Fall Fest

Spent the whole day 10:30am until 7pm at the Fall Fest in the park across the street from the church. Our friends from Chatt Hills came to visit and we saw lots of church friends, too. Nate spent most of the time working at the church/day school tent. 

Another Job Offer

3 job interviews in 3 days and all 3 offered me a job. Yes, I am bragging but this is my blog so I can. Very thankful for excellent references and for so many opportunities. Still very happy with my choice. 

I went by the school this afternoon and got to meet my class, my team, and even Korra's teacher. I learned that I'll be teaching social studies as well as language arts (surprise!) and that my first 3 days in the job will be shadowing other teachers and lesson planning workshops with other teachers. I'm really excited to be so well supported!

Fernbank

Korra and I went with some friends to Fernbank Natural History Museum this afternoon. 

Job!

I got offered 2 jobs today!  First was subbing at the Friends School. And then the 6th grade language arts position that I did the demo lesson for yesterday!  Yay!  Full time employment with benefits at a great school that is closer to home where Korra will also attend kindergarten!  Starting October 9th!  I honestly started sobbing when I got the news. It is such a huge relief. 

Interviews, Day 3

Today concluded 3 interviews in 3 days. Going to the Friends School about a substitute position, which obviously isn't ideal but meeting with the principal can't hurt. 

Renter Woes

Our renter's lease is up on October 8. First he said he would move out on the 1st. Now he's asking to stay until the 15th. We told him no and he's just saying he won't leave. And then asking why we're so mean to him. After he's paid the last 5 months late and has refused to pay for the garage disposal that was broken because there was plastic and coins in it. Ugh. Can we just be done with this yet?

Infrences

My demo lesson today is on making inferences. And what are inferences but assumptions?  And I feel like the admin at this school had made assumptions about my classroom management abilities. So we're starting the lesson where the kids will get to make assumptions about me based on the contents of my purse (I've carefully curated the items). Here's hoping it grows goes over will on many levels. 

Interview 5...

So today makes the 3rd demo lesson and 5th interview with the same school. This is the 3rd position they've considered me for (and definitely the best fit). I'm only nervous that they will still find me lacking in some area and I won't get a definite answer soon. I need to know if it's time to move on from this opportunity. 

This Girl

Picked out her own outfit. Named her sandwich Poo and then proceeded to talk about eating poo all during lunch. Picked out a book about sign language at the library. 

Interview Jitters

It's totally normal to arrive 45 minutes early for an interview, right?  Sitting in my car trying to read a book. 

4 applications

Filled out 4 more applications.  Taught Korra about money and consonants and buoyancy.  Went to the park.  Took a nap.  Already getting bored with unemployment.

Buoyancy

Buoyancy experiment. Will it sink or float? 

Homeschool

Spending some time preparing for our first day of "homeschool" tomorrow.  I know Korra doesn't really NEED school (she's young and already way ahead academically), but it makes me feel a little better about us both being at home.  I have a feeling she's going to finish everything I planned in about 30 minutes.  I might need to invest in some educational apps so I can get some more applications done.

Creative Afternoon

I made some Barbie clothes and Korra colored in Nate's tattoos. 

Job News

I should hear today about when this week I will conduct yet another model lesson.  I also got an email from a job I applied for a month ago and I have an interview on Tuesday afternoon.  I've applied for 4 other jobs this weekend.  My goal will be 3-4 per day.  If I don't have a teaching job in 2 weeks, I'll begin applying outside my field.  I have a plan.  It's going to be ok.  

