Still here

I have been hoping to blog recently, just to keep everything going, and keep in touch with those I know through here, but it hasn't happened.

My past few months have been insane.

School is good. We have a new principal who is amazing. He is insightful, he cares about his teachers, and his philosophy is that if the teachers are happy, that will resonate with the students, and they will learn. It is refreshing.

We are down 3 teachers at work - 2 are out for hip/knee replacements, and another for another health issue. I am picking up the slack of one of the teachers, the one in charge of the credit recovery program. This has given me tons of extra work, but thankfully I am getting some compensation. It just keeps me busy at work.

I was invited to a conference a few weeks back to preview and write questions for the new state test for Spanish speakers. Was interesting to see what goes into making a test, was cool to write test questions, meet new people. Had a blast and was out until 2AM most nights for a week straight, only to be up again at 7 to be at the training by 8.



Every weekend has been nonstop. The past 2 weekends we have been with friends or family - partner's cousin one weekend to comfort her after her aunt died; saw Dolly Parton with friends at The Hollywood Bowl this past weekend (AMAZING). SO many gays- men's line was longer than women's in the bathroom. Dolly's concert was completely different than the one 2 years ago, she talked more, played older hits, as well as new, but still was endearing, and still played tons of instruments.

Also have been working with an organization doing training for different technology, which has been a cool way to network.

The next 3-4 weekends will be more friends and family.

Hopeful travels

Mentioned this a few posts ago, but didn't go into the optimism I guess outside of my resume...

This summer I made it a point to network, which is part of how I went to Dallas to see my best friend, and also got to visit with DaninOKC. It seems now I have networked with the right individuals, and in a few weeks I will be presenting at several conferences in my area. I am excited to add this to my resume, get to network with fellow teachers, and gain experience/knowledge in this particular field.

My plan/hope is to have excellent reviews presenting at my first conference, which will grant me the opportunity to present at conferences throughout the Golden State. This would make for awesome weekend getaways for my partner and me.

Next summer I hope that I can present throughout the Lonestar State, as well as anywhere my partner and I want to travel. He is the one who usually supplies our weekend getaways, but this would give us inspiration to venture out I hope. Then because he is the one always in charge of trips I hope that we can explore some new places.

I really want to visit all 50 states, so I plan to apply to places in the Dakotas, Iowa, Missouri Montana, and Georgia... different geographic location, but it is on my must visit.

So we need to have a kiki... I realized I have visited 25 states... the list is below... not all, but most.

Cali
Washington
Nevada
Arizona

New Mexico
Oklahoma
Alaska

Hawaii

NY
NJ
FL
MS
TX
LA
OK

TN
IN
IL
CO

AL
VA
WVA
PA
KY

WY, MT, KS, MS, VT, ME, NE, IA, UT (SLC), OH, WI area all on my must visit, so if something comes up, and I can get there cheap, then hey, yay!

Travels...
I so want to go back to Dallas and visit my Flaming Saddles. Had the best time. I really enjoyed the area

I full expect to be in DFW next year around June, then head out for a foreign place that I have been accepted for a summer teaching job. That's the plan.

Life

Oh, so I haven't mentioned that I have been applying for a mortgage preapproval/qualification. I am hoping to find a house to rent out for additional income. 

Does anyone else love a pedicure? I am in desperate need, and just waiting until the 1st. Have some ugly toenails and toe crust to the sides that need taken care of. Damn feet.

I think mi madre is gonna retire this year. Kinda sad. She needs to work forever... LOL. I saw how she was with being off for a year. SHe needed a hobby.

Some other jams as of late. 

And back to travels...

We don't have plans this weekend, but all weekends for the foreseeable future have happenings. I suggested Vegas, PHX, and SLC this weekend. All 3 would be great. Never been to SLC. 

A new opportunity

This summer I made it a point to network, which is part of how I went to Dallas to see my best friend, and also got to visit with DaninOKC. It seems now I have networked with the right individuals, and in a few weeks I will be presenting at several conferences in my area. I am excited to add this to my resume, get to network with fellow teachers, and gain experience/knowledge in this particular field.

