No News Yet!

Well, I haven’t heard anything back from the job I interviewed for. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

Must Love Dogs???

This weekend I watched (you guessed it) Must Love Dogs starring  Diane Lane & John Cusack. I won’t bore you with the particulars. The part that I want to blog about is when Diane Lane & John’s characters finally go out on a date & he asks her what her story is.

“What do you mean?,” she asks.

He tells her that people are brutally honest when they first meet each other. The problem begins once you’ve been together for awhile, when you get bogged down with the minutiae of everyday life, resentments & water under the bridge. So, he tells her his story, but she doesn’t really tell him hers. She holds back a little. Maybe she forgot they were in the beginning where she could be completely honest! ;D

Well, that’s my point today. I have so many questions in my head dealing with John Cusack’s statement. I’ve found that I have a hard time getting to the heart of things with people I’ve known for a long time. I can no longer be brutally honest. I don’t know how to conquer this problem. I feel like I’m going backwards sometimes. I’m having problems with a long-standing relationship because of this. I know I’ll get past this. I’m looking forward to it!

HERE’S TO 2010!

If At First You Don’t Succeed…

I’ve been working very hard trying to learn bookbinding. Trying is the key word. I’m afraid I am not having much success. Every time I think I’ve gotten a technique down, I screw something up the next time I try to do it. I am so frustrated right now. I’m even more frustrated because I was trying to teach Phillise as I’m learning. It is so hard to teach a hotheaded child something. Hmmm…I wonder where she got that from?

I’m not sure if I want to teach her anymore. It frustrates me and her. I think I’ll just pay for someone else to teach her. The problem began when I was trying to show her how to make a simple origami box that did not seem to want to cooperate. I was getting frustrated and needed some time to calm down. It certainly didn’t help that she was frustrated & tried to run off at the mouth. I told her that sometimes you need to start from scratch. By this time she was almost in tears, but I made her go through the process anyway while I tried to throw a little wisdom in there.  Although I didn’t, I wanted to, we continued.

Moral of the story? I’m still not sure. I’m thinking that it’s if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. But that will only bring her to tears. I’m also thinking that I need to continue working with my daughter, ignore the big crocodile tears & march on. It could also be…

I don’t know. I’m tired & need to calm down. Maybe I need to make a lesson plan before I attempt this again.

A Lazy Saturday!

Today was a lazy Saturday. I was disappointed because I’d planned to go to Souplantation for breakfast. Unfortunately they only serve breakfast on Sundays. I didn’t get a chance to eat that great Souplantation breakfast buffet, but this is what I learned this morning:

1.) It’s okay to change your mind sometimes,

2.) A message on Facebook told me that I see things as I am, not as they are. I immediately agreed that it was true. It’s like I have some type of blockage all around me. I keep trying to deal with this particular issue of mine, but cannot seem to get past a certain point. Even though it’s tough, I will continue on,

3.) I can control my emotions and not let my emotions control me,

4.) Last, but not least, family is so important.

Maybe today wasn’t such a lazy day after all.

HERE’S TO 2010!

A Moment of Silence…(or Another One Bites the Dust)?

As you should be able to tell by my crazy title I could not decide what the title of this post should be, but bear with me and, as usual I will explain.  You see I’m very frugal when it comes to buying phones. I do not believe in spending a couple hundred dollars for a phone. Why? I have the biggest trouble with phones. If I’m not dropping them in water, I’m losing them. That’s exactly what happened to my last phone. I dropped it in water. So, I have been without a phone for a little over a week now. But, it doesn’t bother me. Not having a phone has actually allowed me a few moments of silence. I have been able to be alone with myself & my thoughts. It’s badly needed. Sometimes the ties that bind, really bind. You know what, it’s not so bad to be alone with yourself & your thoughts!

HERE’S TO 2010!

The Perfect Reply…

I was just thinking about a scene from You’ve Got Mail where Meg Ryan wishes she could have the perfect reply. She’s always at a loss for words when it comes to telling someone what she really thinks when she’s in an argument with them. Well, the time comes & she does have the perfect reply. The only thing is that she regrets it the instant she says it.

Have you ever had that happen to you? Well, I had it happen to me & it was just like Meg Ryan’s moment of epiphany. I felt no satisfaction. In fact, it was the exact opposite. I felt so terrible afterwards. I apologized, but that’s the funny thing about words- once they’re said, they’re said. I guess the perfect reply really isn’t a perfect reply after all.

