Rachel Rae

What happens to me at the end of the school year..

2009-06-16T07:48:00.001-07:00

My Christmas Mennonite Fish Pie

2008-12-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

Fish shape that is, not fish inside (we didn't have a Christmas shape cookie cutter). The inside was cranberry and apple. Thanks Mennonites!

Thanksgiving at Massanhutten

2008-12-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

We matched! Greg refused to take a nice family picture. I think I will put this one on the mantle.

Greg-Fall Break to Vermont

2008-11-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

Stowe Mercantile-and Greg and Kim posing at the bridge.

The Spread-Get a look at the Cornish Game Hens folks, he's not getting those at home!

Kim and Randi

What?

2008-10-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone still checks me out here, but I have been at a loss for blogging words. My new job has taken most of my free time the last two months, it has made for ten plus hour days, and lots of stress. I just have to remind myself that I wanted this promotion, it was not given to me as a punishment!
I am going to try and start posting again, especially with upcoming trips and holidays.

Jada Thao!

2008-07-22T09:56:00.001-07:00

Born in December, my sister will be able to pick her up some time in November, December, or January. Ang will start blogging again soon to keep everyone up to date on the process between now and then. Words can't express our excitement!

Come home soon Daddy

2008-07-16T17:59:00.001-07:00

Pat

2008-07-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

This sign appeared in the lobby of Kim's building one morning when we were in Vermont. I am not sure what androgeny has to do with flushing diapers down the toilet. Weird.

Vermont Pics

2008-07-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Our week in Vermont was quick but intense, I spent most of the week at UVM. Not much time for sight-seeing or visiting, but we did get to stop in Waterbury one night to visit the Stagecoach Inn where we got married, and to have some sweet potato fries at the Alchemist of course. Greg was not in a "picture mood" all week, but spent plenty of time at Pure Pop in Burlington. I got some nice shots of Emmett and Beth in Albany, but not sure if L and J want me posting them on the internet. Did I mention I spent the entire week eating Kim's vodka lasagna?

Star Struck at UVM

2008-06-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

We made to Vermont on Saturday night. So far I am spending all my time on my week long grad class. I hope to take some pics with my new Canon camera later on this week. An amazing thing happened on my first day of class today. I got to hear a lecture by one of the author's of Women's Ways of Knowing-Jill Tarule- which is a seminal work in feminist theory. This research has played a huge role in forming my identity as an educator. I was basically star-struck. Today's lecture make's this whole week worth it for me (so far anyway).

Ins and Outs

2008-06-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

Monday was my last day of school for the year. The last month was more of a whirl wind than school in Vermont was, mostly because of SOL testing. The last day of school was especially good for me, as I was officially offered the transition specialist job starting next year. While being back in the classroom this year was a good refresher for me, I miss being a specialist. Getting this promotion makes the past year worth it to me. Taking the case manager job felt like a step back after being a specialist for three years, but now I realize it was the path that led me to this new job. Ok, enough cheese.

We are leaving for Vermont on Friday, going for a week. B is going along with us for the ride, we are going to drop her off in Albany to see her new nephew. We are going to visit friends and family, but our main reason for going is that I will be taking a week long graduate class at the Univ of Vermont. They are letting me finish my Certificate of Advanced Study that I started while in Vermont. So, I have to go back this summer and next to take grad classes.

I plan to get a new camera before we leave, as you know my current camera sucks and I hate it. Any suggestions on a good camera would be appreciated.

Happy Birthday Me!

2008-06-06T17:53:00.001-07:00

Boar's Nest

2008-05-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

If anyone got some better shots of DJ NoFun, please email them to me!

Saturday night

2008-05-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

A few people have asked about Saturday, Greg will be DJing starting at about 10 at the Boars Nest. Hope to see you there!

DJ Dates and Stuff on my Monk

2008-05-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

DJ Nofun-10ish tonight at the New Belmont. He is also playing Saturday night (May 17th) at the Boar's Nest across from ODU.

No Fun

2008-05-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

DJ No Fun was a hit, it looks like he might be playing on Saturday night as well, I will post an update with time and venue if it happens. Thanks to all who came out on Tuesday, I know it was late for a week night!

