Billions and Billions of Years Ago...

I know, not billions, but it seems like it!  Last month Big Trouble had his science fair, and he did a wonderful job. He decided to do the Solar System, and seemed to have a good time with it.  We try to only offer guidance for these things, as it's a science fair for first graders and not their parents. I pick up the necessary supplies, type what he wants on the computer, and guide him to non-pornographic websites (it is horrifying what comes up when kids try to search on Google).

 Not everyone seems to hold this view, however, and there were some rather spectacular examples of parental work on display, complete with individual video presentations on portable DVD players in front of the projects (mind you, this is a K-2 building). I think Big Trouble did a great job, and he learned a whole lot about the planets in the process.

Now, unfortunately, all the planets are hanging in his bedroom, as he can't bear to be parted from them. And sadly, it looks like the Big Bang just recently happened in there...

Hello Again!

Once again, I find myself typing a blog post after an extended absence.  Life definitely gets in the way sometimes, doesn't it?  Nothing crazy going on here, just the day to day stuff that seems to take over.  I also haven't been feeling that blogging mojo because I haven't been able to download pictures off of my camera.  I pretty much only read blogs that have pictures, so I hate not being able to slap a few on my own posts.

Luckily, because of this new job (and in in reading over my paperwork, I see that HR has written that it's contingent on the teacher asking for leave - if this falls through, I am going to be one cranky cookie....) we decided to get me a computer.  With both The Professor and myself vying for computer time (when you're a teacher, you spend lots of time at home working on teaching stuff), we decided that it would be in everyone's best interests to get a second computer, thus avoiding the inevitable marital strife that would stem from computer waiting time.  As I'm aging at an alarming rate and my eyes are no longer what they once were, I got one with a big screen (which still ends up having tiny writing which I can't read without my glasses), and so far it's working out dandy.  And, I was able to download pictures.  Here's some of what we've been up to:

We went to the local nature preserve and learned all about how horseshoe crabs lay their eggs.






Tobie had his first (and last!) visit to a hotel. My sister booked a pet-friendly hotel for her wedding, so we thought we'd take advantage of it and avoid kennel fees.  The dopey dog barked every time someone walked past our door or opened their own door (which, you can imagine, in a hotel happened hardly ever....).  I decided around about 4:00AM that the kennel fees are worth every penny.



And I continued to knit on the sock yarn blanket - it's coming along nicely!  The kids have been using it as a throw on the couch, and have been trying to convince me that it would make a good blanket for the dog.   Clearly what every dog needs - a sock yarn blanket knit on size 3 needles - makes it easier to chew!

Marian the Librarian Goes to Middle School

I know - it's been forever!  For some reason my computer no longer recognizes my camera, so I can't download any pictures.  And what's a blog without pictures?  I've also been rather busy - getting a job!!!  Last month I saw a position for a fifth grade math teacher for middle school (in a really swanky school district - we're talking uber-swanky here).  Hmmmm, thought I.  I'm not a math specialist, and I've never taught in a middle school.  But, late on the night the applications were due, I sent one off, mostly because it seemed wrong to ignore any job possibilities, no matter how remote they may seem.

Lo and behold, I got a call from said school district inviting me to come for an interview.  I was tempted to ask the caller if they were sure they were trying to contact me, but decided that probably wasn't the way to play it.  I toddled off to the interview (for some reason, even though it was April, it decided to hit 90 degrees on the day I had to strap on pantyhose).  Even more shocking, they called me in for a second interview; I guess that went well, because they requested a demo lesson, and I am now hired for next year!!!!

It's a one-year leave replacement, but sounds like it may have the possibility to turn into something further.  The most surprising part of this whole situation was that though I've spent almost a year job hunting (and getting few calls), this year I had a whole pile at once.  How nice to be the one to call a school and tell them to take your name off the interview list, because you've accepted another position!

Now off to relearn fifth grade math......