On the cusp of something good

I've blogged about my coworkers several times before. I have to say I put in so much less work than at my previous school, but I know I am still effective. I have implemented the new standards effortlessly, have been sent to several trainings, have been asked to take new leadership roles on campus (one of the lead testing teachers for the new state testing, lead staff development, and more). I was just elected to that state committee. Now I am receiving a district honor in a few days. I recently also just applied for a technology grant and am receiving thousands of dollars for my classroom to go completely paperless. I am starting my admin credential - not because I want to be a principal, I have no want. I want to just have it to use for maybe something related to curriculum. But in the meantime I have no want - I like where I'm at - I don't work real hard, but I work efficiently, and am rewarded. I like that I have the respect of students and admin. But I feel something amazing, some incredible opportunity may be around the corner for me with all the successes I've had this year at this school. Its hard to describe this feeling - like when you know you're onto something, and you feel good, that's how I feel. Like when you know you are about to rewarded for your success...

Adnauseum post about cars

You guys know I keep talking about buying a car... or wanting a car... its a dead horse with me

I have a former coworker who wants to buy my car - he will give me KBB or greater for it. I could get about $5,500-6,500 for my car. It is a 2008 with 103,000 miles.

I like my car - I get about 30mpg, its a compact, it has bluetooth, no-key ignition, and more. It has a few problems - some paint is chipping and missing from an unfortunate tire incident.

But sometimes I see car deals and am tempted.

I like the idea of a lot of leases right now - $129 a month, $900 down for 24 or 36 months, $169 a month and $0 drive off. Lots of deals. I dislike the idea of not owning something, a little higher insurance because of a lease, and the chance of any damage that may occur that I may have to pay for.

My partner is encouraging me to sell my car if I can get that much for it. He has 3 cars, and says I can drive any 1 of those. My everyday car would become an older model SUV. I like the idea - I would save money - unless gas prices go up anymore ($3.00 costs $50.00 to fill the SUV up). The thing is my car is my freedom, and I have a hard time giving that up, though there is no reason not to...

I'm unsure if I want to lease or buy. I know if I want to buy I want to wait...

Mad week

This has been a mad week.

I am on a state committee, and we spent the entire week learning our job over the next few months. It has been an absolutely insane week of training, and often the training was as clear as mud. The work is going to be daunting when it starts next week and will require 100s of hours of my free time to complete. I can't say much more. We were basically sworn to secrecy.

The one thing that has kept me sane are the Wine Women as I call them, a bunch of women in my group, from the OC, who all know each other. They are hilarious. All hispanic women, or women that speak Spanish. They are so cute. One of them, O, has talked about her need for "vino" nonstop. After day 1 we went to the bar, did our homework, drank 3 glasses of wine, and enjoyed $13 wine. We talked about work, what they do, and it was a blast.

We met the next day and had a great bond.

Last night I suggested we go to a wine bar I like. We met at the pool first for margaritas and tequila shots, then we headed out via uber. Amazing food and amazing wine. We had a blast. Talked about anything and everything, especially travel. Told them about my partner, and my godmoms as they have called themselves were ready to plan my wedding They all had a piece they wanted to do, and all I had to do was call my partner and propose. SUCH FUN. Oh, and the uber car was all decked out in lights. It was a blast. We had so much fun. Laughing and joking. Hugging and taking selfies.

I can't wait until we come back together to drink. I'm bringing bottles of wine next time and we will have a party in my room. Tequila will probably be necessary too.

Local/national/world news

I remember the good old days of watching KCAL Prime 9 News with Pat Harvey and David Jackson.

David Jackson would be in the field reporting from somewhere in California.

I remember later Kerry Kilbride and Jane Velez Mitchell. Jerry Dunphy was at 9pm.

The first hour, 8pm, they would focus on stories specifically about California, local news/issues, what was going around the state. 9pm would focus on nationwide news, and 10pm was world news if I recall correctly.

Why don't stations do that at 4, 5, and 6pm? There's some days I watch the news and it is so repetitive. Definitely cover the most important stories at the top of each hour that have a local impact, then tell us what is going on around the nation and world. I am sure it has to do with limited resources, but there's sources news stations can turn to (AP, affiliates, etc.) for content.

Propping up the little man

I have some insane coworkers - I have had several I've been unable to connect with. There are a few that I have somewhat of a friendship with.

Big Science Teacher is one of those - I guess that's' what I will call him from here on out - he is the biggest pessimist. Bitches and complains about everything, and everyone. He is super critical, and is a huge Angel's fanatic. His heart is in the right place. He cares for the kids, he cares about society, and he complains when any interest other than that comes into play.

It has taken me a year to become friends with him.

Today we had a bonding moment. We talked about our students, our problems, why we have a hard time.

He made a comment about how he is suddenly being invited to all these conferences and is in good graces with admin.

I didn't tell him, but part of that is me.

I am still perplexed. I've been at this school a year, as of tomorrow, and I still don't fit in. I don't bash anyone. I simply recognize those who do a good job and care. It perplexes me that I am suddenly being approached by the principal for my opinions on staff who should attend conferences, those who are tech savvy, and those who care. And what Big Sci doesn't know is I'm his biggest advocate behind the scenes. He knows tech, he cares about the kids, and he is anal about the kids being prepped for everything, like me.

But its people like this who often don't get the recognition they deserve.

And he is one of a handful of coworkers I can stand.

Can't sleep

My partner travels about 50% of the time. I'd say about 50% of the time I don't get a great night's sleep. I've gotten over the sleep issues from my past - taking hours to fall asleep - Melatonin solved that.

What has me wide awake is my surroundings - we have a sliding glass door in the bedroom - what if someone breaks in? Mind you, it has a stopper to prevent it from opening more than a foot. What if the dog doesn't bark and there is an intruder? What if there are burglars? What if I don't hear any of this?

These are the things I'm up against when I'm trying to get some sleep.

Tonight I'm 1,500 miles away from my partner - in a hotel room of my own - and I'm sure it'll be like last night when I was at home. I couldn't sleep. I was worried about everything that could happen. I miss the security when he is around. I miss laying next to him.

More Hawaii

Because I spent a week there.

Kiluea volcano steamflow

Black sand beach. Coolest thing. All of the volcanic rock decomposing to create this.

Part of the 80s lava flow

Lava flow from December descending on the town Pahoa. One of the other trip highlights. Amazing to see the destruction up close. We were here the day after this article was published. We saw the house that was caught in that lava flow. All the signs throughout town talked of how they plan to stay.

Hawaii Photos

Because I'm late.

Maui

Hibatchi grill on the ship - best hibatchi grill I've been to, and that's a lot coming from a Cali boy. Hibatchi grills are all over.

Northside of the big Island, near Princeville

36th floor view of Waikiki from our room

Champagne bar, where we had a date with Pam and our Aussies each night.

Kiluea Lava Tube

Shin Splints

My sister texted me about a week back she was in the hospital, the power was out, and she was in pain. She said she had shin splints. She runs 15-20 miles a day she said. Really? And you're rather plump? 6 months ago you had such bad allergies and immune system problems you couldn't run, lift weights, or spend time out in the sun. So when did all this change so suddenly that you're practically a marathoner and can run miles at a time?

Shin splints, you're on crutches, fine, but 15-20 miles a day? My ass.