Let's face - we all like to be liked. Well I guess I can't speak for everyone in the world but I like to be liked. In fact I have this fear of being unliked. I know, I have a fear of many things beyond my control, yada yada, yada. It is a bit ironic that I occasionally dislike people and don't seem to have a problem with that ;-) (you can all keep your sarcastic quips to yourselves).
Anyway - the point of that is to tell you that I received two extremely nice compliments last week that had a huge impact on me and the way I view the other teachers at my school. The literacy coach at my school told me that I was doing an awesome job and I should stop worrying about making making mistakes. She said she was telling everyone about the awesome job I was doing with my classes. As good as this made me feel, it also gave me some insight into the way I was being treated by some tenured staff in my department who have been a little, shall we say cool. I have not been welcomed into that group. But I am working on it.
That other fabulous compliment came very unexpectedly. I was starting class when a math teacher came in, escorting a student. If we have the time sometimes we will do that instead of writing a pass to give the student a couple minutes of one on one time. He interrupted to tell my class ho lucky they were to have me because the teacher who had the room before me was a bore and didn't do anything fun like sing or do projects (OK, I only sang once and it was very brief). The kids clapped for me and he left.
At lunch I sought this teacher out and thanked hm for the compliment. He said that the kids he had last year come back and report about the teachers they have this year. Apparently I am among the favorites for seventh grade magnet. I told him the newness would wear off eventually :-)
For all of you with busy, stressful careers, you know the time it takes to point out improvements that a colleague can make or to ask a favor, let alone give them credit or a compliment. I truly appreciate the kindness I experienced last week. I am going to make it a priority to make more of those observations to my peers. I challenge you to as well. We all know what a smile can do, imagine what a kind word will do!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Little Politicos
And in no way am I speaking ill of short persons in political arenas. I am talking about my students who are, in there own way, involved in the political process. We are all very much in discussion about the upcoming election. Which candidate best represents are values and what propositions will take away our rights. But we also have to look at the bigger picture.
I am not one to speak out about politics, I don't have a soap box, mainly because I don't feel I have enough knowledge about the issues. However, i will make an exception this time and say this from my heart. Think about the future when you vote. I voted by mail on Saturday and I followed the union stance on many things but there were several propositions that I had to go with my heart on. If it doesn't feel right, do what you think is right.
I say this because I spend the majority of my time with the future. Maybe it is cliche to say that but it is true. The children are our future and it is up to us to make sure there is a safe place for them to be.
The other day at lunch the group I had spent the time making campaign signs against proposition 8 and for Obama. I had nothing to do with this as I was on the phone at the time. I watched with sheer admiration at the thought they were putting into an election and into issues they cannot even vote on.
I beg you to do the same.
I am not one to speak out about politics, I don't have a soap box, mainly because I don't feel I have enough knowledge about the issues. However, i will make an exception this time and say this from my heart. Think about the future when you vote. I voted by mail on Saturday and I followed the union stance on many things but there were several propositions that I had to go with my heart on. If it doesn't feel right, do what you think is right.
I say this because I spend the majority of my time with the future. Maybe it is cliche to say that but it is true. The children are our future and it is up to us to make sure there is a safe place for them to be.
The other day at lunch the group I had spent the time making campaign signs against proposition 8 and for Obama. I had nothing to do with this as I was on the phone at the time. I watched with sheer admiration at the thought they were putting into an election and into issues they cannot even vote on.
I beg you to do the same.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Surprise!
I have yet to figure out how to wake Sarah up without scaring her. I feel so bad when it happens. Even when she asks me to wake her up at a certain time, I go in and I say her name softly, she thinks I am there to kill her (which is sooo not true!). Now, this is understandable, because when you are not used to someone being in your room and you are asleep it can be scary to have someone standing over you, I get that, totally(which is why I have a min baseball bat by my bad thank you dad!). I just wish she wasn't scared of me.
This morning I went in to tell her something and she was really startled. Granted it was 3:30 a.m. and not 6:45 like when I go in to say I am leaving for the day. Let me explain, I had been waking up on and off all night and couldn't figure it out then I realized I had forgotten to take my meds, long story, and went in to ask her advice. I do m=not make a habit of going around waking people up in the middle of the night!
Unfortunatley after that neither of us could go back to sleep. She is asleep now and I hope she sleeps in, I turned off the alarms as I am off to work. I feel really bad but I needed a friend and we always tell each other to wake the other up so I did :-) This too shall pass.
So if anyone has any tips on how to wake her up without scaring her I am sure she would appreciate it!
This morning I went in to tell her something and she was really startled. Granted it was 3:30 a.m. and not 6:45 like when I go in to say I am leaving for the day. Let me explain, I had been waking up on and off all night and couldn't figure it out then I realized I had forgotten to take my meds, long story, and went in to ask her advice. I do m=not make a habit of going around waking people up in the middle of the night!
Unfortunatley after that neither of us could go back to sleep. She is asleep now and I hope she sleeps in, I turned off the alarms as I am off to work. I feel really bad but I needed a friend and we always tell each other to wake the other up so I did :-) This too shall pass.
So if anyone has any tips on how to wake her up without scaring her I am sure she would appreciate it!
I'm Going to Disneyland!
No, it's not just a commercial or a dream folks, Sarah and I won 4 tickets to Disneyland last night! I love this town! (Not to mention Disneyland is within a very reasonable driving distance) Los Angeles Team Mentoring (http://www.latm.org/) is an organization that began after the 1992 riots to give something positive to do with their time and someone to do it with that was a positive influence. They had an informational meeting last night and I dragged Sarah along with me.
It was fun, I met some really nice people and learned that O can participate in the program right in my school. Also, we won the tickets which are good until next June so we can save them until my parents come and take them, we are very excited!!!!
It was fun, I met some really nice people and learned that O can participate in the program right in my school. Also, we won the tickets which are good until next June so we can save them until my parents come and take them, we are very excited!!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
La La Land
Living in Los Angeles really is like television. Not in the sense that I am the star by any means :-) but the world around me. I went to the mall the other night, a random Thursday night, and there was a fashion show. We had fashion shows at the malls when I grew up. They put a stage in the middle and people walked out and modeled fashion from the stores. But this was a SHOW.There was a DJ and dancers on the over sized stage (brought in and installed for the event) to entertain the waiting audience. The people attending the show appeared to me as if they should be in the show. If I hadn't been standing there watching the event take place I would have sworn it was a television show!
As one of my all time favorite movies says "Welcome to Hollywood, what's your dream?"
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Can you hear me now?
