My interview went just fine. Sure, I had a moment where I stumbled over the answer (I'd forgotten to prepare for that particular question, even though I figured it would be asked), but overall, the interview was a simple dialogue.
I couldn't tell what the principal thought of me, but the district arts coordinator (DAC) was very encouraging. It's not my ideal job; I would much rather work with older students, and I'd really prefer the opportunity to spend more than 90 minutes a week doing what my Master's trained me to do. When I spoke with the DAC at a conference a few months ago, I had admitted that to her. She even acknowledged this when she called about the interview, and she kept telling me it would be a good way to get my foot in the door and that she looks internally first when positions are available. That is good to know, but I don't believe that she is expecting openings at the level I'd prefer for 2009-10. Eh.
In related news, I put in an email to another local colleague (well-respected teacher) who has commented before that he'd love to see me teaching in this area. He wrote back, saying he was more than willing to call some local administrators (which was an unexpected and kind offer on his part).
At first I thought, "Should I really have someone call on my behalf? Does that make me look desperate, like my qualifications won't stand up enough on their own?" They should.
Then I got over my ego and wrote back that I appreciated his offer, and yes, that would be lovely if he would make those calls. So ... we'll see what happens.
Aside to God: Thanks for being with me today! What ARE Your plans for me? Please let me know!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Surprise opportunity
Last night (about 13 hours ago), I was called and asked if I'd be willing to interview THIS MORNING for a job about an hour away. I said, "Sure!" Gulp.
Right after I got the call, I had rehearsal for THREE HOURS, and then I had to fill out the formal application online. That was supposed to take 20 minutes, but it took TWO HOURS because the website wasn't functioning properly.
I finally got to bed just before 1am, and I woke up five minutes before my alarm was set to go off, shortly after 6am. As I'm finishing up my toast and tea, I'm trying to figure out what I've got to do to finish preparing. This job is not my ideal age level, and I haven't had time to think to think about all of the types of questions I will most likely be asked. It's quite different from how I would approach answering questions for a job at my ideal age level. (The subject matter, while still the same field, is quite different.) And I have TWO hours to get ready, find something to wear (I laid out a suit because it's been instilled in me that I must wear a suit to an interview, but, dude, it's gonna be a record high with lots of humidity today. Ugh), and go over possible questions before I have to drive the hour to get there. Lord, please be with me.
Right after I got the call, I had rehearsal for THREE HOURS, and then I had to fill out the formal application online. That was supposed to take 20 minutes, but it took TWO HOURS because the website wasn't functioning properly.
I finally got to bed just before 1am, and I woke up five minutes before my alarm was set to go off, shortly after 6am. As I'm finishing up my toast and tea, I'm trying to figure out what I've got to do to finish preparing. This job is not my ideal age level, and I haven't had time to think to think about all of the types of questions I will most likely be asked. It's quite different from how I would approach answering questions for a job at my ideal age level. (The subject matter, while still the same field, is quite different.) And I have TWO hours to get ready, find something to wear (I laid out a suit because it's been instilled in me that I must wear a suit to an interview, but, dude, it's gonna be a record high with lots of humidity today. Ugh), and go over possible questions before I have to drive the hour to get there. Lord, please be with me.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Two Days...
...until I leave yet again!
I visited Westley and his family this weekend. There was a lovely spring which was illuminated at nighttime, a campfire on two nights, antique-shopping, lunch at a quirky and fun pub which Westley described as being for "intellectuals," icecream outside in the warm summer evening, dips in the jacuzzi, nice long drives in the countryside, church, and a brief shopping trip (I love our bookstore dates, even when we don't actually buy anything, because it's so wonderful to walk around and look at and talk about all sorts of fascinating books). Precious family time also included a yummy picnic dinner and time spent throwing frisbees, checking out tadpoles, and kicking around a soccer ball with the nephews.
Westley's mother told us that one of the nephews (age 4) said, "Estrella is cute!" And then, catching himself, he revised his remark, "I mean, Uncle Westley thinks Estrella is cute!"
~*~*~*~
Next up: a trip to a place where I haven't been for nearly 4 years, to celebrate a happy family occasion. Alas, I do not expect that I will take my laptop with me ... so ... if I can't think of anything to post in the next few days, this blog may not be updated for another week!