Work

So this leads me to work - my VP is jealous of me and probably considers me a threat, so he's not taking to this new opportunity for me well. That's ok.

And VP is just on the stupid meter to put it mildly. He decided to do an observation on me when I wasn't even there. You read that correctly. I fought back and told him the stupidity in it, and he disagreed, so union got involved. Now he's being a little kid and is not talking to me. Oh well.

We now have a new principal coming in, and we have only heard good things about this guy, so that is hopeful. Everyone is hoping he will reign the VP in.

Personal Life/Travel

Things are great with my partner and me. We have lots of trips planned, and something almost every weekend this coming month where we are staying overnight at places, or going out with friends. We are booked solid through mid-October. Partner is encouraging me again to venture into new fields in my work, such as VP... no, but thanks for the offer. LOL.

Post grad outing

Last night was graduation for our students - of course all teachers had to show, and so we decided to go drink after. I did it the previous year with these teachers - it was good - about half the staff that went in the previous year I didn't get along with, and that was the case this time around, too. The ones I didn't like sat at the other end of the table so I didn't have to chat with them. It was good, though, to hang out and spend time with the coworkers.

And looking back now at my archives, seems I came out last year, too.

So anyways, at one point we are sitting at the tables, lots of side conversations are going on, then Big Science Teacher says, "see what those 2 guys are over there drinking?" I reply with a "yeah." He asked me if I would be at their table, if they were my type, and I said, "no." He then asked, "but you'd be at the table with them because you're one of them," and I said yes, yes, I would. He smiled and continued on talking about whatever he was talking about before.

I am not out to a lot on the staff, though I am sure they know. I am out to the program specialist, a math teacher, my roommate, and now Big Science Teacher. This staff is just not the most accepting, and I have fought enough battles that I don't want to make things worse. I mean I am not going to lie if asked, but I am also not going to go around and parade it. And now that Shawn knows, being the loudmouth that he is, I am sure most everyone will know.

Celebrating

It's been a month of celebration here!

My partner just had a milestone birthday, so lots of people visiting, lots of get togethers. I had 2 comp days at work for extra duties I had done this year, so I used those. We went to Disneyland for 3 days with my partner's best friend. We had a great time. Met some other friends like J&B there.

I've been doing yoga for the past 2-3 days because my partner's BFF was talking about it incessantly. She was showing me some moves, we were talking about flexibility, and realized I have none. I am just hoping it doesn't take forever for results, or I will be over it. I don't have the patience if I don't see it working.

Getting back on track with eating and not overeating. Trying to lose 5 pounds.

School is out soon!

Work has been pretty chill, which is appreciated. Spending all of my time in the classroom, working on modifying some assignments to help the kids understand them.

A coworker offered to write me a letter of recommendation, so I took her up on it. She was my old roommate, and a bit of a crazy lady, but that's ok. The letter was ok, but she offered to help me revamp my resume. It looks much better - easier to read, much more succinct. I've been applying to community college jobs to try to find something part time there.

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Off topic

- George Pennachio seems to be doing a lot of hard news lately on channel 7 instead of just entertainment news. He was doing a news story on the 11pm and they didn't have an entertainment report that I saw that night.

The good stuff

So... time to be all over...

- Officially have a fully funded emergency fund. Woo!
- Working toward a down payment on a rental house.
- Had a good weekend at a conference for alternative ed, which was great. Lots of new ideas to help our school structurally, which I'm hopeful to share with a new leader.
- Off most of next week using my comp days for all of my extra duties. So excited.
- Planning for my partner's birthday - he knows about it, but doesn't know where, and doesn't know who is showing up
- Got a trip planned to the Big D, Dallas, next month to visit my best friend and attend a conference
- Got a Vegas trip planned
- A European trip planned too

A little bit of everything

So... the GarthFather is back in the AM on CBS2. Finally. I enjoy him - they don't give him enough to show his fun personality, there, though.