Today was going along swimmingly until the bell for 6th period rang and a student waltzed into my room chatting on his cell phone. This is a bit unbelievable for two reasons:
1. Cell phones are not to be turned on during school hours and 2. he was not hiding it or trying to to hide it, he was acting as if this was normal behavior.
I told him to hang up and give me the phone. he tried to tell me some sob story about how he was talking to his mother who was at the hospital because his aunt had just given birth. He added that he had seen Mr. Martinez (assistant principal) downstairs who had given permission for the phone call. While the story about the birth may be true it has n bearing on the cell phone use policy. I told home to go find Mr. Martinez and get a note verifying the permission. He then told me that Mr. Martinez was on his way off campus when he saw him and was long gone by now. I responded with "sit down".
About 15 minutes later I was helping some students with the assignment which was peer editing their first "big" paper of the year. I noticed some abnormal behavior across the room and while it is not unusual for me to have abnormal behavior in the class I do have to investigate. I headed across the room to the circle of bowed heads and hushed voices to find a student text messaging. Yep. Second offender in 15 minutes. I was a little angry.
My normal policy is to take the phone until the end of class and give a warning for the first timers but not today, I told them to take it up with the deans office. Unfortunately for them the first deans office employee I came across was Mr. Edelman "the mean dean" who is also a part time social studies teacher and knows these two students well.
I saw Mr. Martinez after school and mentioned the "permission" and his sudden exit from campus. We had a good laugh over it and there will be detention given for lying. My students learn quickly that lying is a big offense in Ms. Knapp's room. I guess I learned that quick from my best teacher too.
1. Cell phones are not to be turned on during school hours and 2. he was not hiding it or trying to to hide it, he was acting as if this was normal behavior.
I told him to hang up and give me the phone. he tried to tell me some sob story about how he was talking to his mother who was at the hospital because his aunt had just given birth. He added that he had seen Mr. Martinez (assistant principal) downstairs who had given permission for the phone call. While the story about the birth may be true it has n bearing on the cell phone use policy. I told home to go find Mr. Martinez and get a note verifying the permission. He then told me that Mr. Martinez was on his way off campus when he saw him and was long gone by now. I responded with "sit down".
About 15 minutes later I was helping some students with the assignment which was peer editing their first "big" paper of the year. I noticed some abnormal behavior across the room and while it is not unusual for me to have abnormal behavior in the class I do have to investigate. I headed across the room to the circle of bowed heads and hushed voices to find a student text messaging. Yep. Second offender in 15 minutes. I was a little angry.
My normal policy is to take the phone until the end of class and give a warning for the first timers but not today, I told them to take it up with the deans office. Unfortunately for them the first deans office employee I came across was Mr. Edelman "the mean dean" who is also a part time social studies teacher and knows these two students well.
I saw Mr. Martinez after school and mentioned the "permission" and his sudden exit from campus. We had a good laugh over it and there will be detention given for lying. My students learn quickly that lying is a big offense in Ms. Knapp's room. I guess I learned that quick from my best teacher too.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sitcom Worthy
Seriously, it only happens on T.V. - nobody ever actually puts something in a mixer and has it spray all over their kitchen right? Wrong. It happened to me. I wish I had taken pictures, you have to believe what a huge mess it was.
I was making frosting for Sarah's birthday cake on Saturday morning. All the ingredients were in, the Crisco, margarine, powdered sugar, etc... all the stuff that makes it good and sticky. If you are not familiar with frosting it has to beat for a while to become firm and if you have an antique mixer like I do it takes a loooong while. So I thought I would be proactive and do some dishes while it was beating. Now, I was not neglecting the frosting, I was less than 2 foot away and I was glancing at it every 5 seconds or so. It was fine and then all of a sudden I felt like my pants were being pelted with something. Because they were. Frosting.
I quickly shut it off, yelled shit and stood there, looking around at what appeared to a snow covered kitchen. Very gingerbread house like. Really, this only happens on T.V. or so I thought. Sarah came out quickly, hearing my expletive and promptly stepped in some. We started cleaning and had to wash everything. The rugs, the stove, the canisters, the clean dishes, dishes in the cupboard, the potatoes, everything. The frosting had managed to get on everything except the cake. Not one dollop had landed on either layer of the cake. I mean seriously!
So we cleaned and used every rag and towel, then I had to wash my clothes which ended up coming out stained because of the oil in the Crisco - another alumni sweatshirt down the drain :-( then I had to mop the floor which I had already done and shower because yep- the frosting was in my hair :-)
Looking back on it it was incredibly funny and I didn't cry so it couldn't have been that bad right! We even ended up with enough to frost the cake even if it was a little thinner than usual.
Let's just say that if anyone wants to know what I am asking Santa for it is money to buy a new mixer, mine has warn out it's welcome. I need a splatter shield pronto!
I was making frosting for Sarah's birthday cake on Saturday morning. All the ingredients were in, the Crisco, margarine, powdered sugar, etc... all the stuff that makes it good and sticky. If you are not familiar with frosting it has to beat for a while to become firm and if you have an antique mixer like I do it takes a loooong while. So I thought I would be proactive and do some dishes while it was beating. Now, I was not neglecting the frosting, I was less than 2 foot away and I was glancing at it every 5 seconds or so. It was fine and then all of a sudden I felt like my pants were being pelted with something. Because they were. Frosting.
I quickly shut it off, yelled shit and stood there, looking around at what appeared to a snow covered kitchen. Very gingerbread house like. Really, this only happens on T.V. or so I thought. Sarah came out quickly, hearing my expletive and promptly stepped in some. We started cleaning and had to wash everything. The rugs, the stove, the canisters, the clean dishes, dishes in the cupboard, the potatoes, everything. The frosting had managed to get on everything except the cake. Not one dollop had landed on either layer of the cake. I mean seriously!
So we cleaned and used every rag and towel, then I had to wash my clothes which ended up coming out stained because of the oil in the Crisco - another alumni sweatshirt down the drain :-( then I had to mop the floor which I had already done and shower because yep- the frosting was in my hair :-)
Looking back on it it was incredibly funny and I didn't cry so it couldn't have been that bad right! We even ended up with enough to frost the cake even if it was a little thinner than usual.
Let's just say that if anyone wants to know what I am asking Santa for it is money to buy a new mixer, mine has warn out it's welcome. I need a splatter shield pronto!
The Honeymoon is Over
Every teacher knows that there is a honeymoon period at the beginning of the school year and when it's over the children start to show their true colors, their "unique" habits and "fun" character traits!
