And we're back

Officially, that is. I started back to work on Monday, but today, the kids came back. It was actually kind of fun. We have a sort of strange thing going on where we don't do anything academic on the first day of school. I would not choose to start a school year like that, but no one asked me. Regardless, I spent the day telling my students what school supplies they will need and asking them questions about themselves. Had I been more on top of things, I'd have had one of those ice-breakers prepared...but I didn't.

I think it will be a good year. I've got some neat kids in my classes and I'm excited about it. I love how optimistic and fun the first few days of school are. Everyone is so positive and it is contagious. It always reminds me of why I love my job so much!

Adding to the joy of a new school year is the fact that this year, I have my very own classroom. I am starting my third year at this particular school and I just now got a classroom. I spent the last two years on a cart (but I did have an office almost entirely to myself). I feel grounded and I like that.

I think it's going to be a really good year! It will be interesting to look back at this post at the end of May and see what I think!

Major downside to the whole working-outside-the-home-mom thing...

I've been a "working-outside-the-home-mom" for a few years now. I went back to work (outside the home...I am in no way implying SAHMs do not work; they do. I did for YEARS. It was a LOT of work. REALLY a lot!) when The Girl was in second grade. It had been my intention to go back when she was in first grade, but it didn't happen. Whatever.

Now that I'm a WOHM, things are hard. I mean, I *knew* it would be hard, but I wasn't ready for some of the emotionally hard stuff. Some of it sucks.

This morning, The Girl left for a three-day field trip. She went last year as well, and so did The Boy. I went too, as a chaperone. I wasn't working yet, so it was no biggie to go. This year, I could not go. I cannot take three days off right now. I am taking a half-day off on Friday so I can go pick her up from school when she gets back. Since we have parent-teacher conferences that day, I had to make up the time so I could meet with as many parents as wanted to. I gave up my planning period this morning for conferences. Of course that also meant I was not able to come in late; I was not able to bring The Girl to school this morning. And, of all days, The Husband had to be out of town overnight last night.

And so, I had to send The Girl off to school on the bus, with all her stuff. She dragged her duffel bag and her bedding on the bus with her. In fact, because I had conferences this morning, I had to leave before she did. That sucked. A lot.

So there you have it. One of the suckiest parts about working outside the home as a mom. Don't get me wrong - I love my job - but I hate the fact that I was not able to be there for my kid this morning.

That will take some time to get over.

Teacher Humor

I saw this a few years ago and forgot about it till recently. English teachers love it!

Make sure you turn off the music below so you can hear the video and enjoy!

Back to School

So today was my first day back to school. It wasn't bad (but maybe that is because there were no students...)! Just kidding; there were quite a few students, actually. There was a whole lot of orientation stuff going on so a bunch of my former students were there giving tours and such.

Overall, it was a decent day. Lots of meetings (and more to come tomorrow), but still pretty good. Did some reorganizing, but that was all.

The Boy and The Girl still have a week and a half before they go back...lucky stiffs!!

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The Girl had a great day at the gym tonight and her coach was bragging to me about all they accomplished. We submitted her floor routine music tonight and two of her coaches were very pleased (the choreography coach is who OKed the music but she wasn't there). We are all looking forward to what she does with it.

The Boy has football sign-ups next week, and we're really looking forward to that too. He can't wait to get his pads and hit some people!

20 Days

Can you even believe I have only 20 more days until I go back to work? How did that happen? I could have sworn it was summer! How is it I have to go back to work so soon?

It's one of those bizarre things about where we live. I grew up in New Jersey. School started after Labor day and ended sometime in June - usually the 3rd week or so. Summer was July and August.

Here, that's not the case. Here, school starts in the beginning of August and ends before Memorial Day. Summer here is June and July.

In case you haven't noticed, for the most part, August is hotter than June. I'd rather go into June than begin in August...especially EARLY August!

When we lived in North Carolina, it wasn't so bad. We started in August, but it was the last week of August, and we went into the second week of June. That was actually pretty good, except that we were in school for both Memorial Day and Labor Day.