HERE’S TO 2010!

It Went Well!

Well, my interview went well. To top it all off, the Principal is currently a doctoral student @ LMU, so we had something in common to chat about. That’s a good sign.

I really am very good at interviews. I look forward to them & kinda’ like ‘em. My husband thinks I’m crazy for saying that because he hates job interviews. But, if you think about it, it is such an ego boost. The interview is all about you. The interviewer wants to hear what you’re good at, what you’ve accomplished, what you feel is your best asset. This is your time to brag about yourself. How cool is that?

I felt fantastic after leaving the interview. Even if nothing comes of this, at least I got an interview. I’m happy they even considered me. If I get it, fine. If not, fine. Only time will tell. We’ll see how things go.

HERE’S TO 2010!

Today’s the Day!

Well, today’s the day. I have an interview today. Originally it was @ 10:30, but has been rescheduled for 12 noon. I am going to sell myself to the panel, individual interviewer or whoever is interviewing me. I am going to get there early & rehearse my answers. Wish me luck dear readers!

HERE’S TO 2010!

Book Review

I haven’t posted a book review in quite some time. I’ve been reading so much lately. I am actually reading three books in three different series. I am currently reading:

1.- The 39 Clues by Rick Riordan

2.-The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

3.-The Name of this Book is ? by Pseudonymous Bosch

I’ve already finished The 39 Clues & The Name of this Book is Secret. I love all of them. If I had to choose between the three series, I honestly don’t know which one I would choose. I’m also reviewing a book for someone that I will post soon. So, give me a couple of days and I will post one of them or maybe all of them in a couple of days.

HERE’S TO 2010!

Looking Forward to Tomorrow!

My interview is tomorrow. I am eagerly & happily looking forward to it. I don’t know how it’s going to work out, but I am ever hopeful! If all goes well, I will have something about special ed to post on here again. I would like to do that.

I Got An Interview!

Well, it looks like all of my hard work has paid off. I finally got an interview. Believe me when I say that I am going to sell myself. I said that all I needed was an interview & the rest would work itself out. Now’s my chance to prove that. Dear reader, I will let you know how it goes. So, I am happily anticipating Tuesday.

HERE’S TO 2010!

Doing The Damn Thing!

Yep, I’ve been on the hunt seriously. I’ve been applying to about 4-6 jobs/day. Some job I’ve applied for more than once. I’m going to make them call me back, dammit! No, I’m just kidding. But, if a 3rd application makes them consider my application, I’ll do it all day long. So, until next time people!

HERE’S TO 2010!

What Should I Do?

I have a problem, dear readers. A relative of mine who I’ve written about before has struck again. This time in the form of sticky fingers. She stole my husband’s MP3 player. It wasn’t an I-pod, so it wasn’t outrageously expensive, but that’s not the point. The point is that her mother knew the child had an electronic device she didn’t purchase herself. So, she took the MP3 player from the child & “put it away” instead of trying to find out who it belongs to. This was only yesterday that we found out. My daughter saw it and told us that it was intact. Yet, once we tried to reclaim it today, it is mysteriously broken.

My husband is so non-confrontational. He’s not saying what he wants to do about it. So, you know what, I’m not saying anything either because I always come out the bad guy. The point of this post?

I’d like to know what you, my dear readers, would do? Would you ask that said family cough up the MP3 player or pay for it? Or would you just let it go?

I swear. You try to “fix” the kid & then you have to deal with the parent. What is this world coming to?

Back to the Grind!

Yes, I’m back to the grind! Well, sort of. I’m trying to get back to the grind. I NEED A JOB!!! I’ve been sending out about 10-15 resumes per day, but there’s only so many places I can apply to. I’ve started applying for jobs related to teaching. I’m not giving up, I’m being realistic. I do believe that teaching is my calling but I have to get up and move. If I get a job teaching, I will be ecstatic. However, if I don’t, I will survive. Life goes on!

HERE’S TO 2010!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHILLISE!

Today is my baby’s 8th birthday. It happened so quickly.

We had a party yesterday. It was a dress-up party with her cousins- 6 girls, 4 hours. I’d say that’s the ticket. We played dress-up, decorated gigantic cupcakes, and made cute little wire-bound journals. Phillise wanted Tinkerbell decorations, the other girls had the princesses.

