Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Bachelorette pad
Here are some pictures of my friend's house I'll be living in! It's a 5 bedroom in Mesa. I think we will have some good times there.
I prayed super hard that I would make good friends there. It's scary to start from scratch! Luckily I ran into my old friends Tyson, Ben, and brian. Ben forwarded many texts so I would know about gun events. Brian happened to be at many of the events so he proceeded to introduce me to everyone he knew there. Tyson was my dance partner at byu, who invited me to hike flat iron with a bunch of his friends. I met so many nice people! I have a couple dates set up for when I get back, and I'm excited to strengthen those friendships
I prayed super hard that I would make good friends there. It's scary to start from scratch! Luckily I ran into my old friends Tyson, Ben, and brian. Ben forwarded many texts so I would know about gun events. Brian happened to be at many of the events so he proceeded to introduce me to everyone he knew there. Tyson was my dance partner at byu, who invited me to hike flat iron with a bunch of his friends. I met so many nice people! I have a couple dates set up for when I get back, and I'm excited to strengthen those friendships
My classroom (before)
Here are pictures of my classroom! When I go in tomorrow it should be carpeted and painted. I'll be spending the next couple weeks turning this room into a second grade classroom!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Stick shifts and safety belts
2 weeks ago in the temple I felt prompted to go to arizona ASAP to visit the school I've been interviewing at, and to move some stuff down. I decided to go the day after school got out, during memorial day weekend.
Everything was crazy though. My options were:
A)ride down with a friend. I had a friend going anyway, but something came up
2)fly. I had sky miles, that ended up not being enough... I wouldn't be able to move anything down though, and I would have to rent a car on top of that
3) rent a car. This one I researched a ton. Budget was cheapest but after I reserved it I saw I had to be 25. Over the phone Avis told me I didn't have to be 25 if I paid with a credit card, but later found out there was a $30/day fee. If I were honest about my age and got insurance it would cost $350 plus gas for a standard size car.... Yuck.
D) pay a friend $150 or so to trade cars with them for the weekend. Some friends did what they could but for some good reason or another couldn't... How nice of them to try. Some people I thought I was close with like that didn't even look into it.
5) buy a car... You could buy a car in an evening, right? Why not?
I went to the temple and did initiatories on Thursday, the day before I left. I went with option seis (not listed), to take my truck. We have all accepted as common knowledge that my truck has a hard time accelerating, and has some other quirks. No one even suggested I drive it, but I received confidence it would make it.
I told noelle my plan, and we decided I really just had to have my trick work on the way there. It would suck if I were stranded with a truck full of teaching stuff and missed my interview. If it broke down after, I could hitchhike/fly/buy a new car.
I prayed super hard and felt like I should go. It must sound crazy to anyone who knows my truck! Noe, my mechanic, said he thought it could make it. My friend Jeremey from my ward helped me top off the fluids beforehand. I have had my truck for a year and a half and never taken it past salt lake, and I've probably only made that trip a handful of times.
I found myself trekking down I-15 during holiday traffic, with a rusty old truck packed with all my teaching stuff. I left right after school on the last day of school and drove nonstop.
My speedometer can't go past 85, which made getting pulled over for speeding less if a concern. My strategy was to pick up speed on downhill sections, set the cruise control, and hope no one cuts me off and made me lose speed. My highway speed ranged from 30-80. The parts under 50mph were rough, but Oscar was a trooper! What a miracle that we made it the 11 hours...
Everything was crazy though. My options were:
A)ride down with a friend. I had a friend going anyway, but something came up
2)fly. I had sky miles, that ended up not being enough... I wouldn't be able to move anything down though, and I would have to rent a car on top of that
3) rent a car. This one I researched a ton. Budget was cheapest but after I reserved it I saw I had to be 25. Over the phone Avis told me I didn't have to be 25 if I paid with a credit card, but later found out there was a $30/day fee. If I were honest about my age and got insurance it would cost $350 plus gas for a standard size car.... Yuck.
D) pay a friend $150 or so to trade cars with them for the weekend. Some friends did what they could but for some good reason or another couldn't... How nice of them to try. Some people I thought I was close with like that didn't even look into it.
5) buy a car... You could buy a car in an evening, right? Why not?
I went to the temple and did initiatories on Thursday, the day before I left. I went with option seis (not listed), to take my truck. We have all accepted as common knowledge that my truck has a hard time accelerating, and has some other quirks. No one even suggested I drive it, but I received confidence it would make it.
I told noelle my plan, and we decided I really just had to have my trick work on the way there. It would suck if I were stranded with a truck full of teaching stuff and missed my interview. If it broke down after, I could hitchhike/fly/buy a new car.
I prayed super hard and felt like I should go. It must sound crazy to anyone who knows my truck! Noe, my mechanic, said he thought it could make it. My friend Jeremey from my ward helped me top off the fluids beforehand. I have had my truck for a year and a half and never taken it past salt lake, and I've probably only made that trip a handful of times.
I found myself trekking down I-15 during holiday traffic, with a rusty old truck packed with all my teaching stuff. I left right after school on the last day of school and drove nonstop.
My speedometer can't go past 85, which made getting pulled over for speeding less if a concern. My strategy was to pick up speed on downhill sections, set the cruise control, and hope no one cuts me off and made me lose speed. My highway speed ranged from 30-80. The parts under 50mph were rough, but Oscar was a trooper! What a miracle that we made it the 11 hours...