My honeymoon period is officially over. It ended last week when a child stole some Expo markers and she and two of her friends ditched class and vandalized the girls bathroom. All three girls are good kids and made a bad decision, this will pass and hopefully they will make better choices in the future.
I thought that was the end of it until I went got to school on Friday to discover that a green, glass paperweight had been stolen off my desk. I had a pretty good hunch who had taken it but I didn't want to accuse anyone. I want so badly to believe that this school is different from my previous school and bad things don't happen (yes, it is a fairytale!).
When I let the kids in at 7:15 (45 minutes before school) there was a big group, about 18. Mostly they were working on science projects due that day. Some were studying for the quiz in my class that was also that day. I got a book order turned and put it in my drawer, walked away from my desk to help a student for about 3 minutes, went back to my desk and got the order out to put in my purse. Yep, the money was gone.
One student had conspicuously disappeared and I knew right away what was going on. I was so angry but I had no proof. I spent a few minutes in each class letting the students know how disappointed I was that I had extended the trust to them of letting them be in the room outside of class time and to have that trust violated would have consequences starting with a new closed door policy.
In essence this really punishes me because I lose that time with the students to have them around and help them with their homework, let them check out books, talk to them, listen to them, just having them their being noisy is a comfort to me during the day.
Two students came forward as witnesses to seeing the student who stole the paper weight (a gift from a friend). Which meant now I had solid proof to go to administration. It is being dealt with and the student is facing being sent to his host school as this is not the first theft at school and also he has been arrested for shoplifting.
While I feel bad, I also have had to remember that I am a magnet teacher now and I have to have extremely high expectations of my students in and out of class. I have to focus on pushing them not bringing them up. They have to be able to cut it. The support I received from my superiors was great and I have not had to deal with the issue at all after I turned it over. What a relief it is to have a chain of command that works the way it is intended.
My honeymoon period is officially over. It ended last week when a child stole some Expo markers and she and two of her friends ditched class and vandalized the girls bathroom. All three girls are good kids and made a bad decision, this will pass and hopefully they will make better choices in the future.
I thought that was the end of it until I went got to school on Friday to discover that a green, glass paperweight had been stolen off my desk. I had a pretty good hunch who had taken it but I didn't want to accuse anyone. I want so badly to believe that this school is different from my previous school and bad things don't happen (yes, it is a fairytale!).
When I let the kids in at 7:15 (45 minutes before school) there was a big group, about 18. Mostly they were working on science projects due that day. Some were studying for the quiz in my class that was also that day. I got a book order turned and put it in my drawer, walked away from my desk to help a student for about 3 minutes, went back to my desk and got the order out to put in my purse. Yep, the money was gone.
One student had conspicuously disappeared and I knew right away what was going on. I was so angry but I had no proof. I spent a few minutes in each class letting the students know how disappointed I was that I had extended the trust to them of letting them be in the room outside of class time and to have that trust violated would have consequences starting with a new closed door policy.
In essence this really punishes me because I lose that time with the students to have them around and help them with their homework, let them check out books, talk to them, listen to them, just having them their being noisy is a comfort to me during the day.
Two students came forward as witnesses to seeing the student who stole the paper weight (a gift from a friend). Which meant now I had solid proof to go to administration. It is being dealt with and the student is facing being sent to his host school as this is not the first theft at school and also he has been arrested for shoplifting.
While I feel bad, I also have had to remember that I am a magnet teacher now and I have to have extremely high expectations of my students in and out of class. I have to focus on pushing them not bringing them up. They have to be able to cut it. The support I received from my superiors was great and I have not had to deal with the issue at all after I turned it over. What a relief it is to have a chain of command that works the way it is intended.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Back to School
I have been talking my way around going back to school for a while. I was accepted into Western's graduate program but did not go when I ended up moving West. I took a class or two when I was in Yuma that counted as credit but never got into anything serious because I couldn't afford it. When I decided to make the move to LA with Sarah I figured that going back to school would be a good idea so I could keep busy while she was busy writing. Things didn't fall into place as fast as I had wanted them too so I wasn't able to apply for fall admission. Oops, oh well. I don't like school that much anyway!
Then the other day I heard this announcement at school to go see this presenter about making 15% more money. I thought I could at least go see how much work it entailed. I met a woman who runs a program through the district (the advantages of working for a big district) to get nationally certified.
This is something I have been particularly interested in especially after jumping through Arizona and California's hoops to get licensed. It is a huge process and very rigorous (their word). It takes anywhere from 1-3 years depending on how well you do and is quite expensive.
The program the district offers is half price and takes 6 months. It is the equivalent of a masters degree in the field of teaching and 45 states accept it automatically as a teaching license. So I could potentially move anywhere and not have to jump through hoops! It is a really good deal on paper. I was still a little skeptical so I signed up for the orientation tonight.
After 4 hours I was sold. It is going to be hard. 400 or so hours between now and March 15th but it is a good deal and I get to have a study group and a facilitator to help get me through the process.
So I paid a bunch of money tonight and will pay more tomorrow but I am ready to do this. So please pray for me and forgive me if I get a little busy in the coming months.
Then the other day I heard this announcement at school to go see this presenter about making 15% more money. I thought I could at least go see how much work it entailed. I met a woman who runs a program through the district (the advantages of working for a big district) to get nationally certified.
This is something I have been particularly interested in especially after jumping through Arizona and California's hoops to get licensed. It is a huge process and very rigorous (their word). It takes anywhere from 1-3 years depending on how well you do and is quite expensive.
The program the district offers is half price and takes 6 months. It is the equivalent of a masters degree in the field of teaching and 45 states accept it automatically as a teaching license. So I could potentially move anywhere and not have to jump through hoops! It is a really good deal on paper. I was still a little skeptical so I signed up for the orientation tonight.
After 4 hours I was sold. It is going to be hard. 400 or so hours between now and March 15th but it is a good deal and I get to have a study group and a facilitator to help get me through the process.
So I paid a bunch of money tonight and will pay more tomorrow but I am ready to do this. So please pray for me and forgive me if I get a little busy in the coming months.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
News from the Coast
Well another busy week has passed here on the west coast and we are making the most of it!
Thursday was parents night at school and I had a huge turnout which was great. It is rare to see so many parents interested in their child's education after elementary school. I had about 80 parents out of 170 kids. Far above the non-magnet classes.
I took Friday off to go the pain clinic at Cedar-Sinai where my new headache Dr. is located. He seems very nice and hands on. I go back on Thursday to see a psychologist and to decide on a treatment plan. He gave me several personality tests to take and send in that will give him a better idea of the course of treatment that will be best. I had to get several prescriptions filled and the co-pay was only $5 each with my new insurance. It's fabulous. A month ago I would have paid almost $100 a piece for them.