For her birthday, I bought her the current Fancy Nancy book- Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas & the newest Junie B. Jones book- Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide To School. She was pretty happy. All in all, it was a great day. she got to play with her cousins and she got the gifts she wanted. The girls who came made out like bandits. They were sent home with the first Fancy Nancy book & some other goodies.

Here are pictures of the girls having fun. Enjoy!

HERE’S TO 2010!

Getting Ready for Phillise’s Party!

Well, tomorrow is Phillise’s 8th birthday. We are having a Fancy Nancy party just like we did last year. Last year tired me out. I am getting tired just thinking about it right now.

HANDBOOK 2010

Health:
1.       Drink plenty of water.
2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4.       Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5.       Make time to pray.
6.       Play more games
7.       Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9.       Sleep for 7 hours.
10.    Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11.    Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12.    Don’t have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13.    Don’t over do. Keep your limits.
14.    Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15.    Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.
16.    Dream more while you are awake
17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18.    Forget issues of the past. Don’t remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don’t hate others.
20.    Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23.    Smile and laugh more.
24.    You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree…

Society:
25.    Call your family often.
26.    Each day give something good to others.
27.    Forgive everyone for everything..
28.    Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of  6.
29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.
31.    Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32.    Do the right thing!
33.    Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
34.    GOD heals everything.
35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37.    The best is yet to come..
38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40.    Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.

Handbook for 2010

Such a Huge Family!

One thing about my life that I like & dislike at the same time is my huge extended family. That comes with a bunch of problems, but more importantly, it comes with a lot of births. I was adding up the number of babies in my family that were born since I last saw my nephew, Wesley, 3 years ago. The number I came up with was 15. Can you believe that? 15 babies born in the last 3 years.

Here they are:

Joseph (3), Michaelin (3), Michaun (2), Khai (1), Zareeah (2), Moriah (2), Dawn (9 months), Markeith (2), Markeila (4 months), Kameron (2), Stephen (1), Caesar (3), Nayla (2), Sariya (3), & Chloe (4 months).

Already Off to a Good Start!

Well, I went to church today with my family. While there, I was invited to Community Building @ the church tomorrow. It’s an exercise class. See, two of my goals are already off to a good start.

Here’s to 2010!

Starting the New Year Off Without a Bang!

Well, sort of. I picked my oldest son, Sam, up from work last night because he had to work until 11:30 p.m. I didn’t want my son having to worry about all the “bangs” going on around him. I was really worried about him catching the bus that late at night on New Year’s Eve. We got home @ 11:55. I called my other children to meet me in the living room & we rang in the New Year together.

Here’s to family! Here’s to 2010!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As the title says, HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. I just know this year is going to be a better year than last. I’m know it. I am so looking forward to it. Here’s to 2010!

Just One More Day!

Well, it’s almost over. There is only one more day left in 2009. Believe me when I say I won’t be sad to see it leave. I’ve had a terrible, terrible year. I actually think this has been one of the hardest years of my life. I am emotionally drained. Thankfully, because of all of the adversity, I’ve had time to think and collect my thoughts. I am now ready to face the new year.

Here’s to 2010!

New Interest, Part 2!

Well, in addition to “playing with” my new machines, I have been learning about traditional bookbinding. I’ve made little accordion books, a couple of journals, and am just reeling from my new found knowledge. It feels so good to learn something new & useful. I’ve been teaching Phillise how to do it. Today, I’m going to teach Dakota & David.

Here’s to learning new things!

New Year, New Interests!

I have been a busy beaver lately. It all started when my husband bought me the YOURSTORY by Provocraft for Christmas. When he was getting it for me, I told him that I needed to learn to use what I had before I bought something new. So, we put off buying the new machine until I learned to use my “old” machine, The Zutter bookbinding system.  It is the tiniest machine (only 2 lbs.), but is so versatile. It makes O-wire bound books up to 12 x 12.  I watched a bunch of tutorials on Youtube & learned how to use it. Since then I have been a book making machine. I’ve made a bunch of Christmas themed books that my sisters & I are going to fill up with pictures & exchange with one another. I guess that’s taken the place of this blog. I can do both though. So, I am officially returning to my post-a-holic self.

Here’s to 2010!

On my way out!