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Job update
I turned down the offer from challenger and Levine. I really liked Levine, but the 40 hour commute and a brand new school could mean no life for me. I'll need time to establish a social life and find balance in a new town. When I decided to turn it down, I felt better.
I still want to work at Gilbert district. I was so impressed with them, and felt good about it. The hr director emailed me and said the principal at Patterson elementary would call me. The principal was a connection through Beth's mother, so I already heard good things. A few years ago, they were rated the best place to work in Gilbert, and it was the first time an elementary school had won. They are one of 17 a+ schools in az. Impressive, huh?
I had a 40 minute phone interview with the principal. The next day, we attempted a FaceTime interview, but ended up having a 30 minute phone interview.
It's for a 2nd grade position. There are 3 teachers, and they are adding another class because they need it. It's a mile or two from where I want to live. It's a good, good school. I have such a good feeling about it. It sounds like just what I want. I've decided of they offer me the job, I'll take it. There were 120 applicants for his 2 positions. He said he would talk to the hr director and see what to do next, and to call him if I need anything, and that he wanted to get it set up quickly. It sounds like I got the job, but it wasn't an official offer, so I'm hoping it turns into an offer!
I still want to work at Gilbert district. I was so impressed with them, and felt good about it. The hr director emailed me and said the principal at Patterson elementary would call me. The principal was a connection through Beth's mother, so I already heard good things. A few years ago, they were rated the best place to work in Gilbert, and it was the first time an elementary school had won. They are one of 17 a+ schools in az. Impressive, huh?
I had a 40 minute phone interview with the principal. The next day, we attempted a FaceTime interview, but ended up having a 30 minute phone interview.
It's for a 2nd grade position. There are 3 teachers, and they are adding another class because they need it. It's a mile or two from where I want to live. It's a good, good school. I have such a good feeling about it. It sounds like just what I want. I've decided of they offer me the job, I'll take it. There were 120 applicants for his 2 positions. He said he would talk to the hr director and see what to do next, and to call him if I need anything, and that he wanted to get it set up quickly. It sounds like I got the job, but it wasn't an official offer, so I'm hoping it turns into an offer!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
My Free Hawaii Trip
Okay, it wasn't completely free. I got hooked up with tickets a hundred bucks each way though. I went with my friend Brian who works for Delta and wanted to go anyway, so invited me. I made lots of cool friends and did some cool stuff.-We hiked to Waimea Falls. It was an easy 1 mile hike through the jungle to a gorgeous waterfall. We jumped off some small ledges, and watched people cliffjump for the first and last time.-Swap Meet! Free samples, postcards and jewelry for my students, and an awesome Yukelele.-Sightseeing: Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, the Poli Lookout-Waimea Bay: We buried each other in the sand, jumped off the big rock, went bouldering, swam, climbed trees, and boogeyboarded.-I was able to go through the Laie Temple. It was so beautiful! -The Polynesian Cultural Center was amazing! I loved the evening show, "The Breath of Life". I loved the Tongan and Samoan shows the best. I love the Tahitian dancing best. The boat show with all of the countries was impressive. -Snorkeling with giant sea turtles, Brian, and tons of exotic fish-
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Wrapping Up Spring Break
This has been what, 4 days in a row of blogging? This could be the beginning of something beautiful!
Last night we got back in time for me to go to the end of Steak Night at Austin's. This is a favorite pasttime of mine, where I get to chat with some of my favorites.
Today I slept in, visited some friends in my ward, and went climbing with my friend Brian. I was productive in many other ways today, including spending 4 hours or so working in my classroom.
Job update: I decided to act on the prompting I felt in the temple that I could choose. I called up Challenger Basic to tell them I would accept the job. This is the charter school in Gilbert with some downsides, but really great people. You know the feeling you sometimes get that you did the right thing, and you just feel peace... Well, I felt the exact opposite. I felt like I made a hug mistake. I felt sick, and wrong, and that I was going to miss out on so many things. I can only think of one other time I felt this negative feeling so strongly. So, 15 minutes later I called back the Director and told him I would not be able to sign the contract, and I could not accept the offer. I felt bad that they held those two positions for Sheredith and I, but at least she signed up. I felt bad to go back on my word, and to be sooooo unprofessional. I burned that bridge, but I feel so much better that now I turned down the offer.
Of course I still feel great about moving to Arizona though! I just think that I'll be happier teaching somewhere else. I trust that with my job search, if I'm about to do the wrong thing, the Lord with stop me. Like, he did today. I hope the rest of my search isn't trial-and-error style.
I should decide by Monday if I'll work at Levine. I really, really like the school. If they asked me to design my perfect school and classroom, I would design this school. The Director gave me 40 minutes of his morning. The Principal attended the meeting, and gave me a total of two hours of her morning showing me around operating schools and the school under construction. I like that it's a small district, and that there are so many great resources available. All of the teachers I saw working, seemed so happy! I'm worried about the 40 minute commute, because I think I would like the singles scene in Gilbert/Mesa better, and I don't want to commute to work or to my singles scene. That would take a lot of time. It would also take a lot of time to start from scratch and plan a whole year with a new team. It's doable, but I want a life? It's not like my first year teaching where I had just been dumped so it was convenient to work 12 hour days. I want to go climb, make friends, and date!