I visited Westley and his family this weekend. There was a lovely spring which was illuminated at nighttime, a campfire on two nights, antique-shopping, lunch at a quirky and fun pub which Westley described as being for "intellectuals," icecream outside in the warm summer evening, dips in the jacuzzi, nice long drives in the countryside, church, and a brief shopping trip (I love our bookstore dates, even when we don't actually buy anything, because it's so wonderful to walk around and look at and talk about all sorts of fascinating books). Precious family time also included a yummy picnic dinner and time spent throwing frisbees, checking out tadpoles, and kicking around a soccer ball with the nephews.
Westley's mother told us that one of the nephews (age 4) said, "Estrella is cute!" And then, catching himself, he revised his remark, "I mean, Uncle Westley thinks Estrella is cute!"
~*~*~*~
Next up: a trip to a place where I haven't been for nearly 4 years, to celebrate a happy family occasion. Alas, I do not expect that I will take my laptop with me ... so ... if I can't think of anything to post in the next few days, this blog may not be updated for another week!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Fun-filled weekend, part 2
*Sequel to Part 1!
After Saturday's heavy rain, BestFriend wanted to visit the beach again during low tide to look for more wonderful treasures. So ... on Sunday morning, we got up early, threw on old t-shirts and shorts, and drove to a smaller, closer shore.The area was not nearly as picturesque or grand as where we had visited on Friday, but it was still lovely to stand on the wet sand and let the delicously cool water wash over my feet in tiny waves. A lovely way to wake up.
From there, we spontaneously decided to go into the local bakery where we shared two muffins, BestFriend with her orange juice and me with a frozen mocha cappuccino (which I'd never had before, but figured BestFriend's visit was a good excuse to spoil myself).
After that tasty meal, we rushed home, got ready quickly, and went to church. I hadn't been to that church since I'd gotten home, because I had other obligations at my other church in the area. Enjoyed the service, the sermon, and seeing people afterwards. They also asked graduates to come forward for a blessing (which I had not expected), and that was very special too. (BestFriend came forward with me to lay her hand on my shoulder because I had no family present.)
After church, we came home and grabbed a snack before heading to StateCapital for more sightseeing. It turned out that there was a huge arts festival downtown, and we loved browsing through the various stalls of handmade purses, jewelry, glassware, scarves, clothing, soaps, and food samples. I got an adorable turquoise Asian-print tote which folded and zipped up into a pocket the size of an eyeglasses case for only $15! Awesome for traveling. We walked further downtown to the shops (tourist and otherwise), and I got an amazing outfit for 65% off the original price, even though it took me awhile to decide if I really wanted to pay $70 for both pieces (combined).
BestFriend spotted an ominous dark cloud above us, and sure enough, it rained quite heavily. Thankfully, the storm passed quickly and we were still able to explore the natural beauty around the town after the rain stopped. On our way back to the parking garage, we were lured into a whimsical yet sophisticated tea shop, and we both ended up buying tea. (I don't even have my own teapot yet, but I have this romantic fancy of cozying up with a book and a lovely cup of tea in my future apartment, wherever it may be. I imagine reality will actually involve me curling up with lesson plans and one of my many musical mugs.)
Speaking of dark, ominous clouds, the trees are swaying outside while thunder rumbles nearby. The storm hasn't hit yet, but I think it's probably better for me to turn off the computer
POSTED A FEW HOURS LATER because the power blinked right after I wrote the above sentence, shutting off the computer for me, and the storm came. (Thank goodness for the Autosave feature on Blogger!) More storms are expected ... so more descriptions of last weekend's festivities must be reserved for another time.
After Saturday's heavy rain, BestFriend wanted to visit the beach again during low tide to look for more wonderful treasures. So ... on Sunday morning, we got up early, threw on old t-shirts and shorts, and drove to a smaller, closer shore.The area was not nearly as picturesque or grand as where we had visited on Friday, but it was still lovely to stand on the wet sand and let the delicously cool water wash over my feet in tiny waves. A lovely way to wake up.