Meanwhile, Bri continues to be frumpy on KABC 7.

Bri is less FrumpY here. This was yesterday morning. I just can't stand her. I literally turn the channel, see what is going on, and then wait until Alysha comes on to get my traffic. Alysha wears whatever she has on well. She is smart, she loves her Waze.

Jessica Holmes on KTLA is just as annoying as Bri. I can't watch KTLA beginning at 7. Jessica doesn't seem LA at all.

And let's talk about Ginger Chan. I picture Ginger Chan a lot like me, try to be relatable, personable, and connect with whatever was being talked about as she segues into traffic. She just gets on my nerves at times. I do like Ginger because she has worked her way up over the years - Filling in for Chuck Street, working weekends at KFI doing news, and now this.


This is probably just a KTLA thing - she always seem so distant from the rest of the anchors because she is over in her traffic center and has no communication really with them. It is kind of weird.

I really love Greg Gory on ALT 987 - the morning traffic reporter on the Woody Show. He's a Log Cabin Republican, and many of his views, are things I agree on. He has an interesting story. I'm listening more to the Woody Show these days than Valentine, and I love me some Sean Valentine.

So there's lots going on at work - I know - you're tired of hearing it.

The cool stuff about work is I am so much more confident about using my Spanish en mi clase después mi viaje a Mexico during Spring Break. I am now conducting my entire Spanish class en Espanol. In mis conversaciones diarios I am using my Spanglish.

I had some asshole come into my class today - I'd never seen him before. After like 10 minutes of me talking - I was talking in Englihs only since this was day 1, then he goes, "this is Spanish?" I said it is. He said "oh hell no, not no white guy is gonna teach me some Spanish." I said this white buy knows more than you. He told me he was not going to do anything for me, he was going to screw around, and "not no white bitch boy is going to teach him Spanish." He then went on that I'm arrogant, I'm a bitch, and "he doesn't like white bitches." I asked if he was harassing me because "me gusta escribir referrals," and sent the ass out on a referral.

Bonding with my kids over music

I always enjoy being in the classroom and discussing music with the kids. I'm that guy that knows all about the artist and background for writing the songs, even if I don't like the song.

So obviously I know about Tupac, and yes, he is alive; I taught him I tell the kids, and we go out to dinner regularly.

So what's weird is I work in a largely hispanic area, and this year I'm bonding with 3 of my annoying hispanic kids over country music. I will go so far as to play country music for them if they shut up and do their work... Here's the songs they like... I've asked what they like, and its that they sound Mexican, and his a guitar. Apparently this ended up on their youtube playlist, and they like it.





Every year I have kids that absolutely love Riiiitchie, and I love Riiitchie too.

When I was at the middle school, each year, I had kids with his album covers on their folders.

Oh, and while on my Ritchie story, our accountant at work was Lou Diamond Phillips from La Bamba for Halloween.

Some interesting other songs the kids are into this year are:

Sam Cooke


Bobby Vinton


He's so Fine - The Chiffons

And I decided for Halloween this year I'm growing my hair out, dying it black, and am going to be a Greaser.




Dion


Randy and the Rainbows


Johnny Angel

And Doo Wop Diddies like this:


So this past semester my 7th period class was full of these songs on the daily if the kids were doing their work.

Long list, but these are all the songs we played that I specifically recall. I am posting since I was so impressed with their diverse love of the oldies.

Mega Update

Hey guys, not neglecting the blog intentionally. Life has been so insanely busy.

Let's talk, shall we?

Spring Break was amazing -
Got to go to NY, Philly, and Guanajuato, MX. Rented a house in MX with my partner's cousin. We had the absolute best time - maid service, 40 foot ceilings, amazing art, and incredible food. The maid insisted on cooking for us, and of course, we tipped her. It was like our own Mexican abuelita. Lots of time was spent reading, talking, enjoying each other's company, and shopping/drinking.

Never had been to Philly either, and it is on my list of places to get back and visit.