Zombie Attack: a math review game

We played my legendary review game yesterday. The kids love it and since I made it up myself (with adjustment over time), I'm pretty proud of it. So I thought I'd write out the rules here: 

Students are divided into teams.  Each team draws an apocalypse survival bunker on the board.  I add 10 Xs under each team's bunker.  Everyone on every team has to work the math problem I present, then they discuss, agree on an answer, and write it on a little white board to hold up when time is up.  Any team that gets the right answer gets the option to either add an X to their bunker (defend), though you can't have more than 10 Xs or take 2 Xs away from another team's bunker (attack).  Once a team is out of Xs, they become zombies.  They can't defend their bunker, but they can attack other bunkers, but with only half the strength (meaning they can only take away 1 X).  If 2 teams are tied for the lead at the end of the game, they both lose (this is because sometimes the kids make alliances and I need them to turn on each other in the end).  Also, as the game czar, I reserve all rights to take away Xs from teams where not all team members are working the problems or for any unsportsmanlike conduct.  I love how this game can get 100% participation in math practice for an entire hour and all it takes for me is math problems and answers and some dry erase boards.  

Roller Coaster Day

Today I got lots of hugs from kids and teachers and then was asked to do something unethical by a new administrator and then I got a call from the school I interviewed at asking if I'd be interested in a 6th grade ELA position so I'm having coffee with the middle school AP tomorrow morning and then we had a wonderful potluck dinner with church friends. Did I mention I've been up since 3:30am? I'm really tired. 

Pretty Typical

My homeroom planned a "surprise" goodbye party for me at lunch today. In typical middle school style it was exactly what they wanted and not at all what I wanted. Cupcakes, sour cream and onion chips and Kool aid. Then they ran around my room and didn't clean up when they left for recess. It's the thought that counts, right?

School Email

I just deleted every sent and received email in my school account, all browsing history, and documents from my school laptop. 

Goodbye Gifts

Last Day

So I'm going to level with you, my blog.  As of today at 4:00, I'm unemployed.  For the first time since I was 16 years old (13 if you count babysitting), I don't have my own source of income.  It is terrifying.  It's not that I think I should have stayed at this job longer (I'm pretty sure they would have fired me by now and if they didn't, then I'd have a mental breakdown for fear of being fired every day), but I wish I already had something FOR SURE lined up.  I'm still waiting for "next steps" from that kindergarten position.  I'm going to fill out a lot more applications this weekend and next week and I'm kind of looking forward to pseudo- homeschooling Korra for a short time until we figure things out, BUT... I don't have a job and I just can't get past that.  I feel guilt and shame.  I feel regret and fear and anxiety.  But it's not as bad as the anxiety and frustration and fear I felt with my job so I guess I made the right decision.  And now it's time to go hug my students one last time.

So many feelings

Tomorrow's my last day at Chatt Hills. 

A little bored

There's not a lot to do as a teacher when you no longer have to make lesson plans or copies. Though this mild boredom is definitely compounded by the lack of internet. 

No internet or AC

God help me. 

Things I Learned

Here's what I learned about my school today:

- we have a budget shortfall of $200,000 because they didn't get all our spots filled in time for our enrollment count 

- the grout in the bathroom floor was never sealed so 3 years of pee is soaked into it

3 more days

Dance

Korra's first dance class of the new school year. She's in the next class up and is a little intimidated by the pace of the class and the older kids. 

Small Group

Tonight we had the first meeting of our new email group. Really liking forward to getting to know these wonderful people better. 

Still no news

I really thought I'd hear about that job today...

Flick-nic

We went to the park across from the church tonight for their outdoor movie series. Tonight they showed Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The church gave out popcorn and lightsabers (glow sticks), both of which were a big hit.  Thanks to her UTI, which makes her feel like she has to pee all the time, Korra peed in the woods three times. 

Near the Braves Stadium

This morning I met a man in front of the church to sell him our jogging stroller (sold via Craigslist). I asked him if he lived in the area and he said, "no- I live near the Braves stadium." When I told him I did too, he asked why I suggested meeting at the church. I said, "there's no way I'd meet a stranger from Craigslist in that neighborhood!" When he looked confused, I realized it's because he lives by the new stadium, in a much richer, nicer part of town.  The conversation ended pretty quickly after that. 