I think I felt the Spirit the most at the Gilbert District Office. It wasn't even at a school... at the office. Crazy, huh? It's the location I want, and one of the best districts in the state. Similarly, I was extremely impressed with administration. Based on my referral, the Superintendent promised he would do everything he could to get me a good job. When the principals release their first round of job openings, if it's one of the grades I want then he'll email them and tell them they should consider interviewing me. I'm so impressed that he would do that for me! It's tricky because it's not an offer TODAY. But even if I can't find a job there, maybe I could get one in another nearby district? Or maybe I can buy time with Levine and see if I get an offer from Gilbert District?
I'm so grateful for my home teachers giving me a Priesthood blessing today shortly after my panic attack. I'm so grateful for the promptings of the spirit that lead me into situations that are so good for me. I'm so grateful for supportive friends.
I'm also glad about these friends in or soon-to-be in Arizona:
Jessica & Miles
Meagan
Sheredith
Tyler
Bobby
Ben
Brian
Amy L.
Lindsay
-I'm bummed Ashley and Carrie won't be there... but at least I saw them this week!
Last night we got back in time for me to go to the end of Steak Night at Austin's. This is a favorite pasttime of mine, where I get to chat with some of my favorites.
Today I slept in, visited some friends in my ward, and went climbing with my friend Brian. I was productive in many other ways today, including spending 4 hours or so working in my classroom.
Job update: I decided to act on the prompting I felt in the temple that I could choose. I called up Challenger Basic to tell them I would accept the job. This is the charter school in Gilbert with some downsides, but really great people. You know the feeling you sometimes get that you did the right thing, and you just feel peace... Well, I felt the exact opposite. I felt like I made a hug mistake. I felt sick, and wrong, and that I was going to miss out on so many things. I can only think of one other time I felt this negative feeling so strongly. So, 15 minutes later I called back the Director and told him I would not be able to sign the contract, and I could not accept the offer. I felt bad that they held those two positions for Sheredith and I, but at least she signed up. I felt bad to go back on my word, and to be sooooo unprofessional. I burned that bridge, but I feel so much better that now I turned down the offer.
Of course I still feel great about moving to Arizona though! I just think that I'll be happier teaching somewhere else. I trust that with my job search, if I'm about to do the wrong thing, the Lord with stop me. Like, he did today. I hope the rest of my search isn't trial-and-error style.
I should decide by Monday if I'll work at Levine. I really, really like the school. If they asked me to design my perfect school and classroom, I would design this school. The Director gave me 40 minutes of his morning. The Principal attended the meeting, and gave me a total of two hours of her morning showing me around operating schools and the school under construction. I like that it's a small district, and that there are so many great resources available. All of the teachers I saw working, seemed so happy! I'm worried about the 40 minute commute, because I think I would like the singles scene in Gilbert/Mesa better, and I don't want to commute to work or to my singles scene. That would take a lot of time. It would also take a lot of time to start from scratch and plan a whole year with a new team. It's doable, but I want a life? It's not like my first year teaching where I had just been dumped so it was convenient to work 12 hour days. I want to go climb, make friends, and date!
I think I felt the Spirit the most at the Gilbert District Office. It wasn't even at a school... at the office. Crazy, huh? It's the location I want, and one of the best districts in the state. Similarly, I was extremely impressed with administration. Based on my referral, the Superintendent promised he would do everything he could to get me a good job. When the principals release their first round of job openings, if it's one of the grades I want then he'll email them and tell them they should consider interviewing me. I'm so impressed that he would do that for me! It's tricky because it's not an offer TODAY. But even if I can't find a job there, maybe I could get one in another nearby district? Or maybe I can buy time with Levine and see if I get an offer from Gilbert District?
I'm so grateful for my home teachers giving me a Priesthood blessing today shortly after my panic attack. I'm so grateful for the promptings of the spirit that lead me into situations that are so good for me. I'm so grateful for supportive friends.
I'm also glad about these friends in or soon-to-be in Arizona:
Jessica & Miles
Meagan
Sheredith
Tyler
Bobby
Ben
Brian
Amy L.
Lindsay
-I'm bummed Ashley and Carrie won't be there... but at least I saw them this week!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
the end/beginning
I got another offer today. This school is really nice, but far away from where I want to live. It's brand new, opening this year. The director and principle interviewed me, and then the principal took the time to drive me to a similar school school that's open, and then show off the school that's being constructed. It's focus is science, math, engineering, and technology. Each student will have an iPad. I would have so many resources at my disposal! Everyone there was so nice, and the teachers I met at the open school seemed to love teaching. It would be a lot of work planning the year and starting many things from scratch, and really time consuming.
Districts appeal to me, because of the support that is offered. For gifted, special ed, and technology wise.
I haven't decided which job to accept. I need to let challenger know by tomorrow. I need to let Levine know by Monday night. The hr superintendent promised to do what he could to get me a job, and I might get some phone interviews by next week. So I'm definitely feeling anxiety... When I go to the temple I feel like I should choose the one I want. Which one do I want? There are so many unknown factors, especially with Gilbert. Gilbert is the best district, but would I be happy at any of the schools?
