It's been ages since I've posted here. This is just a quick note, I am six months pregnant with our first child, a little boy.

I got a fulltime, regular contract job at a couple of schools closer to home in the same district I was working in last year. I'm sad and apprehensive because I won't be teaching my own classes this next year. But hopefully, it will all work out alright.

Baby is due in November, beginning of.

I need to get my thesis done so I can get a pay raise.

That's about it, in a nutshell for now.

I have learned so much in the last two months. Teaching is great it is all the other stuff that goes with it that I wasn't prepared for.

Issue number 1: Taking over from an already established teacher with her own routines and expectations of how the program should be run.

Issue number 2: Working with one of the best friends of the teacher that I've replaced is a huge challenge. I know that she is comparing me and my way of doing things to her way and is finding fault in everything I do.

Issue number 3: Being the boss and not realizing when I signed on that that was part of my job description. I thought I'd be working with my assistants. I didn't have a course in working with assistants. I don't know the first thing about being 'in charge' in the sense that I've got to tell other adults what to do. That has been a challenge.

Issue number 4: Understanding that 'no news is good news' and that if I don't hear from administration it is a good thing.

Issue number 5: Finding enough time in the day to run behind all the loose ends that always seem to exist.

Issue number 6: Fear of job security. The trade off of continuing contract rights after year 3.

It has been quite the learning experience and I continue to learn a lot every day.

Married life is good. Am happy. Am trying to diet. Have lost 8lbs. Am severely out of shape. Unhappy with that but am trying to work on it.

The stress of work is muzukashi.

Other things but don't want to publish them here.

Later gators!

We got married tonight!!!!

First week has come and gone. I'm a tired girl! I've spent a good portion of my day working on stuff for school. Trying to translate some documents so a recent arrival can try to get some work done for me.
It is really challenging, yet totally fun. I love being the teacher. I love the work. It is a lot of work, but I so enjoy it that it isn't painful or boring to do. The kids are still getting to know me and the 10-12 graders are a bit more resistent to change but they are coming around for the most part.
I need to go to bed so I can get up and get back to working tomorrow. It is only 9.15pm and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open on a Saturday night! What a change for me, the 'night owl'! I'm turning into an 'early bird'. NEVER did I think that would happen!
Less than 2 weeks until Dave and I get hitched-- can't wait!

must make a public record of it. today, well yesterday was my first day of 'training'... actually the district calls it 'induction training'. we learned a bit more about the district and got a chance to meet who else is new in our buildings.
i am just excited to get into my room and get this year under way. i am ready to meet my students and try to effect positive change where i see necessary.
i am intentionally not capitalizing this blog due to the late hour and trying to stay awake at my other job (it's my last night working here).
the only thing that is unsettling to me is the fact that I am not on a regular teacher's contract. that concerns me. i can't help the nagging feeling i've got in the back of my head.

Almost August. Almost time to really figure out what I am going to do the first week of school. Too fun! I feel like a grown-up.

The pastor we were seeing isn't cutting it for us. He's too preachy-preachy and seems to be bent on converting us to his Baptist faith. We didn't realize that was what we were getting into, so now we are trying to get out of it.

The thesis is slowly taking shape. Still haven't gotten to the library. But have started writing. That is more than half the battle.

The wedding is just around the corner, well not quite but close enough. I want all the details taken care of before September 1.

It is painfully hot and humid here. But then again it has been painfully hot in the lower 48 for the last 10 or more days in a row. VERY weird weather.

Here's a pic of what I am dreaming of the weather to be like. And so are Picasso(l) and Yukon (r).

June was a good month

First D. asked me to marry him. Then I went on a few interviews and finally last week I was offered a job at a high school approximately 40 minutes from where I live. Of course, I took it! I will be responsible for 60 students of all abilities. And I get an assistant. I will have two classrooms. It sounds like it will be awesome and is somewhat similar to what I worked with during student teaching. I am so thrilled. So now it is just getting through the summer working at the ranch while trying not to kill anyone there (that is metaphoric not literal of course).

We've decided on where we want to get married, there is a slight problem, something about the floor being 'squishy' ?? My dad is going to talk to the mayor of the town as he is also my dad's barber or something like that. We are getting married on Friday Sept 22 in the evening. Not sure what time yet. Probably around 6 or 7. It will only be immediate family at the actual ceremony. My brother is standing up for me and Dave's sister is standing up for him. Then we will treat our family to dinner somewhere local. Saturday the 23rd will be a pig roast at my parents' house. I'm working on the invitations now. It will probably start around 4pm and go until whenever.
Now it is time to work on my thesis. Got lots of bills due to the ER but it will be all taken care of in all due time.