Where in the world have I been? In a blink four months has flown by and I can't believe it. I want to say so much has happened in the past four months but really it has been pretty routine. I started my new job at West Middle and I loooooove it! It was a little bumpy at first but I got the kinks worked out pretty quick. I am amazed at how much I am learning while working in this district, they really do value their teachers and it shows. However with the start of the new year it also means ANOTHER job hunt. I knew going into this school year that I would have to look but I am really feeling downtrodden...I mean I love my job. It sucks that things like one-year contracts even exists but it got me some great experience to add to my resume. Here's hoping that another middle school in the district has a place for me. I am even adding another certification (Elementary....yikes!) just to widen some possibilities.

Chris and I are doing great, slowly but surely trying to make some progress in starting a life together. Hopefully he will finish school this May, even though it is just a piece of paper I will feel so much better once he is done. He only has 6 more hours and he will have his Bachelor's, he can not give up now. I am officially tired of being asked when we're getting engaged...it is a lovely thought but just because two people have been together for a somewhat lengthy amount of time does not mean they need to put a ring on it. My mantra simply is, "Slow and steady wins the race."

I am off work for the next week so I will try to get back in this swing of writing somewhat regularly because I really do enjoy it. I can't believe I have had this blog for a year...wow! It's going to be 2010...does anyone ever stop and think, "Where is my flying car?"

This is going to be short but I will surely write more later, this has been the fastest two weeks EVER! I am officially a 6th grade teacher at PWMS, contract signed and everything and school starts tomorrow! My classroom is set and I have met some of my students already and I think it is going to be an awesome year. I will add pictures when I get the chance. Also today was my 24th birthday...I almost don't believe it. Me? Twenty-four YEARS old? 24 used to be my scary age...but as my life has progressed I realize that at 24 I am right where I want to be, with an amazing man (who's birthday card brought me to tears because it was so sweet), in a good job, with a supportive family and great friends who are right there along with me, in the great (but sometimes scary) twenties.

Summer vacation that is. My first summer break is in its last week and I am getting really excited about starting my new position as a 6th grade teacher at Parkway West Middle School. Yes, everything is almost official, I have filled out all the paperwork and I am just waiting for a few more "I"s to be dotted and "T"s crossed before I am officially official with a contract and everything. And so far everyone has been so welcoming and nice, I got three phone calls this week just welcoming to the team and the school and how happy they were to have me. I don't think I talked to anyone at Warrenton until the first week of school. I know Parkway is going to be a big change from Warrenton and I am very excited to be in a school district that has its' stuff together. I went and picked up some things I left in my classroom out in Warrenton yesterday and while I was sad to be leaving my friend Leslie and my new Promethean Board, I know that this change is definitely for the best, it means a closer commute, more money, and better resources.

Tomorrow I get to go out to school and see my classroom and run around the school a bit, hopefully I can move some of the crap that I took from Warrenton in so I don't have to cart it around in the back of my car.

Before I know it the first day of school will be here and those bright, shiny, 6th graders will be in my hands...oh goodness. I have a lot planned for this year and some changes that I would like to make in order to make my classroom run a lot smoother. For example, every kid is getting a number (that corresponds to alphabetical order) that they have to put on every piece of paper so I can put things in order in two seconds as opposed to ten minutes. That is just one minor thing but something to change nonetheless.

I can't wait to go school supply shopping! I can seriously spend hours in the teacher store looking at posters, stickers, markers, and pens...if only I had an unlimited budget for decorating...ahh, one can dream.

I have got to get some laundry done, we've been home from Flordia for a week and I still haven't gotten things all the way unpacked. Sometimes these arms just do not want to do chores. :)

Harry the Heron at our beautiful pool at the Gulf Tides Inn

We did a variety of things while we were there, we went to the beach, rode the awesome roller coasters at Busch Garden and felt like little kids playing on the all the water slides at Adventure Island. We also ate like kings! There was the best meat market really close to where we were staying and we got the most delicious filet mignon and twice baked potatoes. Not to mention all the great seafood we ate while on the beach. We couldn't believe how fast the time went, we felt like we had just unpacked when it was already time to come home again. I know the memories from this vacation will definitely get me through the upcoming months ahead...I don't even want to think about winter! Here are some pictures from the trip.