It makes me reevaluate my goals. I could teach in a district and specialize and move up or around, at either district. If I work at challenger basic, I'll make more $. And because I know all the curriculum and everything is already planned and organized, I would have more time to socially explore, work on my talents, give back to the community in other ways. Maybe I'll make more of a difference teaching at Levine, where it's title 1, extremely diverse, and out of my comfort zone? Maybe it's okay to take a job in my comfort zone, because I'll be challenging myself in other ways? Maybe if I turn down the offers and count on Gilbert, I'll find the best school for me that both challenges me and lets me have a balanced life?
I have no idea what to do! But I'm in good hands, so I know I'll be okay.
Districts appeal to me, because of the support that is offered. For gifted, special ed, and technology wise.
I haven't decided which job to accept. I need to let challenger know by tomorrow. I need to let Levine know by Monday night. The hr superintendent promised to do what he could to get me a job, and I might get some phone interviews by next week. So I'm definitely feeling anxiety... When I go to the temple I feel like I should choose the one I want. Which one do I want? There are so many unknown factors, especially with Gilbert. Gilbert is the best district, but would I be happy at any of the schools?
It makes me reevaluate my goals. I could teach in a district and specialize and move up or around, at either district. If I work at challenger basic, I'll make more $. And because I know all the curriculum and everything is already planned and organized, I would have more time to socially explore, work on my talents, give back to the community in other ways. Maybe I'll make more of a difference teaching at Levine, where it's title 1, extremely diverse, and out of my comfort zone? Maybe it's okay to take a job in my comfort zone, because I'll be challenging myself in other ways? Maybe if I turn down the offers and count on Gilbert, I'll find the best school for me that both challenges me and lets me have a balanced life?
I have no idea what to do! But I'm in good hands, so I know I'll be okay.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
the day i joined the trader joe's cult
Today I had 2 interviews. One was a charter school that made offer #1 look really good. This school offered less, is strict about unimportant things, and archaic even in their discipline. It's been around a while, and apparently inspired many spin-off charter school. My second interview I loved. I love Gilbert district, and they were so nice to me.
I stopped by challenger again and learned more good and bad. I'm still tempted to take their offer.
I think challenger is the best charter I've seen here, but I'm deciding between charter and public. I think my public interview tomorrow might help. I'll need to decide by tomorrow before I leave about challenger anyways.
Sheredith will teach 5th at challenger. We went to Trader Joe's for our first time. I think I'll like it. I got some peanut butter, granola bars, and dried fruit. Any recommendations for future visits?
Then Ashley, Sheredith and I went crazy at h&m. Or at least, I did. I loved it! It was a great way to enjoy Arizona and take my mind off of my big life decisions.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
interview #1
Interview #1 went great! Pros: good kids, great teachers, nice administration. Cons: small school, no technology at all, no room to specialize that I can imagine. Those pros are the most important to me, so I'm thinking of accepting. There offering more than I was expecting. It would be an easy transition into a new school, with nearly the same curriculum, definitely in my comfort zone. do I need more of a challenge? Or will teaching naturally provide it's own challenges?
I then went to the temple with my amazing coworker Sheredith, and my old roommate Ashley. I love the mesa temple, it was my first time doing an endowment sessions outside of Utah. The temple is beautiful, and I felt like I would make the right choice about where to work. I think I would be happy working at challenger basic, and I just want to be sure I'm making the right choice.
After the temple, I went to eat authentic Mexican food at Rosa's with Ashley and Carrie, both old roommates. We are all growing up so much, and I loved seeing these girls. They are rockin' PT school internships.
Last, I visited my dear friend Meagan sloop in phoenix. I saw her husband Reid, little Colton, and met baby Ana. Cute kids! I wish they had been feeling better. We ate panda express (my favorite american-chinese), Hung out around their awesome house, put the kids to bed, talked about life, and looked at top secret pictures of the Gilbert temple (Reid is the architect). I'm glad I'll live close to Meagan, the important things haven't changed. She and Reid are so great together. She's so talented, and fun to talk to. Reid's dad is a climber/mountaineer, and in a singles ward bishopric, so I'm sure I'll have lots to talk to him about at my interview!
I then went to the temple with my amazing coworker Sheredith, and my old roommate Ashley. I love the mesa temple, it was my first time doing an endowment sessions outside of Utah. The temple is beautiful, and I felt like I would make the right choice about where to work. I think I would be happy working at challenger basic, and I just want to be sure I'm making the right choice.
After the temple, I went to eat authentic Mexican food at Rosa's with Ashley and Carrie, both old roommates. We are all growing up so much, and I loved seeing these girls. They are rockin' PT school internships.
Last, I visited my dear friend Meagan sloop in phoenix. I saw her husband Reid, little Colton, and met baby Ana. Cute kids! I wish they had been feeling better. We ate panda express (my favorite american-chinese), Hung out around their awesome house, put the kids to bed, talked about life, and looked at top secret pictures of the Gilbert temple (Reid is the architect). I'm glad I'll live close to Meagan, the important things haven't changed. She and Reid are so great together. She's so talented, and fun to talk to. Reid's dad is a climber/mountaineer, and in a singles ward bishopric, so I'm sure I'll have lots to talk to him about at my interview!