Friday night we had a new friend over (Sean) from church for pizza and cards and then met up with another group and a bar called Snow White's. It's a really small place but all the artwork is original and was done by the Disney artists who created the original Snow White for Disney. It was really cool!
I met new fun people too; a stuntman who once got beat up by Tori Spelling on 90210 and was Andrew Shue's double on Melrose Place for a couple years and jumped off a cliff for my friend Pauley in a movie (apparently it's hard to find tall stunt woman). There was a video editor, a playwrite/actor and 4 5 of us were originally from Michigan. Too crazy!
Saturday we did some errand stuff and watched movies with Emily. Sunday we did the church thing and then while Sarah was writing I took my written tests for the doctor.
Tomorrow it is back to work but we have Tuesday off as an unassigned day so I am going to volunteer at church for the homeless lunch.
On the 19th of October, I am joining the Hollywood United Methodist Church as an associate member. I have a sponsor and everything (afore mentioned Sean). I am joining as an associate because I am not ready to sever my membership in Howell yet. This way I can have the best of both worlds!
That's all for now - Tomorrow I am back at Snow White's after work to meet the gang since it's not a school night.
Thursday was parents night at school and I had a huge turnout which was great. It is rare to see so many parents interested in their child's education after elementary school. I had about 80 parents out of 170 kids. Far above the non-magnet classes.
I took Friday off to go the pain clinic at Cedar-Sinai where my new headache Dr. is located. He seems very nice and hands on. I go back on Thursday to see a psychologist and to decide on a treatment plan. He gave me several personality tests to take and send in that will give him a better idea of the course of treatment that will be best. I had to get several prescriptions filled and the co-pay was only $5 each with my new insurance. It's fabulous. A month ago I would have paid almost $100 a piece for them.
Friday night we had a new friend over (Sean) from church for pizza and cards and then met up with another group and a bar called Snow White's. It's a really small place but all the artwork is original and was done by the Disney artists who created the original Snow White for Disney. It was really cool!
I met new fun people too; a stuntman who once got beat up by Tori Spelling on 90210 and was Andrew Shue's double on Melrose Place for a couple years and jumped off a cliff for my friend Pauley in a movie (apparently it's hard to find tall stunt woman). There was a video editor, a playwrite/actor and 4 5 of us were originally from Michigan. Too crazy!
Saturday we did some errand stuff and watched movies with Emily. Sunday we did the church thing and then while Sarah was writing I took my written tests for the doctor.
Tomorrow it is back to work but we have Tuesday off as an unassigned day so I am going to volunteer at church for the homeless lunch.
On the 19th of October, I am joining the Hollywood United Methodist Church as an associate member. I have a sponsor and everything (afore mentioned Sean). I am joining as an associate because I am not ready to sever my membership in Howell yet. This way I can have the best of both worlds!
That's all for now - Tomorrow I am back at Snow White's after work to meet the gang since it's not a school night.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Commuter for a Day
Today I joined the ranks of those who get on the freeway every morning here in the City of Angels and crawl their way to work. I had a training to attend at Pepperdine University in Culver City which is only about 15 miles from me in reality. I knew it would take awhile because I had to get on two of the busiest commuter routes in L.A.
I gave myself an hour and after 15 minutes of the freeway I reset my GPS to the surface streets and wound my way through the city. In reality it probably took the same amount of time but at least I was moving! I got to the conference at 7:56 - right on time.
I left the area around 2:45 and expresswayed it home the congestion was lighter because it wasn't rush hour and it took me about 30 minutes or so. I have come to the conclusion that the pace of the freeway here is the pace of life. It doesn't pay to be in a hurry. There are rarely accidents holding traffic up, or construction. It is the sheer number of cars and people going about their business. It doesn't bother me too much because I don't have to deal with it very much I guess. I find it interesting to watch the other people too.
When I got home I was standing in the living room talking to Sarah and all of a sudden Sarah gasped and I heard a weird noise. I looked out the window and saw a car turning around in the street/our driveway. He had hit our neighbor's cinder block (used to keep people out of the driveway) and my car. There was no noise but my car was physically shaking. I headed out the front door at a quick rate looked at him and turned to look at my car. I assumed (yeah I know what happens) that he was stopping on the street. When I turned back around he was gone. He just took off.
My car is scratched. Not dented but definitely scratched. I am pissed. We didn't get the license number on his car. In California you can't file a no fault claim so I am stuck with it. Now it matches the front of the car where the same thing happened a month ago although I didn't witness it. I am tired of people using my car as a bumper.
It will be paid off in six months or less so mom suggested maybe I can get it buffed or something since there are no actual dents just scratches. It is frustrating.
I gave myself an hour and after 15 minutes of the freeway I reset my GPS to the surface streets and wound my way through the city. In reality it probably took the same amount of time but at least I was moving! I got to the conference at 7:56 - right on time.
I left the area around 2:45 and expresswayed it home the congestion was lighter because it wasn't rush hour and it took me about 30 minutes or so. I have come to the conclusion that the pace of the freeway here is the pace of life. It doesn't pay to be in a hurry. There are rarely accidents holding traffic up, or construction. It is the sheer number of cars and people going about their business. It doesn't bother me too much because I don't have to deal with it very much I guess. I find it interesting to watch the other people too.
When I got home I was standing in the living room talking to Sarah and all of a sudden Sarah gasped and I heard a weird noise. I looked out the window and saw a car turning around in the street/our driveway. He had hit our neighbor's cinder block (used to keep people out of the driveway) and my car. There was no noise but my car was physically shaking. I headed out the front door at a quick rate looked at him and turned to look at my car. I assumed (yeah I know what happens) that he was stopping on the street. When I turned back around he was gone. He just took off.
My car is scratched. Not dented but definitely scratched. I am pissed. We didn't get the license number on his car. In California you can't file a no fault claim so I am stuck with it. Now it matches the front of the car where the same thing happened a month ago although I didn't witness it. I am tired of people using my car as a bumper.
It will be paid off in six months or less so mom suggested maybe I can get it buffed or something since there are no actual dents just scratches. It is frustrating.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tales of JB
JB will be what I use to refer to my school from here on out, it looks better than it sounds, as I thought everyone was saying JV (junior varsity) pride for awhile. I know, I know. Anyway, here are some things that have been going on with my new great kids. We really aren't having any problems. They are quiet, hardworking and eager to please. I had them create goals and they came up with awesome ones.
I also put out a sign out sheet for my classroom library and within 5 days I had to put out another, the books are flying off the shelves, these kids read and I mean read, they love to read and talk about the books they are reading. I put the book orders out today and you would have thought it was everyone's birthday!