Work -
I am applying for my admin credential today. I am on every god damn committee at work it seems and drawn into every project. My outgoing principal said I needed to be on 2 committees in particular as a part of my admin experience, one of those being the budget. So now that the school year is winding down, we know the funds we will be getting next year, and the budget is due by the end of the year, it is now my project. I do have help. I know it is good experience, too, so that works; it just takes time.

Taxes -
First time I owed - ever - not happy. Stupid Roth IRA is the reason why. Seriously considering getting rid of it and just doing a traditional IRA.

Doggy -
The day we got back from vacation we realized our dog was out of it and lethargic. We took him to the vet the middle of the week after we got back. They said he was having seizures, but not epileptic seizures.
Last Thursday night I happened to be browsing facebook and The Guy's partner posted a photo in memory of their dog who died from a brain tumor. I had to Google the symptoms, and our dog exhibited every symptom.
The dog would have seizures, but not recover, and be super disoriented. His eyes were going back into his head, blindness, rotating his head in weird directions, crashing into things, walking in circles.
2 ER visits and 3 regular vet visits. We realized he wasn't getting better. Yesterday he was pretty much comatose all day. We made the decision to put him to sleep at approximately 9pm yesterday. It was hard, and I was sitting in the vet room crying. I have realized when people are dying - I like to remember them in their happy days - open casket freaks me out - seeing people in their debilitated state is tough to be around too. I didn't want to be there when we had to make the decision - I wanted to remember him in his happy days, chasing water, standing outside the screen door playing with the kitties through the window.
I waited in the car after I said goodbye. My partner remained in the room as he died.

Vacation -
Summer vacay is planned. Thrilled. European travel included. I am trying to plan more trips since airfare is soooooo cheap right now.

Family -
My parents went to VA during break, which they enjoyed.
Still getting together with my dad weekly for breakfast, which he enjoys. He texts me Tuesday nights asking if we are going to breakfast.
Sis is still a hot mess.

TBT Music

I remember thinking how creepy this music video was, and annoying the song was, but I caught it on 90s on 9 the other day on Sirius XM, and well, its been in my mind ever since.




I woke up with this song in my head this morning and couldn't remember his name, I knew it was Josh, Josh Groban, Graves, all sorts of things came to me, but it wasn't until a half hour later or so I remembered.

Went to the chiropractor and got adjusted yesterday. I feel amazing again. It is crazy how horrible my posture is, how once I'm adjusted I can really feel the difference.

Have a 2 hour massage next week.

My stupid principal is on the shit list right now - he's ignoring my emails and changes the subject when I talk to him about my comp hours and taking 2 days off. He's such a hypocrite.

I had my 3rd fight of my teaching career break out in my room today. I had one my first year, I had 2 big girls my final year at middle school, then this one. Why would 2 girls that hate each other sit next to each other?

It's been a shitty week on the shit scale, it was definitely a 10 out of 10. I found myself drinking and inviting the new VP to the local bar for a drink. Tuesday night I came home and made super strong Manhattans. Tonight I needed another drink.

Oh, and tomorrow night is drinky night, as termed by the new VP. The security guy, accountant, the female science teacher who doesn't brush her hair, and myself, are all hitting up his favorite bar for drinkies, as he put it.

The VP dated my cousin's best friend. I learned more about him and her than I ever needed to know. It is crazy. He's a nice guy, so I'm considering him a friend and he invited me, and he's paying, so why not?

Does anyone listen to 50s on 5 on Sirius? Brenda Lee and Connie Francis are every other song I swear, which this one is a nice diddy.

On being too valueable

You'll recall my last post about my principal saying I am "too valuable." That phrase has been in my mind for the past week. I do work hard when I am at work. I do try to do my best. I know there's room for improvement. I could listen to the kids more, I can do more checking for understanding with my students, I can integrate more technology. There's lots of room for improvement.

