I have a phone interview any minute with a family in North Raleigh. On one hand, I really want this job. But then the logical me thinks about all the things that make this a really complicated position to accept. Beginning with finding an apartment from across the country. Followed by transportation of my belongings across the country. Do I drive? Do I find someone to drive with me and fly them back home?
I don't even have the job yet, but the thoughts that cross my mind are half excited (yay, I'll be getting out of here for a while) followed by terror (see above paragraph).
The position itself sounds great. Two little boys, 30-35 hours a week. $500 a week. MWF mornings at least off, possibly most of the day. The mom has been incredibly friendly in email correspondence. The only one who didn't balk at the fact that I live across the country and didn't know when (or if) I will be in their town.
Wish me luck. Or something.
31 May 2007
26 May 2007
Happiness is...
... working enough to pay my car payment without stressing, for once in the past year!
... making that car payment and having the balance be ten thousand instead of 11 or 12!
... having an adorable 21 month old smile at you every time you pick her up from school!
... finding out that I will have a college degree as of August 1st!
... having people leave me alone about plans for next semester, apparently having a degree is all that matters!
... having job prospects for next semester all across the country!
... going to dinner with dad and winning $20 on free spins!
... possibly going to hawaii this summer!
... going to Philadelphia and seeing my cousin who I haven't seen a really long time!
... hanging out at home for once, instead of running around like crazy!
... going to baseball next weekend!
... making that car payment and having the balance be ten thousand instead of 11 or 12!
... having an adorable 21 month old smile at you every time you pick her up from school!
... finding out that I will have a college degree as of August 1st!
... having people leave me alone about plans for next semester, apparently having a degree is all that matters!
... having job prospects for next semester all across the country!
... going to dinner with dad and winning $20 on free spins!
... possibly going to hawaii this summer!
... going to Philadelphia and seeing my cousin who I haven't seen a really long time!
... hanging out at home for once, instead of running around like crazy!
... going to baseball next weekend!
23 May 2007
Three days in...
to the new job. And I'm exhausted.
The seven-year-old is proving to be quite the challenge. Seriously. How many times in a 15 minute car ride can one shout a child's full name as she torments her brother? Far more than I ever thought possible.
She's going to learn very quickly that such behaviour is unacceptable and will only lose priviledges as we go in to the summer. Oh, you want to go to the waterpark? Sorry, I can only take children who respect my requests to the waterpark, I think we'll go to this plain old boring park instead. Yep, that once or twice should cure her.
The two-year-old is lots of fun. He's very verbal so there have been few misunderstandings that lead to frustration. He goes to gym class twice a week (with the option of three other open gyms), which I've decided is wonderful.
I'm working 45 hours this week, even though we previously agreed upon 30. That's okay, it's an extra $150 to pay off bills. Which is exciting. I think it's going to end up being something close to 41 hours most weeks, although I always have the option of saying that I need to leave early.
I'm excited so far. Even though I'm tired, I'm enjoying myself. I love the freedom, each morning I'm handed the car keys and told to go somewhere and do something with the little boy, while mom works. Today we were home for like an hour. It's so much better than hanging around while mom works.
The seven-year-old is proving to be quite the challenge. Seriously. How many times in a 15 minute car ride can one shout a child's full name as she torments her brother? Far more than I ever thought possible.
She's going to learn very quickly that such behaviour is unacceptable and will only lose priviledges as we go in to the summer. Oh, you want to go to the waterpark? Sorry, I can only take children who respect my requests to the waterpark, I think we'll go to this plain old boring park instead. Yep, that once or twice should cure her.
The two-year-old is lots of fun. He's very verbal so there have been few misunderstandings that lead to frustration. He goes to gym class twice a week (with the option of three other open gyms), which I've decided is wonderful.
I'm working 45 hours this week, even though we previously agreed upon 30. That's okay, it's an extra $150 to pay off bills. Which is exciting. I think it's going to end up being something close to 41 hours most weeks, although I always have the option of saying that I need to leave early.
I'm excited so far. Even though I'm tired, I'm enjoying myself. I love the freedom, each morning I'm handed the car keys and told to go somewhere and do something with the little boy, while mom works. Today we were home for like an hour. It's so much better than hanging around while mom works.
19 May 2007
I'm back at the kids house today.
Why, you ask?
Because I got a call from mom saying that she was taking B to the hospital and could I please come get K.
I didn't really hear why she was taking B, but I know I flew out the door and made really good time to the south end of college town (where I'm housesitting). She called back to ask for a dry shirt and tennis shoes for B, and B told me what happened. Apparently he was at a birthday party and did a flip over a "mailbox" (foam mat, shaped like a mailbox, kind of, I knew what he was talking about because K has jumping class at the same place as the birthday party was held).
