I still haven't heard anything regarding the reading teacher position at my school, however, I did get my contract for next year and they "accidently" gave me a rather significant raise (over an addition $1/hr). Don't tell the district :).
Ray is currently working doing roofing/construction for another company. I'm not sure how long this job will last, but we'll take whatever God provides!
My landlady is agreeing to let me stay another year. I still haven't signed the new lease yet because we both never seem to be home at the same time. As far as I know my rent should be staying the same.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
The Interview - Behind the Scenes
I believe it was back in March that I found out the reading specialist at my school was retiring. The teacher I work with suggested that I make an appointment with the principal. When I met with the principal later that week I explained that I heard that the reading specialist was retiring and that I would like to apply for the position. My principal responded that the reading specialist position required professional development experience (of which I have none) and that she wasn't even sure if the district was going to hire anyone to fill the position.
Several weeks went by before the position was officially posted on the OLAS website. I applied online and then casually talked with my principal again letting her know that I had applied and would really appreciate the opportunity for an interview. Again my principal was noncommital. The teacher I worked with also said it would be a good idea to go to the superintendent's office and hand her a copy of my resume and cover letter.
When I arrived at the superintendent's office I immediately had to go to her secretary. Since I've worked in the district for two years I've spoken with her on quite a few occasions about issues such as health insurance. I explained to the secretary about how I was applying for the position and that I was hoping my resume would get passed along to the superintendent. The secretary asked if I had any professional development experience and I replied that I didn't have any formal experience. This didn't go over well. Basically she told me that if I left my resume with her that she would throw it in the garbage and that I would never get an interview.
You can imagine my suprise then when my school's secretary called to set up an appointment for an interview. I was given lots of advice on what types of questions the panel would ask (yes, I interviewed with 6 people - the principal, the current reading specialist, 2 teachers, 1 teaching assistant, and a parent). The interview was to take place on Friday at 3pm. Not just any Friday, mind you. It was field day - which would have been exhausting on it's own, but it was also the day after we were down a t.a., we had a sub teacher, and we had our concert. For field day I had to wear a tie dyed t-shirt and jean capris. This meant that I also had to bring a change of clothes with me for the interview.
When I went to the office I was handed a chart and a sheet of paper and told that I needed to write an essay stating my observations from the chart and what I would do to remediate the situation. There's nothing like writing an essay in a school office during dismissal time, let me tell you :). From there we had to restart the interview a couple of times due to all of the loud announcements being made regarding dismissal. Of course most of the questions I was asked were nothing like the ones in which I thought they would ask. Nevertheless everyone was smiling at me through the interview and made comments that made me think I gave some good answers. As I was leaving I heard one of the teachers comment that it was an excellent interview.
I have no idea if I'll actually get the job because school politics are very tricky. All I know is that I shouldn't have gotten even an interview and yet God orchestrated that I got one and HE helped me answer the questions despite being exhausted, so if by some miracle I do end up being offered the position I will know without a doubt that it is where God wants me - even if I'm not entirely confident that I'm qualified for the position.
Several weeks went by before the position was officially posted on the OLAS website. I applied online and then casually talked with my principal again letting her know that I had applied and would really appreciate the opportunity for an interview. Again my principal was noncommital. The teacher I worked with also said it would be a good idea to go to the superintendent's office and hand her a copy of my resume and cover letter.
When I arrived at the superintendent's office I immediately had to go to her secretary. Since I've worked in the district for two years I've spoken with her on quite a few occasions about issues such as health insurance. I explained to the secretary about how I was applying for the position and that I was hoping my resume would get passed along to the superintendent. The secretary asked if I had any professional development experience and I replied that I didn't have any formal experience. This didn't go over well. Basically she told me that if I left my resume with her that she would throw it in the garbage and that I would never get an interview.
