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For the love of money.
Closed my checking account with my bank. It is now charging a fee, and it's a fee I can not afford to have. I gave up the luxury and convienience of spending money and I am totally okay with this. As a matter of fact, I feel a little liberated. I will apply to a credit union soon just so I have a place to keep money. But for now, before I begin work, I save any way I can. -
Working out without the headphones
I tried to upload music onto my iPod and I ended up deleting all my music. What does this mean? When I workout at the gym, I have to do it musicless. :( I not only like to workout to music, but it helps keep people from talking to me, unlike today. I spent quality gym time without music and had my workout interrupted by two skinny girls who wanted to know how to use a balance ball and weights. At least I had a good workout. :) -
Being Ms. Stay-at-home-busy-body
I sure do miss work, but I have to stay busy. I do so by trying to find ways to clean and maintain this house. I remind myself of my mother. So I had Dad install that lower shelf (looks good, huh?) and I labeled things, repackaged things, cleaned and organized items in the kitchen, cooked a snack for the kids, and laundry all before 3PM. Fantastic. I'm tired, but I also have a stack of papers to look through, and put away my laundry. I deserve "The Greatest Auntie Award." -
Keeping the old man busy
My Dad sometimes needs his mind and hands occupied with things so he doesn't have to worry about my mom. Of course, he has never said this, but I know this is what he's thinking. I give him "projects" so today I asked him to install that lower shelf. Stacking plastic containers is no fun, so I thought a lil' shelving will help make it easier. Done. He did not have to spend a dime except his time. -
I.AM.NOT.FEELING.WELL. *coUgh*
I am coughing. Don't know what caused it what the fact is that I woke up two days ago gagging out phlegm. Thankfully my brother had some extra cash to go get me some RobustussinDM Sugar Free so I can knock out and sleep. Unfortunately, with too much sleep comes headache and dehydration and that means I may have to send him out to get me Gatorade. I'll be better in two days. Hopefully. Dad blames the gym. I don't think so, Dad. (Ok, maybe, Dad). -
4th opinion.
Still sick... couGh My family wants a 4th Doctor's opinion, preferably from a Neurology specialist and are willing to pay for her insurance so Mom can get that 4th opinion. It is the belief that my mom is not getting the proper care because she is insuranceless. I agreed. I have an understanding of what is going on, but I never had a neurologist confirm this understanding. I had a chance at last week's appointment, I just didn't think of confirming it. My family remains hopeful. -
Fast day.
When Jeriko came home from school I sorta barked at him asking why he was home early. He wasn't home early. He came home, on time. 3pm. The day moved faster than expected since I received the call in the morning to come to the Guest Orientation this Thursday. Since that call I spent the time trying to figure out what to wear. What will make me look professional and not make me feel so masculine. The con of having a tattoo is showing less skin, thus, longsleeves is part of my professional attire. -
Hunger Games
Spent most of the day cooking, taking care of my mom, napping (with the dogs) and reading Hunger Games. Mainly, I have been reading Hunger Games. The weather is cold, it drizzled, and this was just the perfect time to lay back and read a book. This book is pretty exciting. I feel like I should start creating a lesson plan as I read along. Hmmm...I should. Such great character development. My nephew is pretty stoked about watching the movie in March. -
Maid of Honor
I assumed this would be so, but my best friend, Steph, confirmed that I am her Maid of Honor for her wedding. I'm honored, and of course I joked about whether I had to be in attendance at the enagagement party. HEhhE! I also asked if I could wear jeans. My jeans idea was knocked down. But I did let the engaged couple know they can personalize converse shoes. -
Surprise care package!
I LOVE my friends. I don't ask for much, I don't ask for anything at all. I don't know why I have the friends I do, I don't think I even deserve the friends that I have, but I am very much thankful for having them. I received a package in the mail from "Your friend." Opened it and found a note. It's from Lindsay. This was definitely a surprise! Thanks, Lindsay! -
Finished reading The Hunger Games
I am pretty damn proud of myself for completing this book sooner than planned. It's surprisingly THAT good, and I thought I wouldn't like the book. I like books where the protagonist struggles with identity. Maybe that's because in my life story, I am the same protagonist. -
Guest Teacher orientation
I am so much closer getting back into the classroom and I am thankful for the support other educators (my references) have given me. The District itself seems like a promising place for me to do my student-teaching, and possibly an internship. Substitute teaching is the next best step for me, and hopefully I do well enough to make teaching a career. -
Serious cleaning.