Today we had an assembly and not only did I get to sit with my class and not have to speak to anyone about behavior, the students took it upon themselves to clap for the people speaking to them about the rules and expectations of the schools. When I got back to my room one of my students asked me how I got up the stairs. I paused and said I walked. He then asked how in my heels and skirt. I smiled and said I do it everyday. Granted, they are higher heels than normal but I still have a classroom on the second floor! I asked him how he thought I got upstairs everyday and he said he hadn't ever thought about it before but it must be hard. They are sweet!
I am coming back to this after school and there are two boys in my room combing the book order trying to figure out how the one can make his 10 dollar allowance into $38 to buy the Harry Potter box set! I can't get rid of them :-)
I have to get home as Sarah and I are off to parking services to get her a pass for school, she starts soon and maybe some pinkberry! A new addiction we have developed!
I also put out a sign out sheet for my classroom library and within 5 days I had to put out another, the books are flying off the shelves, these kids read and I mean read, they love to read and talk about the books they are reading. I put the book orders out today and you would have thought it was everyone's birthday!
Today we had an assembly and not only did I get to sit with my class and not have to speak to anyone about behavior, the students took it upon themselves to clap for the people speaking to them about the rules and expectations of the schools. When I got back to my room one of my students asked me how I got up the stairs. I paused and said I walked. He then asked how in my heels and skirt. I smiled and said I do it everyday. Granted, they are higher heels than normal but I still have a classroom on the second floor! I asked him how he thought I got upstairs everyday and he said he hadn't ever thought about it before but it must be hard. They are sweet!
I am coming back to this after school and there are two boys in my room combing the book order trying to figure out how the one can make his 10 dollar allowance into $38 to buy the Harry Potter box set! I can't get rid of them :-)
I have to get home as Sarah and I are off to parking services to get her a pass for school, she starts soon and maybe some pinkberry! A new addiction we have developed!
Monday, September 08, 2008
LAUSD
I have been wanting to take some time to update you about my new job and I have finally found a few minutes to spare, this is what has been happening since the day I accepted the position. I waited around for the call, I had been told that someone would contact me. I got a call Monday afternoon from the liaison telling me to come in to headquarters and sign on the dotted line. Oh, if it were only that easy...
We moved the 20th and on the 21st I went in to take care of paperwork, thinking it would be a snap because I already had my credential. I was sooooo wrong. First I had to be fingerprinted, they use this high-tech system with no ink! Even though I had already cleared with the FBI in July, the district requires their own screening which can take anywhere from a day to 4 weeks to clear. Then I had to fill out a bunch of usual tax papers and such, get a TB test and was then informed I would need to pass a physical. I was given a list of doctors and told to come back Monday to check the TB test and have the physical completed.
At this point I had been given my salary which was good news but told that I would be paid once a month and that September was a no go. This was no good considering we had spent every last dime on our down payment and moving. Things were not looking up.
Friday we went to the DMV (which requires at least two visits) and then I went to a clinic in Hollywood to get my physical done. It was very routine, I also received word that my fingerprints had cleared so I assumed Monday I would go in, sign and be done. Wrong again!
Monday I go directly to the health office, my TB test checks out just fine for once (I usually test false positive) and hand over my physical. The nurse quickly latches on to the fact that I take anti-depressants and this may somehow endanger children so she gives me paperwork that HAS to be filled out by the diagnosing doctor. This is a bit difficult because I have been on meds since 2000 and that was many, many doctors ago. I took the forms upstairs to my contract liaison and begged her to fax them to the clinic in Chicago. Then I called Chicago, talked to the nurse who said she would fill them out and fax them back. I waited, and waited and waited some more. About an hour after Chicago business closed for the day I went home frustrated (after Sarah picked me up - she got lost in Little Tokyo). Tuesday, I call to find the fax, no one can find it on the phone so I go in (long drive). It's not there, I am thoroughly upset now and done wasting my time at this point. I am seriously considering hurting someone.
At this point the department manager gives me his cell number and tells me not to come back until I talk to him and he has the fax. Finally, some progress. He also said that as long as it was ok with my principal I could go into my room and start getting ready. That took a load off! The fax finally made it and the nurse still didn't want to clear me because the clinic didn't put some number on it, I must have looked desperate because she put me through anyway - Thank God. I went upstairs signed and left and official employee.
Except that I didn't have an employee number so I couldn't sign up for benefits. This was Wednesday and if I didn't sign up by Friday (month's end) I would have to wait until October. Again, panic mode!
Thursday and Friday Sarah and Dad helped me clean out the horrible mess in my room and set up my stuff, it was a huge undertaking in two days but the results were great. Friday morning while dad was with the electricians at the house I got a page that my employee number had come in at school. Sarah and I rushed downtown to sign up for my benefits, we made it just in time for the September deadline.
By Friday night we were all pretty beat but things were looking up, the house was unpacked, my room was ready to go and we had had some fun with my dad while he was in town. It was a crazy two weeks but definitely worth it in the long run.
Today was the first full day of school and can I just say that I am loving my job so far. The faculty and staff are so nice, everyone has been incredibly helpful. One woman actually went out of her way to explain the fire drill procedure to me and I didn't even know who she was!
The kids are great, they are so full of energy yet, they have a need to learn and really do their best at everything. One of the things we did was write down dreams for the future and I saw everything from dentist to engineer to inventing an air tank small enough to fit in your mouth so you can go deep into the water, lawyer, marine biologist, teacher, saving the world, computer engineer, attend an ivy league school and much more. These kids have plans and they are already working the plans to make their dreams come true.
This school is providing a place for students to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop talents in a safe and appropriate atmosphere that they may not have had in their own neighborhood. I feel truly blessed to have been placed here and though the road was long and I grew weary I am so thankful that no one gave up on me and you all helped me stay positive so that I could get to this place.
We moved the 20th and on the 21st I went in to take care of paperwork, thinking it would be a snap because I already had my credential. I was sooooo wrong. First I had to be fingerprinted, they use this high-tech system with no ink! Even though I had already cleared with the FBI in July, the district requires their own screening which can take anywhere from a day to 4 weeks to clear. Then I had to fill out a bunch of usual tax papers and such, get a TB test and was then informed I would need to pass a physical. I was given a list of doctors and told to come back Monday to check the TB test and have the physical completed.
At this point I had been given my salary which was good news but told that I would be paid once a month and that September was a no go. This was no good considering we had spent every last dime on our down payment and moving. Things were not looking up.