I recognize I'm valuable as a team player, in helping kids learn, in helping the school's mission. I guess too valuable shows I'm versatile, but I feel like there's other teachers who could/are as valuable. My roommate is as valuable as I am - no doubt in my mind. She is as proficient, if not more, in technology. She has more experience even in the new role as she has done that job prior. She isn't being called upon, though. There's another teacher who is working on articulation agreements and public relations with local colleges, she is definitely valuable. Maybe I'm just overanalyzing the situation. I guess part of it too is that I'm a favorite, and well, I am surprised, considering I don't ass kiss, and am constantly critical of the principal/VP.

Too valuable

My Me Time has been lacking lately. It has been go, go, go nonstop.

Last weekend was great - I was at an English Conference and presented on a topic I'm passionate about. I had a great reception overall. I had 16 participants in my workshop, which was awesome. All were friendly, inquisitive, and hopefully came away with something. Great way to build my resume.

I had an amazing time in that I also met up with one of my Wine Women unexpectedly from the State Board I partook. I also saw a guy, Thom, whom I met at the State Board conference. Sat at the bar talking for hours.

Back at work I'm doing 2 jobs for the pay of one. I basically told my principal today that I will do both jobs, but you'll be getting a bill. I'm going back in the classroom and doing some of the duties of the new position. He was agreeable. He also told me I am "too valuable that he doesn't know what to do with me." I am good in the classroom, but doing the position I've been doing outside of the classroom, he said. He said I don't have any discipline problems with students, the kids like me, I have 2 contrasting and valuable degrees that reflect my teaching assignment. In the new assignment I was successful in coordinating various activities around the campus, and the most important one had one of the best success rates in recent years. He doesn't know if he wants to keep me in the classroom, or out. He doesn't know if he wants to modify my assignment to 50/50.

I really don't know what the future holds with the position at work - everyday I am open to trying new things, am willing to work, and well, that's what I do. I know all of it is good experience, and will hopefully get me somewhere good. Ultimately this comes down to me - if I choose to accept/apply for the position that I am doing. I just hope that by not accepting it I don't get shitlisted if that's what I choose.

Anyways, crazy hours because of work- missed my hour massage last month, as well as this month. Have a 2 hour planned for me this month. My hands, feet, and neck really need it. Chiropractor too - I just feel out of whack, and my hands need adjusted.

Oh, and to top things off, I have lost my voice by the time I get home 3 nights in a row. I feel completely fine, but my voice just feels fragile.

So that sums me up for the past few weeks.

The new position - thoughts

Work ---
While on vacation in the Caribbean I had a voicemail from 3 different leaders at my school/in the district asking me to take a temporary position outside of the classroom at my school due to a shit storm that occurred at it and another school prior to going off on break. I agreed because it is good experience and when a district office person asks you to do something, you do it.
So I've been out of the classroom for the better part of a month. My new position is not bad. I have all of the qualifications and skills necessary to do the job. It involves little student interaction, which I'm told with how terrible my classes are right now, that is a good thing. Long term, I'm not sure about that...
The position could become permanent - we will find that out as the year progresses.

In my last post where I summarized my work life I have had a few more thoughts...

I am taking all of this in stride - not being pretentious - knowing it isn't necessarily permanent. If I decide to make it permanent my goal will be to get a part time gig teaching at a college to have some interaction with students/people. I am working on putting in applications at various colleges, which is a step in the right direction.

I am becoming pretty good friends with the new VP since we're working in close quarters. If I had to work under him we would make a good team. We both think alike and often I am doing the work before he even asks for it, and a couple times went back to check my work. When I showed I knew what I was doing and was doing everything correctly, he backed off and just let me run the necessary reports.

If the older new VP becomes principal I will most certainly move out of the classroom. The only reason he doesn't bother me is that he sees how hard I work, but he is harassing a lot of teachers, has a lot of grievances against him, and not the teachers he should be targeting. It would be easier to work in the new position under him than as a teacher.

A couple things could open up where I would go back into the classroom and do the AM shift.

Someone that I used to know...

