a little overwhelmed

I didn't really realize I was working only 20-25 hours each week. I was still taking multiple naps, rushing to get ready for work on time, and felt like I couldn't take on any other responsibilities. Well, switching to a full-time job (again) seemed to be much more time demanding. I didn't realize how much time this was going to take, until after I started.

So, I've been at the new school for just over two weeks. I LOVE it! The students are great. The faculty is great. The parents are great. I have quite a bit of freedom of to how and when I teach things. I have 4 different preps and really only teach 4 out of the 7 periods. The day seems to fly by and I never seem to have time to look at the clock. I even spent this past Friday at a movie theatre with 150 students watching the ACC tournament.

Well, with all the good changes, it hasn't come easily. Matt and Kristin had their beautiful little girl last Sunday. I've been working from 7:30am until almost 5 most nights. Mike spent this week doing overtime to make sure everything was in order with Matt being at home and preparing his sermon for this morning. Last weekend I spent several hours planning and prepping for school and I haven't had time to even begin to gather my bearings. Mike is off to Georgia this weekend to officiate a wedding and I couldn't take the time off. Although I will miss all the fun, I am need of some rest and still have planning day after day.

So, with Mike and I both working overtime this week, we needed some rest. Yesterday, we did NOTHING. It was well needed. We rented Australia Friday night. It was a good movie, but not quite what I expected. Oprah had painted a false picture for me. However, I would still recommend it.

So, after rereading this post, I've realized I haven't recovered from the week. This has no structure and is too mush of a stream of conscience. So, I'll continue the trend by saying I am not a fan of the new Facebook. I'll also say that I am excited about March Madness, but have no idea who half the teams are. There are way too many big teams missing and this could be a VERY interesting tournament. I'll conclude by saying that I LOVE my job and I am extremely thankful for God's provision. Although I extremely busy preparing, grading, and earning the respect of the community, I know my load will lighten up soon enough. Three more weeks until spring break and 50 days or so until the summer.

better late than never

After yesterday's snow day, I had a two hour delay. I have decided that a late arrival is a win-win situation. I'm able to sleep in, but I don't have to figure out a good reason to get out of bed. More so, some snow days have to be made up. Delays - they don't. I can get used to the idea of working a 6 hour shift and getting paid for 8.

So, through all of this and several contemplations in changing jobs recently, I have decided that teaching really is an ideal profession. Here are several reasons why: 1) 180 work days (minus sick/personal leave) 2) Great benefits, at least for the employee 3) An almost guaranteed raise each year 4) Always a demand, especially in the right field 5) An incredible ministry opportunity 6) Endless amount of opportunities, for extracurricular or even advancement 7) Several other ways to ear extra money (extra duties, or hidden benefits, or continuing education, etc) 8) More than decent pay for an average of starting at nearly $25 per hour 9) Getting off by 3 or 4 in the afternoon 10) SNOW DAYS!

So, the moral of the story: teaching is a great profession to consider. I really can't imagine doing anything else right now. I work a lot less than most other people, and may make less than them as well. However, if I needed to bring in more, I could easily tutor for $40-50 an hour, find a part time job, or even work full-time throughout the summer. Don't get me wrong, there are some good and bad positions in teaching. I've experienced both to some degrees. Find your fit with classroom management and finding the administration that fits with your style will help make it more enjoyable. Teaching isn't for everyone. But, it's worth considering.

groundhog day

So, remember back to February 2nd? The little rodent apparently determined we still had 6 weeks of Winter left. I'm curious as to how accurate Groundhog Day is. Anyone have any incite on his accuracy?

Well, after 60-70 degrees, I was ready for the spring and summer. I was not very excited about giving up my spring break or finishing school in to July. Fortunately, by switching jobs, I have no make up days. :) I think the private schools have some better discernment when it comes to cancellation.

So, today, I spent the day at home. SNOW DAY! It seemed like a long shot when the head master mentioned bad weather on Friday. They called a 2 hour delay around 10pm last night and at 6am this morning, I (well actually Mike?) received the cancellation call. I enjoyed the day to rest and didn't even get too bored by myself. I did make it to the doctor as I changed my appointment from tomorrow to today. I'm so glad I did! I had quite a bit of dizziness and light-headedness so spent the rest of the day of the couch. That's what I call a productive snow day!

So, as for other things. Our March update is in the mail. If you want an electronic copy, please let us know. We've been in Raleigh for nearly 7 months and in another month we will mark the longest we have lived alone as a couple.

I have a spring break coming up in April. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth making a trip to see the family in Cincinnati or some friends in Orlando. I think that might be my only chance to see the family for awhile. We should be headed to Orlando for a couple weeks this summer. Mike will be tying up his last three classes! (Anyone in Orlando that wants some photos, let me know.)

So, for the rest of the evening, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the Big Bang Theory. For all of Mike's nerdy friends, I highly recommend checking out the Big Bang Theory. I don't think it would be nearly as entertaining if I wouldn't have married Mike. Oh how Becky was right, "Nerds make good husbands."