He landed arm first and twisted it funny. It's broken, but it's clean break. He has to wear a splint for now, not a cast. I'll know more whenever they manage to get out of the hospital and get back home.
K is resting, because the hospital visit came right during nap time - I bet she's asleep, but I'm not going to go check for another 30 minutes or so. I figure napping until 5 won't kill her one day out of her life.
Why, you ask?
Because I got a call from mom saying that she was taking B to the hospital and could I please come get K.
I didn't really hear why she was taking B, but I know I flew out the door and made really good time to the south end of college town (where I'm housesitting). She called back to ask for a dry shirt and tennis shoes for B, and B told me what happened. Apparently he was at a birthday party and did a flip over a "mailbox" (foam mat, shaped like a mailbox, kind of, I knew what he was talking about because K has jumping class at the same place as the birthday party was held).
He landed arm first and twisted it funny. It's broken, but it's clean break. He has to wear a splint for now, not a cast. I'll know more whenever they manage to get out of the hospital and get back home.
K is resting, because the hospital visit came right during nap time - I bet she's asleep, but I'm not going to go check for another 30 minutes or so. I figure napping until 5 won't kill her one day out of her life.
18 May 2007
And I thought making decisions about school was hard.
Today is my last day with K. I've worked with her for the past 2.5 years and now we're moving on. She'll begin preschool full time in the fall and before then mommy will spend extra time with her. I'm starting a new job. At this new job I will earn 2x as much as I earn with K (but I've always been underpaid and never said anything because I love my position that much, so definitely not the deciding point).
I cried when I put her down to nap. Knowing that it might well be our last "I love you" "No, I love you more" argument. As soon as a walked out of her room, I fell apart. I'm crying while writing this and her mother is going to walk in the door any minute.
I would have fallen apart on Monday, but I knew I had Wednesday and Friday this week with K. I took her out to lunch today, which was fun, we haven't done that in a long time because we always have to be back in time for nap before picking up B from school. But today, I didn't have that pressure, because mom is getting B (maybe? she was supposed to be here forty minutes ago).
When I decided against student teaching, her mom was the one who most tried to change my mind. However, if only she knew. If I had begun working with K earlier I would definitely have gone into speech therapy. Watching this kid grow has changed my life over the past couple of years, and I know I will miss her.
In my heart, I know I'll still see her a lot, but not being the one to pick her up from school every Monday is going to be hard. To know that she'll ask mommy, "Miss Angela picking me up today?" to have mommy say no is killing me right now. We've talked about it a little, from what I can tell, mom hasn't mentioned that things are changing, which is a little unfair I think.
I cried when I put her down to nap. Knowing that it might well be our last "I love you" "No, I love you more" argument. As soon as a walked out of her room, I fell apart. I'm crying while writing this and her mother is going to walk in the door any minute.
I would have fallen apart on Monday, but I knew I had Wednesday and Friday this week with K. I took her out to lunch today, which was fun, we haven't done that in a long time because we always have to be back in time for nap before picking up B from school. But today, I didn't have that pressure, because mom is getting B (maybe? she was supposed to be here forty minutes ago).
When I decided against student teaching, her mom was the one who most tried to change my mind. However, if only she knew. If I had begun working with K earlier I would definitely have gone into speech therapy. Watching this kid grow has changed my life over the past couple of years, and I know I will miss her.
In my heart, I know I'll still see her a lot, but not being the one to pick her up from school every Monday is going to be hard. To know that she'll ask mommy, "Miss Angela picking me up today?" to have mommy say no is killing me right now. We've talked about it a little, from what I can tell, mom hasn't mentioned that things are changing, which is a little unfair I think.
14 May 2007
Not quite how it works
Today, K and I were playing with a new toy.
New toys pop up occassionally but are usually of dollar store quality, but this one was little nicer, so I asked her where she got it. She said from "J." I asked her, "oh, you saw J lately?" She replied yes, and said "next time I staying home with daddy."
J is her birthmother, it's an open adoption and they see her fairly regularly (sometimes more often than others). The only reason anyone in the family sees J is because of K.
I told K, "I don't think that's really an option kiddo." She insisted yes, it is.
Further proof that she doesn't get it yet. But, I think she's getting closer. B understood that he was adopted at this age, but that was probably because he had just gotten a new baby sister, through the same process. I think that at some point in the next year, K is going to understand, but it'll be interesting to see when.
Anyone have experience with adoption? At what point does a child understand?
New toys pop up occassionally but are usually of dollar store quality, but this one was little nicer, so I asked her where she got it. She said from "J." I asked her, "oh, you saw J lately?" She replied yes, and said "next time I staying home with daddy."