GS in the dark, me and Elizabeth looking fierce, and Ryan playing wistful.

DJ No Fun

2008-04-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

DJ No Fun is playing tonight at the New Belmont at about 10, come on out!

Nica finally endorses the use of Cliff's notes...

2008-04-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

Egg in the front yard

2008-04-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

This was pale blue, though it is not really showing in the picture. It had a broken egg next to it; I didn't take a picture because the inside was pretty gross. I couldn't figure out where it had fallen from, as no trees were around. It actually made me feel sad, but I suppose it will make a treat for a racoon or possum.

Scrap Pet Blanket

2008-04-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this pet blanket, using scrap yarn for a couple of weeks. I tried to make one of these earlier this year, but made the mistake of using different sizes of yarn, not so good!

I am working on a collaborative project that I am excited about, but it is a big project and so I have been alternating with this little scrap blanket. I need to find an additional color to add, but want to stick to the true theme of the blanket, and only use leftovers. I may have to root through someone else's stash...

Just when you thought you'd crocheted it all...

2008-04-17T13:55:00.001-07:00

The crocheted uterus by jennorific at craftastic.org is so great, I had no idea that a uterus could be so cuddly! Stocking stuffer anyone?

Free time on Saturday?

2008-04-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something to do on Saturday, head over to the "Work in Progress VIII- Feminist Conference" at ODU this week. Yours truly will be speaking on reaching girls in the classroom and feminist pedagogy. Some of the other lecture topics include "Finding a Space: Jewish Women as Writers, Readers and Intellectuals", "Mothers and Family Life", "From Need to Solution: The NGO Path", "Across Three Continents: Women in the Arts", "Advocating Women’s Rights", and more.

Send me an email if you are interested in attending a lecture or the whole day conference, and I will send you the registration info.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

In a rare moment of cooperation, my camera decided to work with me as gs and I took an afternoon stroll around Ghent.

Cela me manque Montreal

2008-03-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

The only things I really miss about Vermont are the mountains and the season changes. I miss so many things about Montreal. I think about it all the time. I know I was just there in December, but I have to go back this summer-I must!

I am starting my spring break today btw, I am pretty sure I have strep throat. A little parting gift from my darlings. I am waiting for the clinic to open.

Ayez un samedi merveilleux!

CNU Writer's Conference

2008-03-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Greg is giving a workshop at the CNU Writer's Conference on Friday, here is the schedule if you are interested in attending:

Into the Fire!? Lost Novels, Missing Poems, Crashed Collections: Despair and Joy in Losing Your Work.

Questions I have asked myself

2008-03-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

since gs has been out of town...

1. Will the pizza delivery guy take out the cat litter if I give him an extra tip?
2. Who will keep me from taking myself so seriously today?
3. I can't find my glasses, what will I do?
4. I can't find the DVD remote, what will I do?
5. I can't find the ginger, what will I do?

Pining

2008-03-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

I am frustrated with my camera, and have not felt like taking pictures with it lately. I miss the camera I used to have (before a certain someone lost it), I long to take beautiful pictures like the ones I was able to take in Vermont. Perhaps for my birthday, only a few more months...

gs is going to Vermont this week to visit his Mom and do some condo biz, I am going to try to get out of the apartment a bit this weekend, and do some spring cleaning. We have some possible news on the condo, but I don't want to jinx anything, so I will have to save the details.

Trying to be social

2008-02-24T17:51:00.000-08:00

Went to a fun baby shower today. Yeah to B for making the cutest preggo cake ever! It is comforting to be around friends I have known for a long time, and it makes being around new people easier for me.

My goal for this week is to return all the condolence calls and emails that I have been putting off. It is not that I don't want to talk to everyone, it is just that sometimes it seems so hard! One small step at a time, as usual.

Got my laptop back!

2008-02-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

Jim is a genius. I have been struggling to get caught up on work for the last few weeks, but now I have my laptop back! hooray!

