The moment Jamie has been waiting for....

the big news is that I got the job at Penn State! It is a fixed term position for one year, but can be renewed annually. The position involves mainly teaching. I will teach 3 classes (all the same) the first semester and 4 the second (2 different, but one is the same from the prior semester). The classes are hybrid meaning they are taught using online materials and in class sessions. Each class meets for about 1.5 hours weekly. The classes are taught to undergrads in education (non special education majors - PE ed, art ed, gen ed, music ed, secondary ed, etc.). The grading and prep time are pretty intense, but it will be better than teaching 3 different classes with 2.5 hour lengths each (which is what I did last semester, among other things). Pay is great, and we are happy to stay put for a while. Only major drawbacks for this job are:

a) It is not a tenure line position. Less pressure, but also less security.

b) It isn't a research position. All research I want to do would be in addition to this position, so I will probably do less of it.

I see this as something I will do for a few years, but time will tell.

Right now I have to get back to work, I have a lot to get done before August 1!

flexible carrots

C came home from preschool today with some "flexible carrots" (those were her words which are pretty accurate if you ask me). Apparently they were on her lunch tray. I am thinking that the lunch ladies need a little help with knowing when produce is fresh. I am not volunteering to tell them!

Did get me thinking though. First off C is getting too big! How does that happen? I mean really who puts the word flexible in front of carrot. That is just too smart and I can't believe she isn't little anymore - really a girl now, and a SASSY one.

Next, sometimes I am a little like a fresh carrot. A good way to be if you are a carrot, but not necessarily good for humans who need to endure a lot of different things and be "flexible." I have been trying to roll with the punches recently and it has been rough on me and emotional. I mean I should be able to relax and just let things happen occasionally, but often I get too anxious and frustrated to do that. Today I got some good news that I will gladly share in a week or so and it makes me feel SO happy! You know, actually the waiting part was good for me - and I am shocked I am even able to say that.

For all you planners

Anyone who knows me well knows I love to make plans, love to follow plans, and don't really like my plans to be adjusted by someone else (if I choose to to change them though that is ok). So it kinda stinks that I was supposed to travel yesterday and get to a conference (where I am presenting), but I am still stuck in an airport and don't know if I will make my presentation on time. I am sure no one likes this scenario, but it is especially annoying to me. However, I think I am doing well. I slept under one of those tin foil blankets (they are noisy, but warm), I haven't cried or yelled at anyone, and if I miss my presentation - I will deal. The thing that stinks the most is they forced me to check my carry on bag last night and then the flight was cancelled after sitting in the plane for 1.5 hours. This is exactly why I take carry on - so I have my stuff, but now I don't know if I will have my clothes when I get there. I am wearing jeans - not really good for presenting. Hum, so maybe I need to shop now?? I guess there are worse things to be forced to do.

What can you get for $1.75?

Apparently this:

Saturday was half off day at my favorite thrift store, so I went in for a quick look between C's gymnastic lessons, and H's swim lessons. I saw these never worn (at least not that I could tell) Aerosole

beauties...and they were my size. I swear I must have a shoe fairy! Here is my last shoe find at this same thrift store:

These Privo's (by Clark) were also near new but not half price, so I paid $3.50. The resale on these puppies (which I had actually admired online only months before I found this pair) are $70!

We also found a chair for H at another thrift store for $9.

It will go with his new desk J built in the nook of his room. H was very excited. A great day for thrifting!

Christmas - a couple weeks late

Christmas was mellow this year, which was just what I needed after a wild semester. H got a monster RC, books, cars, etc. C got polly pockets, a booster seat, and lots of princess things (stickers, books, etc). This year we made a dinner from Switzerland (well J made it - I made the dessert.

hair

Both H & C got haircuts just before the new year. They both look cute, but I haven't taken photos yet. J also got a haircut and shaved off some of his beard that he grew. This is what was left:

To be fair I told him to do it, and I actually think he rocks the look. Others think he looks like Yosemite Sam, a walrus, or a 70s adult film star. All of those comparisons made me laugh. I think he looks like a guy who needs a ranch and boots. Sorry if you are already attached to the look though, he plans on removing the 'stache tomorrow.

What's your nightmare?

This was the conversation of the kids on the way to church (or what I can remember):

C: "Hey mom, I had a great dream last night with polly pockets, my little pony, Dora, and Emma and Rilee (neighbor girls)."

H: "If I had polly pocket in my dream it would be a nightmare!"

J & I were laughing so hard and J was very proud of his son!