Peggy, you sure have come a long way...

I really do not know how I passed the sixth grade. Really. I was a terrible student, akward, the family life was really bad. I was also terrible in math. I mean it. I had no idea what I was doing - and thus, I took it out on my math teacher. This finally came to a point where I literally told him to go to H-E Double hockey sticks. I know, I can hear the gasps as i write. Now, take that history and fast forward to this week. I was substituting for a sixth grade class, which required that I taught sixth grade math. Me. Miss I hate math for all eternity! So, goes to show - if you put your mind to something - miracles can happen. And, I am smart - which is something I did not know back then.:)

Job Status

Let's see. I am totally jealous of all of my friends who have teaching jobs right now. As I search the job postings, the more desperate I become. I honestly would love to stay here in Utah... but as I look at the non existent job listings, I search further and further away. Or like I think about the last job I applied for, and I did not even get an interview..... gggrrr or one of the few openings, which is in Vernal, UT. Vernal? Really? Its like out there...
So, I am still searching...
Dallas: I applied for like three jobs, but I am a little nervous when I consider where in Dallas these jobs are... I do not know the inner city area.
Raleigh: I am only interested because I would be close to my childhood friend, Lucinda.
Pennsylvania is always on the radar, but there are not any openings.....
Mmm, I will keep trying. I think I need to focus on my approach - begging, pleading?

What odd jobs teach me...

Here are my recent odd jobs:
cleaning houses: okay: what I learned was that you may have beacoup bucks to pay to have several people come out to clean your house, but after seeing it, I would use the money to decorate your house. Yuck! I just want to say please welcome your home to this decade! (i know, I sound like a total snob!)
laundry aide: not glamorous, but I love the home decor.... love it!
potato salesperson: Okay - this was a truly ODD job....
babysitting: I am amazed that someone can just hire someone off of craigslist to watch their kids. Amazed!
I am truly the Queen of odd jobs!

Sparks of happiness

It is amazing how cool it is to create stuff! I work with an afterschool program, which includes an art class. I love creating new pieces of art as much as the children do! Really - you should try it! Get out those watercolors... it is liberating!
Plus, my ward had its super saturday for Relief Society. I was in heaven... I made this watch bracelet.... and for someone with no beading experience...... it is good.
Plus, I made these wood blocks.. oh,but I can't say anymore because it is a Christmas special... shhhhh. (I had a blast making it!):)))))

So, my life has these sparks of happiness making stuff. Especially right now in my life, where I feel like I am down in the dumps most of the time, I need as many sparks as I can get!
P

Halloween

I love Halloween! Love it! Here's this years best costumes:
A girl dressed as a construction worker, with stud finder written on the Hat.
I loved the Ursula costume I saw at a party - mostly because I was a mermaid.
I went to A Witch's Night Out at Gardner Village - there were Amazing costumes!
I love seeing all the kiddos dressed up - and I admit - I am drawn to bling- so I loved the Dorothy costumes with a lot of sparkle. The only sad thing is that the school that I work at does not allow dressing up for Halloween. How sad!
Happy Halloween!!!

Eyes of a child

Thoughts...
I thought today of how excited a kindergartner was today to be the teacher's helper. If only I could be that thrilled at something so little.

As I listen to a child cry because she did not get to help lay out the crescent rolls, and how her sister always gets to, I think of my own similar thoughts..... and petitions to my Heavenly Father.

Perspective is a powerful thing....

So, today I am totally thrilled by.....
the green light on the way to work
the kindergartners loving my shape monster.... i love when they laugh out loud!
the cupcakes in the break room
the hugs from kindergartners (I get them everyday!)
the art projects in the afterschool program
the advice from a third grade teacher
the free dinner from cafe rio
cafe rio
the stairs were shoveled at home
having a washer and dryer at home
the fact that Halloween is only two days away
the package of toilet paper my roommate bought
the huge supplement of vitamin C to keep me healthy

I love how appreciating the small things makes the blues go away......:)

I know there is a plan for me.... I just wish I knew what it was!

So, I am an aide at an Elementary school for now. They originally had me in the sixth grade, then moved me to Kindergarten (yeah!!!) It is interesting.... I am an aide for a first year teacher who was in the same program as me last year. I kind of feel like the bridesmaid and not the bride.....
I am still looking for a teaching position - which is such a roller coaster ride.... the hope is there, the anticipation of being hired, the depression when you get the rejection letter. This week I interviewed at Sunrise Elementary in Canyons District, and Woodstock Elementary in Granite.
I am excited to finally feel settled in my new place, comfortable in my new ward, and friends with my new roommates. Life is good!