I have been absent from my blog a lot lately. Actually, this is the longest I’ve gone without writing since I started this blog 2 1/2 years ago. I’ve been going through a whoooooole lot of personal issues. I’ve been very depressed. It’s been my toughest battle.  I’ve had many small, medium, large & extra-large setbacks in the past couple of months. This is nothing new though. I’ve been battling depression since I was a teen-ager; for over two decades now. I always knew that I’d beat it, though. No matter how bad it got, I knew that somehow I’d pull through. Not this time though.  As I stated earlier, this one, however, was a particularly nasty battle. I felt like I was battling for my very sanity. It was very bad. But, I snapped out it. I had to. I prayed, I cried, I pleaded. I did what I needed to do to win this battle. I really did not think I was going to make it out. I really didn’t. But, you know what…I did! I’m writing about it. You’re reading about it.

I knew there was a testimony in it. SOMEWHERE! I still don’t know where I’m going to end up, but I do see my way out.

Getting Your Hopes Up, Just to Get Let Down Again!

I spoke with someone in the Beaudry Bldg. who suggested that I speak with the Director of Human Resources. He said he might be able to help me. Well, I called him and BLAM!#%, shot down again. The only advice he had for me was to call U.T.L.A.

THE PROBLEM- U.T.L.A. didn’t help me when I did work for L.A.U.S.D. and they were getting dues. They’re not getting any dues now. Do you really think they’re going to help me now? I don’t think so!

Everything’s Gonna Be Alright Now!

It’s Gonna’ to Be Alright! As I am sitting on my big fluffy, overstuffed sectional sofa, a feeling of calm suddenly came over me. Everything’s going to be alright. Although I don’t see any evidence of it yet, I know it will.

One of L.A.’s Best (& cheapest) Bookstores

If you’ve been reading my blog for any amount of time, you know that I am a bargain hunter. This combined with my love of books makes me one happy camper if I find the two together. Well, imagine how happy I was when I found this store a couple years ago. I don’t know why I haven’t shared information about this wonderful bookstore before, but I’m sharing it now. It has the greatest prices. I have to warn you that it’s not the prettiest place. It’s a warehouse. There are absolutely no frills. The books are definitely the stars of the show. But do you really care if you can purchase a recently published book for less than half price? I don’t.

This is what I bought last night:

Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera ($8.00) retail price= $16.99

Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco ($5.00) retail price= $16.99

Rotten Richie and the Ultimate Dare by Patricia Polacco ($8.50) retail price= $16.00

Boy, even with the 9.75% sales tax, I still only paid a grand total of $23.60 for all three hardcover books. That’s less than 1/2 price. I love it, love it, love it!

Here’s the address:

D.W. Pages (Formerly Crown Books Liquidation Center)

8655 Sepulveda Blvd.

Los  Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 568-9553

Thanksgiving Dinner!

Okay, I got my rant out earlier, now I can move on. In spite of everything, I had a great time. If I could just foot the whole bill and/or cater it for the day, things would be just fine. But, I digress.

Of course, since I did almost all the cooking, the food was spectacular, amazing, & whatever great adjective you can think of. This is the menu:

*Honeybaked Ham, *Honeybaked roasted turkey, baked Turkey, sweet potato cheesecake, pistachio cake, yellow cake with cream cheese icing, yellow cake with chocolate icing, strawberry cake, *red velvet cake, 20 lbs. of homemade mashed potatoes, homemade & store bought gravy, *green bean casserole, *greens, homemade dressing, sweet potato casserole, *black eyed peas, *mac n’ cheese, *scalloped potatoes, peach cobbler, sweet potato pies, *whole candied cranberries, jellied cranberry sauce.

Yes, we ate gooooooooooooood! As I write this, there’s half a sweet potato cheesecake and 1/4 of a red velvet cake in the fridge calling my name. My husband & children are soooooooo happy.

* Didn’t make it *

New Family Wanted

Yes, dear readers, this is my rant for the month. I am so tired of my family’s antics. Most of them are so cheap. So, instead of running the risk of getting into a family feud with everyone picking sides, I will just do what I do best- blog about it.

Wanted:

New family members to replace old family members. Must:

1.) enjoy participating in family functions,

2.) being on time.

3.) participate in potluck. If you say you’re going to bring it, then bring it.

4.) have everyone’s best interest @ heart.

5. know that Thanksgiving is not Takesgiving, where you arrive a couple hours late and load up on food that you did NOT bring.