Family friends from the Philippines came to visit my Dad so my brother and I had to do some serious cleaning. Why? My parents pride themselves in having a VERY clean house when their guests arrive. Since my brother were pretty much raised (and tormented) on this, we spent the whole day cleaning. Guests didn't notice, but we did. -
Another Hello Kitty party!
Darlene's 2nd child and only daughter will turn 1 years old soon and I just received the invitation to her daughter's birthday/baptism party. Princess Hello Kitty themed, of course. I looked through my closet trying to figure out what to wear at the same time hoping I am able to attend. -
Whitney Houston passes away
Cultural icon. I thought this was a nice dedication: http://youtu.be/sty8ps1IoYw -
Spring cleaning!
I decided that all this cleaning is really Spring Cleaning for this house! It's filthy! Granted, I did most of the work (and am continuing) but there is really nothing else I can ask my nieces and nephews to do because, well, it's already clean. Today my brother and I went through most of the grime and Jeriko helped too. Plus, Jeriko's friends were here and that made the day a lil' more entertaining. Damn teenagers. -
Life IS short.
So I found this quote on my Pinterest, and after all the cleaning and re-arranging in my parents' home and I realized...I'm burned out. I seriously do not know HOW parents do it! In my case, I live with a house of kids who won't do anything unless I ask. In that manner, I don't have to cook their meals, and tonight, they didn't do their dishes. I realized, like many things, I don't HAVE to do a lot of the things I do for them. And so, I won't let them suck the life out of me. My life IS short. -
Auntie/Niece bonding.
Though I should really never tell people that my eldest brother has the power to make me feel insignificant, I end up telling my niece. She adores him and really, i shouldn't mess with that. Anyway, I talked with my eldest niece and I don't think I made much of an impact on her. That's okay because, for the first-time in a long time, it was just good to just talk with her and listen to her grow. I told her she's doing fine and she said, "I can always do better." :) -
Lets get physical. NOT.
The school district and California says that first-time certificated employees need to get a physical before working. As a Sub, I need to get one. So I go to the ONE place I thought would give me the physical with no questions asked and what happens? The doctor doesn't want to give me the Physical because my urinalysis says I might be diabetic. Oh, but that's not the REAL reason. I was given an option: keep paying to see the doctor at the clinic or stick to my CMSP doctor. I walked out. -
Happy Valentine's Day!!
I am a fan of Vaelentine's Day. As single as I usually am on this occasion, I like the fact that I get to see splashes of red and hearts all over town. I decided this month would be the month of not-searching and stop-acting-like-people-are-looking-at-me month and so far, so good. You wanna know how I know it's so far, so good: I still have that inner smile. -
San Diego.
Took a drive to San Diego with my Dad so he can see what he can do to attempt a dream he has: an invention. I was only there for moral support but when Dad said he wants me to join him in his meeting, I'm glad I went. For one, my Dad would have signed onto a financial risk and secondaly, I learned a lot! I was called "business savvy" and was recommended to be with my Dad should he sign any contracts. Personally, though it is a dream and knows more, I hope Dad does not take this risk. -
Rest In Peace, Daphne.
My cousin, Daphne, passed away. She is my Dad's niece from his youngest sister. I'm glad I met her, even though it was so long ago. I do not know what to say, but I do know she is in a better place watching over those she loves. -
My Mom's doctors are the best!
Ok, they may not be THE best, but you know what? I am very grateful for the people who have helped her thus far. Today, I did not bring my mom to her appointment but her doctor was willing to see me upon my request. I asked a few questions, he wrote up lab work and a new prescription all without seeing her but with me providing him enough information to do so. Thanks, Doc! -
Getting social.