I guess it is better than year-round school...(unless that's your thing.).

Spring Not-so-Break

I am on break...it is spring break for me. I should mention it is not spring break for The Kids. When I first realized this, I was none too happy. Then, the realization set in...my spring break is not the same as their spring break. I would have a week off when they were in school.

Are you tracking me?!

Woohoo!! A week off without the kids.

Except...that's not how it is going! (But I bet you saw that coming as well!)

My break started on Good Friday. The Kids were still on their break then too. Their break actually lasted through Monday. Tuesday morning was their first day back at school; however, The Boy did not go to school. He had to have surgery on his feet (another post for another day), so he was home Tuesday. Today is Wednesday. The Girl's allergies are so bad that she did not go to school until 11am today. She was home all morning.

I have two days left of spring break. I am hoping to have at least one of those days completely off!

I got a job!!

Remember that interview I had a few weeks ago? They called today and I received an official offer! I start Monday. I'm so excited!

Of course this means my blogging may be scarce for a bit while I get my bearings, but once I'm in the swing of things, I'll pick back up.

The Waiting Game

I had a job interview today. It went really well and I feel good about it, but I'm scared to get my hopes up. Of course it is a bit late for that...obviously my hopes are up! I know I'll be crushed if I don't get the job. It seems like I am the perfect fit. The entire interview went so smoothly.

Now, I'm waiting...

I hope the wait is not long!

Busy, busy, busy!

What a week it has been...and it's only Wednesday! I've meant to write every night but the time totally gets away from me!

Monday, we had to go pick-up The Boy's clothes. He is beginning Cotillion classes this year and we had to buy him appropriate clothes. Theirs is a two-year program; The Girl will start next year. I cannot wait. We received the schedule of classes and balls and The Husband and I are to chaperone the Spring Ball. I'm thrilled. The Husband is not as excited. Wonder why...but I digress!

Not wanting to waste a perfectly good trip to the nice mall, I went ahead and did some shopping for myself. Truth be told, I did not buy much. I bought a dress, sweater, and jewelry to complete the outfit.

Tuesday was hair-cut day. OK - not really, but it turned out that way. I had an appointment at 10am to get my hair cut and I called to schedule The Girl for right after. While we were there, The Boy was complaining his hair needed to be cut as well, so he got one too. The Girl had her hair cut so that she could style it. It's always been all one length and when she cut it off for Locks of Love, it was adorable, but still one length. She now has some long layers so her hair will curl better.

After our hair cuts, we had just enough time to drive across town for orientation at the kids' school. First was 5th Grade orientation for The Girl. Actually, it was for me. The Girl was running around playing with her friends. After her orientation, we had 6th Grade orientation for The Boy. He popped in and out during the spiel, but did not spend much time listening! By the time we finished at school, it was nearly 2:30...and we hadn't eaten lunch! I took the kids out to lunch and then we ran home so The Girl could get changed. We brought her to the gym and, after about half an hour or so, we headed back to the school to sign The Boy up for football. He will be playing on the middle school team this year and he could not be happier! Practice starts Tuesday and they will go every night next week. Then, they'll settle into their regular 3 day/week schedule, which means I only have ONE evening a week that I am not running someone to some sort of sports practice!

Today, I had an interview to be a sub. As I said a few days ago, I have not been fortunate enough to land a full-time teaching job, so I will be substituting instead. It has the potential to be a lot of fun...we'll see. The interview went well and then, since the weather was so nice today, we spent the rest of the day just hanging out outside enjoying the breezes.

Tomorrow is the first day of school. Not sure how I feel about that, what with having a MIDDLE SCHOOL child and all... I'll surely post about tomorrow's adventures!

The Simple Life

So we all know times are tough right now. The economy is crap (OK - my economy is crap) and jobs are not easy to find. I knew when we moved I'd be giving up my job, but I never dreamed I wouldn't walk right into another one. After all, I totally walked into my last job and I wasn't expecting that one.

Silly me!

