Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
What am I thinking?
Last week, I decided that working the two days at the school was taking too much out of me, and negatively affecting our school work. So I decided to quit. I didn't like it; I don't want to quit because something is hard. Also, I made a commitment, and they are counting on me. In spite of that, once I made the decision, I actually felt lighter. I felt so happy, it surprised me. But I also felt like that was an indicator that I'd made the right decision.
Yesterday morning, I called to see if the morning class was available, which she thought it was (my regular contact is on vacation and I talked to the woman covering for her). She had it listed as a Tuesday/Thursday class, which I'd originally said I couldn't do, because of our co-op. She said she'd see if they were willing to switch days, and I told her that if they weren't, I'd work it out for T/Th (there are only two more regular co-op days, and I could get a friend to drive the kids, then meet them up there a little late).
So. Then I started thinking. This is where the trouble started, of course.
"If I took this new morning class on T/Th, I could stay on at the school. Wow, that would take me up to 23 hours a week once the other night class starts. More if my ESL student can meet. That's nuts. But I don't want to leave the school in the lurch, and it's only two more months. And those classes really take a lot out of me. But it would be steady work again in the fall, when my other classes usually dry up." On and on, ad infinitum.
So here's what I've decided. I'm going to call the principal and tell him that I can't continue as before. I need at least a little more money, and I need the schedule to change. I appreciate that I'm getting paid for prep time, but I need those hours at home. The ball will be in his court, and I'll feel better about it. If I do continue there, the next two months would be really hard, but I'd get through it.
Yesterday morning, I called to see if the morning class was available, which she thought it was (my regular contact is on vacation and I talked to the woman covering for her). She had it listed as a Tuesday/Thursday class, which I'd originally said I couldn't do, because of our co-op. She said she'd see if they were willing to switch days, and I told her that if they weren't, I'd work it out for T/Th (there are only two more regular co-op days, and I could get a friend to drive the kids, then meet them up there a little late).
So. Then I started thinking. This is where the trouble started, of course.
"If I took this new morning class on T/Th, I could stay on at the school. Wow, that would take me up to 23 hours a week once the other night class starts. More if my ESL student can meet. That's nuts. But I don't want to leave the school in the lurch, and it's only two more months. And those classes really take a lot out of me. But it would be steady work again in the fall, when my other classes usually dry up." On and on, ad infinitum.
So here's what I've decided. I'm going to call the principal and tell him that I can't continue as before. I need at least a little more money, and I need the schedule to change. I appreciate that I'm getting paid for prep time, but I need those hours at home. The ball will be in his court, and I'll feel better about it. If I do continue there, the next two months would be really hard, but I'd get through it.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Stupid Conscience
I'm working quite a bit these days, and about to pick up two more evenings. When I got an email yesterday about an early morning class, I told my contact that I was swamped and couldn't take on anything more.
After classes today, I'm wishing I hadn't. I'd forgotten how exhausting teaching groups of school kids can be. And those classes run from 8 until 1:30. Not all of that is class time; some is prep, which I still get paid for, which does help. But it eats up pretty much my whole day, especially since dance and scouts (and more work) are in the afternoons and evenings.
The prospective class, in addition to being adults (who generally want to be there, or at least hide it pretty well if they don't), is from 7 to 9 AM. That time wouldn't eat into our school day very much at all.
Also, the pay rate is about 2 and a half times what I'm making now. I'd bring home about the same amount, but for four hours of work instead of eleven. (For a while, I was giving 40% of my take-home pay to a babysitter, but that issue is cleared up now, and I think our parents will be able to take care of it.)
So, let's sum up.
Instead, I feel stressed and guilty because my own life is pretty much a shambles right now (our school work is really suffering right now, and the house is a wreck).
After classes today, I'm wishing I hadn't. I'd forgotten how exhausting teaching groups of school kids can be. And those classes run from 8 until 1:30. Not all of that is class time; some is prep, which I still get paid for, which does help. But it eats up pretty much my whole day, especially since dance and scouts (and more work) are in the afternoons and evenings.