All my computer programs are gone, so I have to figure out how to get my itunes back. As far as how I am doing, it is hard to believe it has been less than a month since my Dad died. It seems like so much longer than that, and every day brings a new phase of grief. It is exhausting. I have been doing better at work, the last few days, my concentration and memory have improved. I have been struggling more with socializing, and even sometimes talking on the phone. I am hoping that this phase will pass quickly.

Hope all you teachers and government employees enjoy your Monday off!

Laptop crash

2008-02-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

My computer crashed, so I have been out of touch with my blogging this week. No worries, I had saved all my important pics and documents on flash drives about a month ago. It is being fixed by a friend, so I should be able to post more regularly soon. I am still at going to work every day, though struggling with my concentration and endurance. Tonight I am planning on doing my first social outing since my Dad died. Every little thing I do feels like I am doing it for the first time.

On the plus side of things, I have kept the plants I have received alive for two weeks. This is a first for my black thumb.

Working hard and the little things

2008-01-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

Back at work for the second day, and though I have been physically present, all the little stresses of being a special educator have been overwhelming. First week of the semester, audits, lesson plans, and my brain is working at half speed. I also woke up at 4:15 this morning and never went back to sleep, so today is pretty much a blur. I have been catching rides to work all week, but I am going to attempt driving starting tomorrow. I have to get to work early, and did not have the heart to ask any co-workers to come and get me at 6. I think it is best I start driving again anyway, I don't want to develop a phobia of interstates!

I think I will take a nap, I am just enjoying watching Monk meow and chatter at the shadows cast on the lawn by all the passing traffic. With life being almost unbearable lately, I have had a small victory today. After almost three months, our landlord finally fixed most of the problems in the apartment. So, I can now turn the heat off in the bedroom (so I don't have to run the AC or leave the window open to keep from sweating in the bedroom), the bathroom electrical outlet was fixed (so I do not have to blowdry my hair in the kitchen), and we are getting a new oven! So, we can cook frozen pizzas, and I can start baking again-as soon as they come back and put the new oven in that is...sigh.

Back to work tomorrow

2008-01-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

I am going back to work tomorrow, and feeling pretty uneasy about it. After debating with myself back and forth, I am going to take the plunge. I figure the worst that can happen is I have to come home early and take a couple days of sick leave. I am hoping that teaching will distract me from my grief, at least for a few hours a day, besides, I miss my students. Strange, I know, but I have to get them caught up on the primary elections. We have a lot of catching up to do before Super Tuesday.

Thanks

2008-01-27T06:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all the cards, flowers, calls, food, prayers, and concerns. I arrived back from Corolla last night. I am going to attempt to get caught up on real life the next two days before I get back to my students on Tuesday. Everything seems different, I feel somewhat flung into the world. I am comforted by family and friends, and I have strange periods of normalcy, humor,and grouchiness.

It is hard to accept how much mental illness has taken from my family, but I know many others have experienced greater hardships than I have, so I can't wallow in self pity. Still, I am rocked by my grief. I am trying desperately to forget the shocking way my father died, and concentrate on my loss, and love for him.

Emily Dickinson was one of my father's favorite poets;

After great pain, a formal feeling comes --
The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs --
The stiff Heart questions was it He, that bore,
And Yesterday, or Centuries before?

The Feet, mechanical, go round --
Of Ground, or Air, or Ought --
A Wooden way
Regardless grown,
A Quartz contentment, like a stone --

This is the Hour of Lead --
Remembered, if outlived,
As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow --
First -- Chill -- then Stupor -- then the letting go --