You can imagine my suprise then when my school's secretary called to set up an appointment for an interview. I was given lots of advice on what types of questions the panel would ask (yes, I interviewed with 6 people - the principal, the current reading specialist, 2 teachers, 1 teaching assistant, and a parent). The interview was to take place on Friday at 3pm. Not just any Friday, mind you. It was field day - which would have been exhausting on it's own, but it was also the day after we were down a t.a., we had a sub teacher, and we had our concert. For field day I had to wear a tie dyed t-shirt and jean capris. This meant that I also had to bring a change of clothes with me for the interview.
When I went to the office I was handed a chart and a sheet of paper and told that I needed to write an essay stating my observations from the chart and what I would do to remediate the situation. There's nothing like writing an essay in a school office during dismissal time, let me tell you :). From there we had to restart the interview a couple of times due to all of the loud announcements being made regarding dismissal. Of course most of the questions I was asked were nothing like the ones in which I thought they would ask. Nevertheless everyone was smiling at me through the interview and made comments that made me think I gave some good answers. As I was leaving I heard one of the teachers comment that it was an excellent interview.
I have no idea if I'll actually get the job because school politics are very tricky. All I know is that I shouldn't have gotten even an interview and yet God orchestrated that I got one and HE helped me answer the questions despite being exhausted, so if by some miracle I do end up being offered the position I will know without a doubt that it is where God wants me - even if I'm not entirely confident that I'm qualified for the position.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Thought on Change
I often marvel on how similar I am to my students. Seriously. Austic children have a very low tolerance to change. While over the years I've become better at going along with the flow of life, I've yet to fully embrace change with any sort of positive attitude. Usually I experience sadness and anxiety, no matter how good the change will be. It's sort of like watching the skies grow darker and hearing the thunder get louder as you're out doing errands without an umbrella. That sense of dread as you realize that any moment now the downpour will be released from the heavens and you're going to get soaked.
Normally my weekly schedule is on the insane side. It is so routine however that it doesn't seem overwhelming in the least. Unfortunately this weekend I ran over a nail. I had actually started pulling out of the laundromat's parking lot when I noticed that something wasn't right with the car. Thankfully I was 5 minutes away from Ray's house, God protected me while driving, I didn't have any children in my car or anywhere I needed to immediately be, and Ray's an expert at changing my flat tires since I have a habit of running over things (like nails and curbs). Of course on a Saturday evening there isn't anyone open, so I didn't travel far on my donut and fully anticipated getting a new tire today (also very grateful for having available funds in my account). Unfortunately my tires aren't as easy to get as one might think. Sears actually had a tire that may have worked, but it wasn't entirely recommended and it would have cost $150. This means that I need to go to my mechanic tomorrow.....at 7am. Ick. Ick. Ick. I'm thinking of shortening my morning routine a bit so that I don't have to get out of bed at 5am. In addition, I'm not sure whether my mechanic will have my tire in stock that early in the morning so he may need my car for the day. This means either calling a taxi (which I really don't see spending the money on) or taking the bus and walking to work. On the plus side it'll get in the excercise I never get scheduled into my life :).
Yep, so far Monday is going to be more complicated than I'd like. On Wednesday I have a guest coming to stay with me for a week. She's someone from my church who is between housing options and is currently couch hopping. This brings up many concerns: Will my landlady be upset?, how will she get along with my cats?, how will our schedules conflict?, what potential personality conflicts will there be? How much stuff is she bringing and where is it going to go? So many questions and so few answer. Now I'm sure things will be fine, but it's a little nerve-wracking.
On Thursday I'm going with my class on a field trip to the Bronx Zoo, which would be exhasting enough except that I'm also supposed to pick Jeremy up from his school in NJ which I've only driven to once and then get him to social group back in Valley Cottage. I definitely think a scheduled coffee stop is in order! :D
This is all of the things I know of....who knows what else will go on this week. With all of that said, I'm choosing trust in God over fear of the unknown. He will be my strength when I am weak, my Peace which passes all understanding, and my Hope when things look bleak.