The prospective class, in addition to being adults (who generally want to be there, or at least hide it pretty well if they don't), is from 7 to 9 AM. That time wouldn't eat into our school day very much at all.
Also, the pay rate is about 2 and a half times what I'm making now. I'd bring home about the same amount, but for four hours of work instead of eleven. (For a while, I was giving 40% of my take-home pay to a babysitter, but that issue is cleared up now, and I think our parents will be able to take care of it.)
So, let's sum up.
- Less stressful
- Better pay rate
- Better time of day
Instead, I feel stressed and guilty because my own life is pretty much a shambles right now (our school work is really suffering right now, and the house is a wreck).
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
This week's goals
besides planning out my classes for work, I will complete a rough draft of the website I said I'd do, and finish these:
I need to fiddle with the collars, hem them, and do buttons /buttonholes. No telling if the clothes they'll wear under them at Easter will be made by me or not. I think they're turning out cute so far!
Monday, March 03, 2008
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Best Baby Shower EVER
I went to a baby shower today for one of Jeff's cousins. At a SPA. Sadly, the mother-to-be lives out of state and couldn't be there, so the grandmother-to-be opened the presents. We all got manicures & massages, had champagne, and Chicken Caesar Salad (or salmon) for lunch. Heaven!
I made my first baby blanket as part of our gift:
It's cute, and wasn't very difficult or very expensive, but if I ever make another one, I will either find my quilting ruler or buy a new one. I am not precise enough with scissors to get really even squares, which are necessary for the "prairie points" around the outside.
I made my first baby blanket as part of our gift:
It's cute, and wasn't very difficult or very expensive, but if I ever make another one, I will either find my quilting ruler or buy a new one. I am not precise enough with scissors to get really even squares, which are necessary for the "prairie points" around the outside.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Working
For the past few months, I've been working very little. Like, "six hours a month," little. In some ways, it's been nice--lots of time at home. In other ways--financial ways--it's been the pits.
Now the pendulum is swinging back in the other direction. Just today, I started teaching computers at a local private Christian school. It'll be 11 hours a week, which is a nice chunk, and it's only a ten minute drive. The downside is that the pay rate is considerably less than what I usually make.
Next week, I'm starting a German class. That'll be four hours a week, but it's at least a 45 minute drive. I usually won't go farther than half an hour, and they knew that, so I managed to get an extra $10/hour out of them.
I'm also trying to get my evening adult computer classes running again. That one is about half an hour away, though I don't know how much it will pay. I'm hoping it will also be four hours a week.
So if everything pans out, I'll be looking at 19 hours (over two days and four nights) a week. That's kind of nuts for me, especially considering that co-op takes up most of another day. I think I'm going to go look at once-a-month-cooking sites again . . .
Now the pendulum is swinging back in the other direction. Just today, I started teaching computers at a local private Christian school. It'll be 11 hours a week, which is a nice chunk, and it's only a ten minute drive. The downside is that the pay rate is considerably less than what I usually make.
Next week, I'm starting a German class. That'll be four hours a week, but it's at least a 45 minute drive. I usually won't go farther than half an hour, and they knew that, so I managed to get an extra $10/hour out of them.
I'm also trying to get my evening adult computer classes running again. That one is about half an hour away, though I don't know how much it will pay. I'm hoping it will also be four hours a week.
So if everything pans out, I'll be looking at 19 hours (over two days and four nights) a week. That's kind of nuts for me, especially considering that co-op takes up most of another day. I think I'm going to go look at once-a-month-cooking sites again . . .
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Big Hair
Back in the 80's, I rocked the big hair look. Of course, it took an hour and a half to achieve said look (that was with the curling iron or the hot rollers).