Chris and I at Adventure Island

Sunset on Upham Beach

If you want to see all the pictures, check out my Facebook album.

So last week I wrote about how it was going to be such a long week because I was waiting for an interview for a new job and let me tell you IT WAS! I was a complete nut, I practice interviewing myself in the car on the way to Chris's house and had my sister mock interview, I wanted this thing so badly I could taste it. I got all gussied up on Thursday and strutted my stuff on in to wow the pants off the interview panel. Now I feel that I am making myself sound VERY confident going in to this interview when the truth is I could have peed my pants once I actually got there. I just tried to remain calm and collected even after they dropped the M-bomb on me...MATH. I was interviewing for a geography slash MATH position. I am sure the look on my face said, "WTF?" because the principal replied with, "Does that change your mind?" I really didn't know what to respond with except for, "Nope, not a problem, love math!" I'm such a liar. Math is my worst f'ing subject and now you want me to teach it to 6th graders. And my all means I should be able to teach 6th grade math, it covers things like fractions, decimals, precentages, but math is just one of the subjects that if you don't know what you are doing you stay the hell away from trying to act like you know how to teach it! But I digress, I made it in to the interview where I met with a panel of 8 people, by far the biggest panel I have come across so far in my fledgeling teaching career. They all introduced themselves and we got down to business. Thankfully they focused on teaching questions instead of content knowledge unlike the unsuccessful Parkway South interview. But I made sure to show them that I was the best for this job... I mean geography is my life, I was made for this job. Afterwards the principal told me that I would hear from them by next Friday and to enjoy my weekend and that was that.

It's only Monday and I can feel that this is going to be a long week, long because I am waiting for Thursday and this weekend. I have an interview this Thursday that I am trying so hard not be pumped up for but I literally could have swung from the ceiling when I got the call setting up the appointment on Saturday. I really don't want to get my hopes up but I feel like this position was made for me, it's 6th grade World Geography at Parkway West Middle School - if I could ask for a dream job right now this would be it. Geography is my favorite subject in the realm of social studies and I love teaching that class already and a chance to do it an pretty great school district would be even better. I interviewed in the district at Parkway South back in April and that was less than great. They essentially gave me a history test, a test I obviously hadn't studied for. But I feel like I am that much more ready for this interview. It is only supposed to be a half hour so I hoping they focus on actual teaching practice and not content knowledge. It's also supposed to be about 95 degrees on Thursday and my interview is at 1:30 so I need to be calm, cool, and collected in order to not sweat through my suit, which is a definite possiblity (I'm a sweater.)

Also this weekend is the 4th Annual Lake Trip. I have been praying to the weather gods for sunny skies and hopefully they will listen. Right now the forecast is calling for rain on Friday but gorgeous weather on Saturday and Sunday. Chris has an alumni golf tournament this weekend for Sig Ep so he won't be attending which means I have to drive myself to the Lake which I have never done before, I'm not too stoked about it. I also have to lug my own cooler and all the other manly stuff that Chris usually takes care of. I always get really nervouse before big gatherings with my friends for some reason, like I always fear the worst for some reason. It usually always turns out to be a great time but I run through all the what ifs before I go, like "what if someone drinks too much?", "what if someone fights with their bf/gf?", I think I do that just so I can have realistic expectations for my weekend.

There has been a good amount of rain in the St. Louis area the past few days and I need some sunshine. The storms are getting increasingly dangerous which just freaks me out because you just never know when it's going to go from bad to worse. The rain makes me want to stay in bed all day and not be productive so it has been pretty mellow around my house lately.