"For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth." Psalm 71:5
"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23
"Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!" 1 Chronicles 16:11
"Trust in Him at all times you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62:8
Normally my weekly schedule is on the insane side. It is so routine however that it doesn't seem overwhelming in the least. Unfortunately this weekend I ran over a nail. I had actually started pulling out of the laundromat's parking lot when I noticed that something wasn't right with the car. Thankfully I was 5 minutes away from Ray's house, God protected me while driving, I didn't have any children in my car or anywhere I needed to immediately be, and Ray's an expert at changing my flat tires since I have a habit of running over things (like nails and curbs). Of course on a Saturday evening there isn't anyone open, so I didn't travel far on my donut and fully anticipated getting a new tire today (also very grateful for having available funds in my account). Unfortunately my tires aren't as easy to get as one might think. Sears actually had a tire that may have worked, but it wasn't entirely recommended and it would have cost $150. This means that I need to go to my mechanic tomorrow.....at 7am. Ick. Ick. Ick. I'm thinking of shortening my morning routine a bit so that I don't have to get out of bed at 5am. In addition, I'm not sure whether my mechanic will have my tire in stock that early in the morning so he may need my car for the day. This means either calling a taxi (which I really don't see spending the money on) or taking the bus and walking to work. On the plus side it'll get in the excercise I never get scheduled into my life :).
Yep, so far Monday is going to be more complicated than I'd like. On Wednesday I have a guest coming to stay with me for a week. She's someone from my church who is between housing options and is currently couch hopping. This brings up many concerns: Will my landlady be upset?, how will she get along with my cats?, how will our schedules conflict?, what potential personality conflicts will there be? How much stuff is she bringing and where is it going to go? So many questions and so few answer. Now I'm sure things will be fine, but it's a little nerve-wracking.
On Thursday I'm going with my class on a field trip to the Bronx Zoo, which would be exhasting enough except that I'm also supposed to pick Jeremy up from his school in NJ which I've only driven to once and then get him to social group back in Valley Cottage. I definitely think a scheduled coffee stop is in order! :D
This is all of the things I know of....who knows what else will go on this week. With all of that said, I'm choosing trust in God over fear of the unknown. He will be my strength when I am weak, my Peace which passes all understanding, and my Hope when things look bleak.
"For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth." Psalm 71:5
"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23
"Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!" 1 Chronicles 16:11
"Trust in Him at all times you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62:8
Friday, June 1, 2012
Vacation
With the help of my parents, Ray and I were able to get away this Memorial Day weekend and go to Ocean City, NY. I've grown up vacationing in Ocean City so many times that it feels like a second home. Usually we do the motel/hotel route, but this year my parents splurged and rented a house for two weeks! Ray and I drove down the Friday before Memorial Day since I had the day off (soooo thankful for unused snow days!) and came back late Monday. My parents, my brother, and his girlfriend all stayed the entire week. Here are some photos
In addition to going to the beach and playing mini golf we also celebrated Elissa's birthday, went bike riding on the boardwalk, drank lots of lemonade, and learned some new games. Ray and I also went to the amusement park where he got me to go on a flume ride that I had never been on before, the double shot (a ride that straps you in with your feet dangling and shoots you up a tremendous height in under 30 seconds, but does it to you 2x), the swings which spin and tilt, and my first rollercoaster. To be blatantly honest, the rollercoaster was one of those "tame" ones that doesn't do much of anything except go somewhat fast and we were the only adults on it and I was the only one having a mini panic attack on the line. The 8 year olds love it. Me? Well, I was just happy that I survived :). Ray's next goal is to get me on a rollercoaster that goes upside down. (we'll see about that!) It should also be noted that all of these new rides were introduced to me over the course of two days because Ray is very patient with me and my anxiety revolving around rides that spin, go fast, leave you hanging, and/or bring you to great heights. All in all, it was a very nice vacation. I only wish it had been longer....
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| There were some rather tricky shots |
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| Elissa, Steve, Ray and me
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Thursday, May 24, 2012
Some Quick Updates
I realized that I've neglected to post any updates regarding our employment situations. Unfortunately Ray didn't end up getting the job he was hoping for :(. He's back to step 1. What he'd really like to do is have his own business where he can be creative and build things for people. He has many ideas, but figuring out how to turn them into a successful business is going to take some time (and probably money).