Garbage Disposal

We just got the bill for when the plumber went to our LaGrange house to fix the garage disposal last week. $300.  Under the description of the work done, it listed removal of plastic and removal of a dime. That bill is coming right out of our renter's deposit. 

Kindergarten Texts

Korra asked if she could text her kindergarten bff today since she wasn't at school. Thankfully I am friends with her mom so we made it happen. It was adorable 

UTI

After we got home from the pediatrician Korra complained that it hurt when she went pee. By the afternoon I was convinced a UTI was a distinct possibility. I took her back to the same doctor we saw this morning (even though she was at a different location) and not only was she still amazing and kind and helpful but she also managed to get the visit added to this morning's so I didn't have to make 2 copays and she had Korra's UTI diagnosis withing 4 minutes. Waiting at the pharmacy for an antibiotic and feeling thankful for an extra wonderful nurse practitioner. 

Medical Insurance

Submitting Flex-Spending claims (because I learned that everything I don't use by this Friday, I will lose) and investigating Cobra insurance coverage.  Quitting a job is hard work.

5 year check up

Korra greatly impressed/charmed the nurse and NP. She's completely fallen if the growth chart at 38 inches tall and 31 lbs but the NP didn't seem concerned, which was nice to hear. In fact, I really liked this NP and plan to make her our regular pediatrician. 

Birthday Party

On the drive home from the Pediatrician, another car raced around us and made it hard to get over for our exit. When I expressed my frustration with the other driver (not too kindly), Korra said, "Mom, you don't know him. He might be in a big hurry. He might have to get to a birthday party,"

Check Up

No school for Korra and me today. We're going to a new Pediatrician for her 5 year check up. Feeling nervous about a new doctor and worrying they'll give me a hard time about her size. Hoping they'll have some advice about her constant cold and possible asthma. 

Lesson Plans

Even though I only have 5 more days with these particular students, I'm working on lesson plans.  I'm making fun activities.  I'm grading quizzes.  I'm writing a letter to their new teacher so she will know what we've covered.  I pray for her.  I pray for my students.  I pray I made the right decision.

References

2 of my 3 references haven't filled out my reference form for the job I'm hoping for.  It's been a week. Seriously?  I'm feeling so frustrated right now. 

Freeing

I didn't realize quite how scared I was at work every day until I wasn't anymore. I don't have to be afraid they're going to fire me.  There's still a part of me that knows they can still hurt me (and I fear they will more before I go), but at least I know I don't have to fear the worst.

Brag

It's my blog so I can brag if I want to...

Korra, who I will remind you has just recently turned 5 and began kindergarten, got the results of her guided reading assessment today. Her level: P, which according to this chart they sent home shows her reading level to be typical for a 4th grader. Hell yeah. 

Less Emotional

Thanks to an unexpected 4 day weekend and the fact that we are the only school in the county who had class today the kids were a lot less upset about me leaving.  The news wasn't as fresh and they had something more pressing to be upset about. 

I started packing my things. It's hard to know what I'll need when I don't know where I'll be in a week and a half. 

Jury Summons

Nate and I were just talking at dinner today about how he's never gotten a jury summons and the only one I'd ever gotten was for a county I no longer lived in. And then today I got a jury summons forwarded from our old house. 

Amazing Surprise Gift

From my cousin Julie who knows me so well. 

Back to School

Even though Fulton County and Atlanta public school systems are closed tomorrow, my school is still open. Since we are technically part of Fulton County school system, this seems really weird. 

Still Have Power

The power has flickered a couple of times in the past 3 hours but thankfully hasn't stayed out. Korra has spent most of the day with a cut-and-paste activity book. I've been reading. Nate's been building a Lego set. There have been some serious wind gusts and it hasn't stopped raining since last night but everything seems ok so far. 

Firefly and Papers

Grading papers and rewatching Firefly while it gently rains. 

