Oh Sweet Internet, It’s So Nice To See You Again

So I’m sitting at the only coffeehouse in the area (yeah, it’s a small community) and their internet is down. I thought I might cry. Fortunately, I found another connection source. It’s only been a day, but I needed to get my internet fix. 

My move back to my parents was not without some drama. Well, lots of drama, but there’s no need to dwell on that. The real travesty is that they haven’t gotten internet yet (I’m totally living in the 90s again) so I haven’t been able to do much of my daily routine or FaceTime with my boyfriend. Sigh. Life goes on. 

Anyway, I’m all settled in and ready to get cracking at my planning for next year…just playing the waiting game to hear back from the rest of the English department. Until then, I suppose that I could brush up on my knowledge of the Common Core for grades 9 and 11 and get ideas for what to work on with my students stalk Tumblr and Pinerest for the foreseeable future.  

Second Interview

My first interview was on Monday morning. It was very relaxed and quick. Despite this, it felt promising. I was reassured by the AD who told me that he was batting for me and that I would be a great fit for my school. The interview panel asked me to stick around for a second interview the following morning. Of course that meant that I had to go shopping. 

I spent all day Wednesday shopping with my mom for something new to wear to the interview the following morning. I think I ended up looking alright. 

That night they emailed me a writing prompt about diversity and differentiation in the classroom. I wrote a 2-page paper to bring to them in the morning. I felt grateful that I had student-taught in such a diverse district before this.

Thursday morning, they were running late. Almost an hour late. So I sat and talked to the secretary and some of the other interviewees. (I think there were 4 of us that made it to the second round.) Finally they called me up, apologizing profusely the whole time. Of course, it was no big deal and I didn’t mind waiting at all.

They started out the interview laughing and joking about sharing water. I was given the opportunity to present my portfolio to them. I think it went over well. Then, I was asked 10 questions about myself, my views on English as a discipline, and classroom management. All-in-all, I think I did pretty well. I was given the opportunity to ask questions at the end. They use the Common Core standards. There is not much in the way of technology in the classrooms. They are looking for someone who is ready to be involved.

Again, the AD assured me that I was great and things looked promising.

Now they’re checking references.

I’m very nervous.  

PR Heaven

myrunningheart:

Visualize:

A crowd of people
A line in the grass
A nervous thought
A quick prayer
A hand raised
A voice above the rest
A gunshot

Then:

Heart-thudding
Mind-numbing
Feet pounding
Earth quaking
Running

Down a hill
Up a hill
Over the grass
Under the tree
Running

Breath-taking
Sweat dripping
Fierce competing
Soul spilling
Running

A bond made
Father-daughter
A tradition kept
Dust biting
Running

Passing pleasure
Sprinting finish
Falling down
Record breaking
Running

Interview Nerves

So, I finished my year of student teaching in April. Since then, I have been ferociously filling out applications. Too many applications have been sent in with no reply. It was getting a little depressing. Now, I realize that 2 months is not that long of a job search in comparison to some people, but I am someone who likes to have a plan. 

A week ago a received a call from a friend. SHPS was hiring. It was an English position. In the high school - the school I graduated from 6 years ago. This seemed like a great opportunity. I still know several teachers and administrators. I sent in the necessary information and began the long wait. My nerves were at an all-time high today because I knew that they would be calling to schedule interviews today. Finally, the long-awaited phone call comes through. My interview is set for Wednesday morning at 8:50. I could be more nervous.

This is my first serious interview.

The weird thing is, I think I’m more nervous that I’ll actually get the job. Why is that? I know that it would mean a lot of big changes. And I would likely be living with my parents again for the first year or two. Which is less than ideal for anything other than my bank account. 

Despite all the anxiety about the future, I just need to focus on Wednesday. Can anyone give a girl some advice?

Things I Don’t Know How To Tell You

• You want it more that I do. You always have and you probably always will.
• I’m tired of fighting. I’ve been tired of fighting for months.
• The tighter you hold on to me, the more I want to walk away.
• I’m not ready to commit.
• I think I like the idea of us better than the reality.
• I love my apartment. I can go there and be me. I don’t have to be who everyone else wants me to be…just the real me.
• He listens. And really cares. That means a lot.
• We have similar interests.
• Start reading. This may seem irrelevant, but I love books. I love reading. I want to share that with someone.
• Ending this would be the hardest thing that I have ever done, but I’m starting to wonder if it’s the right thing to do.
• This isn’t the first time I’ve felt this way.

The Grass is Always Greener…

It’s funny. I mean, I thought I was getting what I wanted. More space. More time. But now that I’m here, I know that’s not it either. Emotions are crazy and fickle. Maybe I should listen to logic from here on out. 

Part Time Waitress

So after busting my ass for 5 years of college and catering to the masses at 4 restaurants, I am now proud to announce that I am officially a part-time waitress. Yup! You heard me right - part time waitress. I won’t have to do 5 mini-loads of laundry a week in order to have clean clothes to wear to work. I will no longer be working 50 hours a week and plotting ways to destroy humanity. (Okay, it’s not quite that bad, but some people can be really rude. Waiter Rant - check out this blog if you don’t believe me.)

I’m not saying this next year is going to be cake. I’ll have student teaching to worry about and master’s classes on top of that (a new layer of hell yet to be discovered, I’m sure). Then there is all the “free-time” that I won’t have to plan my wedding. Yeah, it’s definitely going to be a tough year. All I’m saying is…I’m a part-time waitress! 

Speaking of student teaching: it’s going to be a TRIP! Just the thought of getting up in front of those students who may or may not pay attention to me, is enough to turn my stomach in knots. Honestly, I think I’m more afraid that they won’t pay attention to me. I don’t want to be that teacher that drones on endlessly, while the students slowly die of boredom. And what about finding the balance between being a teacher that is firm but respected and someone that they walk all over. It’s enough to give a girl nightmares!