Ever get news about someone you used to know that is really shocking to you? That is what I woke up to this morning. I go online and read the news after I made my way to the living room.

I see a story about a local teacher arrested for child molestation charges on a young boy, and immediately I knew who it was. I guess because it named his school, and I know this male teacher likes younger guys. Maybe it is because I always told this guy to be careful in who he was seeing. I always thought he would know better than to go after someone that young.

This person and I, I have probably blogged about him and his parties for his birthday, but don't recall what name I gave him... Found it... Teacher Friend.

We met years ago on an online site for guys. I was just starting my teaching career and he was well established. He invited me over and we hung out. I went to a couple of his birthday parties and always met people whom I am acquaintances with on facebook to this day. I'm waiting to see if they post anything. We have friends like Foot Fetish in common, and they hang out regularly.

This guy was a well liked teacher and the comments about him on the news sites substantiate this claim. Still, it doesn't excuse his behavior.

I was there for him a few times - the night we were chatting on AIM and he was drunk because he just came out to his mother after his long term boyfriend moved to NY to become an actor. He has supported me as a teacher and let me vent to him as I was first starting out. I enjoyed him since he played devils advocate often, and he was good at separating emotions.

The last time I messaged him was back in May or so when I got a few of his students in my classes and the conversation wasn't anything worth noting.

What he did was completely wrong - I am assuming he did since there is evidence to substantiate it. I feel bad for the kid - maybe the kid consented, but the kid was under 15. This guy should have known better. I have to side with the kid. The kid is underage. The kid I'm sure was going through a lot, exploring sexuality, curious about sex, but probably went about it the wrong way. I feel bad for the kid.

I guess what shocks me more was it was someone I used to know. He was a teacher with over 10 years in the profession. His life will never be the same. He is now going to be a sex offender. He is in jail now and has bail against him. He will likely never be able to be a teacher again. He is almost middle aged and will have to start over if he does. He has lost his pension. Was all of this worth it? Whether it was a short or long term infatuation with this minor, was it worth it?

It shocked me because it hits close to home. I am gay. I basically hide it, especially at the school I am at, with the less than supportive staff I have. I am out to 5 out of 45 people at the school. The 5 people would never tell. I don't tell students unless they were to ask - and so far few have. They think I am straight, which amuses me. I would NEVER EVER consider dating, doing something with a student, or someone younger. For one, I am in a relationship, but even if I were not, I would have wanted ID etc. to confirm the person was above 18. Also, I know that if a student doesn't like a teacher they can say things that can slander them, put them under investigation, and that's something I don't want, and sexuality seems to be one of the easiest targets. I have been targeted by an administrator for me being gay, and it made my life hell. I was worried about my career. Its a fine line you have to walk when you are gay and a teacher...

EDIT: Nearly 24 hours later I'm still in shock. I keep thinking about it. I guess because I thought he knew better. It is someone I knew who seemed like the person to hold everyone to a higher moral standard. I have had all sorts of thoughts like I wonder how he's surviving in prison. What is life for his family and the boy going to be now? What about his students? So many cans of worms.

Almost a month of no posting

I cannot believe how crazy this month has been. Gather round and let's talk about it.

Work ---

While on vacation in the Caribbean I had a voicemail from 3 different leaders at my school/in the district asking me to take a temporary position outside of the classroom at my school due to a shit storm that occurred at it and another school prior to going off on break. I agreed because it is good experience and when a district office person asks you to do something, you do it.

So I've been out of the classroom for the better part of a month. My new position is not bad. I have all of the qualifications and skills necessary to do the job. It involves little student interaction, which I'm told with how terrible my classes are right now, that is a good thing. Long term, I'm not sure about that...

The position could become permanent - we will find that out as the year progresses.

School ---

I finished my last admin credential class this month, which is awesome. Before my vice principal finished his. LOL. Part of the shit storm.

So back to that, the class was painful. I had no interest in it. The book was of little help. The professor was of little help also.

