Cheesy Photos

The clerk at my old school is raising money for her son to go on a trip to DC with his school next year. She is a pro photographer, and has a special of 5 shots, which equates to a 20 minute session for $30. I took her up on the offer since I have wanted some good photos of Mike and I together, plus it is for a great cause. Mike hates taking photos, gave me looks, and snide comments the entire way. Once we got to the site where we were taking the photos, he was fine. We got the photos back today, and they look great.

Opus 1

I didn't know the reference on RHOC to Opus 1. Mike was saddened. I need a bottle of Opus 1, stat.

It's wine BTW.

3s the charm

Finally met up with our friends J and B. We haven't seen them since November or so. Lots got in the way. The first time B had been sick, the second time something else happened, and the 3rd time was 2 weekends ago when Mike was in bed sick all weekend with some stomach virus. It almost became a 3rd time we had to reschedule when J's grandma died Thursday. She was 101.

We chatted last weekend and bought groupon tickets to an Angels game.

Met up at their house about 4pm yesterday. Showed off Mike's new car. Mike got a new Chevy Volt. It is the coolest thing. Seriously. We drove to the game in it, and parked at the brewery right by the stadium. We had a couple beers, then meandered to the stadiuM. I sat next to B about half of the game, talking about work and other random stuff. Then we got up halfway through the game and found new seats where we could better see the fireworks. J and I sat spotting cute guys and determining whether they were straight or not. Angels won. Fireworks after the show were awesome. As we were walking back to the car we found a baby kitten that we were trying to rescue - he was nowhere near his mommy and seemed all alone. Scared little thing, though. So we were off to Yogurtland for some treats.

Good night overall... glad we got to get together

Other happenings- we put one of our cats down this week. He had kidney disease, which basically there's no recovery from unless she was going to have constant injections and something equivalent to dialysis.

Had breakfast with my dad this week now that I work nights.

Hung out with E from my old school, and her husband, Mike. We went to a brewery on Friday night, which was really good. They had a food truck too,w which was so-so. Asian fusion.

Our patio is done. We have had a patio cover put in that is about a quarter the size of the house - it is half enclosed and half open. Been buying stuff for it. We are out on the patio right now enjoying it.

Throwback Thursday

Musically.

We heard this song EVERYWHERE in Mexico City. EVERYWHERE. In stores, on the radio, on TV, on top 40 stations. What a random song to have such an obsession with...

He's getting married

Remember the guy I was sort of seeing a few years ago, well, several now, Ry? Of course you don't! The past 4 years have been all roses with Mike, so of course you don't. Anyways, we are Facebook friends, so I always see his whereabouts. A few weeks after Mike and I were together, he met his new beau. This guy was pure white trash, and I'm not saying it in a bitter way. He just has that look you can identify as that. So I've watched their drunken stupors over the past several years, their out and a abouts, their proposal, and all their prepping. And today is their big day - they're getting married. I wish them the best.

Easing into the new job

So far so good - I'm excited - I have a crazy group of kids. Kind of the mix of high school rejects. The problem kids, stoners, pregnant girls, and kids who did things to get them kicked out of regular school. I've heard more arrest stories than necessary. But you know what? This is a neutral zone. The kids all mostly want to be there to get their credits to graduate. I'm easing into the job slowly, but surely. I get to plan a completely new curriculum next year - I'm holding out with what the former teacher left through the end of the year. I also plan to teach, unlike the previous teacher. This job is going to be MUCH less stress than my former job, and I'm thankful for that. I see it has the potential to be boring at times, but I'm ready to see what becomes...

New Job

I have been keeping kind of mum, but it is true. I have a new job. At first I was devastated.

I have posted a lot about the crazy kids, but I didn't post much about the harassment I was facing on a daily basis from an administrator over lessons, management, etc. I could have been the stronger person and waited it out, but this opportunity sounded too good.

I was at district about 3 weeks ago to turn in my transfer form, and saw an immediate open at our continuation school. I figured what the hell, why not? I applied. Shara, the math teacher on my team, encouraged me to apply, saying this is one of those places teachers get hired and never leave. I got a call, did an interview. The interview with the VP was cool, she seemed supportive, and interested. I thought it was a horrible interview - I was all over the place in what I said. I normally interview well.

I did the interview the Thursday before we went off for Spring Break. The Tuesday of Spring Break I got a text from my principal congratulating me. That sent me into a tailspin. I was crushed. I was so devastated I was leaving my great friends at work, which I truly LOVE. I LOVE my coworkers like you would not believe... lol... sounds so cliche. I knew that when it was a midyear transfer, if you got the position, you had to take it. I had perpetual anxiety and was up until at least 2am for several nights thinking about this. That was my every other thought. It helped to hear Mike say that I could always stay where I am, though I knew that wasn't true.

The Monday we came back from Spring Break I was apprehensive all morning. I met the principal, and she was genuinely happy for me. After sharing with several friends my anxiety decreased. Everyone has been supportive and happy for me, we have vowed to remain friends.

So today I met with the English dept. head at the new school. I was put on the night schedule - ice - 12-7pm. I am not a night person. Grrrr. But she was so nice and supportive. She showed me how it is mostly packet work, but she does teach lessons at least 2 days a week. WOW. How easy. So much less stress. I get to choose the stories I want to teach as long as they hit the standards for common core. WOW. I am now somewhat excited... hoping it will turn out well...