Twins!

No School

My school (the school I am employed at for 2 more weeks) is closed Monday and Tuesday due to Hurricane Irma. So instead of 10 more school days there, I'm down to 8. 

9 glorious hours

I slept for 9 hours straight last night. It's the best night it of sleep I've had in almost 2 months. 

Celebrating

We're celebrating my big life decision by attending a racial justice workshop and then going out for dinner at The Brickstore. 

Oh Yeah

Oh, and the teacher I share a trailer with just didn't show up today.  She sent a text to the principal that said, "Please find a sub for me today... and for the rest of the year."  That's it.  At least I gave 2 weeks notice.  

Resigned

I gave my two weeks notice. I emailed all my parents at 4:00. I've already gotten 2 dozen supportive, encouraging, kind and complimentary from parents. I feel so sad and relieved and happy and guilty and validated and powerful. 

Deoderant

30 minutes early to my interview and I realized I didn't put on any deoderant this morning. 

Grades

They finally got our gradebook and rosters set up yesterday and they announced this morning that grades need to be completely uploaded by 3:00 today because they are sending home progress reports tomorrow. 

Avatar

Korra and Nate have been watching Avatar the Last Airbender. Check out this amazing drawing. 

Sick Stomach

As I drive closer and closer to school every morning, I feel sicker and sicker.  A rock in my stomach that cannot be ignored.

I have another interview tomorrow afternoon.  I can hardly bring myself to write it, even here.  Kindergarten.  It's almost unimaginable, but it's a great school.  I met with the assistant principal for coffee on Monday and it was amazing just to talk with an administrator who was so supportive and kind.

I've had my resignation letter written since Saturday.  I have a printed and signed copy dated for every day this week.  I feel so sad every time I look at my students but so depressed (for an entirely different reason) every time I look at my administrators.

Praying things will be much clearer tomorrow afternoon.

Sixteen Candles

Watching Sixteen Candles and folding laundry. This movie had some really upsetting statements on consent. And it's racist. And homophobic. 

Parade

This morning we met up with some friends and went to the Dragon Con parade. After the parade, Korra and I went out to lunch (Felini's pizza) with my brother Brian and my sister in law Anna and then walked to the park to enjoy the beautiful weather. Korra and I came home and took a glorious 2 hour nap. We ate some fruit and veggies and leftover birthday cake for dinner while watching Moana and then went to another park for a bike ride/run. (Nate was/is at Dragon Con playing board games through all of this). I am so thankful to have this 3 day weekend. 

Stress Side Effects

Just a warning - this is probably TMI, but then I remembered this blog is for me to document my life and it's also cathartic for me to write so...

These are the ways my stressful job is impacting me physically: 

Waking up at 4 am every day 

Heartburn 

Diarrhea 

Headaches from clenching my jaw all night 

Hemmoroid flare ups (had those since childbirth- so fun) 

Obviously, I can't continue this much longer. 

Rumors of My Termination Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

There was a rumor going around school today that I had been fired. When I first heard it I cried because I was sure it meant it was coming. And with good reason. I decided to take a stand this morning during our faculty meeting. I didn't cry or back down. I told the admin in front of everyone that speaking up made me fearful I would lose my job. I said they were thoughtless and unprofessional when they fired a teacher in the middle of the day yesterday. I said that if I got fired next everyone would know why. So yeah... maybe I should have been more prepared. But I didn't get fired today. I'm sure that even if I don't, they won't make things any easier for me. But I had teachers all day long thank me for my words and leadership and bravery.  For now, it feels worth it. I'm exhausted but proud of myself. 

Birthday Girl

I can't believe she's 5!

Highlights of the day include special homemade rice crispy treats for her kindergarten class (I even got to visit her class and hand them out!), getting "super rainbow" on the behavior chart in get classroom, new Barbies and Legos, and the Woodworth family bringing us dinner and joining us for cake.