From there, we spontaneously decided to go into the local bakery where we shared two muffins, BestFriend with her orange juice and me with a frozen mocha cappuccino (which I'd never had before, but figured BestFriend's visit was a good excuse to spoil myself).
After that tasty meal, we rushed home, got ready quickly, and went to church. I hadn't been to that church since I'd gotten home, because I had other obligations at my other church in the area. Enjoyed the service, the sermon, and seeing people afterwards. They also asked graduates to come forward for a blessing (which I had not expected), and that was very special too. (BestFriend came forward with me to lay her hand on my shoulder because I had no family present.)
After church, we came home and grabbed a snack before heading to StateCapital for more sightseeing. It turned out that there was a huge arts festival downtown, and we loved browsing through the various stalls of handmade purses, jewelry, glassware, scarves, clothing, soaps, and food samples. I got an adorable turquoise Asian-print tote which folded and zipped up into a pocket the size of an eyeglasses case for only $15! Awesome for traveling. We walked further downtown to the shops (tourist and otherwise), and I got an amazing outfit for 65% off the original price, even though it took me awhile to decide if I really wanted to pay $70 for both pieces (combined).
BestFriend spotted an ominous dark cloud above us, and sure enough, it rained quite heavily. Thankfully, the storm passed quickly and we were still able to explore the natural beauty around the town after the rain stopped. On our way back to the parking garage, we were lured into a whimsical yet sophisticated tea shop, and we both ended up buying tea. (I don't even have my own teapot yet, but I have this romantic fancy of cozying up with a book and a lovely cup of tea in my future apartment, wherever it may be. I imagine reality will actually involve me curling up with lesson plans and one of my many musical mugs.)
Speaking of dark, ominous clouds, the trees are swaying outside while thunder rumbles nearby. The storm hasn't hit yet, but I think it's probably better for me to turn off the computer
POSTED A FEW HOURS LATER because the power blinked right after I wrote the above sentence, shutting off the computer for me, and the storm came. (Thank goodness for the Autosave feature on Blogger!) More storms are expected ... so more descriptions of last weekend's festivities must be reserved for another time.
Trying not to crowd the eggs in one basket
One of the jobs for which I applied last week sounds perfect to me. Location-wise, it's not near a city, but the area has Target & Starbucks not too far away, and that's good enough. Additionally, it's the closest job I've found to where Westley will be next year, and that is certainly an awesome benefit.
I applied and also emailed the person in charge of handling the applications because I'd met him when he gave a presentation at AlmaMater. When I contacted Mentor about something else recently, I mentioned that I'd applied for the job. Today, she wrote back telling me that she too had received an announcement about the job, and that she had put in a good word for me with the person in charge. He's on the board for a community organization in which she holds a prominent role.
*crossing my fingers* Of all the jobs for which I've applied, this is the one I want the most! I'm hoping it's God's will for me! Even if not, I'm sure He'll open a door somewhere.
I applied and also emailed the person in charge of handling the applications because I'd met him when he gave a presentation at AlmaMater. When I contacted Mentor about something else recently, I mentioned that I'd applied for the job. Today, she wrote back telling me that she too had received an announcement about the job, and that she had put in a good word for me with the person in charge. He's on the board for a community organization in which she holds a prominent role.
*crossing my fingers* Of all the jobs for which I've applied, this is the one I want the most! I'm hoping it's God's will for me! Even if not, I'm sure He'll open a door somewhere.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Butterfly-inducing discovery and tangents
I check my site meter every once in awhile just 'cause I like to see if anyone is actually reading my blog. I know that one of my favorite bloggers occasionally checks in on me, but really, there aren't that many others who stick around through the barren passages of time when I a) have nothing super-exciting to share or b) get wrapped up in the chaos around me so much that I can't make it to my beloved computer to write.
So, I was surprised, flattered, and a little nervous (hence the butterflies) when I discovered that a new person seemed to like my writing so much that he/she has read a lot lately. Why nervous? Well, I know people in this person's geographic location. What if the person who is reading this actually knows me?!
I don't write too much personally identifiable information on here because, yeah, I like remaining anonymous. But, if you know me IRL and you stumbled across this blog, you'd probably figure out that I write it. So why do I prefer anonymity?
