Thursday, September 24, 2009

Bizzy as I Wanna Bee ...

Those of you who know me well have probably seen my kitchen -- decorated in bees. The title of this blog would make a nice framed addition to my decor. And it's the truth. At the moment I'm as busy as I want to be.

Here's a summary:

In the last 2 weeks I'll have substituted 9 out of 10 days. Seven of those days were in a 6th grade classroom where I had just one day's worth of lesson plans (kind of) and had to forage through classroom supplies and pick the brain of the level II observer to figure out what to do for the rest of the time. It's been a lot of work, but the students have been great! (But I'll be glad to have a week off next week.)

I'll start an on-line course through UEN (Utah Educator's Network). I'll use the credit from it and two other on-line classes this fall to get my teaching certificate current. (Along with substitute teaching and past PTA volunteer work.)

Right now I'm not sure if I'll apply to teach full-time next year. The last two weeks have shown me that teaching school really is WORK. I'm bushed by the end of the day, and boy do I sleep well. (So tired!)

Well, must go. I need to pick up my youngest at ice skating lesson.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Substitute Teaching Report (very short)

This week I'll be substituting 4 out of 5 days. Two were at an elementary school (5th grade classes) and the rest will be Thurs./Fri and thru most of next week in a 6th grade language arts and social studies class at a middle school.

All of this means that my blogging is suffering. And will continue to suffer.

So far subbing is good. The kids are respectful and even funny and endearing (a vocabulary word in 5th grade this week). I'm a bit tired at the end of the day, but not too tired to enjoy time at home. (I think I appreciate home more after being away most of the day.)

I like working. Which should come as no surprise. Technically I began working as a babysitter when I was 11 and picked berries during the summer when I was 14. When I was 16 I began working at a local lumber store -- even during the school year. I worked there until after my first year of college. After taking a year off from employment (but not school), I worked at a grocery store right up until I had my first baby. (If not for those jobs, I'd have very little Social Security accumulated.)

Normally fall is a rough time for my mental health, but not this year. It's got to be the job. Maybe having plenty to do (home/kids/yard/subbing) utilizes more of my brain cells and keeps me on my toes.

Whatever it is, I like it. And will keep doing it as long as it's working for me and my family. I'm thinking about getting my teaching certificate current. It will mean $10 more a day when subbing. Plus, if I like this subbing thing, I may entertain teaching for real. Who knows?

Cashew later.

-- Christie

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

In which I survive hiking the Wellsvilles...

I did it!

This past Saturday Hubby, my friend K'leis and I left before 6 AM to conquer the Wellsville Mountains via Deep Canyon. By the time we turned up 300 North in Mendon and got to the trailhead it was barely light (6:25 AM), but we began our climb anyway.

I took it slow, taking many breaks, but finally reached the summit just before 10 AM. What a rush!

I'll save all the details for my write-up in the Herald Journal on Tuesday, September 15th. (Don't worry if you don't get the paper. I'll post it here shortly after the 15th.)

Whew! I did it. And my newspaper writing stint is all but over. Just in time for my new career as a substitute teacher.