Memorial Day weekend usually marks the beginning of summer for most and as far as I am concerned it does for me too even though I have one and a half days of school to get through. My classroom is pretty much packed and the grades are done. I am not really sure what the point of making up these snow days are...I hate saying that I am just bullshiting to get through the day but my kids are about as interested as I am in being at school tomorrow and Wednesday. We do have some fun things planned though, we're celebrating Memorial Day tomorrow because it does tie in with my Civil War unit so it is really nice timing and it keeps the day focused on academics not wearing my patience down to its' last thread. On Wednesday we are doing a tug o'war, karoke, and yearbook signing....pretty much the day will be spent outside, I have already made a sacrifice to the weather gods because if I have to deal with 125 8th graders indoors on the last day of school I may need medication!

I sometimes hate that I become so invovled in television shows and movies. I can't help that I am overly emotional over fictional people, events, etc. With that being said I honestly can't believe the Grey's Anatomy season finale tonight...I even knew that shit about George enlisting in the army and couldn't put all the pieces together until he started writing on Meredith's hand. Literally, I started screaming at the television, "OH MY GOD, IT'S GEORGE!" But I kind of feel like I have seen this story line before...anyone remember Dr. Gant (Omar Epps) for ER who died when he jumped/tripped in front of the EL train on ER? No one knew it was him until the page sent out for Gant beeped on the mangled patient. Also, the whole "in love with a person with no face" scenario totally played out with crazy Rebecca and Karev last season. I mean I am shocked but I feel like I am seeing some similiar story lines. And I am pumped about Yang and Owen, not pumped about Little Grey and Sloane...I just want everyone to be together and be happy.

Don't feel like writing a whole lot but I felt I needed to post for May...I know I sound like a broken record but time is freaking flying by. 2 more weeks of school then dunzo. I booked our flight today to St. Petersburg, so no backing out now for sure. Is it weird that I feel oddly independent making large purchases? I booked four flights on my debit today for a grand total of $800, now of course I will be paid back but knowing that I had $800 laying around to purchase those makes me feel pretty darn good.

What a nice weekend, the weather was fabulous, over 80 degrees and beautifully sunny. Oh! It just makes me crave summertime. I got quite the taste this week, I essentially had Thursday off...I got to go to the Cardinal's game with kids from school. The game was awesome, Pujols hit two homeruns and Ankiel also hit a homer. But trying to keep watch of 36 middle schoolers in a crowd of 39,000...was a litte nerve racking to say the least. Friday I took a personal day to get some Dr. appointments out of the way and to just have the day off. Only 21 more school days (over one calendar month) until the end of school, I can't believe it. My first year of teaching is almost over. I haven't found another job and my contract is due this week. But I am honestly getting excited about next school year, it kind of feels good to know what's coming up and how I am going to better myself for next school year. But I feel like it is going to be a rough stretch over this next month...the kids already don't want to do crap and we have ALOT to cover, we aren't even to the Civil War yet, almost but a lot to cover. We can do it.

Goodness gracious...only 5 more Mondays until my first year of teaching is over. I can't even believe it. This last week has been hard in the realm of personal decisions about next year. I did not get the position I interviewed for last week which was tough but it was a tough interview so I really didn't expect to get the job anyway, but it just put me in this sour mood like that interview was going to be my one shot to get a new job for next year. I know it won't but I don't want to deal with the hassle of breaking a contract and plus I am getting kind of excited for next year...we're interviewing candidates for our team this week to fill the math position for next year which is exciting and I am even thinking of taking a coaching position but I don't want to commit to something and then not follow through. That is just not my way. It'll work out...eventually.

This week needs to move quickly!