I have not attended a social event in quite some time, so today was Darlene's daughter's baptism/birthday event. And, well, I need more practice. I managed to meet up with Erika, Leo, and their kids; had a good chat with Maria; and reunited with Yolanda, who is now married and with two adorable kids. Didn't catch up with Darla since she was the host. Later, met with Sylvia at Starbucks. Returned to desert by 8PM. Good to catch up with people. -
As long as I find my inner smile...
All the driving I have done this past week has exhausted me so I chose to do nothing else but to stay home. I did reflect though on some of the things that is my life and I realized that as long as I am able to find my inner smile, I'm okay. Mostly negative things occured today and trying to find the positive to outweigh the negative is not an easy task. But, I still found my inner smile and that makes all the difference. -
I breakdown, but I still have my inner smile.
Spent most the day worrying. I did not realize this until I pretty much broke down and cried in front of my eldest niece Chelsea, who, pretty much thinks I am a weakass I am sure. But you know what? I don't care. My tears are YEARS of build-up so, I CRY! Anyway, just a lot goes on trying to keep everything in tact and I am beginning to realize that planning ANYTHING is a set-up for chaos I am not prepared to handle. I am used to planning, but it looks like I no longer have that gift to do so. -
Must have been busy?
I must have had a busy day because I don't recall what happened on this day. -
Turned in my paperwork!
I turned in my paperwork for my Substitute Teaching job. I just need to complete my Physical exam (I never knew exams were required by the state) in March, but I can still start working! That's exciting news. And guess what?! My first gig will be at a high school I already worked at and where my nephew attends school. Awesome, right? Whew. I'm anxious. -
FIRST Substitute Teaching gig!
P24. My first SUBSTITUTE TEACHING gig, ever. All other jobs I was assisting in the classroom, but I am glad that my first gig is at a school I am very familiar with. It was a tough day. No lesson plans, had to wing it, and I have a neighbor teacher who is awesome. My students are a little rough around the edges. All was well until 6th period and I found out who would need to be a piece of work. I arrived being told take one day at a time, by 2nd period I was asked to stay until March. Awesome. -
Day 2: Substitute Teaching
This was a packed day! The last minute lesson I came up with was a success (describe one of my pictures - the assignment is more awesome than you think); my nephew and his friend/our neighbor, visits my 6th period class; I respond to my first EVER child abuse situation (I went to my neighbor-teacher for advice, she wrote the report), and I was called "a special egg" by administration. An egg? Yeah, an egg. I enjoy this and I hope to keep it up. -
Niece and Auntie bonding
It was a good day. Worked out, cleaned up the room, and ended the night watching DC Cupcakes and Cake Boss with Khaya. It was productive and relaxing. A good way to end the week. -
First-time Skyper.
Skyped for the first-time with Stephanie. It was interesting because the screen was was going off and on and so was the audio. We Skyped about her wedding, work, and briefly about the drama that is our families. I can see why Skype is popular. -
DAY 3: Adventures in Substitute Teaching
I am thankful for how cooperative my students were today. I feel bad for not presenting an exciting lesson plan. Instead, we reviewed our descriptive paragraphs that they wrote on Friday and set it up for final drafting. I established classroom expectations for my class, and so far so good. It was really cold though and I regret not bringing in a jacket. -
DAY 4: Adventures in substitute teaching
It is hard to not take something personal when someone gets personal. I get it. I am not the wonderful teacher these students had all these years, and the reality is, she is not coming back. She moved on and so will they. I had a student write in her journal basically how much she hates me. Why? I am guessing because I make them work. They are used to reading a book, answering questions, and watching a movie. Not me. No. No. But I am just a substitute teacher so I find alternative ways to teach -
DAY 5: Adventures in Substitute Teaching
Last day of February and I have also officially completed my first week of substitute teaching the same class. It's Leap Year so I will celebrate its first anniversary then. The week has come and gone and today was pretty easy. I themed it Wordsearch Wednesday! printed out about 200 sight words, divided the students in groups, and then had them search for words. Pretty fun!