Always remember- Absolutely NO sabotage is allowed.

If you are interested in replacing any old family members, you can reach me @ savemysanity.com. THAT MY DEAR READER is my rant for the month.

Thank you so much and do have a nice day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Eat your ham, turkey, greens, dressing, sweet potato pies, cakes, etc. Just remember to wear loose pants or pants or skirts with elastic waistbands.

Lakeshore After Thanksgiving (Black Friday) Sale!

Present this coupon at time of purchase.

©Lakeshore	coupon code: 39259
Offer valid November 27-28, 2009. Valid on in-store purchases only. Limit one coupon and one bag per customer. 20% discount taken off lowest ticketed price. Excludes tax & shipping charges. Not valid on Super Deals or gift cards. Valid on in-stock items only. No ship-to or special orders. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers, prior purchases, or sale items. No cash value. Must present coupon at time of purchase.

Much Needed Validation!

Hello dear readers. As you know, I’ve been having a hard time lately and have been feeling a wee bit sorry for myself. I have been thinking about ditching teaching and getting another type of job altogether. I was thinking that I was not meant to teach. You know, I’ve had so much trouble and all. However, all of that changed when I “worked” @ a daycare center yesterday & today to fulfill my community service obligation for that alleged $20 cell phone ticket that’s actually $242 once you tack on fees & penalties. I felt really good because I know that I still have it. I really am meant to be a teacher. I knew it in my heart but was having serious doubts as of late.

Well, yesterday I got that much needed validation. One of the teachers @ the center asked me if I worked with kids. I told her that I taught special ed. @ the elementary level.

She told me that I was a natural. She also told me she knew that I thrived on the challenge. Boy she read me like a book. I appreciated it though. I was feeling down, but not so much anymore. I feel really great that I got some much needed validation!

Mission Impossible Assignment: #4 (Hold on!)

Dear readers, this post is totally not like the other Mission Impossible Assignment of Holding On. I was positive then. Right now, that is not the case. Yes, this theme is becoming redundant. I am in the dumps. I have been fighting it, but so far, it’s winning. It’s so bad, I don’t even want to get my hair done or shop. I know, oh Horror! I’m so tired. I thought my life was getting better. I’m not saying the problem I have hanging over my head is bigger than God, but I just don’t see how things are going to work out. Not only am I stopped from getting a job in L.A.U.S.D., but it’s hurting my chances at getting a job in other districts. You see this is all because of my ex-boss who blacklisted me.  She had no reason to do what she did. Initially I was questioning God and why he would let this happen. But this has nothing to do with God.

But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that KARMA is a bitch. She will get hers but good. You know what, I’m going to see it. When my husband got rudely fired from his job with no explanation, we were shocked. We didn’t understand. He was fantastic at his job. He actually, literally gave his company a million dollar idea and got no absolutely no compensation. NONE. So, we were very shocked when he was fired and blacklisted. We found out the reason why. It took about a year, but we found out the reason why. The CFO was embezzling money- to the tune of $250,000. He thought my husband knew. But he didn’t. He fired Phillip to cover his own ass. The good part in all of this is that my husband was totally vindicated. Dookie, as I like to call him, fired Phillip by sending a messenger on Sunday telling him not to come in with no explanation. However, Dookie was escorted out of the lobby on a crowded day while handcuffed by the police. KARMA catching up to him? You bet. I would like to say I took the high road and didn’t take any glory in his displeasure, but I’d be lying. I was jumping around, doing cartwheels, & laughing at the top of my lungs. That bastard got his and so will ???.

Never Would Have Made it by Marvin Sapp

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Happy Veteran’s Day to all the former, current, & future veterans. Thanks for all you’ve done!

Lakeshore 15% Off Coupon!

Present this coupon at time of purchase.

©Lakeshore	coupon code: 1631
Offer valid 11/14/09 – 11/15/09. Valid on in-store purchases only. Limit one coupon per customer. Offer excludes sales tax & shipping charges. Valid on in-stock items only. No ship-to or special orders. Not to be used toward the purchase of gift cards or in conjunction with any other offers, prior purchases, or sale items. Limit one item per coupon per transaction. No cash value. Must present coupon at time of purchase.

Happy Anniversary Sesame Street!