Ok, I am a nerd and fanatically obsess over John Mayer. For the second year in a row, he has put on a cruise called the Mayercraft Carrier, where he performs along with a slew of a other musical talents. 4 days on a boat with John Mayer...yes please! Anywho, I haven't made up mind about this new track that he played on the boat....possibly because of the quality, I am sure once it is recorded it will really get me. Take a listen

Didn't do much this weekend, I stayed at Chris's house from Friday night to this morning. We really didn't do much. I like to pretend on Fridays that I want to go out and stay out all late but by the time I get off work, drive to Chris', and sit for a minute, I am way too tired to do anything. Plus I was ridic sore from workouts this week, I asked for back rub and the next think you know I am out like a light. I woke up at 3am and had no idea what was going on, I think I fell asleep mid-sentence. Saturday was more laying around and trip to the mall, which is honestly something Chris and I don't do a whole lot of...actual shopping together. For some reason I feel weird shopping around him. When I shop I could take hours, just wandering around, trying things on, debating whether or not to buy something. I quickly got over the weirdness because I found some great things at Limited, goodness I am obsessed with that store! And I always get such great deals there because of coupons...gotta love coupons. I ended up getting a huge headache while we were out so I came home and slept until midnight, then we watched the Sex and the City Movie and were up til 5am. So my sleep schedule is just a little whacked to say the least. I am going to try to hit the hay now but I don't think it is going to go well. Hopefully this week will go fast!

What a great day! Chris and I spent the day just hanging out, enjoying the gorgeous weather around St. Louis. We treated ourselves to some Quizno's and then a walk in Tilles Park. It was so nice out we took TWO walks, our 2nd walk of the day was at a small park in the Clifton Heights neighborhood, lots of nice houses and pretty things to see. It made me a little depressed because there were quite a few houses for rent/sale and it just points out that Chris and I can't afford anything for a really long time. I will just keep saving my money and one day like 20 years from now I will move out and be able to support myself...where's my lottery ticket again??

but I am sure glad I don't live there full time anymore because I don't think I could handle, no my liver could not handle Cape Girardeau anymore. The gang all went down on Friday to visit Megan, Dusty, and Durick and celebrate St. Patty's day a little early, and had a fabulous time. Friday night we went to D'ladium and let's just say I haven't drank like that in a long time. I always get so excited when I go to Cape because I honestly don't drink/go out that much anymore and it is just a good chance to let my hair down and go a little crazy for the night. I also got in many much needed dart games this weekend, it didn't take me long to get warmed up, although I don't think I will ever be as good as some of friends. Saturday was a loooong day, Poco's at 11am, then onto Buckner's, Broussard's, Rude Dog, then D'Ladiums. All in all a pretty great weekend!

Well I feel like it has been awhile since a post and I finally have some time to write now that it is SPRING BREAK! Woohoo! It does feel nice to have a week off from school and it is crazy to think when we go back we only have about 10 weeks left. The school year is just flying by and my 8th graders will be in high school before I know it. I'm getting a little nervous about the end of school because I haven't heard anything from the school districts I have been applying to and I am suppose to sign my contract by the 2nd or 3rd week of school for Warrenton. I found out there may be a stiff penalty for breaking your teaching contract, around $3-5000, eeks! Unfortunately it would still be worth it for a higher paying job in any other district. I have come to terms with teaching there a second year if I have to. With the economy the way it is, I am lucky to have the job that I have so I will just be thankful.

Onto more brighter notes, last night was all about babies! We found out that our friends, Blake and Amy are having a baby! It is just too cool, they are a great couple and are going to make great parents. It will definitely be different having a little one around at some of our gatherings but we still have some time to adjust for he/she gets here. Another one of Chris's friends is also having a baby and it is rumored that another one is too...there must be something in the water...I just hope I haven't been drinking any. Ha ha.

