monday, March 1, 2010
working week?
Here it is, a new week, and the sun is shining on the leftover blanket of white snow. I understand that on Long Island the rains of yesterday washed away much of the snow and they are seeing patches of green! Not so here in New Jersey. I wonder when Brian will be able to walk to school again. Soon, I hope! And home!
So far this week I have a day and a half of work, and it's as a classroom aide. This afternoon and again all day Wednesday, covering for the same friend who gave me the two days a couple of weeks ago. She's had some medical issues so I hope everything is OK, but she has follow-ups to tend to. Otherwise, I'll just keep stalking the system but as I've said, I'm awfully sick of doing this. I'm still sending out the resumes and I even contacted an agency, who had a lot of good jobs posted on their site, but the best ones all were marked "filled" anyway, and they haven't gotten back to me. I sent that one out on Thursday before the snow got bad.
I am waiting to see about this very low paying part-time job that was in the paper over the weekend. The guy told me to call him today for a telephone interview, very vaguely said anytime from 9 till 5, and I called and he was in a meeting. So now I can't dry my hair. I'll have to leave at 11:30 to get to work so if he doesn't call before then it will have to wait. I'm not going to hold my breath though - his emails were so abrupt that I can't imagine what it would be like working there!
And I'm still nursing the wounds from the rejection that I never got. I'm so annoyed still about the pompous guy asking me what my writing experience was AFTER they gave me a writing "test," and then asking me the stupidest questions while I was forced to sit there with a sore throat and dry mouth, staring at that bowl of jolly ranchers. I will say I am probably better off without that job, but if I had known this was how it would turn out, I would have gotten up and left rather than endure that obvious attempt to discredit me! I'll be watching their site, too, to see the quality of work that their selection does produce, when the time comes. And I'll be at the beach!
So it's back to school for everyone this week, and it looks as if a full week it will be. Megan has the state testing for three days starting tomorrow, but first she had to get through three tests. Brian has a bunch of tests this week, and he has to bring up his grades in Spanish and English, which he was failing at last check. Always two classes - every time. I expect to see progress reports in the mail today for those two, but at least it won't be a surprise. I got that when I signed on to register him for next year. He wants to try out for the tennis team. I wonder if he is allowed, if he is failing two classes at the mid-point of a marking period?
And in other news, now Wren is ailing. She has been puking and not eating much. Hopefully it's just one of those cat things. I can't afford all the care that they all need all at once. I'm glad I have fought off the urge to replace Buddy, though. Another expense would be painful! Oh, and we start the countdown to Florida now. April 6!!
So far this week I have a day and a half of work, and it's as a classroom aide. This afternoon and again all day Wednesday, covering for the same friend who gave me the two days a couple of weeks ago. She's had some medical issues so I hope everything is OK, but she has follow-ups to tend to. Otherwise, I'll just keep stalking the system but as I've said, I'm awfully sick of doing this. I'm still sending out the resumes and I even contacted an agency, who had a lot of good jobs posted on their site, but the best ones all were marked "filled" anyway, and they haven't gotten back to me. I sent that one out on Thursday before the snow got bad.
I am waiting to see about this very low paying part-time job that was in the paper over the weekend. The guy told me to call him today for a telephone interview, very vaguely said anytime from 9 till 5, and I called and he was in a meeting. So now I can't dry my hair. I'll have to leave at 11:30 to get to work so if he doesn't call before then it will have to wait. I'm not going to hold my breath though - his emails were so abrupt that I can't imagine what it would be like working there!
And I'm still nursing the wounds from the rejection that I never got. I'm so annoyed still about the pompous guy asking me what my writing experience was AFTER they gave me a writing "test," and then asking me the stupidest questions while I was forced to sit there with a sore throat and dry mouth, staring at that bowl of jolly ranchers. I will say I am probably better off without that job, but if I had known this was how it would turn out, I would have gotten up and left rather than endure that obvious attempt to discredit me! I'll be watching their site, too, to see the quality of work that their selection does produce, when the time comes. And I'll be at the beach!
So it's back to school for everyone this week, and it looks as if a full week it will be. Megan has the state testing for three days starting tomorrow, but first she had to get through three tests. Brian has a bunch of tests this week, and he has to bring up his grades in Spanish and English, which he was failing at last check. Always two classes - every time. I expect to see progress reports in the mail today for those two, but at least it won't be a surprise. I got that when I signed on to register him for next year. He wants to try out for the tennis team. I wonder if he is allowed, if he is failing two classes at the mid-point of a marking period?
And in other news, now Wren is ailing. She has been puking and not eating much. Hopefully it's just one of those cat things. I can't afford all the care that they all need all at once. I'm glad I have fought off the urge to replace Buddy, though. Another expense would be painful! Oh, and we start the countdown to Florida now. April 6!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)