I don't think Lauren is going to have that issue. I washed her hair last night, and was a little disappointed that it didn't curl up at all once it was wet. It was still a little damp when she went to bed. When I saw her this morning, I was kind of taken aback. Sweet merciful crap, look at your hair! I thought. Some curl had managed to erupt, but only in one section. I had her put on a headband to keep it out of her face, and I'll try to tame it with some water before we go to co-op in an hour. I think it'll be ok, but this just serves to remind me that I know diddly about curly hair. Maybe it should be cut with some layers? Maybe I should have had it thinned out a little?
Maybe I should pray for the 80's look to come back by the time she's a teenager.
I don't think Lauren is going to have that issue. I washed her hair last night, and was a little disappointed that it didn't curl up at all once it was wet. It was still a little damp when she went to bed. When I saw her this morning, I was kind of taken aback. Sweet merciful crap, look at your hair! I thought. Some curl had managed to erupt, but only in one section. I had her put on a headband to keep it out of her face, and I'll try to tame it with some water before we go to co-op in an hour. I think it'll be ok, but this just serves to remind me that I know diddly about curly hair. Maybe it should be cut with some layers? Maybe I should have had it thinned out a little?
Maybe I should pray for the 80's look to come back by the time she's a teenager.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Haircuts
Not mine! I'll be interested to see what Lauren's does next time I wash it. 
Edited to add this conversation from last weekend.
Sarah: How old do I have to be to dye my hair?
Me: . . . Um . . . a teenager.
Sarah: Oh, so 13 or 14.
Me: No! . . . Um . . . 16.
Sarah: OK.
Me: What color would you want to dye it?
Sarah: Oh, bright yellow, like sunflowers, because they're my favorite flower.
Me: . . . So what got you thinking about dying your hair? (There's a couple teens at our church who frequently have blue or hot pink chunky highlights.)
Sarah: I don't know, I was just thinking about it.
So now I'm wondering what her first shade of Manic Panic will be!
Edited to add this conversation from last weekend.
Sarah: How old do I have to be to dye my hair?
Me: . . . Um . . . a teenager.
Sarah: Oh, so 13 or 14.
Me: No! . . . Um . . . 16.
Sarah: OK.
Me: What color would you want to dye it?
Sarah: Oh, bright yellow, like sunflowers, because they're my favorite flower.
Me: . . . So what got you thinking about dying your hair? (There's a couple teens at our church who frequently have blue or hot pink chunky highlights.)
Sarah: I don't know, I was just thinking about it.
So now I'm wondering what her first shade of Manic Panic will be!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Crawling out of the sludge
Last week was rough. All of us had nasty colds, and there was more than one day that I didn't leave the house. Lauren had the worst of it--she missed dance, the library, and her first Daisy meeting. We all seem to be over it for the most part, though.
So back to the grind for us! Lots of school work to catch up on, and I agreed to do a website for the company that put in our tub liner. I might also have a job at a nearby private Christian school as their computer instructor. The website payment would be a nice shot of cash, and the teaching would be steady. I haven't heard anything back about the evening computer classes.
I'm also helping a friend's daughter with her schoolwork. She just started homeschooling, and since she's a teen, she's working pretty independently. I'm going through her English and History with her--she's ok on the Biology and Algebra herself.
Oh, and I also got some camel colored polar fleece and leopard trim, to make Easter coats. Normally, I just make dresses, but since I got a gift card to JoAnn's for Christmas, I splurged a little. Hope they turn out cute!
So back to the grind for us! Lots of school work to catch up on, and I agreed to do a website for the company that put in our tub liner. I might also have a job at a nearby private Christian school as their computer instructor. The website payment would be a nice shot of cash, and the teaching would be steady. I haven't heard anything back about the evening computer classes.
I'm also helping a friend's daughter with her schoolwork. She just started homeschooling, and since she's a teen, she's working pretty independently. I'm going through her English and History with her--she's ok on the Biology and Algebra herself.
Oh, and I also got some camel colored polar fleece and leopard trim, to make Easter coats. Normally, I just make dresses, but since I got a gift card to JoAnn's for Christmas, I splurged a little. Hope they turn out cute!