Monday, April 9, 2012
The Next Chapter
II want to be better at recording in my journal, but forgot it at home. My next best option is blogging from my phone, which could be an ideal way to update those people who matter the most to me.
I have seven job interviews this week. That's right, SEVEN. Rewind: every week I've been to the temple since at least December, I have felt like I need to move to Arizona. It came on gradually, at first feeling like I need to research places to live (like Oregon or Az), followed by my decision to stay where I love, and then the strong prompting, "are you SURE you don't want to move to Arizona?" So, I worked on renewing my soon-to-expire Utah teaching license, getting my Arizona fingerprint clearance card ordeal, told my job I love that I won't be coming back next year, applied for jobs, and kept trying to act in my faith.
I was finally able to apply for my Arizona teaching license on march 16, and was warned about the two months of waiting to get it. I called last week to make sure the state office received my application. They confirmed it and told me it would take another 4 weeks to process (making it 7 weeks total, which isn't so bad.) MIRACULOUSLY, I received my Arizona teaching license and Arizona fingerprint card in the mail Thursday!!! I can tell my Heavenly Father is helping things fall into place for me. 3 weeks is unheard of to get it done! And, days before I go out to interview!
Here are the schools I'm interviewing at:
-Challenger Basic in Gilbert. My assistant director at my current school used to teach there and loved it. It's really small, hiring 4th or 5th grade. They already did a phone interview with me, and might have me do a demo-teach hut were vague. They wanted me to come out in February, but I didn't feel good about flying out, so maybe this school isn't a good fit for me?
-Don Mensendick in glendale. I have friends moving to glendale, and I heard it called "Glen-date" in reference to the men, so I applied for a couple schools there. The principal called me and loved that I went to Byu, already taught, and know the common core. It's a 98% Hispanic, title 1, gr 4-8 school, which intimidates me.
-Benjamin Franklin- this is a group of 4 charter schools that are supposed to really good. I know their curriculum, and they sound really friendly via phone or email. The campuses are in Gilbert, mesa, and queen creek.
-Gilbert District- one of my favorite Byu math teachers is named Beth, and her kids currently go to my school. I taught her son last year and I adore the whole fam. She wrote me a great letter of recommendation and called all her teaching contacts for Gilbert district. the former superintendent gave me his cell phone number, then hooked me up with an interview with on of his doctorate students, the hr superintendent. We'll see how that goes. I hear Gilbert is the best district...
-Laveen District- my dear friend Meagan sloop was the other Mormon in my high school. She's amazing, more than bridesmaid material. I'm visiting her, her husband, and 2 kids tomorrow. While planning, I find out her danger-in-law is superintendent at a district. I emailed him, and will meet with him and maybe some of his principals.
-Noah Webster Basic- part of the reason I applied, is bc of the location. The other part is, how cool would that be, if I kept working at a Noah Webster school? That would simplify things...
-Mesa District- my friend/coworker lives in mesa, and I could live with her if I want. It's a screening interview with a principal.
If needed, I might cancel one or both or the last two schools. Why keep setting up first dates if I found one I want to spend more time at? So I'm laying in sheredith's basement, pondering my three days of interviews, and how much heavenly father gas been guiding me and blessing me. Arizona will be so great for me!
I have seven job interviews this week. That's right, SEVEN. Rewind: every week I've been to the temple since at least December, I have felt like I need to move to Arizona. It came on gradually, at first feeling like I need to research places to live (like Oregon or Az), followed by my decision to stay where I love, and then the strong prompting, "are you SURE you don't want to move to Arizona?" So, I worked on renewing my soon-to-expire Utah teaching license, getting my Arizona fingerprint clearance card ordeal, told my job I love that I won't be coming back next year, applied for jobs, and kept trying to act in my faith.
I was finally able to apply for my Arizona teaching license on march 16, and was warned about the two months of waiting to get it. I called last week to make sure the state office received my application. They confirmed it and told me it would take another 4 weeks to process (making it 7 weeks total, which isn't so bad.) MIRACULOUSLY, I received my Arizona teaching license and Arizona fingerprint card in the mail Thursday!!! I can tell my Heavenly Father is helping things fall into place for me. 3 weeks is unheard of to get it done! And, days before I go out to interview!
Here are the schools I'm interviewing at:
-Challenger Basic in Gilbert. My assistant director at my current school used to teach there and loved it. It's really small, hiring 4th or 5th grade. They already did a phone interview with me, and might have me do a demo-teach hut were vague. They wanted me to come out in February, but I didn't feel good about flying out, so maybe this school isn't a good fit for me?
-Don Mensendick in glendale. I have friends moving to glendale, and I heard it called "Glen-date" in reference to the men, so I applied for a couple schools there. The principal called me and loved that I went to Byu, already taught, and know the common core. It's a 98% Hispanic, title 1, gr 4-8 school, which intimidates me.
-Benjamin Franklin- this is a group of 4 charter schools that are supposed to really good. I know their curriculum, and they sound really friendly via phone or email. The campuses are in Gilbert, mesa, and queen creek.
-Gilbert District- one of my favorite Byu math teachers is named Beth, and her kids currently go to my school. I taught her son last year and I adore the whole fam. She wrote me a great letter of recommendation and called all her teaching contacts for Gilbert district. the former superintendent gave me his cell phone number, then hooked me up with an interview with on of his doctorate students, the hr superintendent. We'll see how that goes. I hear Gilbert is the best district...