As for me, I did finish all of the cover letters I needed to get done and I applied for the reading teacher position at my school. I even approached my principal as to letting me have an opportunity to interview. She was noncommital about it and since she's not a fan of change, it is most likely that she'll keep me in my current position. I also recently submitted my resume to HeadStart - at a different location that where I used to work. Even if God has me stay in the same position as I'm in now my job would still be changing because the teacher I'm working with going to be teaching the current kindergarten class, so I definitely won't be bored! :) It'll be interesting to see where God has me this September and how God will be guiding Ray over the next few months.
We both appreciate your continued prayers!
As for me, I did finish all of the cover letters I needed to get done and I applied for the reading teacher position at my school. I even approached my principal as to letting me have an opportunity to interview. She was noncommital about it and since she's not a fan of change, it is most likely that she'll keep me in my current position. I also recently submitted my resume to HeadStart - at a different location that where I used to work. Even if God has me stay in the same position as I'm in now my job would still be changing because the teacher I'm working with going to be teaching the current kindergarten class, so I definitely won't be bored! :) It'll be interesting to see where God has me this September and how God will be guiding Ray over the next few months.
We both appreciate your continued prayers!
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Story of How I Ate Slugs
Yes....it's really true. No, I don't have any pictures. I was told my face was priceless though.
We invited two of our friends over to dinner at my place so that they could visit and see the counter Ray built me. Since Ray also loves to cook he was in charge of planning the meal. Letting Ray cook dinner goes something like this:
We go to the store and I help Ray gather his ingredients. This could take anywhere from an hour to maybe 2 or 3 depending on whether or not he has an idea already in mind and how bizarre the ingredients for the meal are. Let me tell you, if you want to find roasted onion garlic jam you better be prepared to go to several different stores.
Then we come home and put groceries away and prep the kitchen. I may ask what we're having for dinner, but the answer is usually "you'll see".
Usually I know all the ingredients needed ahead of time. On this particular night, however, Ray managed to sneak the can labeled "Snails" into the grocery cart. He sent me on an errand while we were checking out so that by the time I got back everything was in bags. He also found some time to remove the can BEFORE I got to putting the groceries away. I did manage to see the can on the counter during food prep and made a comment about it. I don't really remember what he said, but I honestly didn't think too much about the can because I was preoccupied with cleaning.
One would think that if you're having dinner guests that the food you serve would be something they'd like to eat. Upon entering the living room Ray told us all that he's going to try the appetizer first since he's never made it before and has never eaten it before. That's when I remembered the can...of snails. Being the hostess I couldn't exactly react how I wanted to react - which was gagging. It didn't help that in my bowl was three things that looked exactly like snails. Ray was so proud of himself for making them and after tasting them he said it was like eating shrimp scampi. I was highly doubtful. After much hesitation, our guests ate theirs and declared them chewy and somewhat salty, but otherwise good. I was still less than enthusiastic. I had to close my eyes as I put one in my mouth. It did have the consistency of shrimp, I'll give him that much. Unfortunately I kept picturing a living snail in my mind. It didn't help that I was told I was eating slugs since the snails didn't have their shells attached. Good grief. I thought eating one slug would be okay. Then Ray looked at me and said something to the effect of whether I was going to eat the other two. And so I ate the other two - with my eyes closed of course.
Thankfully this was the hardest part of the meal for me. Ray then brought out a wonderful salad, meat, and baked potatoes. We had a moose chocolate cake for dessert. Overall it was a very nice night and I think I can honestly say that I'm getting better at trying new foods. Although should I ever happen to eat in a restuarant serving escargot, I will probably opt for a different appetizer.
Although I don't have a picture, I did find one on google images which most closely resembled what I ate:
We invited two of our friends over to dinner at my place so that they could visit and see the counter Ray built me. Since Ray also loves to cook he was in charge of planning the meal. Letting Ray cook dinner goes something like this:
We go to the store and I help Ray gather his ingredients. This could take anywhere from an hour to maybe 2 or 3 depending on whether or not he has an idea already in mind and how bizarre the ingredients for the meal are. Let me tell you, if you want to find roasted onion garlic jam you better be prepared to go to several different stores.