Happy Anniversary Sesame Street! The 40th to be exact. Can you believe it? It’s older than I am. I remember watching it when i was a child. All of my children watched it, now younger members of my family watch it. It truly transcends generations.

Happy Birthday David!

Today is my baby David’s 12th birthday. He is such a great kid. I love him so much.

Happy 12th Birthday David! Here’s to many more.

I Don’t Like to Read! by Nancy Carlson

I Don’t Like to Read!, written & illustrated by Nancy Carlson, is a book that I’ve book looking for. I am always on the lookout for amazing books; especially ones that deal with slow learners or those with learning disabilities. This book, my latest purchase, deals with slow learners. The hero of the book is a little boy named Henry. He’s now in first grade and he’s learning lots of new things. But there was one thing Henry did not like about first grade…READING!

This is a really good part. I know a lot of slow learners or special education students will really empathize & identify with Henry. He feels so left out. When his teacher Mr. McCarthy asks who wants to read, everyone volunteers. Everyone, that is, except Henry. Henry never volunteers to read. HE.HATES.READING!

“Reading is boring!” he said.

No matter what, whenever Henry was asked to read (@ school or @ home), he said, “No. I don’t like to read! It’s dumb!”

His teacher, being the wise soul that he is, asks Henry why he doesn’t like to read. Henry responds, “Because all the words and letters just don’t make any sense!” cried Henry. His teacher tells him that it’s okay, that everyone learns to read in their own way and that with a little extra help, he’d be reading soon. Henry still wasn’t so sure about that. But he started getting extra help with his reading at school.

Pretty soon letters and words around him started to make sense. (The book shows him reading another Nancy Carlson book, “I Like Me”.)

The pivotal part of the story happens when his babysitter is reading a brand-new book to him and his little brother. Just as she gets to the best part, her friend calls and won’t stop talking. What is Henry going to do? He really wants to know how the story turns out. Not to mention the fact that his little brother is begging him to finish it also. What do you think Henry does?

I guess you’re going to have to read it to rind out. As always, check it out @ your local library or bookstore. You’ll like it. I highly recommend it.

*** I had Phillise read this book and was quite surprised by her response. She said she felt the same way when she was beginning to read. We used to work on Starfall.com together. She told me she hated it. I didn’t know that she felt that way. I thought she loved it. I would never have thought my little read-a-holic felt that way. This lets me know that I really need to write my own book. Once again, go out and get this book.***

God Always Has a Plan B! Part 2

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for his namesake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me… Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Psalm 23

When I was in church a couple of weeks, the preacher, Caleb, spoke on this very scripture. Imagine my surprise at finding myself in the very situation of being in the valley of the Shadow of death just a couple weeks later. When the preacher spoke on this, I simply thought this was a great sermon. I liked it but only had a small personal connection to it. Now that I feel I’m in the valley of the shadow of death, I feel the connection to this sermon even more.

This is how I feel right now. I feel like I’m not really living life. I feel like I’m being tortured. My life has been really hard for the past couple of years. If I’m not experiencing financial hardship, then I’m experiencing emotional hardship. It always one bad thing or another. Murphy’s law- If it could go wrong, believe me when I say that it has gone wrong.

I’m extremely disappointed in my early warning “system”. Usually I can feel when something is going to happen- good or bad. I’ll have an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don’t know why, but it didn’t happen this time. I feel sideswiped. Because I was so taken by surprise, I am having a hard time recovering. When something happens to me, I like to withdraw to my little cave. I’ve been told that I’m like a man in that  respect. But, I digress.

I am so distraught. I feel like nothing has been going my way for a couple of years now. I thought things were different. I thought my life was going to get better, but it’s just one trial after another. I really feel like giving up. I don’t feel like I’m living life, I feel like I’m being tortured. I know. I know. I know life is not fair, but life sucks. It sucks so bad. I know this is going to pass. It always does. It’s just what happens in the meantime. All the hell I have to go through as I go through the valley of the shadow of death. But, I will prevail. I know that God is with during this travail through the valley of the shadow of death. I’d just like to know when is it going to end?

God Always Has a Plan B!

Ok, so I’ve been screwed over, but I don’t have time to stop or worry about that now, I still need a job. I am going with Plan B. I will begin applying @ Charter schools & private schools. I don’t have a choice. I know I will make a difference no matter where I go, so onward I march.

Guest bloggers needed!