Friday we went to the DMV (which requires at least two visits) and then I went to a clinic in Hollywood to get my physical done. It was very routine, I also received word that my fingerprints had cleared so I assumed Monday I would go in, sign and be done. Wrong again!
Monday I go directly to the health office, my TB test checks out just fine for once (I usually test false positive) and hand over my physical. The nurse quickly latches on to the fact that I take anti-depressants and this may somehow endanger children so she gives me paperwork that HAS to be filled out by the diagnosing doctor. This is a bit difficult because I have been on meds since 2000 and that was many, many doctors ago. I took the forms upstairs to my contract liaison and begged her to fax them to the clinic in Chicago. Then I called Chicago, talked to the nurse who said she would fill them out and fax them back. I waited, and waited and waited some more. About an hour after Chicago business closed for the day I went home frustrated (after Sarah picked me up - she got lost in Little Tokyo). Tuesday, I call to find the fax, no one can find it on the phone so I go in (long drive). It's not there, I am thoroughly upset now and done wasting my time at this point. I am seriously considering hurting someone.
At this point the department manager gives me his cell number and tells me not to come back until I talk to him and he has the fax. Finally, some progress. He also said that as long as it was ok with my principal I could go into my room and start getting ready. That took a load off! The fax finally made it and the nurse still didn't want to clear me because the clinic didn't put some number on it, I must have looked desperate because she put me through anyway - Thank God. I went upstairs signed and left and official employee.
Except that I didn't have an employee number so I couldn't sign up for benefits. This was Wednesday and if I didn't sign up by Friday (month's end) I would have to wait until October. Again, panic mode!
Thursday and Friday Sarah and Dad helped me clean out the horrible mess in my room and set up my stuff, it was a huge undertaking in two days but the results were great. Friday morning while dad was with the electricians at the house I got a page that my employee number had come in at school. Sarah and I rushed downtown to sign up for my benefits, we made it just in time for the September deadline.
By Friday night we were all pretty beat but things were looking up, the house was unpacked, my room was ready to go and we had had some fun with my dad while he was in town. It was a crazy two weeks but definitely worth it in the long run.
Today was the first full day of school and can I just say that I am loving my job so far. The faculty and staff are so nice, everyone has been incredibly helpful. One woman actually went out of her way to explain the fire drill procedure to me and I didn't even know who she was!
The kids are great, they are so full of energy yet, they have a need to learn and really do their best at everything. One of the things we did was write down dreams for the future and I saw everything from dentist to engineer to inventing an air tank small enough to fit in your mouth so you can go deep into the water, lawyer, marine biologist, teacher, saving the world, computer engineer, attend an ivy league school and much more. These kids have plans and they are already working the plans to make their dreams come true.
This school is providing a place for students to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop talents in a safe and appropriate atmosphere that they may not have had in their own neighborhood. I feel truly blessed to have been placed here and though the road was long and I grew weary I am so thankful that no one gave up on me and you all helped me stay positive so that I could get to this place.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
10 Things I Love About Los Angeles
10. Thousands of restaurants to choose from!
9. My house is big, breezy and beautiful!
8. I live 30 minutes from the ocean
7. At any given time you can see a man walking down the street selling balloons and cotton candy, no parade required!
6. My job is on Willshire boulevard! And I love the school, colleagues and kids (so far at least) :-)
5. I live in a neighborhood where the moms call their kids home for dinner - really!
4. I do not have a dress code for work, I can once again wear all my clothes, not just the ones I am forced to!
3. There are at least 4 malls within 20 minutes of my house!
2. There is a really great church close to our house and it is Methodist!
And the # 1 thing I love about Los Angeles is.....
I am on this surreal adventure and around every corner is another great thing to do or see, as soon as the exhaustion of week 1 at school wears off I will share more!
9. My house is big, breezy and beautiful!
8. I live 30 minutes from the ocean
7. At any given time you can see a man walking down the street selling balloons and cotton candy, no parade required!
6. My job is on Willshire boulevard! And I love the school, colleagues and kids (so far at least) :-)
5. I live in a neighborhood where the moms call their kids home for dinner - really!
4. I do not have a dress code for work, I can once again wear all my clothes, not just the ones I am forced to!
3. There are at least 4 malls within 20 minutes of my house!
2. There is a really great church close to our house and it is Methodist!
And the # 1 thing I love about Los Angeles is.....
I am on this surreal adventure and around every corner is another great thing to do or see, as soon as the exhaustion of week 1 at school wears off I will share more!
Monday, August 25, 2008
I'm Here
Yep, I am here, in L.A. I have moved into the house, I like it a lot. We are still unpacking boxes. Where did all of these boxes come from anyway? Who needs all this stuff? I guess I do:-) It has been a long week. I have spent much of the time running around which means learning how to navigate this crazy city. I have spent some time at the DMV and at the Los Angeles Unified School Districts main building.
We have made many trips to Target, Wal-Mart, and the like, we have also been to a museum and Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier and the famous Chinese theater. We went to church and met our neighbors.
Yes. I am exhausted. I haven't been cleared to start work yet, hopefully that will happen tomorrow, I really need to get into my classroom but there have been so many papers to fill out and I had to have a TB test and a physical and get special paperwork from the Doc in Chicago. I had to do various other boring things as well that take time. It is a long process to be a teacher here.
That's it for now, wanted you to know I am here, haven't forgotten you and know you want updates. Pictures are forthcoming as are some funny stories because you know chaos ensues wherever I go! But right now I must close my eyes, they are heavy.
We have made many trips to Target, Wal-Mart, and the like, we have also been to a museum and Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier and the famous Chinese theater. We went to church and met our neighbors.
Yes. I am exhausted. I haven't been cleared to start work yet, hopefully that will happen tomorrow, I really need to get into my classroom but there have been so many papers to fill out and I had to have a TB test and a physical and get special paperwork from the Doc in Chicago. I had to do various other boring things as well that take time. It is a long process to be a teacher here.
That's it for now, wanted you to know I am here, haven't forgotten you and know you want updates. Pictures are forthcoming as are some funny stories because you know chaos ensues wherever I go! But right now I must close my eyes, they are heavy.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Then came the answered prayers!
As many of my loyal readers know it has been a long summer. Of waiting. And wondering. And praying. And waiting. Well the wait is over my friends! That's right, get out those address books and get ready to change mine because I am moving this week, not soon or within the next two weeks or by the end of the month, nope this week! Here's what happened:
I went to a job fair for science teachers, it was different than those I had been to before. You put your resume in envelopes and waited to be called for an interview. I got called many times. Sarah went with me and said when I was out interviewing I kept being called. I felt really good about that, I know I shouldn't brag but there were some people who didn't get called at all, it was sad. I interviewed for a 6th grade position, and 3 science positions but no direct offers were given. They were announcing the people who were being hired in the waiting area and it was happening fast.