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Thought Provoking
I saw an interesting link at Marcy's Musings today: Dumbing Down America. Like Marcy, I thought the video was interesting (but not terribly surprising, sadly), but it was the last paragraph that really got me thinking.
Then consider the greater than $48,000 average cost (four years) of state college tuition and the fact that many students (I’ve seen figures as high as 78.7%) require remediation once they are there. Consider that in 2005, starting salary averages for college grads were between $29,733 and $53,279. Add to it all the idea that you need be degreed before you can answer a phone and it becomes clear that our education system has been set up to weigh students down in debt before they make a dime.I was lucky to not have excessive debt when I got out of school, thanks to grants and loans from my parents. I did have some government loans, but they weren't crippling when I finally got started in the real work force (not counting my au pair stint). I have no idea what my kids are going to do in 10 years when they reach college age.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Seriously?
I took the girls skating last week to a rink that is fairly close to our co-op. It was billed as "homeschool skate," so I figured we might see some friends from co-op. Nope, didn't see anyone I knew, which wasn't a big deal. The girls had fun, liked skating with the other kids. There were a few teens, but no one was rowdy. I even saw a few deliberately go out of their way to avoid my oblivious younger child when she skated into their path.
The musical choices were interesting. Ok, interesting isn't the right word. I'll let you guys come up with a better adjective in the comments. I noticed early on that there was a distinctly Christian vibe going on. It was kind of hard to make out all the lyrics, but I caught a few talking about Jesus and my Savior, etc. Hm. Not my cup of tea, but they also played the Scooby Doo theme song, which thrilled Lauren to death. However, when I heard lyrics like, "would you take the nails from his hands; would you take the sword from his side," that was excessive to me.
Here's the kicker: I was talking with the manager, and she asked me, "Do you find the Hokey Pokey offensive?" I actually turned around to look at her. "Do I what? Huh? What?" Utterly perplexed. What the hell is offensive about the Hokey Pokey? She told me that someone from this particular group had complained about the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance, because both have you "shake your butt."
Are you kidding me? I told her that as long as it wasn't "Baby Got Back," I was pretty much ok. She laughed and said that was for Friday Nights, ha! I'm not in favor of sexualizing children, but I think those two songs are pretty innocent.
I think that if we went back to that rink (which is unlikely, since I've found one closer that also has daytime "homeschool" skating), I'd have to ask them to alter their music.
In other news, our online library network has been down for a few days, and it is killing me that I can't put any books on hold. What is up, librarians?
The musical choices were interesting. Ok, interesting isn't the right word. I'll let you guys come up with a better adjective in the comments. I noticed early on that there was a distinctly Christian vibe going on. It was kind of hard to make out all the lyrics, but I caught a few talking about Jesus and my Savior, etc. Hm. Not my cup of tea, but they also played the Scooby Doo theme song, which thrilled Lauren to death. However, when I heard lyrics like, "would you take the nails from his hands; would you take the sword from his side," that was excessive to me.
Here's the kicker: I was talking with the manager, and she asked me, "Do you find the Hokey Pokey offensive?" I actually turned around to look at her. "Do I what? Huh? What?" Utterly perplexed. What the hell is offensive about the Hokey Pokey? She told me that someone from this particular group had complained about the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance, because both have you "shake your butt."
Are you kidding me? I told her that as long as it wasn't "Baby Got Back," I was pretty much ok. She laughed and said that was for Friday Nights, ha! I'm not in favor of sexualizing children, but I think those two songs are pretty innocent.
I think that if we went back to that rink (which is unlikely, since I've found one closer that also has daytime "homeschool" skating), I'd have to ask them to alter their music.