Daddy Dearest

2008-01-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

O. Henry McDonald , Virginia Beach
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008
©The Virginian-Pilot

O. Henry McDonald passed away Jan. 19, 2008. He was 67. Predeceased by his parents, Lucille Totty and Joe McDonald, his memory is left to cherish by wife, Babs McDonald; his five children, Angie McDonald, Jody McDonald, Ron Rucker, Rachel McDonald-Schneider and Michael McDonald; their spouses, Michele Rucker, Gregory Schneider and Julie McDonald; three grandchildren; brothers, Randy Rawiszer and John McDonald; sister, Beth Rawiszer; and 13 nieces and nephews. Henry grew up in Chattanooga, Tenn. A graduate of McCallie High School and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Henry excelled as a star wrestler and track athlete at both. He spent 15 years in Texas and moved to Hampton Roads in 1994. He devoted his life as a longtime and active member of the Kingwood Church of Christ in Kingwood, Texas, Providence Road Church of Christ in Chesapeake and Bayside Church of Christ in Virginia Beach. For more than 20 years, Henry worked as a legal administrator. Above all, Henry loved God and his family. After the death of wife, Denise Hix, in 1983 and with the marriage of Babs Rucker in 1984, Henry united the McDonald and Rucker families into one. A natural inspiration whose intellect and wit knew no bounds, Henry fostered the ambitions of his children - from college professor to youth minister to financial expert to special educator to mechanical engineer - this is only an immediate list. Henry privileged his heart to all. And this was the biggest heart any of us will ever know. We’ve been blessed by such a man. Friends and family are welcome to a viewing at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home on Independence Boulevard from 4 to 7 p.m. today and also welcome to attend the memorial service in Bayside Church of Christ, Virginia Beach, at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Flowers may be sent or donations made to the World Bible Translation Center at www.wbtc.com or 1-888-542-4253. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Vocabulary and Rice

2008-01-14T16:30:00.000-08:00

Looking to improve your vocabulary, or know someone who needs to? Free Rice is a pretty nifty site being touted by a lot of school districts as a great way to catch up on SAT vocabulary. After visiting the site several times myself, I think it would be a pretty good brush up for someone taking the GRE or MAT. The deal is, for every vocabulary word you get correct, the sponsors (yes the ads are a negative) on the free rice site will donate 20 grains of rice to the United Nations project to end world hunger.

Ingenious idea really, or should I say dexterous, or shrewd, or effectual, or adroit...

Get Well Soon

2008-01-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

So, I was home sick for two days with some kind of cold bug flu virus thing. Upon my return to work, I found this on my desk. I can't imagine what I would get if I was really ill, and out for a week. I didn't want to photograph my kids names, so I will just type some of the quotes. I don't think I have ever been missed this much in just two days, b y teenagers at that!

"I hope you get well soon, make sure you get a lot of rest and drink water we will miss you."

"Get some rest and get back to class!"

"I hope you feel better, eat lots of soup!"

"Who is going to help me with my notes? Don't get well soon, get well now!"

"Get better soon. We love you. Come back to us alive."

Enjoying the Best of Lists

2008-01-06T09:36:00.001-08:00

Before I get to writing my mid-terms today, thought I would post some of my favorite "best of '07 lists" while I eat my Kashi, along with the "predictions for 08" lists. I think I will post a few of my own best of lists soon, perhaps I can persuade a certain writer and English Professor husband to give me a best of 2007 book list as well...

Women Who Changed the World in 2007

Rainbow Kids Future of International Adoption in 2008

School in 1977 vs. School in 2007

Best Careers for 2008

Global Voices Review of 2007

Travel Tips and Trends for 2008

Best Quotes in 2007 from Poplicks

Montreal and Vermont

2008-01-05T18:59:00.001-08:00

I am feeling wiped, my weekend thus far has been filled with family issues that have left me feeling too drained for socializing. So, I am settling in with some Naro movies and the hat I am working on-my first hat to crochet so far btw. I have only had to start over three times, not too bad for a first time project!

Here are a couple of pics from Montreal and Vermont, again my camera has been pretty lame lately so I only got a couple of decent shots, nothing like the great pics we took in Montreal last year. The snowy pics are in Montreal, as well as the gothic building. We had a great dinner at and stayed at our favorite hotel, Le Saint Sulpice. Also, after three years of marriage, gs and I decided to buy wedding bands at METO Bastien-Tremblay Jewelers in Montreal. Happy Anniversary to us!

Christmas snapshots

2008-01-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

Some pictures of a Christmas party at Bardo and my peppermint fudge. I actually had a co-worker tell me that my fudge caused her to gain five pounds over the break, I took it as a compliment. I will have to make an additional post tomorrow of Burlington and Montreal.