While I excited to be on break for a little while, I am so bored and it is only the first day. Chris spends his days working and my parents/sisters are out of town for a volleyball tournament, so it is just me and the dog. And I am trying to save money so staying home is the best option but I wish there was more entertainment. This week I am planning on hitting the gym everyday, let's just say that my pants are getting a little tight and I REFUSE to go up even one size. I worked really hard to get my weight down and I have gotten so lazy lately with how I have been eating and not excercisng so I am not surprised that I have gained a little. Re-committment is all I need, and what better time than with a whole week to devote to it? I plan on heading to Cape Girardeau next weekend and I am pumped. A few of us are headed down to just hang out and get a little crazy in our favorite town. Although I don't know how many friends will be down there to visit because I think it will be SEMO's spring break by then. I think we will still have a good time.

In case you haven't heard...Quizno's is giving away one million sub sandwiches. Go to http://www.millionsubs.com  and register your email address and PRESTO! one free small toasted sub sandwich. Mm Mm Mm Mm Mm Good.

I am stuck at school until 9pm tonight chaperoning the school social and I am so freakin' tired I could literally take a nap on my desk. I still have an hour until it starts and then I have to supervise open gym. I asked for an assignment that would involve mostly sitting or doing something busy, like concessions but no, I get put in the gym where I loathe the activity....kickball. Should be interesting I suppose...I remember the good old days of the St. Elizabeth and Roberts Friday night dances. Oh my goodness, the drama of those dances. Sometimes I forget how much I was like my 8th graders now. I always tease them about their life being so complicated and remind them they are 14. But I think about me at 14... I freaked out about everything, wanted to be liked so badly by the popular kids, and was just skinny, pasty, had BANGS (for Christ's sake), wore purple eyeshadow because I had no idea it didn't look good and still wore a t-shirt everywhere. I absolutely cringe when I look at pictures of myself from this time period. I would love to be that skinny again but girlfriend now knows that she looks good with a tan and some mascara.

I dyed my hair last night, just a touch up of the same color from the day after Christmas, I didn't think my hair actually faded that much but it really made a difference...it's super dark. The kids were so complimenting today...made me feel good that actually noticed something....sometimes I don't think they wouldn't notice if an elephant was hanging out in the room because they are so into themselves.

One of my favorite websites that I read regularly called Mental Floss, posted an interesting topic to respond to today, "What would be your dream job?" Don't even think about your educational background or anything..if you just got to whatever you wanted for a living what would it be? I think I would like to be a travel photographer...there is so much beauty in this world, it would be great to capture it on film. Or ... now this sounds incredibly dorky, but I would love to be a librarian. Surrounded by all those books and knowledge...amazing. One of the answers I saw more than once was a paint color namer...thought that was interesting.

I love coming home from work and having absolutely nothing to do, it's quite possibly one of my most favorite things because it makes me feel like I have one of those normal jobs that people have where the clock strikes a certain time and they can just get up and leave it for the next day. Things I may consider doing tonight: 1. Sitting on my butt 2. Painting my toe nails. 3. Laundry 4. Watching Bravo until I can't keep my eyes open. 5. Job searching. In order to have a list like this to consider it usually means I ran my tail off around work trying to plan tomorrow's lesson, making copies, grading papers, and just generally acting like I have had 10 times as more sugar than my students.

Well this week was probably one of the worst I have had in awhile, I was sick, had a crappy weekend, and oh did I mention I was sick? As my previous post alluded to I had some awful flu/bronchitis deal that is still keeping me down and not feeling the best. I had a sub Tuesday and half a day Thursday and I haven't graded any papers, my classroom looks like a war zone. I am particularly anal when it comes to leaving my classroom to go home for the night...I line up all the desks just right, pick up all the trash (because 8th graders have no idea that trash cans exist), erase the boards, and make sure my desk is cleared off so I can start the next day off fresh without any clutter. None of that happened last week. I am surprised you can still see the floor in my classroom, thank goodness for the night custodian who does sweep after I leave each day, otherwise I probably would have been ankle deep in paper. But I must move on and get back on track, it's a new week full of freshness.