Had a ridiculous 75 slide PowerPoint to complete that just wasn't writing itself. It took some serious drinking on my end to get it there, and then the only comment I got from the professor was how I didn't cover the topic. Oh well, I got an A, still.

Family --- 

Sister is a hot mess. We were at dinner a few weeks back and she swore one of the waiters was her student. Didn't even give her the time of day. I went up to the guy afterward and asked if he went to the schools she has taught at. He didn't. She lied.

Things are going well with my partner and I. His parents have been here for a few weeks. They're fun. His mom is nice and easygoing. His dad is fun, especially since he treats us to dinner, and is amusing in just the stuff he says. They're here for a few more weeks.

Me ---

Little gym time with the parents here, but I am making it a point to walk and stay active however that may be.

My favorite drink of the moment - a Manhattan. I can make a pretty bomb ass one if I do say so myself.

I discovered when I get too overheated at night from too many covers is when I will usually start dreaming. And I have some weird ass dreams. A lot of them about my grandma's property. GRRR.

Winding Down

This month has been tough - I have been super busy at work. I will be the first to admit I work in the ghetto, and I don't use that term lightly because of the stuff I see and hear on a daily basis. There was a guy pushing a cart of scrap metal down the street the other day going with traffic if that gives you an example.

Though I work at an alternative school I have to say the group of kids I have right now are among the smartest/highest performing I have ever taught. I am sad that when we come back in January I won't have them anymore. They all have been so sweet, so willing to learn. They have actually challenged me. We were reading a random poem that was related to our unit a few weeks back, and my goal with using it was simply for comprehension. These kids brought up the diction... who uses those words?!... then the rhyme scheme. I had to take a step back when they mentioned this and quickly think on my feet to handle this.

Our Christmas tree is up. Presents need to be wrapped.

I have had almost no motivation to work on my admin credential this month - I will on Friday - that's my goal. I already had a mess up as I was supposed to go to a meeting on Friday regarding this. Now it will be at least February before I finish the credential since I missed the December meeting. I really didn't mean to. I had known about the meeting for a month. I had it on my calendar - I just switched from Mac to Google Calendars, so I'm thinking the event didn't transfer over. Oh well, I admit that I missed it, and take responsibility. It happens.

I plan to get my name out there once I finish my credential and try to teach a few college classes. I need something to keep me busy now.

I got an award at work the other day, which was pretty cool/surprising. A few people there appreciate me.

Haven't really seen my parents/been to dinner with them in months since I have taken on so many admin duties. I have been meeting my dad for breakfast weekly. I saw my mom last at the Christmas party I blogged about a few weeks back, Thanksgiving, and then maybe around Halloween.

I did go to lunch with my parents/sister on Veterans Day. I remember that. I remember the conversations my ssister had...
- My sister has a photographic memory, which is why she is able to tell me all the streets she takes to get to work... I thought repetition, and simply driving the same way each day would do that for you.
- Aristotle is sexy and her BFF.
- There's no way I'm a good teacher because I use too many red herrings. It is funny she brought that up because my roommate (the other teacher I share a room with) was just teaching about those the day before.
- I rpobably haven't read anything intelligent ever because I can't hold intellectual conversations like she can. Well sis, I don't always engage in conversations like you do where I have to be the know it all.
- I don't read quality literature and science fiction, so I don't have any creativity.

She is a piece of work. She should be a Nobel PRize winner by now or something.

Looking forward to Christmas. It is going to be a new experience since I will be with my partner's family. I am looking forward to a new experience. This will be our first CHristmas we have actually spent together. Usually I arrive the day before or after Christmas to be with him.

A little disappointed we won't make it to NYC this year. It has been a year!!! :(

Bringing you and me up to date

What's been going down?

Work:
- Craziness - lots of extra hours (thankfully I'm getting paid)
- Lots of issues with the community at hand and the issues are coming onto our campus
- Getting good admin practice

School:
- FINALLY - A MONTH LONG BREAK, then class resumes again in January
- Going to use this month to get all my fieldwork done

Travel/Life:
- Something every weekend until the first weekend of the year... yay!!! Travel!!!