One thing I have realized this year is that the camera I have does not take pretty pictures like the one I had in Vermont. So, sorry for the not so great photography!

Happy Holidays

2007-12-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

We are having a lovely White Christmas in Vermont. Our Christmas celebration lasted into the wee hours of this morning, so I am still waiting for gs to wake up!

Hope everyone is having a safe and happy holiday. We are off to Montreal on Wednesday to celebrate our Anniversary!

Here are a couple of shots I took last week.

You better not pout, you better not cry

2007-12-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

Nica is keeping an eye on things for Santa...

Feminist Clipart

2007-12-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

I just love the growing collection of free feminist clipart at the Girlistic web site. Great bio pics, and historical shots. Perfect for history teachers, among others.

Thanksgiving at High Tide

2007-11-28T11:09:00.001-08:00

Have you ever re-invented the wheel?

2007-11-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been pleased with something you thought you came up with, all by yourself? I have been using a graphic organizer that I thought I had invented when I was a student teacher. I call it the study wheel. Apparently, it is better known by everyone else but me as an idea wheel.

I discovered this on the internet today, while looking for some additional graphic organizers. I feel humbled, and a little annoyed.

I am still going to call it the study wheel.

A gs thanksgiving

2007-11-25T14:37:00.001-08:00

I have arrived back from the Outer Banks, gs is still wrapping some things up in Vermont. He had a Thanksgiving dinner fit for a king (and his court).

Gs also took some time to rip out the carpet in our condo (what a handy guy), new carpet is to be installed this week. Let's hope it will bring in the buyers.

Teachers, are you feeling desperate?

2007-11-19T18:42:00.000-08:00

Last minute Thanksgiving printables and ideas for those last two "having them only to reach our calendar requirement" days!

Thanksgiving Printables
Thanksgiving History Worksheets
Thanksgiving ESL
Thanksgiving Math
Thanksgiving Themes

When you only have five minutes to simplify your life...

2007-11-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

Nica Cuddlng with her Christmas Bear

2007-11-18T18:19:00.000-08:00

Nica is showing her approval of the early arrival of Christmas this year, it's her little way of supporting the lagging American economy.

DJ No Fun in VA Beach

2007-11-11T09:06:00.001-08:00

Chilling with Mommy Spice at the Masonic Lodge

2007-11-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

Had fun today at the craft show, though a lot of my pics didn't turn out because I did not have my flash on. C and I had a brief heart attack at the dinosaur table, as we were both dinosaur lovers as children, we each found our favorite respective dinosaurs, anklyosaurus for C and Brontosaurus for me, from Poeia. Got to see Twittering Bird's owls, and nobs and nativity sets from Supadupa. I also got a necklace from Kootchicoo. I even ran into a few fellow faculty members that I had told about the event.

After the fair, C and I went to the new Peruvian place in Ghent, Inca's. We soon discovered that we should have ordered what the table next to us got, but C was brave enough to eat her entire plate of Cerveche. The plantains were excellent.

Off to hear my favorite DJ...

Saturday Fun

2007-11-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to the Handmade Parade tomorrow, and Jim's Beach Bash. DJ No Fun is playing, if you haven't heard...

Heart Shaped Box

2007-10-29T15:05:00.001-07:00

Carrie made me this cute little box, inside it was a plastic brie magnet. She said the box reminded her of when we saw the Frida Kahlo movie several years ago. V turned four last week-Can you believe it? Can you believe the golden curls?

Never too old for a Halloween Party

2007-10-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

We had fun getting our costumes ready at the last minute. Some of these pics are a little smokey from the fog machine. The Whites definitly had the best costumes, as usual. Bastards.

Trying out some new knots

2007-10-26T14:14:00.001-07:00

I have been working on my technique, and decided to make a glasses case instead of unravelling the string, this is yarn I bought almost three years ago for a baby blanket. Once I started, I realized that the yarn was totally the wrong thing for a baby, not soft enough, but I don't think I will be misplacing this glasses case any time soon.