There are were some jobs out there. Big surprise that I didn't land one of the few. No really - it is a surprise...to me, anyway.

I'm torn on the whole thing. On the one hand, I'm excited that I will have more time to devote to my kids and their needs. Both gymnastics and football run during the same "season" and I know I'll be busy running. Despite gymnastics being all year, competition season is in the fall/winter, same as football. The Boy is supposed to be playing for the middle school this year (EEK!).

I'm also happy to know that I don't have to work every day and if The Girl gets one of her crazy fevers like she did last night (103.3 out of the blue), I won't have to go crazy fighting with The Husband over who has to stay home with her!

Of course, this also means no more cleaning lady. I actually have to clean my house myself. I am NOT happy about that one.

I won't be sitting on my bum every day, though. I am involved in the parent association at the kids' school, and I volunteer a lot. I am also signed up to be a substitute teacher. In fact, I have an interview for that on Wednesday. The pay is decent...not good, but better than nothing! Maybe I'll slide into a few long-term sub jobs.

Let's hope I settle into this new role well and it suits me...

Oh - and btw, the hives are finally gone!

Perception is Reality

So my students know I have a Facebook. Actually, I am “friends” with many of them; it serves as an excellent way to communicate with them outside the classroom and to remind them of upcoming assignments and the like. Because they’re my Facebook “friends,” my students know my maiden name. Many assumed it was my middle name. We had a conversation about it today and I corrected them. One student asked what my middle name is and I told him. Another student immediately piped in how cool it is that my middle name is my best friend’s first name.

This comment confused me; I know my middle name and I know who my best friends are (yes, I said “friends;” I’m an extraordinarily fortunate person in that I have more than one best friend, which I do understand is grammatically impossible but I’m the English teacher, so get over it!). Perplexed by her comment, I asked this girl what she meant. She named my colleague and I immediately understood.

How funny is it that the students see me hanging around with one particular colleague (who, in fact, happens to be my best friend here) and immediately take that to be my whole reality?! A similar thing happened when the students first learned I had a Facebook. It was incomprehensible to them that I would have “friends” who were not students or other teachers! I tried to explain that I actually *do* have a life outside of school and that I had friends long before I became a teacher, but that just seemed to make their eyes glaze over!

Rainbows and Uggs

As the school year is slowly coming to an end, I am reminded of how trendy high schools are. Through the past few years, I learned that a young lady in high school needs only two pair of shoes: Rainbows and Uggs. If you are not already familiar with these two shoes, get comfy and I'll explain (with pictures).

Rainbows are flip-flops; however, they're not just any flip-flops, and you can't have just any type. You have to have the Rainbow Leathers. Also, it is important to know Rainbows are not just for the ladies; many of the gents sport Rainbows as well. At the top of The Girl's holiday list this past year was the coveted Rainbows. At $50 a pair, it's easy to see why I didn't run right out and get them for her! Luckily for her, her grandmother did!

I did try on The Girl's Rainbows after another mother told me she loved them. They are really comfy. I have since caved and purchased my own. The Boy wants them as well. None of us has the double stack ones, but the regular ones are plenty comfy.

The students wear their Rainbows nearly every day during the spring and fall. They even wear them in the winter, as long as it is not TOO cold. When it is too cold, they wear their Uggs. The Uggs are far more popular among the ladies than the gents; I am not certain I've ever seen a young man sporting Uggs.

Recently, I was in another part of the country and, while I noticed the prevalence of flip-flops, I also noticed the shoes of choice were not Rainbows. I began to wonder if this is not a local thing...

What seem to be the shoes of choice in your area?

Ho Ho Ho!

As you may already know, we have a Secret Santa thing going on at work. I, of course, drew someone I do not know. (Always my luck!) Anyway, the paper she filled out says she collects snowmen.