1) Professionals in my field have to deal with the fish bowl lifestyle. That is- I'll be a mini-celebrity when I eventually get a job. I don't write rants often or complain about my job or anything, but still ... better not to have anything linked back to me. I want my professional and personal (including blogging) life to be separate.
1b) I also don't have a job yet. Don't want this to be something potential employers find when googling my name. Nor do I want future colleagues or students checking out this stuff.
2) I feel much more comfortable writing for people I don't know than for those I do know. Westley asked me once about this. "Why do you feel comfortable sharing your personal feelings with strangers- stuff that anyone could read on the Internet?"
My justification was lame; I'd maintained an online journal since I was 15. It was all for tradition's sake.
I think, now, however, that it's more about my longstanding concern with what others think of me. Why should it bother me if people I don't know don't like what I have to say? So what? I don't even know them. But ... if people I actually knew IRL were reading this, I'd be more concerned. That's not to say I don't appreciate feedback from lovely commenters I've never met- I do & I love them for taking time to leave a thoughtful remark. I guess what I'm getting at is: perhaps I wouldn't write as much if I knew the people who were reading. Or maybe I wouldn't write what I write.
Anyway, I'm losing my focus in writing this because my dad's watching TV and I'm waiting for my phone date with Westley. Anyway, welcome to my newest reader!
So, I was surprised, flattered, and a little nervous (hence the butterflies) when I discovered that a new person seemed to like my writing so much that he/she has read a lot lately. Why nervous? Well, I know people in this person's geographic location. What if the person who is reading this actually knows me?!
I don't write too much personally identifiable information on here because, yeah, I like remaining anonymous. But, if you know me IRL and you stumbled across this blog, you'd probably figure out that I write it. So why do I prefer anonymity?
1) Professionals in my field have to deal with the fish bowl lifestyle. That is- I'll be a mini-celebrity when I eventually get a job. I don't write rants often or complain about my job or anything, but still ... better not to have anything linked back to me. I want my professional and personal (including blogging) life to be separate.
1b) I also don't have a job yet. Don't want this to be something potential employers find when googling my name. Nor do I want future colleagues or students checking out this stuff.
2) I feel much more comfortable writing for people I don't know than for those I do know. Westley asked me once about this. "Why do you feel comfortable sharing your personal feelings with strangers- stuff that anyone could read on the Internet?"
My justification was lame; I'd maintained an online journal since I was 15. It was all for tradition's sake.
I think, now, however, that it's more about my longstanding concern with what others think of me. Why should it bother me if people I don't know don't like what I have to say? So what? I don't even know them. But ... if people I actually knew IRL were reading this, I'd be more concerned. That's not to say I don't appreciate feedback from lovely commenters I've never met- I do & I love them for taking time to leave a thoughtful remark. I guess what I'm getting at is: perhaps I wouldn't write as much if I knew the people who were reading. Or maybe I wouldn't write what I write.
Anyway, I'm losing my focus in writing this because my dad's watching TV and I'm waiting for my phone date with Westley. Anyway, welcome to my newest reader!
Fun-filled weekend, part 1
BestFriend's extended weekend at Casa de mis padres was amazing and packed to the brim with all sorts of exciting adventures!
After I picked her up from the airport on Friday around noon, we dropped her things off at the house before beginning our exploration of my area. We started at the nature trail at a local swamp. I warned her that I hadn't been there since elementary school, but that I seemed to remember that it was an interesting experience. It was fun ~ wooden boardwalk suspended not even a yard above the swamp, tall and vividly green trees and plants around us, live animal sightings (two lizards, one snake, one raccoon, and some birds) ~ an enjoyable half-hour excursion.
From there, we headed to the beach because BestFriend desperately wanted to find sharks' teeth. Unfortunately, we had no luck there, but we had a fun time meandering along the sand and sea grasses. We found bits of coral (cool! I didn't remember finding that on earlier visits), and BestFriend picked up a cluster of (empty) oyster shells which had bonded together. Wonderful treasures.
We headed home for a huge dinner for my family and three of my sister's friends who had helped her move her things out of her college apartment for the summer. After an exquisite dining experience (mmmm ... love my mom's cooking!), we watched "The Wedding Date" ~ our one chick flick this weekend.