-Laveen District- my dear friend Meagan sloop was the other Mormon in my high school. She's amazing, more than bridesmaid material. I'm visiting her, her husband, and 2 kids tomorrow. While planning, I find out her danger-in-law is superintendent at a district. I emailed him, and will meet with him and maybe some of his principals.
-Noah Webster Basic- part of the reason I applied, is bc of the location. The other part is, how cool would that be, if I kept working at a Noah Webster school? That would simplify things...
-Mesa District- my friend/coworker lives in mesa, and I could live with her if I want. It's a screening interview with a principal.
If needed, I might cancel one or both or the last two schools. Why keep setting up first dates if I found one I want to spend more time at? So I'm laying in sheredith's basement, pondering my three days of interviews, and how much heavenly father gas been guiding me and blessing me. Arizona will be so great for me!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sometimes You Get What You Want
Sometimes I get what I want. Oftentimes, it wasn't what I really wanted. Ever since I got my truck in September 2010, I've been getting what I wanted... when it comes to dating. Is there a connection? I'm sure there is. If you can explain it to me, feel free!
I've had an above average amount of serious breakups. In 2010, I was recovering emotionally from my latest heartbreak, and decided I wanted to date to date. I didn't want to date to get married, or date to get into a serious relationship, I wanted to date to date. So I dated Steven off and on for 7 months. We were not exclusive, but we spent a lot of time together. He was a good friend, and we had a lot of fun. We had different priorities than each other, but the fact that he could spend days and days just studying worked for him. I had a lot of balance with work and climbing and spending time with friends. We weren't exclusive that I ever knew of. Some days he would barge into our apartment playing guitar and the harmonica, but other days we would just catch up for 20-30 minutes. He left for a study abroad over Spring term, so we just died out. He ended up getting married 6 months later, but we are still on friendly terms. He's a great guy, and was really good for me.
I wanted more. I wanted the spark, the chemistry, and the desire to stay up all night talking to each other. I found it. We were off and on for three months, and we had the chemistry. We did not have the same standards in the ways I wanted. We are not on very good terms.
I wanted to be treated like a daughter of God. I wanted a guy who was a good friend, and respected me. I ran a 5K obstacle course with friends, and returned to find my car wouldn't start. I couldn't get a hold of any friends right away, so this guy who lived in front of that parking spot showed up and saved me. We exchanged names, he jumped my car, and I drove off. Later that same day, we ran into each other at my apartment's pool. We started going on weekly climbing dates up rock canyon and talking every day. We dated for three months. We went slow, and he was everything I wanted. He's the only guy I've ever brought on a trip with friends, and I don't regret bringing him. He was very respectful, and kind to me. He was there for me during my first month at school, and when my Grandpa passed away. By the end, neither of us were falling in love with each other, and he wasn't being proactive about dating anymore. We broke up but stayed on good terms.
I started wanting a guy who would fight for me. I didn't care if he had the same hobbies as me, I wanted a good guy who would pursue me. The next guy met me, we hit it off, and he started showing up at my apartment every day. He was a good guy, and fun to be around. He commenced to surprise me at work, show up with dinner, drop off flowers, and take me on many dates. It was way fun. He had a problem where he would break up with girls because, "the Spirit told him to" after two weeks. When we hit three weeks, I thought we were safe. He then broke up with me, told me later the Spirit was telling him to get back with me, and then wanted to break up. He kept flip flopping, till I told him I didn't care what the Spirit was telling him, and that I was going to use my agency and choose to not be with him.
I decided having someone crazy about you wasn't enough. I needed a guy I was compatible with. I found him. I had an unintentional Christmas break fling with a really cool guy. We had many mutual friends, and had a lot of fun together. We went too fast though, before we could continue getting to know each other, and he lived in a different town and worked a different schedule. I have nothing bad to say about him, and I think we'll stay good friends. Compatible, non-dating friends.
My story is winding down. I think maybe it's because I didn't fall in love with any of these boys that I had such short buffer periods in between them. Or maybe it's my Ford.
I wanted a guy heading in the "boyfriend" direction. I wanted something that went slow, but was headed toward commmitment. I didn't really care if we become committed, I just wanted to be progressing in that direction. I wanted to date a guy I could brag about, and who didn't have commitment issues. After Christmas break, I became closer and closer with one of my guyfriends from the ward. When he told me he wanted to talk, I thought maybe I was hitting on him too much and he wanted to stick as friends. Turned out we felt the same way about each other, and wanted to keep getting to know on each other. We went on dates and spent time together regularly for two months. It reached the point where I started telling my friends about him. I really liked him, and liked the direction it was going. We communicated through all of our differences, to the point that he asked me to be his girlfriend. By now, I hadn't had a boyfriend in 2.5 years. It's a big deal to me to commit to date exclusively. I had a feeling inside, that made it so I couldn't say yes that night. I think it could have been the Spirit, or fear, but either way I couldn't say yes then. I told him I needed a couple more days.
One week later I went out of town. I left town and we were dating, when I came back he had a girlfriend. Two months changed in two days. Either he must have really, really, REALLY wanted a girlfriend, or I was just played.