At one point the man with the microphone announced that a middle school needed a science teacher but had no candidates and was taking volunteers. Sarah went for the map to check the location and I went up to volunteer, hey I need a job right! They took me in and I spoke with two women from John Burroughs Middle School about a science position until the Assistant Principal noticed my resume. She asked about my English background and was very interested in my work in Yuma. She said they had a 7th grade English position open and would I rather have that. DUH! Of course I would! We talked about English and they said I was a great fit for their gifted and talented program and offered me the position. It was fate. Not really, I know the big guy had this plan all along and it is perfect so far!!!!
We got a hotel room, had supper and got Friday to find a place to live. The second place we went to was it, a nice little house in a good neighborhood less than 5 minutes from my school and very close to Sarah's. The broker loved us (and our credit scores), even the lady at Office Depot loved us! we were having a banner day let me tell you :-)
We signed the lease and take it over as of Tuesday (my birthday!). We got home late Friday and today has been a whirlwind. We had a mini pool party/BBQ with some friends complete with birthday cake and lots of laughter.
Then I watched Michael Phelps make history with his 8th Gold Medal of this Olympics. Sarah fell asleep awhile ago but I have been to psyched to sleep much yesterday or today. I can't wait to get into my classroom and figure out just how you teach gifted and talented children. I am used to the other end of the spectrum!
To all of you that have been pulling for me these past months, thank you, I would never had made it without your kind words and encouragement. We have lots of room so if anyone wants to visit LA is way more fun than Yuma, I promise!!!!
I went to a job fair for science teachers, it was different than those I had been to before. You put your resume in envelopes and waited to be called for an interview. I got called many times. Sarah went with me and said when I was out interviewing I kept being called. I felt really good about that, I know I shouldn't brag but there were some people who didn't get called at all, it was sad. I interviewed for a 6th grade position, and 3 science positions but no direct offers were given. They were announcing the people who were being hired in the waiting area and it was happening fast.
At one point the man with the microphone announced that a middle school needed a science teacher but had no candidates and was taking volunteers. Sarah went for the map to check the location and I went up to volunteer, hey I need a job right! They took me in and I spoke with two women from John Burroughs Middle School about a science position until the Assistant Principal noticed my resume. She asked about my English background and was very interested in my work in Yuma. She said they had a 7th grade English position open and would I rather have that. DUH! Of course I would! We talked about English and they said I was a great fit for their gifted and talented program and offered me the position. It was fate. Not really, I know the big guy had this plan all along and it is perfect so far!!!!
We got a hotel room, had supper and got Friday to find a place to live. The second place we went to was it, a nice little house in a good neighborhood less than 5 minutes from my school and very close to Sarah's. The broker loved us (and our credit scores), even the lady at Office Depot loved us! we were having a banner day let me tell you :-)
We signed the lease and take it over as of Tuesday (my birthday!). We got home late Friday and today has been a whirlwind. We had a mini pool party/BBQ with some friends complete with birthday cake and lots of laughter.
Then I watched Michael Phelps make history with his 8th Gold Medal of this Olympics. Sarah fell asleep awhile ago but I have been to psyched to sleep much yesterday or today. I can't wait to get into my classroom and figure out just how you teach gifted and talented children. I am used to the other end of the spectrum!
To all of you that have been pulling for me these past months, thank you, I would never had made it without your kind words and encouragement. We have lots of room so if anyone wants to visit LA is way more fun than Yuma, I promise!!!!
Friday, August 08, 2008
Scary
Sarah left me a surprise the other day, imagine coming back to your computer and finding this as your background!!!!!
One More Rabbit
On Wednesday I was told that I was a great candidate and that it was a very difficult decision and not everyone is told that but I would not be offered a job at the Jewish Day School I had so hoping would put an end to all the craziness in my life. I, in my always calm, clear thinking responses, decided I did not want to work with people I would not see in Heaven anyway. So there.
After getting the news I sat very still for a while but did not cry. This is usually my visceral reaction. I was unexpectedly calm, like somehow, deep down I knew that this was supposed to happen. I immediately went for the computer and got on the phone with the Los Angeles Unified School District. The second (to NYC) largest in the country. I had applied months ago and not responded to their request for an interview, certain something better would come along. I looked at Sarah and told her this was truly the last rabbit I had to pull out of my hat. If this didn't work we were looking at the not so good plan c. (trust me you don't want to know about plan c).
I spoke to a very nice recruiter who set up an interview for Thursday afternoon and assured me everything would be fine. Sarah and I made arrangements, not difficult really. Just making sure we had peanut butter sandwiches and all :-) Thursday morning I called on a hunch to ask a question and spoke to another recruiter who informed me that I was not qualified to to middle school science and should not waste the gas to drive up. I was devastated. To the fact that I hid in my closet to cry privately. Sarah lost me for a few minutes which is hard to do in our apartment when she located me and I told her the news we called my mom and went into plan c mode. It was horrible. We were going to have to repack everything and separate.
Then, the recruiter called back and said hey, what do you know - you can teach science! So come on down. Wow - many more false alarms like that and I may actually have a stroke. So off we went. The interview was fine, they shuffled you from office to office meeting very nice people. The employees on the 15th floor were very excited to meet me as I am No Child Left Behind compliant to teach science at the middle school level, this is a huge shortage for the district.
The moment I got there people started whispering that I was there for science and checking my credentials. My recruiter came looking for me, very excited that he had landed me, in reality I had called him! I got invited to a special event for science teachers next Thursday so back up we go, hopefully by then we will be able to get an apartment and get the move solidified.
Here's what I have decided. I believe in public school, I was educated in public schools all the way through college and intend to get my masters at one, soon. I know many smart people who were educated in the public system and I know it works. There are problems. There are problems with every system. I got a little lost in my search for employment. The private schools I was looking at were flashy and selective both in students and staff. All students were at grade level and above, no discipline problems as such and very involved parents.
But what happens to the kids who are below grade level, whose parents can't be involved, who act out because they don't understand or don't know any better. On this long, incredibly difficult journey Sarah and I have been on these past months I have learned something about myself. I need to teach the students that need teachers. The Los Angeles Unified School District is not well funded, it is not known for flashy buildings and up to date technology. There are gang problems and long days for staff. The pay is pretty good but not great but they need teachers because they have kids. They have thousands of kids who will start school this year not ready to learn or behave, not ready to be in the grade they have been promoted to, not ready to sit in a desk or take notes, not ready to listen to someone tell them what to do. But I will be there teacher because as it turns out, that's what I am good at. Teaching the kids that need teachers.