On Saturday, we rose early to head into the nearest city. While using the local transportation, we saw an advertisement for an outdoors artisan festival/farmer's market. We browsed the paintings, clothing, jewelry (and we both invested in "real fresh-water pearl" jewelry which was being sold for such a good deal that we questioned its "real" status), and cutting boards (and we each bought, on impulse, a small cutting board on sale because they were all so beautiful). As we were heading out, the heavens opened and HEAVY rain began to fall. We stayed under the tent for a little while before dashing to a used bookstore across the street. An hour or so later, we emerged from the bookstore with new books. (I picked up yet another travel memoir to read, even though I have not started on one I got last month, and I'm still in the middle of a spiritual memoir BestFriend lent me in March.) From there, we went to an art museum before wandering around the city looking at pretty, historical structures. Oddly enough, I ran into a student from GradSchool who asked what I was doing in famous city. (He lives many hours from here, and he didn't realize I live much closer to the city.)
My sister and mother spent the day shopping, and when we arrived home, we were shown all of the professional clothing they'd gotten for my sister's internship this summer. After that, I tried on items from my wardrobe while BestFriend and my mom voted for or against keeping certain items. (Ill-fitting, no longer age-appropriate, etc. clothing has since been placed in bags for nearby younger neighbors to browse.) Alas, former favorite items are no longer part of my wardrobe, and we didn't even go through everything. Still, I'm glad to be rid of clothing which was just taking up space in my closet!
More to come in a future entry. Must take a break from writing now to go deal with laundry and the like. :-)
After I picked her up from the airport on Friday around noon, we dropped her things off at the house before beginning our exploration of my area. We started at the nature trail at a local swamp. I warned her that I hadn't been there since elementary school, but that I seemed to remember that it was an interesting experience. It was fun ~ wooden boardwalk suspended not even a yard above the swamp, tall and vividly green trees and plants around us, live animal sightings (two lizards, one snake, one raccoon, and some birds) ~ an enjoyable half-hour excursion.
From there, we headed to the beach because BestFriend desperately wanted to find sharks' teeth. Unfortunately, we had no luck there, but we had a fun time meandering along the sand and sea grasses. We found bits of coral (cool! I didn't remember finding that on earlier visits), and BestFriend picked up a cluster of (empty) oyster shells which had bonded together. Wonderful treasures.
We headed home for a huge dinner for my family and three of my sister's friends who had helped her move her things out of her college apartment for the summer. After an exquisite dining experience (mmmm ... love my mom's cooking!), we watched "The Wedding Date" ~ our one chick flick this weekend.
On Saturday, we rose early to head into the nearest city. While using the local transportation, we saw an advertisement for an outdoors artisan festival/farmer's market. We browsed the paintings, clothing, jewelry (and we both invested in "real fresh-water pearl" jewelry which was being sold for such a good deal that we questioned its "real" status), and cutting boards (and we each bought, on impulse, a small cutting board on sale because they were all so beautiful). As we were heading out, the heavens opened and HEAVY rain began to fall. We stayed under the tent for a little while before dashing to a used bookstore across the street. An hour or so later, we emerged from the bookstore with new books. (I picked up yet another travel memoir to read, even though I have not started on one I got last month, and I'm still in the middle of a spiritual memoir BestFriend lent me in March.) From there, we went to an art museum before wandering around the city looking at pretty, historical structures. Oddly enough, I ran into a student from GradSchool who asked what I was doing in famous city. (He lives many hours from here, and he didn't realize I live much closer to the city.)
My sister and mother spent the day shopping, and when we arrived home, we were shown all of the professional clothing they'd gotten for my sister's internship this summer. After that, I tried on items from my wardrobe while BestFriend and my mom voted for or against keeping certain items. (Ill-fitting, no longer age-appropriate, etc. clothing has since been placed in bags for nearby younger neighbors to browse.) Alas, former favorite items are no longer part of my wardrobe, and we didn't even go through everything. Still, I'm glad to be rid of clothing which was just taking up space in my closet!
More to come in a future entry. Must take a break from writing now to go deal with laundry and the like. :-)
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