After work today, I ran to Michael's to get some stuff. We needed a card, food item, gag gift, and real gift...all for under $20. I made the card yesterday, so I had to do the shopping today. First, I found the "real gift." I bought a cute snowman mug (somewhat like the one pictured here, but different) that has a lid...the hat is the lid. It's really a tea mug, I guess, and the tea bag goes in the lid. SUPER cute. Then, I got a cute box to put it in (again, like the one below, but decorated with snowmen). The best part? The mug was $1.74!!! The box was also $1.74!

Next, it was time for a gag gift. Again, I do not know this woman so it's hard to choose something that would be funny to her. I ended up with this cookie cutter. What?! It could be funny...don't you think?! The cookie cutter was $2.99.



After my brief shopping trip, it was time to pick up the kids. I got them and came home. Then, I did what every normal busy mom would do...I got on the computer! I opened up my google reader and saw a this post from Lynette over at My So-Called Life. I was beside myself with joy! LOOK at this amazing gift!! I ran right out to Pier 1 and got my Secret Santa's food gift! It was the most expensive thing I bought, but at $10.50, it was totally worth it! It's a snowman cookie kit with edible-ink pens to decorate them with!

And so another installment of Secret Santa! I hope every year turns out this easy and inexpensive!

Out of the loop

I owe a huge apology to all my bloggie friends and my wonderful readers. I have been so swamped lately that posting has been pretty sparse. More importantly, though, READING has fallen by the wayside. I HATE that. I mean, REALLY hate it. Things are so hectic right now but I promise I'll be better next week when life settles down! Give me about 7 more school days and I'll be ALL yours. I'll do all my catch-up reading (and commenting) then! In the meantime, I'll do what I can to post...

Don't TELL me what to buy you!

So I get home today and The Boy gives me his papers to look over and sign. I ask The Girl if she has any for me and she says yes - she has two. The first is on VERY BRIGHT fluorescent green paper and it informs me of my "three options for the [local school] PTA Holiday Teacher Gift Program." Um...WHAT?! Are you serious? Option 1 is "no participation," option 2 is "individual family participation," and option 3 is to "consolidate and contribute" so someone else can purchase something. Again...are you freaking kidding me? I need you to tell me what to do for my kids' teachers for the holidays? Who the heck are you to tell me such a thing?!

The second paper is filled out by the teachers; it tells me their favorite restaurants, stores, flowers, hobbies, foods, candy...etc. This is the "Holiday Teacher Gift Guide" because, apparently, we parents need help in this department.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I resent all of this. Whether or not I choose to purchase a gift for my kids' teachers for the holidays (or any other time) is entirely up to me. We have come to this place where, for whatever reason, the holiday gift and end of year gift are expected. A gift is just that - a gift. Teachers do not deserve gifts simply because they are teachers. I wish I could find the amazing article I read last year on this subject. I believe it was in Woman's Day. Despite my best search efforts, I am unable to find it now. Regardless, it was a great article about how parents should not feel "forced" into giving gifts to teachers...especially if you or your child is not particularly fond of the teacher. Giving a teacher a gift should be left entirely up to each individual family and should not be pushed. If you want to get together with other moms and purchase a larger gift, ask the class mom; it should not be she who asks you.

Now, before anyone goes bashing me, I will step up and say I am a teacher. It is a tidbit of information I have, until now, kept to myself. I am sharing it now because I don't want a bunch of people telling me I don't know what I'm talking about or that I have no idea how hard it is to be a teacher. I do know how hard it is - and one of the biggest, most meaningful rewards is seeing a student comprehend something he or she didn't when you met.

OK - I'm done now...and feel much better getting that off my chest! Now, maybe some of my readers will understand how I can get so darned busy with work some days and have plenty of time to post others! This past week has been super busy but with Thanksgiving coming, I'll have a few days off to catch up!

R. E. S. P. E. C. T...Do you have any for me?!

Today I had a meeting with my boss. I'm not talking my immediate boss. No, this was with the big guy - the big boss. It was not a particularly productive meeting...I knew it wouldn't be; however, it had to be done, so I did my part. I should add here that I was not in any sort of trouble. In fact, I am the one who called the meeting. I had some issues I wanted to discuss with him.