This week has not been a fun one so far. I have this awful flu thing and I feel like death. I tried to go to school today and I knew I just should have called off but I felt determined to go but as soon as I got there I thought there was no way I was going to make it through the day. It sucked to drive 40 miles to and from school for a 30 minute day. I thought sleeping all day would help me feel better but it didn't, I'm hot, I'm cold, I cough constantly...yuck. And to top it all off it was 70 freaking degrees today and I spent inside in the dark. Boo this day.

OH man, what a LONG week I feel that I have had. And it honestly hasn't been all to stressful, in fact I haven't even done school work when I've gotten home the past two nights (even though I have needed too, oops.) Nothing really eventful going on, just the usual frustrations with school and my ridiculous co-worker who shall remain unnamed. It is getting to the point where I can no longer be professional...the kids don't like her, her team and other teachers don't like her, and she is freakin' clueless! If I have to stay at my position at this school for another year I hope and pray that she leaves, I can't possibly see how she will be offered a contract anyways but you never know.

Happy Innauguration Day everybody. It was such an exciting day at school today, we actually got to watch Obama's ceremony during lunch hour and it was just so powerful. We have been studying the Constitution in class and it just gave me goosebumps to hear him talk about protecting and upholding our Constitution...I only wish the kids would have felt the same way, they were just excited to not have to actually be in class for 20 minutes. It definitely would have been cool to be in D.C. today but I think I got just as good experience in my classroom...sometimes it feels so good to be a history teacher when there are events like this to study and celebrate.

Chris and I had a nice weekend filled with all of our favoritet things...tv, movies, drinks with friends and sleeping late :) Friday night we rented two movies, Baby Mama  and My Best Friend's Girl. Both were hilarious, expecially My Best Friend's Girl. I really had to talk Chris into that one because it had Dane Cook in it but he ended up laughing through the whole thing. Although I will give one warning, it is a little crude, but his behavior in this movie will make you laugh in an "Oh my God, I can't believe he just did that" kind of way. 

So I shouldn't be bored because I have A LOT to do but I really wanted a new background for my page...so I hope it isn't too early for a Valentine's layout...I think it's cute. Anywho I am just waiting for Christopher to come pick me up for Wednesday night date, usually he just comes over to watch Top Chef but tonight it is even more exciting because we're going to Red Lobster! I ate good all day so I could be a little piggy tonight..yea!

I stayed home from school today and I am so bored. I didn't sleep well last night due to this awful pain in my shoulder and I have just been feeling like I have been run over by a train. No energy to speak of, napping after school, it just sucks. And is it sad that I secretly didn't want to go because it was so cold outside. Arthritis and cold weather don't mix. I think my arthritis is flaring badly right now due to being overworked, stressed, not eating right, etc.

love it...

The job search that is... today I officially began looking for a new job for next school year. I'm kind of excited although it is a mentally grueling task. I attended a job fair today and I just can not believe the amount of people that go to these things, I mean I swear that adminstrators there saw atleast 600 people today...that is insane! So many people for so few positions. I definitely liked the adminstrator I talked to today, very personable and at least seemed interested in what I was saying. However, I think I made a boo boo answering a question dealing with common assessments that made me seem like I am not a team player when I so am...I am Miss Team Player! But whatev...hopefully everything will work out for the best this year and I definitely feel more prepared this time around. 

I am in the worst mood since I got home from work. I sometimes just can not believe how rude people can be and it is even worse when you have to work in an environment with rude people. There are a couple people at work that I just don't vibe with...a lot of dry humor, sarcasm, etc. Now I can get sassy but I know when it is appropriate and forgive me for a maybe thinking a little too idealistic but when you don't know someone very well I don't think it is professional nor all that friendly to be so outrageously sarcastic/rude. UGGGHHHHH....anyway, my little unhappy encounter happened at the end of an already trying day so literally I came home and crawled in bed. And to top it all off I feel like crap...stupid arthritis.