I've had an above average amount of serious breakups. In 2010, I was recovering emotionally from my latest heartbreak, and decided I wanted to date to date. I didn't want to date to get married, or date to get into a serious relationship, I wanted to date to date. So I dated Steven off and on for 7 months. We were not exclusive, but we spent a lot of time together. He was a good friend, and we had a lot of fun. We had different priorities than each other, but the fact that he could spend days and days just studying worked for him. I had a lot of balance with work and climbing and spending time with friends. We weren't exclusive that I ever knew of. Some days he would barge into our apartment playing guitar and the harmonica, but other days we would just catch up for 20-30 minutes. He left for a study abroad over Spring term, so we just died out. He ended up getting married 6 months later, but we are still on friendly terms. He's a great guy, and was really good for me.
I wanted more. I wanted the spark, the chemistry, and the desire to stay up all night talking to each other. I found it. We were off and on for three months, and we had the chemistry. We did not have the same standards in the ways I wanted. We are not on very good terms.
I wanted to be treated like a daughter of God. I wanted a guy who was a good friend, and respected me. I ran a 5K obstacle course with friends, and returned to find my car wouldn't start. I couldn't get a hold of any friends right away, so this guy who lived in front of that parking spot showed up and saved me. We exchanged names, he jumped my car, and I drove off. Later that same day, we ran into each other at my apartment's pool. We started going on weekly climbing dates up rock canyon and talking every day. We dated for three months. We went slow, and he was everything I wanted. He's the only guy I've ever brought on a trip with friends, and I don't regret bringing him. He was very respectful, and kind to me. He was there for me during my first month at school, and when my Grandpa passed away. By the end, neither of us were falling in love with each other, and he wasn't being proactive about dating anymore. We broke up but stayed on good terms.
I started wanting a guy who would fight for me. I didn't care if he had the same hobbies as me, I wanted a good guy who would pursue me. The next guy met me, we hit it off, and he started showing up at my apartment every day. He was a good guy, and fun to be around. He commenced to surprise me at work, show up with dinner, drop off flowers, and take me on many dates. It was way fun. He had a problem where he would break up with girls because, "the Spirit told him to" after two weeks. When we hit three weeks, I thought we were safe. He then broke up with me, told me later the Spirit was telling him to get back with me, and then wanted to break up. He kept flip flopping, till I told him I didn't care what the Spirit was telling him, and that I was going to use my agency and choose to not be with him.
I decided having someone crazy about you wasn't enough. I needed a guy I was compatible with. I found him. I had an unintentional Christmas break fling with a really cool guy. We had many mutual friends, and had a lot of fun together. We went too fast though, before we could continue getting to know each other, and he lived in a different town and worked a different schedule. I have nothing bad to say about him, and I think we'll stay good friends. Compatible, non-dating friends.
My story is winding down. I think maybe it's because I didn't fall in love with any of these boys that I had such short buffer periods in between them. Or maybe it's my Ford.
I wanted a guy heading in the "boyfriend" direction. I wanted something that went slow, but was headed toward commmitment. I didn't really care if we become committed, I just wanted to be progressing in that direction. I wanted to date a guy I could brag about, and who didn't have commitment issues. After Christmas break, I became closer and closer with one of my guyfriends from the ward. When he told me he wanted to talk, I thought maybe I was hitting on him too much and he wanted to stick as friends. Turned out we felt the same way about each other, and wanted to keep getting to know on each other. We went on dates and spent time together regularly for two months. It reached the point where I started telling my friends about him. I really liked him, and liked the direction it was going. We communicated through all of our differences, to the point that he asked me to be his girlfriend. By now, I hadn't had a boyfriend in 2.5 years. It's a big deal to me to commit to date exclusively. I had a feeling inside, that made it so I couldn't say yes that night. I think it could have been the Spirit, or fear, but either way I couldn't say yes then. I told him I needed a couple more days.
One week later I went out of town. I left town and we were dating, when I came back he had a girlfriend. Two months changed in two days. Either he must have really, really, REALLY wanted a girlfriend, or I was just played.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Pineapple Upside-down Cake
I've had a few recipe requests, so here is my secret. Don't you dare sell it and make money off of it!
Yellow cake mix
12 pineapple rings
2 cubes butter
2 cups brown sugar
Arrange pineapple rings on greased 9x13 pan. Melt butter, mix in brown sugar, then pour mixture on top of pineapple rings. Mix yellow cake mix with eggs and oil as box directs, substituting water for pineapple juice. Mix well, then pour in the pan. Cook for 5 minutes longer than box directs. After cooking, flip it onto a foil covered baking sheet. Enjoy!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
First time I've used that "New Post" button in a while...
Hi! Remember me? It's your friend/sister Julia. Yes, I still know my password for blogger. No, I was not held hostage by Armenian robots for 11.9 months.
Here are some places and events in my 2011.
Noah Webster Academy
I love my class! As the only returning third grade teacher, I had a lot of awesome parents request to have their awesome kids put in my class. Which means, I have it pretty easy this year. I have no serious behavior problems, and the teachers I work with are irreplaceable! We get to do so many fun things.
The Crestwood was a great home to me for a year. Katie, Kari, & Noelle are pretty amazing, and we were always up to something mischievous.
Centennial Apartments is my new home, and I'm loving it! I'm able to strengthen my 11-year friendship with Hannah. My cousin Garrett is in my ward, and I'm always making new friends. I actually go to all of my ward activities; it is wild!