Then we come home and put groceries away and prep the kitchen. I may ask what we're having for dinner, but the answer is usually "you'll see".
Usually I know all the ingredients needed ahead of time. On this particular night, however, Ray managed to sneak the can labeled "Snails" into the grocery cart. He sent me on an errand while we were checking out so that by the time I got back everything was in bags. He also found some time to remove the can BEFORE I got to putting the groceries away. I did manage to see the can on the counter during food prep and made a comment about it. I don't really remember what he said, but I honestly didn't think too much about the can because I was preoccupied with cleaning.
One would think that if you're having dinner guests that the food you serve would be something they'd like to eat. Upon entering the living room Ray told us all that he's going to try the appetizer first since he's never made it before and has never eaten it before. That's when I remembered the can...of snails. Being the hostess I couldn't exactly react how I wanted to react - which was gagging. It didn't help that in my bowl was three things that looked exactly like snails. Ray was so proud of himself for making them and after tasting them he said it was like eating shrimp scampi. I was highly doubtful. After much hesitation, our guests ate theirs and declared them chewy and somewhat salty, but otherwise good. I was still less than enthusiastic. I had to close my eyes as I put one in my mouth. It did have the consistency of shrimp, I'll give him that much. Unfortunately I kept picturing a living snail in my mind. It didn't help that I was told I was eating slugs since the snails didn't have their shells attached. Good grief. I thought eating one slug would be okay. Then Ray looked at me and said something to the effect of whether I was going to eat the other two. And so I ate the other two - with my eyes closed of course.
Thankfully this was the hardest part of the meal for me. Ray then brought out a wonderful salad, meat, and baked potatoes. We had a moose chocolate cake for dessert. Overall it was a very nice night and I think I can honestly say that I'm getting better at trying new foods. Although should I ever happen to eat in a restuarant serving escargot, I will probably opt for a different appetizer.
Although I don't have a picture, I did find one on google images which most closely resembled what I ate:
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Why I Don't Follow a Budget
If I had a nickle for everytime someone told me the value of creating and sticking to a budget I'd be rich....ok, well maybe it hasn't been that often. :) I've heard wonderful stories of people who started using a budget and after a few years they were able to get out of debt. I'm not doubting the sincerety of their stories or the value of a budget. I'm just not quite sure that budgets and I get along.
My bank has a webpage that actually shows me exactly how I am spending my money. When I look at it I have two options. I can either get depressed about my situation or rejoice because God is faithful and provides for me. I'm choosing the latter. This is what the past month and a half have looked like so far.
April: money in $1,663.49
money out $2,862.15
deficit: -$1,198.66
May (to date) money in $1,060.84
money out $1,193.39
deficit: -$132.55
On paper/computer screen this looks really bad and you might be tempted to judge me as spending my money in frivolous ways. I'm sure I could justify my spending habits because I honestly believe that I mostly have good habits when it comes to spending money. However this post isn't about that. It is about showing how God provides. You see, despite the negative numbers God has provided money for rent, car insurance, the car payment, and my credit card payment. I don't understand how He does it, but I don't have to. All I'm required to do is trust that He will continue to provide for my monthly needs.
My bank has a webpage that actually shows me exactly how I am spending my money. When I look at it I have two options. I can either get depressed about my situation or rejoice because God is faithful and provides for me. I'm choosing the latter. This is what the past month and a half have looked like so far.
April: money in $1,663.49
money out $2,862.15
deficit: -$1,198.66
May (to date) money in $1,060.84
money out $1,193.39
deficit: -$132.55
On paper/computer screen this looks really bad and you might be tempted to judge me as spending my money in frivolous ways. I'm sure I could justify my spending habits because I honestly believe that I mostly have good habits when it comes to spending money. However this post isn't about that. It is about showing how God provides. You see, despite the negative numbers God has provided money for rent, car insurance, the car payment, and my credit card payment. I don't understand how He does it, but I don't have to. All I'm required to do is trust that He will continue to provide for my monthly needs.
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