It was a long week

2007-10-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Bottoms Up

2007-10-20T21:31:00.001-07:00

The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming

2007-10-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

B and I spent last night working ourselves up into a holiday craft making frenzy. She worked on ornaments and knitting, while I crocheted my skinny autumn scarves. Here's to not waiting for December to start those handmade gifts.

Jena Six

2007-10-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

gs and I have been out of town the last two weekends, once to visit my parents in the Outer Banks, and last weekend to visit the Jersey Italians, greg's family. I forgot my camera the first time, and the second time I left it at home, but I did take a disposable, I am looking forward to getting the pics developed. On the way back from Jersey, gs and I stayed at the Dupont Hotel in Wilmington, Deleware, ooh la la.

I want to add this link to the story you are probably already aware of. It has captivated many of my students, many of them wore all black to school the other day to support the Jena Six. I never thought I would use a modern day example to explain the symbolism of a noose hanging from a tree. I have had the song Strange Fruit, by Nina Simone, playing in my head for the last two weeks. I think it is too graphic to play for my students.

Seven trees
Bearin strange fruit
Blood on the leaves
And blood at the roots
Black bodies
Swinging in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hangin
From the poplar trees
Pastoral scene
Of the gallant south
Them big bulging eyes
And the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolia
Clean and fresh
Then the sudden smell
Of burnin flesh
Here is a fruit
For the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather
For the wind to suck
For the sun to rot
For the leaves to drop
Here is
Strange and bitter crop

Wishing I had cable...

2007-09-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hold 'em

2007-09-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

We hosted G's weekly Poker game last night. Thom was the chip leader for the majority of the game until being overtaken by his beloved, with gs finally taking the win at about 1 Am, after battling it out with Beth. Jim was the gracious loser, going out several hands before me, consequently he will be wearing a magnetic bumper sticker on his car for the next week, with the caption "I Heart Texas Hold 'Em". He is hoping to pass it on to next week's big loser.

Morning, Noon, and Night

2007-09-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

My life for the last week and a half-it seems like it has been so much longer than that-has been all about work. Lesson plans, behavioral plans, Individual Education Plans. Top it off with major logistical problems, such as not having an email address, or access to the online grading and attendance system, no key to my classroom, and you get the picture. The good news is that I still really like the students I am working with, and I am enjoying all of the new information I am consuming and teaching.

I am feeling a bit lost on the purpose of my blog right now, and I am not really sure if anyone is still reading it, but for now I guess I will post some of the material that I am working ,or with, as that is basically my life right now.

I used this interview to start off a lesson on the Bill of Rights, the kids really got into it, and they are not easily motivated. The gentleman being interviewed is pretty funny if you have time to listen to it, even though the law is bogus, and slightly unconstitutional.

Baggy Pants Law

I should have been gellin'

2007-09-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sarcastic tone aside, today actually went pretty well. I miss having my own office, and my own program, but I continue to like the faculty and staff I am working with. The admin team runs a tight ship, I can tell that right away. We had students for the first time today, so far they have been friendly and fairly well behaved. Surprising considering the issues many of my students have. The school runs on AB days, so I will have a new crop of kids in my classes tomorrow , I hope they are similar to the kids I had today.

I will be working constantly for about a month before I get my head above water, which is sure better than being unemployed!

I bought some gel inserts for my shoes this afternoon, I came home today with bloody swollen feet, a la' amy winehouse without the cut up arms. Better luck tomorrow feet!

My search comes to an end

2007-08-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

After months of looking for a job, I finally have one. The people I met with at the school are very competent, and seem to have a good sense of humor. This will definitely be a challenging job, but I am going to just going to throw myself into it. I go in the morning to sign my contract, then to the school. I think I will miss being a specialist, but this will do me just fine for now. The students start Tuesday, so I have a couple of days to prepare.I am so relieved.

These are the shoes I ordered for work by the way, when I put them on, I was basically standing on my toes, I am not really sure how anyone could walk in them, and as a short person, I have some experience with heels. Back to the store they go.

Still plugging away

2007-08-28T15:33:00.001-07:00

Well the apartment is coming along nicely, a couple of furniture donations from friends have worked out quite well. The cats are already settled in, with Monk taking a particular liking to Greg's office. I have had a hard week, regarding my employment situation. However, I am back in the job search, and do have an interview on Thursday. Gs had a great first day at CN, he is having his first day at OD today.