In other news, our online library network has been down for a few days, and it is killing me that I can't put any books on hold. What is up, librarians?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Close Call
Lauren got some new skates for Christmas, and she & Sarah love skating around the basement. She's fallen a few times, but been ok. So when I hear her start crying really hard yesterday, I didn't wait to head down to the basement. She was standing up again, but still crying really hard. I didn't see anything, and was about to tell her she was ok, when I noticed a little blood on the under side of her chin. Whoops, a little scrape, I thought. I briefly wondered how she would do that--wouldn't she put out her hands as she fell, stopping her from scraping her chin on the floor?
We got her skates off, and brought her upstairs for a drink of water. She wanted a Band Aid (she loves Band Aids, wants them for every little thing), but I told her I had to clean it off first. When I took a closer look, I realized it wasn't a scrape, bit rather a slice, and a fairly substantial one at that. She was still doing that sobbing, can't catch my breath thing, so I got her a little more calmed down, then called our neighbor (thank you again, God, for moving me across the street from a family where both parents are nurses). The dad was home and confirmed my feeling that a visit to the Urgent Care Facility was in order. (We also found out that what she hit her chin on was a wooden doll bed. More incentive to do a mass garbage dump of all the stuff down there!)
I have to say, the UC did a good job--we were there less than an hour, and in the end Lauren didn't need stitches after all, but only a Steri-Strip and a gauze strip & some tape. A Super Band Aid, if you will! She even made it to dance class after that, and where is she right now?
Down in the basement with Sarah, rollerskating. Back on the horse, that's my girl!
We got her skates off, and brought her upstairs for a drink of water. She wanted a Band Aid (she loves Band Aids, wants them for every little thing), but I told her I had to clean it off first. When I took a closer look, I realized it wasn't a scrape, bit rather a slice, and a fairly substantial one at that. She was still doing that sobbing, can't catch my breath thing, so I got her a little more calmed down, then called our neighbor (thank you again, God, for moving me across the street from a family where both parents are nurses). The dad was home and confirmed my feeling that a visit to the Urgent Care Facility was in order. (We also found out that what she hit her chin on was a wooden doll bed. More incentive to do a mass garbage dump of all the stuff down there!)
I have to say, the UC did a good job--we were there less than an hour, and in the end Lauren didn't need stitches after all, but only a Steri-Strip and a gauze strip & some tape. A Super Band Aid, if you will! She even made it to dance class after that, and where is she right now?
Down in the basement with Sarah, rollerskating. Back on the horse, that's my girl!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Not Quite What I Expected
The flight down to Orlando was good. I hadn't gotten much sleep, though, so I was a little groggy all day. There were two other instructors that came down on the same flight, and at various times, we all asked each other, "Are we all here for the same job? Is this training, or an interview?" We all thought we "had the job," and all the hours that went with it.
In actuality, the company wants a pool of potential instructors up here, so that as they get more clients, they have people that they've already seen, and already know how to use the materials. Also, the current client is apparently being a little flaky and not ready for more than one class to start right now.
For me, this in an inconvenience. I don't want full time work, and the $ that I bring in is to make our lives easier. We can still pay the bills if I'm short on hours, although there's a lot less wiggle room. The other two instructors are both single. For them, the job is the main source of their income. I felt badly for them, especially the one who said that he'd turned down other opportunities because he thought this was a done deal.
So this job isn't quite what I thought it would be. In a way it's good--I won't have to reschedule as much stuff, and if I can get my evening classes running again, that would actually work out better. I'll be calling to try to get that rolling in about an hour.
Can I ask for more luck again? :)
In actuality, the company wants a pool of potential instructors up here, so that as they get more clients, they have people that they've already seen, and already know how to use the materials. Also, the current client is apparently being a little flaky and not ready for more than one class to start right now.
For me, this in an inconvenience. I don't want full time work, and the $ that I bring in is to make our lives easier. We can still pay the bills if I'm short on hours, although there's a lot less wiggle room. The other two instructors are both single. For them, the job is the main source of their income. I felt badly for them, especially the one who said that he'd turned down other opportunities because he thought this was a done deal.
