I cannot believe how quickly the beginning of school came this year! I guess I shouldn't be surprised though. Shortly after finishing up my Extended School Year summer tutoring assignment, I closed the deal on the house!!! It was such an ORDEAL to get to that point! I wish they had a show on HGTV that followed what happens once your offer is accepted and the CRAZY DRAWN OUT escrow process begins. What a pain in the you know what!
So once I got the keys in my hand and the glow of I can't believe it's finally over was done, the reality of new homeownership set in. My boyfriend and I along with some family and a few kind friends set to work on our own HGTV make-over. The pressure was on since we only had 12 days at that point to get everything done. I had to be out of my apartment in 12 days and my boyfriend had to leave for his annual training (he's a Marine) the following day. It was INSANE!!! We tore down wallpaper, popcorn ceilings, pulled up carpeting, tore out wood paneling, added insulation to a room, put up new drywall, ripped out a pocket door and replaced it with a new door, stripped wood floors, and stained them. The bulk of the work is now done (30 days later) and the first mortgage payment has been paid (boy was that fast!). There are still little things here and there that need some TLC and a backyard that needs some attention.
Everything was pretty much done just in time for me to go back to WORK!!! It came so fast! I am so incredibly thankful to have a job at the beginning of the year this time (especially after the experience of last year). I am at a NEW middle school (of course...temporary teacher, right!). And although I had 7th graders last year for Language Arts Intervention, it is still a new experience because I now am teaching 7th grade Language Arts and Social Studies.
As if the events from above weren't enough change....I am now....(wait for it)...ENGAGED!!! CRAZY! Crazy how life works!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Hooray for Summer!!!
I am finally officially beginning my summer break! I am so excited for the next 30 days off. I'm sure it will go by in a flash.
It's been awhile since I last blogged (I'm working on getting this blogging thing more routine), so I will recap what has been going on in the last month. I spent the last 19 days as a one-on-one tutor for a student in my district who required Extended School Year services. It was an interesting experience and I enjoyed working in the elementary setting again. I am very grateful for the plethora of resources I found on the Internet for phonics, fluency, comprehension, and multiplication (since it is summer, all of my teacher tools are in storage). One gem I came across this summer is the Cherry Carl website. It has FANTASTIC resources, particularly the Dolch words section!!! I heart it and wish I had know about it when I was teaching Kinder and 2nd grade! It would have been a HUGE help! However, I know about it now and encourage you to check it out!
Another recent development that has occurred during the last two months is that I am....buying a house! This is still kind of mind boggling to me because I never really set a goal to buy a house. It was one of those things that just kind of happened. So, how did it happen you wonder? Well, it was the boyfriend's idea originally. In the over two years that we have been together, he has been on the house hunt. He came very close once in Hesperia and I have to say I was not too keen on the idea of visiting/living (one day) in Hesperia (the relationship was still in it's beginning stages at that point). Long story short, things didn't work out with that house and the hunt continued. Last summer, when I was going through a rough patch emotionally and mentally (no teaching contract), the boyfriend and I had the talk (several talks actually). During those conversations we discussed at great length what we wanted for our future together and how were we going to get there. That was when my spending habits took a huge change and so did my thoughts and feelings about many other things. So, I began pinching every penny and quit shopping (this was NOT easy). I faced the fact that I am a shopaholic and changed my ways.
So now, I am in the FINAL days of this whole escrow process (which is not for the faint-hearted). It has been the longest and most intense two months of my life! The light at the end of the tunnel is in sight though. We have moved on to the more exciting aspects such as picking out paint colors, looking at ceiling fans, and stain for the wood floors that are currently hiding beneath some pink shag carpeting. I am looking forward to the day when the boyfriend and I can finally move in to our new home and start planning for another momentous day (WEDDING!).
In the meantime, I have begun catching up on my young adult literature. I've already read the Hunger Games and Catching Fire, both by Suzanne Collins. I can't wait to get my hands on the final book in the trilogy, Mockingjay. I have not enjoyed the YA genre so much since reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. Currently, I am reading The Giver.
Needless to say, I'm going to busy with a capital B this summer!
It's been awhile since I last blogged (I'm working on getting this blogging thing more routine), so I will recap what has been going on in the last month. I spent the last 19 days as a one-on-one tutor for a student in my district who required Extended School Year services. It was an interesting experience and I enjoyed working in the elementary setting again. I am very grateful for the plethora of resources I found on the Internet for phonics, fluency, comprehension, and multiplication (since it is summer, all of my teacher tools are in storage). One gem I came across this summer is the Cherry Carl website. It has FANTASTIC resources, particularly the Dolch words section!!! I heart it and wish I had know about it when I was teaching Kinder and 2nd grade! It would have been a HUGE help! However, I know about it now and encourage you to check it out!