J is her birthmother, it's an open adoption and they see her fairly regularly (sometimes more often than others). The only reason anyone in the family sees J is because of K.
I told K, "I don't think that's really an option kiddo." She insisted yes, it is.
Further proof that she doesn't get it yet. But, I think she's getting closer. B understood that he was adopted at this age, but that was probably because he had just gotten a new baby sister, through the same process. I think that at some point in the next year, K is going to understand, but it'll be interesting to see when.
Anyone have experience with adoption? At what point does a child understand?
Quick request
I'm perplexed.
Some one in Sacramento has me on their bloglines.
But I don't know who. Not even a clue.
If it's you, please say hi!
I know everyone else on bloglines, just not this person.
Oh, and if you're a regular visitor who's never said hi - that'd be cool too. My stats keep going up, even when my writing kind of sucks. It's nice to be loved (or at least read!)
Also, have you tried google reader? It's pretty cool - I've been using it for about a month now...
Some one in Sacramento has me on their bloglines.
But I don't know who. Not even a clue.
If it's you, please say hi!
I know everyone else on bloglines, just not this person.
Oh, and if you're a regular visitor who's never said hi - that'd be cool too. My stats keep going up, even when my writing kind of sucks. It's nice to be loved (or at least read!)
Also, have you tried google reader? It's pretty cool - I've been using it for about a month now...
13 May 2007
11 May 2007
Things change
The semester is over (well except for a quick little paragraph assignment I owe one of my professors by next Wednesday)
My friend's are graduating and moving on (well some of them anyhow, there are several who don't graduate until December)
I'm "off" next week (except for the fact that I agreed to watch K and B three days instead of my usual two)
My new job begins on the 21st (other than housesitting from the 16th-19th while they are in SF)
It's a time of change, and I don't know how I feel about it (and I'm still looking for a job in the fall, despite a couple of potential leads that are beyond exciting)
My friend's are graduating and moving on (well some of them anyhow, there are several who don't graduate until December)
I'm "off" next week (except for the fact that I agreed to watch K and B three days instead of my usual two)
My new job begins on the 21st (other than housesitting from the 16th-19th while they are in SF)
It's a time of change, and I don't know how I feel about it (and I'm still looking for a job in the fall, despite a couple of potential leads that are beyond exciting)
09 May 2007
Final post as a student
for the next 8 months or so.
I don't think I've talked much about my summer job at all on here. Because last summer I had terrible luck finding a position, and I felt like I jinxed it. But, this one's all lined up, so here are some details.
I'm working 31-39 hours a week for a single mom who has a two year old boy, M and seven year old girl, A. She originally hired me for 30 hours a week, but recently asked if I'd be willing to work extra hours while she has an extra client (which will probably be most of the summer). Since I had kind of been looking for something to fill up my afternoons, this worked out well and saved me a lot of hassle.
I'll have a ton of freedom, as the mom works from home and wants the kids out of the house every morning. Which means we'll be at the water park, pool, park and various other kid friendly attractions all week long. This job is going to be amazing. Oh, and it's in the city where I go to school, which would be a problem only if my friend didn't need me to pick up her little girl from daycare, because her new work schedule is from 11-8. I'll watch the baby and then I'll stay at their house. Meaning I'll be like 10 minutes from work instead of an hour. That'll be incredibly nice.
I'm really excited to start, although I've still got one more week (which means next week is my last official week with K and B, but I'm working three days instead of my regular one, so that will help, plus I'll always be a major part of their life).
Now, I just have to figure out what I'm doing in the fall. But, it's looking like substitute teaching is the way to go.
I don't think I've talked much about my summer job at all on here. Because last summer I had terrible luck finding a position, and I felt like I jinxed it. But, this one's all lined up, so here are some details.
I'm working 31-39 hours a week for a single mom who has a two year old boy, M and seven year old girl, A. She originally hired me for 30 hours a week, but recently asked if I'd be willing to work extra hours while she has an extra client (which will probably be most of the summer). Since I had kind of been looking for something to fill up my afternoons, this worked out well and saved me a lot of hassle.
I'll have a ton of freedom, as the mom works from home and wants the kids out of the house every morning. Which means we'll be at the water park, pool, park and various other kid friendly attractions all week long. This job is going to be amazing. Oh, and it's in the city where I go to school, which would be a problem only if my friend didn't need me to pick up her little girl from daycare, because her new work schedule is from 11-8. I'll watch the baby and then I'll stay at their house. Meaning I'll be like 10 minutes from work instead of an hour. That'll be incredibly nice.
I'm really excited to start, although I've still got one more week (which means next week is my last official week with K and B, but I'm working three days instead of my regular one, so that will help, plus I'll always be a major part of their life).
Now, I just have to figure out what I'm doing in the fall. But, it's looking like substitute teaching is the way to go.