GS turns 30-Surprise! (and everyone loved the cake!)

2007-08-18T11:06:00.001-07:00

Unpacking and such

2007-08-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Unpacking, and no I did not get the TN job. Number two.

Updates

2007-08-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to find my camera cord the last several days, but still haven't found it. I got moved in the apartment over the weekend, thanks to my big bro', Beth, Cass, Suzy, and Rob.

Gs arrived last night-yes, yes!

TN called yesterday and told me it would be 2-3 days before they finished my background check, so it looks good, but as far as I know I am still competing against one other candidate.

I finished my summer class, just found out I got an A+.

Whew. Thanks to PP for hosting me and Sol for the last two weeks, and to Beth for helping me unpack and run errands the last couple of days.

Things are sure different when you have more than two friends!

The Carpetbagger Moves On (or, the Vagabond finds a home)

2007-08-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am thankful, thankful. Finally got the call today that our apartment application was approved, it only took a week. I will be able to sign the lease and pick up the keys in the morning! So, it looks like gs will probably leave Vermont Sunday or Monday, I am so glad, I miss him so much.

No job offer yet, but got a call from my boss (who has been on vacation in Canada) yesterday that TN spoke with him Monday for my reference, it was a bit of a challenge to track my boss down and get a number that he could be reached at while out of the country, but why should any of this be easy? It would be just peachy if I got an offer by Friday, though it is still not a sure thing!

Have you seen my Daddy?

2007-08-07T17:42:00.000-07:00

Hailing in Norfolk

2007-08-05T15:37:00.001-07:00

Seriously? Hail in Vermont in August, maybe.

Taking a turn for the better

2007-08-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to you! The picture here seems to be getting a little better. I got word from some former co-workers that TN is checking my references. TN told me on Monday that they would be checking the references of their top two candidates. So, my odds are improving! It looks like I will be moving into our new apartment next week, as soon as I get the ok from the rental company. So gs will probably be on his way down some time next week, he turned everything over to a real estate agent this morning.

Thanks again for all the encouraging emails, calls, prayers, wishes, and overall hospitality. I hope things will continue to look up next week. I will be done with my class by Monday, and hope to have a few carefree days before I start work again.

Thanks and Thanks

2007-07-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to B for going apartment hunting with me today, and watching me eat a huge piece of chocolate banana cake. More on the apartment when it's a done deal, I never know these days.

I am kind of in a holding pattern right now, I am waiting to hear about the apartment, the possible job, finding new buyers, and having gs here in Virginia with me. I think I have something in common with my little friend Sprocket. Suzy's vet suggested she get a little backpack for Sprocket, so that she would be more cooperative on walks, because Sprocket is the kind of dog who needs a job, or a mission. Sure enough, Sprocket proudly carries keys and wallets on her walks. I think I also need a job, or a mission, just waiting for things to happen is so hard for me.

My mission today, aside from apartment hunting that is, was to finish a thank-you note from my interview yesterday. It only took me four tries, and a walk to the post office.

Good Day

2007-07-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

My interview today was great, I really liked the Director who interviewed me. I am competing against three other people, they will let me know within the next two weeks. I really hope that this is the one!

In the mood for good news?

2007-07-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

I got a call from TN this afternoon, they want me to come Monday for a final interview. I think that I am one of three candidates, so we will see!

What's An Insomniac And Her Cat To Do?

2007-07-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Movies I have watched in the past few weeks (Viewed almost entirely around midnight):

Strangers on a Train

Northern Exposure-Sixth Season

Murder at the Gallop

The Body in the Library

Murder in the Vicarage

Proof

Clue

Alice in Wonderland

The Prisoner of Azkaban

Master of the Moor

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring

Memories of Murder

Fay Grim

Currently viewing.... The 39 Steps

Closing Fell through

2007-07-25T13:55:00.001-07:00

Yep, the buyers pulled out. I did have a great interview at TN today.

Under Construction

2007-07-24T18:50:00.001-07:00