Another recent development that has occurred during the last two months is that I am....buying a house! This is still kind of mind boggling to me because I never really set a goal to buy a house. It was one of those things that just kind of happened. So, how did it happen you wonder? Well, it was the boyfriend's idea originally. In the over two years that we have been together, he has been on the house hunt. He came very close once in Hesperia and I have to say I was not too keen on the idea of visiting/living (one day) in Hesperia (the relationship was still in it's beginning stages at that point). Long story short, things didn't work out with that house and the hunt continued. Last summer, when I was going through a rough patch emotionally and mentally (no teaching contract), the boyfriend and I had the talk (several talks actually). During those conversations we discussed at great length what we wanted for our future together and how were we going to get there. That was when my spending habits took a huge change and so did my thoughts and feelings about many other things. So, I began pinching every penny and quit shopping (this was NOT easy). I faced the fact that I am a shopaholic and changed my ways.
So now, I am in the FINAL days of this whole escrow process (which is not for the faint-hearted). It has been the longest and most intense two months of my life! The light at the end of the tunnel is in sight though. We have moved on to the more exciting aspects such as picking out paint colors, looking at ceiling fans, and stain for the wood floors that are currently hiding beneath some pink shag carpeting. I am looking forward to the day when the boyfriend and I can finally move in to our new home and start planning for another momentous day (WEDDING!).
In the meantime, I have begun catching up on my young adult literature. I've already read the Hunger Games and Catching Fire, both by Suzanne Collins. I can't wait to get my hands on the final book in the trilogy, Mockingjay. I have not enjoyed the YA genre so much since reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. Currently, I am reading The Giver.
Needless to say, I'm going to busy with a capital B this summer!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Journey to the Middle Years
Despite my best efforts, I have been horribly and terribly MIA. But this has ALL been with good reason. I have spent the last 5 months as a (cue the scary movie music) MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER!!! AHHH! Surprisingly though, it was not as scary an experience as I had previously imagined. I have to admit that I never in my wildest imagination thought I would 1. be successful at it or 2. enjoy it. I was more than happy to stay in the safe and colorful world that is elementary school.
This last January brought a huge challenge and opportunity my way though. A temporary contracted position opened up at one of the middle schools in my district. I applied for the position and thought I would get at least an interview. It was worth a shot. The position was for a 7th grade Language Arts Intervention teacher. I quickly moved through the interview process which included a panel interview of at least 10 people. This panel included the administration, school counselor, the entire 7th grade Language Arts department, and RSP teachers. I received an email shortly after letting me know I had made it through the first round. Next, I had to put together a SMARTboard lesson for a 7th grade class of 30 students. The lesson had to be 45 minutes, follow the Direct Instruction model, use Thinking Maps and Structured Academic Talk, provide differentiation, and teach students the correct usage of the semi-colon vs. the comma. It was no small feat that I pulled it off! I had about two days to get my lesson together.
The morning of my demo-lesson I was a basket of nerves. I was ready (and had learned a lot about the comma and semi-colon) but still nervous. The good thing was, all of my nerves stayed bottled up inside. I seamlessly taught my lesson to a roomful of 7th graders I had never worked with before and once again the panel of 10. I was very relieved when it was over. (I later found out that only two candidates had made it to this part of the interview process and I was one of them). The following day I received a phone call from the school that there was one more interview I needed to go to. It was at this interview that I found out unofficially how impressed the panel of 10 had been with me and that this middle school wanted me! I was astounded!
This was the beginning of my journey into middle school. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my teaching career. It has also been one of the most challenging. I have worked harder as a teacher for my students than ever before. It was all worth it though. And I will be continuing this journey in August when I return once again to middle school. This time I will be teaching 7th grade Language Arts and Social Studies at a new school.
This last January brought a huge challenge and opportunity my way though. A temporary contracted position opened up at one of the middle schools in my district. I applied for the position and thought I would get at least an interview. It was worth a shot. The position was for a 7th grade Language Arts Intervention teacher. I quickly moved through the interview process which included a panel interview of at least 10 people. This panel included the administration, school counselor, the entire 7th grade Language Arts department, and RSP teachers. I received an email shortly after letting me know I had made it through the first round. Next, I had to put together a SMARTboard lesson for a 7th grade class of 30 students. The lesson had to be 45 minutes, follow the Direct Instruction model, use Thinking Maps and Structured Academic Talk, provide differentiation, and teach students the correct usage of the semi-colon vs. the comma. It was no small feat that I pulled it off! I had about two days to get my lesson together.
The morning of my demo-lesson I was a basket of nerves. I was ready (and had learned a lot about the comma and semi-colon) but still nervous. The good thing was, all of my nerves stayed bottled up inside. I seamlessly taught my lesson to a roomful of 7th graders I had never worked with before and once again the panel of 10. I was very relieved when it was over. (I later found out that only two candidates had made it to this part of the interview process and I was one of them). The following day I received a phone call from the school that there was one more interview I needed to go to. It was at this interview that I found out unofficially how impressed the panel of 10 had been with me and that this middle school wanted me! I was astounded!