Black Friday:
- Nothing is catching my eye... yet.
- I will probably be at the hospital with my cousin visiting her newborn baby.

My partner:
- He's great, he's working a little and I'm working a lot
- He has dinner ready for me when I get home, and I couldn't be more thankful

Conferences:
- Getting my name out there. At a conference right now in a boring session. I am sitting at the back typing this. Learning tons of cool new things to try in my classroom - unfortunately all of these will take time.
- Was asked to present at a state conference soon, which is another good way to get my name out there

Keeping up events

Usually I am the friend in contact with everyone - always messaging asking what's up. I did it all through undergrad, graduate, and now my 2nd graduate credential I seem to be slacking.

I am fine with that. My partner is now our social coordinator - not that he wasn't before - I just went with the flow, but he knows the what and is making the plans with all our friends. I'm the person suddenly that takes hours to respond to a text. It is kind of interesting. I appreciate the random texts/hellos I get from friends who notice I am incommunicado.

We've got some good times coming up -
- Last weekend we were in the desert visiting some friends of my partner's
- This past weekend we were in LA and spent the night there for a flight my partner had this morning. Had a nice brunch yesterday.
- We've got something planned nearly every weekend for the forseeable future.

Honestly I am loving the travel, it is just what I need to keep me sane. It provides an escape.

Long days

I am busier than ever right now when it comes to work. I think that's obvious with the topics of my recent posts.

I am pulling anywhere between 7 and 12 hour days at work. I am the testing coordinator now, intervention teacher, and acting principal in the evenings, in addition to just teaching my classes. No, I'm not getting any extra pay for it. A lot of it "falls under" what I have to do for my admin credential fieldwork, so it is just volunteer so to speak, or voluntold.

I come home and am working on my school work for my credential. Discussion board posts are the bane of my existence since I am not a procrastinator. I get my shit done weeks in advance and have to wait until usually Saturday night when the rest of the class gets around to posting their posts, which are due by midnight Saturday.

I still make time to make it to the gym in the morning. I'm down to 161 pounds, from 170, which is awesome.

My weekends have mostly been taken up with visiting friends.

Its funny, this is the most I have worked in a long time, and the busiest I've been. Usually it is my partner who is traveling, working a lot. The tides have changed, and now it is me. It feels weird. It feels weird, especially when I am not making big bucks for my work. It is ok because this is only temporary. I just know I don't want this to continue too long. Being an admin I don't think is for me.

When I get where I'm going

I made this comment on the Closet Professor's blog the other day, and it is something I am still thinking about

Your post struck a lot of chords with me - doing what was expected as opposed to your passion - I feel like I am there right now. I am at a mostly amazing school in a plush position that gives me great freedom to do what I want as long as it is in the best interest of the students. I am in the admin credential program because everyone told me to do it - all of my friends, parents, and teachers I know. I don't have aspirations to be an administrator, though I know I could be a good one. Maybe one day, but not now. I know, and keep having opportunities come to me to move into administration. Its not where I want to be right now. I could. It would be a great pay raise. My partner keeps hearing the money aspect, the great opportunities, and possibility to move into district office where jobs seem even more plush. I have stood my ground that I am right where I need to be now. I've taught for a little over 5 years now, and I want to be here for at least another 5. I believe that if I were to move into admin that 10 years of teaching experience wil give me more credibility as an administrator. I also am looking at positions outside of the teaching/admin realm that require the admin credential/teaching experience, but again, not right now. Your words helped validate what I am feeling now.

The thing is I have had 4 opportunities this year to advance. I turned them all down, though people kept encouraging me to apply saying I have all the skills. I sometimes worry that I am making the wrong decision and if I'm not "taking advantage" so to speak of these opportunities now, will I have the chance later? I'm sure I will. There's only going to be an administrator shortage, much like a teacher shortage, as time goes on with many baby boomers retiring.