07 May 2007
Who's the one arguing?
K: I want to make rice krispy treats
A: No, I don't think so, you're too sleepy
K: No I Not!
A:You are, maybe I'll make them
K: I want to help
K: You arguing
A: I'm not the one arguing
K: Peeeese
A: Please, what?
K: Peeeease I want rice krispy treats
K: Peeease, peeease, peeeese, peeeeeeese!
A: You want peas?
K and A giggle!
My new favourite word of K's? "startled" As in "B startled me" or the "fly startled me" or "you startled me" by open my door
She's also begun really singing, which is fun!
A: No, I don't think so, you're too sleepy
K: No I Not!
A:You are, maybe I'll make them
K: I want to help
K: You arguing
A: I'm not the one arguing
K: Peeeese
A: Please, what?
K: Peeeease I want rice krispy treats
K: Peeease, peeease, peeeese, peeeeeeese!
A: You want peas?
K and A giggle!
My new favourite word of K's? "startled" As in "B startled me" or the "fly startled me" or "you startled me" by open my door
She's also begun really singing, which is fun!
06 May 2007
The boy's fiance has offered to cover for me at my summer job for four days. So that I can go to Philadelphia for a conference. With the club that he is president of.
While I don't know how great of an idea it is for me to go anywhere with him ever again, especially across country, there will be a lot of people there and it's a great opportunity. And I was floored when she offered. We were all sitting around eating dinner at the end of the year celebration for part of the organization, and they were talking about this conference, when she asked if I was going. I told her that I didn't think I was invited since "the boy" thinks I've stopped coming to meetings, he didn't listen when I said I had class during that time, plus I have to work. Then she asked what I was doing for a job this summer, and when I told her, she said that she has that week off (she's a teaching assistant at a year round school), and would be glad to fill in for me.
I talked to the mom that I'm working for and she said that will probably work out just fine, now I just have to get them in contact with each other. I'm super excited and hope it all works out.
While I don't know how great of an idea it is for me to go anywhere with him ever again, especially across country, there will be a lot of people there and it's a great opportunity. And I was floored when she offered. We were all sitting around eating dinner at the end of the year celebration for part of the organization, and they were talking about this conference, when she asked if I was going. I told her that I didn't think I was invited since "the boy" thinks I've stopped coming to meetings, he didn't listen when I said I had class during that time, plus I have to work. Then she asked what I was doing for a job this summer, and when I told her, she said that she has that week off (she's a teaching assistant at a year round school), and would be glad to fill in for me.
I talked to the mom that I'm working for and she said that will probably work out just fine, now I just have to get them in contact with each other. I'm super excited and hope it all works out.
Job hunting, what fun!
A taste of the opportunities I have received via my craigslist ad.
- A response to an ad offering FALL childcare (that I'm fairly certain states I am available after September 1st), wanting me to start TODAY. Updated - okay, maybe this one's not so bad. She just emailed me and said that for the right fit they'd be willing to wait. And asked if I might be interested in some evenings and weekends over the summer. Which I am.
- A lady looking for a "nanny" to work in her home daycare 15 hours a week. Which didn't sound so bad until I told her that I thought I could help because I am off at 2 all summer. To which she replied "I need mornings" - that's it nothing else. No thanks for responding. Nothing.
- A mom who asked me to call her because she needs a sitter tonight. Seriously? You’d hire me tonight without ever having met me? That sounds safe.
- A mom looking for care in January 2008, which isn’t so bad if I had any idea what I’d be doing then. She said she’d file away my contact information for now.
- A lady asking how much I would charge and how many hours I am looking for, she has three boys. I told her my rates (plus about $1-2/hr, for the extra kid, I usually only watch 2). She asks what months I am available. Again, I state September 1, until at least January 1. She then asks what is “full-time?” Updated - okay, this one takes the cake, unless something changes. She just asked how far I was from a town in another state and if I would be willing to travel there for those months. Since it's about a three hour drive (or more, especially in the snow), I would not be interested. Unless they made it a live in situation for four months. In which case, sign me up.
03 May 2007
Things I have heard in the last week:
Only one more week until I'm done for at least seven months!
You can teach, but not wellDo professors hear themselves speak? Don't tell me that you'll work with me at the beginning of the semester if you are going to recind that offer the one time I ask for an extra day. I have bitten my tongue all semester in two classes and right now it's about to come out. Big time.
Good job on those revisions
Angela, what's that look for (he gave me a 1 out of 3 on the one I spent the most time on, told me good job and I rolled my eyes as I walked out of the room)
It's a requirement for this class, so you'll have to make a choice (I was asking for help on a project that was due the same day as an assignment required for graduation)
Only one more week until I'm done for at least seven months!
01 May 2007
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