And Life Goes On....

I found out for sure that I will be laid off at the end of the school year. It's a bummer to be sure, but I have the option to go back to my old job. It's only three hours a day with no benefits, but I liked working with the younger kids and had a fantastic boss.

I have a few other options that aren't so great. One is unemployment, which seems weird. I really liked being at home with the kids, but the kids aren't really at home any more, and I don't want to be either.

Another option is to become a full-inclusion aide working with high-needs children, such as those with down syndrome or in wheelchairs. The problem is that you never know who you will have to work with, and it can change almost daily. I might be stepping on someone's toes here, but I don't want to change diapers of teenagers or wipe noses of constantly sick kids. Not my cup of tea.

The last option is to work with emotionally disturbed kids. So not want to do this. I work with these kids on a limited basis now and find it utterly exhausting and frustrating.

My favorite option is to slide back into my old position. It's funny because after I left a good friend took a job there, then another friend, plus two more after them, so it's not like I'm walking into a situation where I don't know anyone. And, more importantly, I left on good terms (no burning bridges). I just wanted a change.

The very best news is that I won't be rushed anymore, and will have boatloads of more time. I love that!

On a different, but more interesting, note...I love how Joe knows me so well he is able to verbalize the internal workings of my mind in a way that I am unable to.

Almost spring...

The trees have been flowering and some already have little green buds. I love this time of year in Sacramento. Bailey and I went for a four mile run after work. It was just the perfect mix of sun and breeze. Loved it! Next Monday is supposed to be 72. This means I will be putting away my warmest winter sweaters and pulling out some summer stuff.

Jessica takes the SAT on Saturday and I take the CSET. Busy day for both of us. Spring break can't get here fast enough...I really need a break!

Life in General

As I contemplate the probable loss of my job the stress I've been feeling for the last year and a half is actually lifted. I set off on a journey to fulfill what has been one of my dreams, to finish my undergraduate degree. Now that I am near the end of my undergraduate degree choices are upon me that need to be made. What kind of credential should I work toward? Should I try for an internship? Should I keep my current job and at some point quit to do my student teaching? Should I combine my masters degree with the credential? Do I really want to do this at all?

The natural progression seems to have me heading towards a teaching credential. While I do believe I am made for the classroom I have reservations about the timing. Fortuitous it is that now it's quite possible I will be laid off. Then the questions increase tenfold. Most likely I will be able to slide seamlessly back into the position I had before this one. Three hours a day with no benefits. Loss of benefits are fine, Joe has them, but I've been working with one mindset for so long that now when this is thrown into the mix it adds a dimension I just don't want to think about.

One of my mental blocks is the fact that Jessica will be a senior in high school next year. The last year she will live at home...do I really want to be working full time and going to school full time? I can easily answer that 'NO', but part of me says to not stop. The last time I stopped it took me four years to start back up again, but I must remember I only get one shot at this job called parenting.

This is not to say I won't continue, I might, but it makes me reconsider my previous decisions. Maybe I should be looking at this probably layoff as a blessing in disguise. Just think, more time to clean the house, go to the grocery store, exercise, maybe sew, and....more time to do homework.

What if I'm one of those people addicted to school? We all know them, they seem to always be going yet never accomplishing anything. I think I just have to much being thrown at me right now, that making an effective decision is almost impossible.

Can it be my time while it's still their time?

Early in the morning...

The coffee is hot but the paper is not here, so I'm taking the opportunity to check my FB page and update myself on what everyone else is doing.

Busy week as always, made even busier by w omen's soccer season starting. Two games a week for the next two months. The part I love about this soccer season vs. Men's soccer season is that we start the season in the cold and end in the hot. There is hope for all you snowbound people.

The flowering trees are budding and the days are slightly longer. This is my favorite time of year in Sacramento.

Bailey is barking, that means the paper is here. Got to run!

Wow, this must be a record!

Three posts in one day? I'm on a roll.

Let's see...I"m done with my homework for this brief period of time. I'm ignoring the dust bunnies on the floor (at least the laundry is done). The sun is shining and the dog needs a run. Perhaps I'll even get to a movie later today.

BTW--Saw Avatar last weekend, in 3D. Wow! What a movie. If you haven't seen it in 3D go see it (I mean you Mom)!