So this job isn't quite what I thought it would be. In a way it's good--I won't have to reschedule as much stuff, and if I can get my evening classes running again, that would actually work out better. I'll be calling to try to get that rolling in about an hour.
Can I ask for more luck again? :)
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Ouch
"My" car has been having trouble lately. (Note: "my" car is actually the kids' car, no matter which of us is driving it.) It's been stalling out while driving, which is really unnerving. It hasn't done it on the highway, but who's to say that it won't eventually?
I took it in to the place where we get our oil changed, and they told me that it needs a tune up, and for the fuel injectors to be replaced. $300. I took it to a mechanic for a second opinion, and although they agree with the tune up, they said nothing about the fuel injectors, even though I mentioned it. They also said that a ball joint needs to be replaced immediately, as it's dangerous. $167 for the tune up, $152 for the ball joint.
He also mentioned that it was badly behind on maintenance, which I conceded. The other things that are going to have to be taken care of this spring are:
I took it in to the place where we get our oil changed, and they told me that it needs a tune up, and for the fuel injectors to be replaced. $300. I took it to a mechanic for a second opinion, and although they agree with the tune up, they said nothing about the fuel injectors, even though I mentioned it. They also said that a ball joint needs to be replaced immediately, as it's dangerous. $167 for the tune up, $152 for the ball joint.
He also mentioned that it was badly behind on maintenance, which I conceded. The other things that are going to have to be taken care of this spring are:
- rear brakes & rotors--$179
- two new tires & alignment--$196
- struts & mounts--$359
- spring insulator bushings--$85
- fuel system cleaning--$85
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Today's List
Today's To Do List included things like laundry, dishes, library, groceries. It also included "get a job." I haven't been working much lately (like four hours a month), and it's been frustrating. The money I bring in really does make a big difference to us, even though it isn't a lot. I don't want to work a lot of hours, but something reliable and steady is so helpful.
I went on line to check out Craigslist, and there amid the ads for "type at home," Kaplan test centers, teaching in China, and piano & voice teachers, there was one for "Certified German Teacher Needed."
Well. There you go.
I checked it out, and it's for an instructor for a group of professionals, and looks like it's in my area (I generally try not to drive more than half an hour to a class site). I called about it, and it sounded promising. It would be four days a week, two hours a day. I prefer to work more hours on fewer days, but that wouldn't be an option here. There would be some scheduling issues, with dance classes and co-op, but I can work those out.
They're based in Orlando, and would fly me down a week from Friday for a couple workshops and for me to do a presentation so they can see my teaching style and how I work with their materials. I'd just be there for the day, but Jeff is already teasing me about clubbing with cabana boys, etc. The whole thing made me a little nervous at first (finding a job on Craigslist is kind of like finding a spouse in a chat room--it happens, but it's kind of unconventional, and what if they're not on the up and up?), but I think I'm going for it.
I'm going to be so nervous about this for the next ten days . . .
I went on line to check out Craigslist, and there amid the ads for "type at home," Kaplan test centers, teaching in China, and piano & voice teachers, there was one for "Certified German Teacher Needed."
Well. There you go.
I checked it out, and it's for an instructor for a group of professionals, and looks like it's in my area (I generally try not to drive more than half an hour to a class site). I called about it, and it sounded promising. It would be four days a week, two hours a day. I prefer to work more hours on fewer days, but that wouldn't be an option here. There would be some scheduling issues, with dance classes and co-op, but I can work those out.
They're based in Orlando, and would fly me down a week from Friday for a couple workshops and for me to do a presentation so they can see my teaching style and how I work with their materials. I'd just be there for the day, but Jeff is already teasing me about clubbing with cabana boys, etc. The whole thing made me a little nervous at first (finding a job on Craigslist is kind of like finding a spouse in a chat room--it happens, but it's kind of unconventional, and what if they're not on the up and up?), but I think I'm going for it.
I'm going to be so nervous about this for the next ten days . . .
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