I walked into his office and he was doing something online. We discussed what he was looking at. He never asked me to actually sit down or anything...I just did after a bit. Finally, he said he knew I was not there to discuss what was online. The meeting began.

What pissed me off about this meeting?

• That opening was not great. I mean really - ask me to have a seat. Is that so hard?
• Respect me enough to close the door so we may speak in private. There is no need for your secretary to listen in on our conversation, nor is there need for anyone and everyone else who walks by your office or speaks to your secretary to be privy to our conversation.
• LOOK ME IN THE EYE when you speak to me. Don't sit there and look past me out the window - or worse, out the window to the side of me - when we are having a conversation. Eye contact goes a long way, buddy.

There was more, but, to be honest, those three things keyed me into the fact that this tête-à-tête was going to be all but productive.

OK - no more discussing work on the blog. It's bad business. I just really had to get that off my chest, though.

Not your typical Monday

So I really don't have a whole lot to say today but I can't let a good bit of time go unwasted unproductive. Lucky you!

Today was not your typical Monday. I had a good day...not just an OK day, but a good day. Things at work ran pretty smoothly. I only got really aggravated once but it was short lived and was followed by a very pleasant lunch. Actually, lunch is one of my favorite times of the day - and not for the obvious reasons. Lately, a colleague and I have been having lunch on our own together. She recently learned she has Celiac Disease so her lunch menu is limited. We have taken to bringing picnic type foods that we stock in the fridge so there is no need to pack a lunch every day (or run out - for which there is NEVER time!). One day, another friend of ours made homemade chicken soup with gluten-free noodles. THAT was a treat!

Another good thing that happened today is that the folks over at From*me Tees sent me an email. Apparently, they had sent me an email when I first notified them of the crooked T but I never received it. They saw my post from yesterday and sent another nice note and it made me smile.

So...happy Monday, everyone! Hope you have a great week...and I hope today set the tone for the rest of my week!

Work, work, work

So, I know better than to blog about work. I took that advice from the one and only Dooce. But I gotta say...DAMN, that makes things hard. Because today? Wow. Something really funny happened. Well, it didn't happen but it was funny. And I would love to share it with you but there are some confidentiality issues and that makes it a huge no-no. I would love to tell you more, but, alas, I cannot.

Instead, I leave you with this:

Where does the time go?

So I'm trying to find out where my time is going!! Now that the kids are back in school and I am going to work, it seems my days FLY by. Yesterday, I picked up the kids after work and made a quick run to the grocery. It was after 6pm when we got home! The Boy now has a friend on our street (hallelujah!) and the poor boy had come over to play but we were not home. When we got home, I was reluctant to send The Boy because it was practically dinner time! (He went anyway and had fun.)

It always amazes me how quickly the days blur by. Even when I make a concerted effort to leave work early, the time flies! For instance, today, I will leave work early so I can get The Girl to gymnastics. Of course, gymnastics runs till 5:45, so again, it will be after 6 when we get home! The good news is that I have a nail appointment while The Girl is at practice!

So how do you make the most of your limited family time when you never get home before evening? I'd love to hear from you.

A few things...

So this going to work every day thing is kicking my butt! Taking the kids is even worse! The Husband took them Wednesday...I had meetings all day long. I only spent about two hours actually doing stuff and that was after about 6 hrs of meetings! Have I mentioned I'm not a fan of meetings?!

Today I am not bringing kids to work. Nor is the husband. Today, we have a babysitter. Woohoo! It was a bit of a last minute thing but I'm looking forward to getting some actual work done.

Someone once asked me what my least favorite characteristic in a person was. I believe I answered conceit. I have decided that is not it. My new answer is smugness. I can't stand smug people. Narrow-mindedness comes in a close second, but that smug attitude, which is oftentimes paired with a superiority complex, just puts me over the edge.

What's yours? What characteristic really puts YOU over the edge?

Thank you all for the happy anniversary wishes. We are *finally* going to have time to go out and celebrate this weekend.