This was the beginning of my journey into middle school. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my teaching career. It has also been one of the most challenging. I have worked harder as a teacher for my students than ever before. It was all worth it though. And I will be continuing this journey in August when I return once again to middle school. This time I will be teaching 7th grade Language Arts and Social Studies at a new school.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Chicken Story
Today I marinated a whole chicken all by myself! (While this may seem like no big deal to you seasoned cooks, this is a HUGE deal to me!) Here is the back story....
My boyfriend decided a few months ago that owning a rotisserie would be the best thing since sliced bread. He has been on the hunt for one ever since...which means that I have been dragged into the hunt as well. Earlier this week, he called me to share his happiness over the rotisserie he picked up on Craigslist for a mere $25. I was then required to stop by his house Thursday afternoon to coo over this appliance. I've never cooed over an appliance in my life! And no, I did not coo. Instead, I watched him coo and smiled like a good girlfriend. I then received my marching orders for the weekend. (Did I mention this man is a Marine?) My job was to head to Vons to purchase a whole chicken (on sale), prepare, and marinade it. When he comes home on Sunday night, he is bringing the glorious rotisserie to my house for the chicken.
Today I did the deed. I went to Vons and because it was such a good deal, I purchased not 1 but 2 of these chickens. I was thinking ahead. We could cook one and freeze the other! I was very pleased with my foresight.
The marinade part was simple. I put some pepper, garlic salt, marinade, and orange peel. I hope he likes it and appreciates my ordeal! It is soaking up the juices in the fridge and should be delicious tomorrow when he takes over. That my friends is a wrap!
My boyfriend decided a few months ago that owning a rotisserie would be the best thing since sliced bread. He has been on the hunt for one ever since...which means that I have been dragged into the hunt as well. Earlier this week, he called me to share his happiness over the rotisserie he picked up on Craigslist for a mere $25. I was then required to stop by his house Thursday afternoon to coo over this appliance. I've never cooed over an appliance in my life! And no, I did not coo. Instead, I watched him coo and smiled like a good girlfriend. I then received my marching orders for the weekend. (Did I mention this man is a Marine?) My job was to head to Vons to purchase a whole chicken (on sale), prepare, and marinade it. When he comes home on Sunday night, he is bringing the glorious rotisserie to my house for the chicken.
Today I did the deed. I went to Vons and because it was such a good deal, I purchased not 1 but 2 of these chickens. I was thinking ahead. We could cook one and freeze the other! I was very pleased with my foresight.
Things were going good until I opened the chicken up and looked inside. Crap! What the heck is this stuff and what do I do with it? The only thing to do was to call my mom. So I called her. Of course she asked, "What possessed you to buy a whole chicken?" So I re-told her the story of the rotisserie (It's not like I didn't tell her about it last night or anything!) She informed me that I had to stick my hand in and pull out the neck, heart, and other wonderful surprises. So while still on the phone with her, I stuck my hand in and pulled (and squealed). It was the grossest thing I have ever done (surprisingly, kid vomit is no big deal to me but this is). The insides felt smooth, cold, and squishy. Weirdest combination ever! My mother laughed and said, "I wish I could've seen your face!" Did I fail to mention that my cat, Harry, was sitting quietly watching me and looking very confused? Needless to say, I was so relieved when it was all over. I thanked my mom (who was still laughing) and hung up. Then...I turned the chicken over. CRAP!!! To my sheer horror the neck was still attached. I tried tugging at it but it wouldn't budge. So...I called mom again. She answered with, "Let me guess, the neck is still attached?" "Yes, what do I do? It's not coming off!" I said. She told me to cut it off and that this is exactly the reason why she NEVER cooks a whole chicken. She also said that I better tell my boyfriend to prep his own chickens from now on. I fully agree with this.
The marinade part was simple. I put some pepper, garlic salt, marinade, and orange peel. I hope he likes it and appreciates my ordeal! It is soaking up the juices in the fridge and should be delicious tomorrow when he takes over. That my friends is a wrap! Thursday, January 5, 2012
Welcome 2012!
Hooray for 2012! Here's to a year full of possibility. I was so glad to see 2011 come to an end. I am praying that good things will come my way professionally. 2011 was a year filled with highs and lows for myself and my boyfriend. And while it was a challenging year professionally, I think it has really opened my eyes to things I love most. What really surprised me was how I learned to live more in the moment. While I do dream about having a house and a family, I think I learned how to appreciate more the things I do have. For example, a loving and supportive family, boyfriend, and friends. A roof over my head and pets who love me no matter what. And I discovered a new side of myself that is more domestic goddess than I ever knew I had in myself. It's truly amazing the things you learn to appreciate when you are on a budget. I am not one to make New Year's resolutions, ever. Primarily because I am terrible at keeping them. So my goals for this year are to be more positive and open, especially to change. Happy days are ahead!
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