Just a quick post...

Well - if anyone read my facebook status ( I can't believe I just used that phrase -yuck!) you will realize that I just wasted my afternoon on a crazy teaching application that was worthless- because the position was past the posting date. I do not understand schools- if you post a job and have a deadline then please take the posting down after the deadline- that only makes sense! Especially, if it is an English/Social Studies combination position - because I will apply for it - and get super excited and not realize until over an hour and a half later that it was not worth my time! Ugh!


Okay - it feels good to get that vent out- besides the current frustration over applying for a job that is not really there- things are going well. I feel more like myself as each day goes by. I am still not 100% sure what my plan is. For now, I am applying to jobs, still researching grad school options, and waiting to see if any additional hours or responsibilities become available to me at my current position. We may be getting more students for the fall - so I am hoping that maybe they ask me to teach more hours, but alas we shall see.


I am currently working on organizing my books and determining my summer reading list - so if anyone has any good books to recommend it would be most appreciated! I will start to focus my blog on some of the books as the summer progresses and I have some time (and motivation) to read. It is strange how the days are flying by already. I cannot believe that we are almost half way through June! One of my best friend is getting married in a week and a half and the hubby and I will be off to Aruba in less than month- which seems surreal. I am so excited to head back to Aruba and be technology free for almost an entire week!

I am going to do my best to contiune to enjoy each and every moment - however, today's mission is laundry! - so I off to sort, wash, dry, and fold....I hope everyone else enjoys their afternoon, it looks like the sun is back out - at least in Pittsburgh! :)



I will do my best to post on a more regular (daily) basis - now that I feel more settled into my schedule, (or lack there of....)

-Nicole

Schedule...What Schedule?!?

So, as you all know my online teaching job ended on Monday. I have to say it has been a relief not to have work waiting for me 24/7, but I am not used to it at all. For the past three years I have held two jobs and worked on average between 50 and 60 hours per week, this week I am scheduled for about 20. I have learned that I don't work well without a schedule, I have slept in, gone out to eat (a few times), babysat my friend's daughter, fit in a few workouts, and even laid out for a few hours today; I know it all sounds great, but the lack of a schedule and not having 8am-8pm fully booked, is leaving me feeling quite unaccomplished. I know that a break is well deserved and sleeping in until 9am, is not the end of the world, it is just different. My current work schedule is also not consistent, some days I start at 10am, some days it is 5pm, other times I work a few hours in the morning and then a few later in the afternoon. It is all new and throwing me way off. I alo feel like I have no excuse not to have the house cleaned, organized, and all the laundry put away (none of which is done, by the way).

My husband told me I was being too hard on myself, which is most likely true. My online job has truly been 24/7 the past three years. There was always a paper to grade, an email to send, or a phone call to be made-or more times than not multiple papers, emails, and phone calls. It will be nice to start projects that can be finished, and that i can control, but I am just not there yet. I plan to spend some time picking out some new books to read, new writing projects to start, and I am still researching some graduate school programs to determine whether or not I will go back to school, and for what. I have to remember that each day brings new opportunity and that a less packed, more sporadic schedule, might actually be good for me, and remind me to live in the moment. Although, it has made planning a huge headache, I know that will subside soon, or at least I hope.

I know that I will get back on a schedule that works or me, I am not sure what that schedule will look like, or if it will be consistent from day to day (my guess is no), but I do know it will include more walks with Ruger(our black lab), more time with family/friends, and more reading time...and I do not mean 11th grade essays...I mean actual books! It will be quite a change, but I will make it work, I always find a way! :)

Chapter Closed ....

-Niagara Falls, Canada - picture I took on one of the many trips Ian and I have taken there



Today is a bitter sweet day for me- today was my last day working for the online high school that I have worked at for the past three years. This job has allowed to grow both professionally and personally. Professionally, it was my first full time teaching position as an English teacher, and I was able to learn not only more about teaching writing, but also strategies to teach and communicate with a very diverse population of students - through mostly virtually contact. Professionally, I know that I was able to make a huge different in the lives of many students- many of which made sure to send me final messages of kind words today -letting me know just how much I helped them, and how I never allowed them to fail. I'm starting to tear up just thinking about the difference that I made for so many of them.

Second, only to helping/seeing student success are the personal gains that came from this job. Not only did I  personally learn how to better budget my time and learn that, in addition to History, teaching English is truly a passion of mine, and something that I am good at - I have made some of the most amazing friends. - And, from now on that is what I will refer to them as, not former co-workers, but friends. Each one of them has shown love and support in many different ways over the past three years, and especially in the last month. I know I have told some of you - but for those of you who have not heard it directly- your kind words and support have made all of the difference for me, so thank you again for being there. From mentoring me through my first year of teaching to hanging out at the Columbia airport during flight delays - and everything in between, you all have been there.

It is amazing just how close you can become with individuals even if you only see them three or four times a year. I became friends with many of them before I even met them, each one of them has a unique personality - and without this job none of our paths would have crossed, nor would we be as close as we are. I believe teaching at a virtual school has really pushed as all together- since actual contact with students is limited- we heavily relied on one another to get through the day - through facebook music video links, silly e-mails, and of course the occasional (or not so occasional) phone call to vent. I'm starting to tear up again thinking of the memories. I know that I will stay close with and in contact with those who have made the biggest impact on me - because again they are not just co-workers, but they are my friends who I love and respect, not just because they are amazing teachers, but because they are amazing individuals.

I know that in my emotional state that I may start to ramble (or begin discussing inside jokes that are mostly likely not appropriate, or won't make any sense to the general population anyhow)- so I will simply end with - thank you for making this chapter of my life amazing, wonderful, and a darn good time.

Crossroads

-Picture I took of downtown Pittsburgh a few summers ago from my friend's boat

I feel as though my life is at a complete crossroads. As many of you know my current job will be ending this coming Monday, and I am not sure what direction I am going to go in. I have gone on a few interviews, but the teaching market in Pittsburgh is fierce and English/Social Studies jobs are few and far between. I will continue to tutor throughout the summer and as I wait to see what comes along. I have debated whether or not go to go back to school for a Master's Degree, something I have wanted to do for a while now; but the question is what for? Do I go for a Master's in Humanities, English, History, Education, Writing, Curriculum, or attempt a whole new career path. The possibilities and choices are truly endless.

I know writing is a passion of mine (this blog has helped me to remember that), but I am not sure if I could develop a career from it. Education has always been a passion of mine as well- which is why I got into teaching in the first place. I enjoy learning and sharing the joy of learning with others- so I do not think I am ready to give up teaching completely, but it would be nice if a full time teaching job would come my way. I know over the next few months I will have many decisions to make regarding my future, some in my control and some out of my control. I know that I am talented and capable and I know that I will do great things, the question is just what path will lead me there?