Although I get a significant amount of hits, I know that I’m not one of the most popular blogs out there. That being said, I would like put out a feeler for guest bloggers who teach elementary special education. I am not in the classroom right now and cannot bring the latest information to you, so I would like to connect with someone who is. I would love someone who teaches SRA’s Open Court to multiple grade levels. Voyager is a perfect, if you teach that. Contact me if you can help me out. My e-mail address is specialedandme@gmail.com

Wow! Some People Never Cease to Amaze Me!

Wow, dear readers, you are not going to believe this. I received an e-mail today saying there was a problem in regard to further employment with L.A.U.S.D., so I called and found out that my former principal blackballed me. It’s not really a surprise. She really was a piece of work, but I am pissed nonetheless. Now, because of that,  I have to find employment in another district or private school for two years before I can work for L.A.U.S.D. again.

Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. I’ve always said there are other districts, but to have it happen this way is so fucking heartbreaking. I am so upset right now. If I saw that woman right now, I don’t know what I’d do.

Now that I’m thinking about it, that’s probably why I didn’t get that job in Palos Verdes. ISN’T THAT SOMETHING! I am so totally fucking discouraged. I really feel like giving up. I’m at a crossroad right now. Should I quit or keep going and try to find a job elsewhere? If that’s even possible. Maybe it’s not meant for me to teach. After all, it’s been a lot of hard work and hassle. As usual, I will see where life takes me. I swear, if I didn’t have four children to think about, I would just end it all. I am so tired of having a shitty life. Just when I thought my life was going to get better, I see that I was wrong. Oh well, that’s the way the cookie crumbles!

SOME PEOPLE NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME!

Anxiously Awaiting News!

I contacted L.A.U.S.D. regarding the available positions and am awaiting news. I’m very hopeful though. Here’s hoping!

I Got the List!!!

Yes, dear readers, I am so happy. I have acquired that once oh-so-elusive list of teaching vacancies. Here’s hoping for the best!

A Message So True!

I love these messages from Facebook. This is the one I got the other day.

You are not your wallet, your job, your kids, your house.

You are not your activities or your worries or the labels other people give you.

Like an actor you play these roles, and like a good actor you sometimes forget who you really are.

Time to wake up now, and remember that you are a being of immense power and breathtaking beauty created in the image of God.

Happy Daylight Savings!

Yes, dear readers, I hope everyone put their clocks back last night. I am so happy that now until April, we are the proud recipients of an extra hour of sleep each day. Yippee!!!

Halloween by Jerry Seinfeld

Since today is Halloween, I decided to review a book about Halloween, called Halloween (2003). This book is hilarious. Of course it is. It’s by none other than Jerry Seinfeld. He perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween. He begins the books by saying… When you’re a kid you can eat amazing amounts of food. All I ate when I was a kid was candy. Just candy, candy, candy. And the only really clear thought I had as a kid was get candy.

In the grocery store. In the mini-mart. At his grandparent’s house. Looking out the window. Alllllllll the time. That’s all he thought about was how to get his next fix of candy. So, imagine his glee over discovering Halloween where, for a whole night, people just give it away. His young mind couldn’t process that. Are you serious? They’re just giving it away. The fools!!!!

The first couple of years he made his own costumes. A ghost one year. A hobo the next. However, those were just the beginning. He was in training for the real thing- Superman. One day he was going to get the real Superman Halloween costume from the store. You know the one…The cardboard box….the cellophane top…mask included in the set.

He then reminisces about the rubber band on back of the mask…that broke almost as soon as you put it on. Then you had to get your friends to wait up as you tried to fix it. “Because”, he says, “when you’re little, your whole life is up. You want to grow up. Everything is up!

Wait UP! Hold UP! Shut UP! Mom, I’ll clean UP! Just let me stay UP!

So, the day finally comes when he convinces his parents to buy him an official Superman Halloween-store costume. Well, what do you think happened? Did it fit just the way he wanted it to? Did he get all the candy he wanted? I guess you’re going to have to read it and find out for yourself. You’ll like it. It’s too cute! As always, pick it up at your local library or bookstore.

***P.S. This comes with an audio CD, which is a live performance of the book. As I thought. As I was talking to Phillip, I thought about how this book read like a classic Seinfeld script. I listened to the CD and my suspicions were confirmed.***

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween everyone. Have fun, but above all, be safe!