Moab is my home away from home. Perfect for climbing, canyoneering, swimming, snow activities, cliff jumping, camping, jeeping, etc.
Havasupai is the most beautiful place on the planet. It's a 10 mile hike in, where mail is only delivered by mule, by the Grand Canyon. It's the most clear water, with so much life everywhere. Good friends, good memories.
Vegas was good to me for Valentine's Day and New Years.
Wyoming was a pitstop for our family Christmas trip. We rock at playing games, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
St. George trips are still a regular occurrence. It's where my little sister found her future husband...
Zion could be my favorite place in the world. We did a couple fun canyons there. We also got snowed into a fantastical cabin there at the beginning of the year.
Liberty, Utah is where we spent 4th of July, General Conference Weekend, and Thanksgiving.
My incredible Grandpa Brown passed away in the Fall. He was my Patriarch, Temple Sealer, and one of the funniest people I have ever met. He was healthy most of his life, and outlived his first two wives. However, when his hip broke at a family reunion his health steadily declined. He really missed my Grandma Brown, who had passed away 24 years prior. I was able to visit him often, and held his hand at my Aunt's house the two hours before he died. I left 20 minutes before he stopped breathing, but I think it was better for me to not be there. My family went to California for the cheerful funeral, where we attended Disneyland together and I met my adorable nephew Gray.
I work a lot during the week, but I'm able to go do fun things during weekends and Summer Break, here are a few highlights.
Dressing up for the Spanish Fork Rodeo
Putting on a pudding slip 'n slide with friends
These pictures were found in Salt Lake Tribune. Some friends and I did a 5K Obstacle Course. It involved running, walking, tackling, throwing mud, slip 'n slides, climbing, jumping, backtracking, and rolling. Those 48 minutes were pretty memorable. This is basically what I looked like later that day when my car broke down (Fun fact: I dated teh guy who I met that day and saved me for the next 3 months).
The Manti Temple
Spending a day playing in Spanish Fork
Pottery @ Zach's Studio in Lehi for Labor Day
Harry Potter midnight showing
Festival of Colors (my 3rd year)
Dew Tour with friends
A chocolate Slip 'n slide with friends in Salt Lake
Bocheball @ Special Olympics for my birthday
Climbing with friends on my birthday
4th of July jeeping
Here are some places and events in my 2011.
Noah Webster Academy
I love my class! As the only returning third grade teacher, I had a lot of awesome parents request to have their awesome kids put in my class. Which means, I have it pretty easy this year. I have no serious behavior problems, and the teachers I work with are irreplaceable! We get to do so many fun things.
The Crestwood was a great home to me for a year. Katie, Kari, & Noelle are pretty amazing, and we were always up to something mischievous.
Centennial Apartments is my new home, and I'm loving it! I'm able to strengthen my 11-year friendship with Hannah. My cousin Garrett is in my ward, and I'm always making new friends. I actually go to all of my ward activities; it is wild!
Moab is my home away from home. Perfect for climbing, canyoneering, swimming, snow activities, cliff jumping, camping, jeeping, etc.
Havasupai is the most beautiful place on the planet. It's a 10 mile hike in, where mail is only delivered by mule, by the Grand Canyon. It's the most clear water, with so much life everywhere. Good friends, good memories.
Vegas was good to me for Valentine's Day and New Years.
Wyoming was a pitstop for our family Christmas trip. We rock at playing games, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
St. George trips are still a regular occurrence. It's where my little sister found her future husband...
Zion could be my favorite place in the world. We did a couple fun canyons there. We also got snowed into a fantastical cabin there at the beginning of the year.
Liberty, Utah is where we spent 4th of July, General Conference Weekend, and Thanksgiving.
My incredible Grandpa Brown passed away in the Fall. He was my Patriarch, Temple Sealer, and one of the funniest people I have ever met. He was healthy most of his life, and outlived his first two wives. However, when his hip broke at a family reunion his health steadily declined. He really missed my Grandma Brown, who had passed away 24 years prior. I was able to visit him often, and held his hand at my Aunt's house the two hours before he died. I left 20 minutes before he stopped breathing, but I think it was better for me to not be there. My family went to California for the cheerful funeral, where we attended Disneyland together and I met my adorable nephew Gray.
I work a lot during the week, but I'm able to go do fun things during weekends and Summer Break, here are a few highlights.
Dressing up for the Spanish Fork Rodeo
Putting on a pudding slip 'n slide with friends
These pictures were found in Salt Lake Tribune. Some friends and I did a 5K Obstacle Course. It involved running, walking, tackling, throwing mud, slip 'n slides, climbing, jumping, backtracking, and rolling. Those 48 minutes were pretty memorable. This is basically what I looked like later that day when my car broke down (Fun fact: I dated teh guy who I met that day and saved me for the next 3 months).
The Manti Temple
Spending a day playing in Spanish Fork
Pottery @ Zach's Studio in Lehi for Labor Day
Harry Potter midnight showing
Festival of Colors (my 3rd year)
Dew Tour with friends
A chocolate Slip 'n slide with friends in Salt Lake
Bocheball @ Special Olympics for my birthday
Climbing with friends on my birthday
4th of July jeeping
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