After getting the news I sat very still for a while but did not cry. This is usually my visceral reaction. I was unexpectedly calm, like somehow, deep down I knew that this was supposed to happen. I immediately went for the computer and got on the phone with the Los Angeles Unified School District. The second (to NYC) largest in the country. I had applied months ago and not responded to their request for an interview, certain something better would come along. I looked at Sarah and told her this was truly the last rabbit I had to pull out of my hat. If this didn't work we were looking at the not so good plan c. (trust me you don't want to know about plan c).
I spoke to a very nice recruiter who set up an interview for Thursday afternoon and assured me everything would be fine. Sarah and I made arrangements, not difficult really. Just making sure we had peanut butter sandwiches and all :-) Thursday morning I called on a hunch to ask a question and spoke to another recruiter who informed me that I was not qualified to to middle school science and should not waste the gas to drive up. I was devastated. To the fact that I hid in my closet to cry privately. Sarah lost me for a few minutes which is hard to do in our apartment when she located me and I told her the news we called my mom and went into plan c mode. It was horrible. We were going to have to repack everything and separate.
Then, the recruiter called back and said hey, what do you know - you can teach science! So come on down. Wow - many more false alarms like that and I may actually have a stroke. So off we went. The interview was fine, they shuffled you from office to office meeting very nice people. The employees on the 15th floor were very excited to meet me as I am No Child Left Behind compliant to teach science at the middle school level, this is a huge shortage for the district.
The moment I got there people started whispering that I was there for science and checking my credentials. My recruiter came looking for me, very excited that he had landed me, in reality I had called him! I got invited to a special event for science teachers next Thursday so back up we go, hopefully by then we will be able to get an apartment and get the move solidified.
Here's what I have decided. I believe in public school, I was educated in public schools all the way through college and intend to get my masters at one, soon. I know many smart people who were educated in the public system and I know it works. There are problems. There are problems with every system. I got a little lost in my search for employment. The private schools I was looking at were flashy and selective both in students and staff. All students were at grade level and above, no discipline problems as such and very involved parents.
But what happens to the kids who are below grade level, whose parents can't be involved, who act out because they don't understand or don't know any better. On this long, incredibly difficult journey Sarah and I have been on these past months I have learned something about myself. I need to teach the students that need teachers. The Los Angeles Unified School District is not well funded, it is not known for flashy buildings and up to date technology. There are gang problems and long days for staff. The pay is pretty good but not great but they need teachers because they have kids. They have thousands of kids who will start school this year not ready to learn or behave, not ready to be in the grade they have been promoted to, not ready to sit in a desk or take notes, not ready to listen to someone tell them what to do. But I will be there teacher because as it turns out, that's what I am good at. Teaching the kids that need teachers.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Crazy Dream
I have to get my car taken care of this week. I like my car and I want to keep it nice but in this heat there is no motivation to go outside. I need an oil change bad, please no one ask me how long it has been. And it needs a rub down inside and out with vacuuming. I put this on my to do list last night before bed and it must have got in to my subconscious because I dreamed that I was at the quarter car was and the quarters would not go into the slot. Then I saw a space above the stall and there were kids in it. The kids were stealing the money from the car wash. I called them a not so nice name and they ran off.
It was very strange, I thought I would share and should probably go get busy on the car.
It was very strange, I thought I would share and should probably go get busy on the car.
Hunting Trip
I am exhausted. After two weeks of doing well, mostly nothing, I went on a hunting trip. Fortunately for me it did not involve guns. Sarah and I went to L.A. to look at apartments and I had a job interview, yippee! We left Saturday morning and I drove the five hours up to the city. We found our hotel very easily thanks to the nice lady on the phone. I think she is a computer but she is very helpful just the same.
If you refer to Sarah's blog you can read all about our excursions in the city, I won't bore you with repeating all the details, I will say this. LA is big, very big but the more we drove around, I did get used to it some and I feel better about the move now.
I ended up having two interviews, I got a call Sunday evening to set up a second one in the valley for Monday afternoon. Here's what happened:
Interview #1 - Jewish day school 5th grade position. I am not, nor will I ever be Jewish. I am not from West LA. Two strikes against me in the eyes of the interviewer. She spent the whole time telling me why I wasn't qualified and at one point asked if the public schools were hiring. I left feeling pretty beat down and insulted. Knowing I had no hope of being hired. I was upset because we had spent so much time and money to be in town for the interview.
Interview #2 - Jewish day school 5th grade position. The Head of School was very nice, she was excited to meet me and learn about ME. She had no problem with me not being Jewish and I totally tattled on interviewer #1, she was appalled! I am hoping for an offer from this one by next week, she asked me to call her if I got any other offers this week. I didn't tell her the chances of that were very small!
Encino seems like a good fit for us, we can be Valley girls! It is not too far from UCLA and a little (I stress little) calmer than the city.
Anyway, what will be will be. We are both exhausted from the three day hunting experience but are closer to housing and jobs so that is a good sign. So far my favorite thing about LA is that there is frozen yogurt at every corner!!!!!!
If you refer to Sarah's blog you can read all about our excursions in the city, I won't bore you with repeating all the details, I will say this. LA is big, very big but the more we drove around, I did get used to it some and I feel better about the move now.
I ended up having two interviews, I got a call Sunday evening to set up a second one in the valley for Monday afternoon. Here's what happened:
Interview #1 - Jewish day school 5th grade position. I am not, nor will I ever be Jewish. I am not from West LA. Two strikes against me in the eyes of the interviewer. She spent the whole time telling me why I wasn't qualified and at one point asked if the public schools were hiring. I left feeling pretty beat down and insulted. Knowing I had no hope of being hired. I was upset because we had spent so much time and money to be in town for the interview.
Interview #2 - Jewish day school 5th grade position. The Head of School was very nice, she was excited to meet me and learn about ME. She had no problem with me not being Jewish and I totally tattled on interviewer #1, she was appalled! I am hoping for an offer from this one by next week, she asked me to call her if I got any other offers this week. I didn't tell her the chances of that were very small!
Encino seems like a good fit for us, we can be Valley girls! It is not too far from UCLA and a little (I stress little) calmer than the city.
Anyway, what will be will be. We are both exhausted from the three day hunting experience but are closer to housing and jobs so that is a good sign. So far my favorite thing about LA is that there is frozen yogurt at every corner!!!!!!
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