How do I...

Stop from feeling so jealous and bitter when I hear my friends talk about going back to school?

They are all complaining and I would kill to be in their shoes right now.

I hate feeling so sad and useless. Self-pity does not suit me, but I just feel so hopeless and helpless right now.

I hate having an uncertain future- I am a planner by nature and I hate not knowing what is coming along.

I wish I could be that person who is all excited about the unknown future...but it's not that easy.

Ok, I realize that sounds super pathetic- sorry if anyone is actually reading this.

Sometimes it's the little things...

I have been having my occasional bouts of freaking out about not having a job. This sucks because I really wanted to enjoy the summer. Technically, I get paid until August, but I feel so stressed out I can't enjoy anything about it yet. 

We have an incredible family trip planned for July. Spending the 4th of July in DC then visiting family. I can't wait! Hopefully my constant self-doubt will not ruin it.

I received an encouraging email from a friend when he found out I was not being rehired. It helped a lot and I appreciated it more than he will ever know. Thanks, I needed that.

Real Last Day

It has dragged out longer than I thought possible, but it was my actual last day today. Driving away I was surprisingly happy. 

I saw the kids for a big at their camp and they mobbed me and stood like sad little puppies as I walked away. No matter what happens- that can never be taken away from me. Those kids love me and that means something!

I sent out two resumes today- let's see how that goes. Keep your fingers crossed, or pray- whichever is more your style.

I'll keep you posted.

Last day

I am about to get ready for my last day...I have a bunch of feelings about it.

What keeps going through my head is what I tell potential employers...sigh. I hate to lie, but the truth sound even more like a lie. Can I just say because my boss was an idiot?

New use for this blog

I am one of those people who needs accountability. So I am attempting to create it for myself. But, I am getting ahead of myself...

I had started this blog for a class and I had never really gotten much out of it, mainly because I do not think someone should be forced to make reflections- especially in a stifling format. So it sat, unused, since I had completed that class.

Now, maybe it is the combination of stir-crazy-ness from the rain and having the house to myself tonight, but I have decided to use this blog as a means to chronicle my unemployment and the steps I am taking to remedy this- especially in this super crappy economy- in this super crappy place that I live.

Tomorrow is the last day I will go into my ex-place of employment. I wish I could just be done...one more day...sigh...I can do it and then it will be done.

On to bigger and BETTER things!

I'll keep you posted!

:)

Daily web use

Here are the sites I find invaluable in my classroom:

www.google.com

I can find anything I need within minutes. It is very helpful when the kids ask a question I don't know the answer to.

www.unitedstreaming.com

You need an account, but I highly recommend it. It is powered by Discover Education, I can find full videos, video clips, lesson plans, audio clips and images for many topics. I have used many of the videos to support a social studies lesson.

www.youtube.com

I, sort of, bypassed the system so I can still access this valuable site. I love to show my class SchoolHouse Rocks videos to support my lessons.

http://www.renlearn.com/

I use this for accelerated math and accelerated reader programs.

These are only a few- but I use them daily. They are great resources for the classroom.

Ode to my iPhone

I have become one of those people. You know the ones- the ones who are forever clicking away at their phone. The ones who- at the mere mention of a question or request for information- pull out their phone with a flourish and produce the app that satisfies the need. The ones who have the new apps the day they come out.

Yes, I have become one of those people.

My name is Joann...and I am an iPhone addict.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/

Check it out! if you don't already have one- I highly recommend it.

I never cease to be amazed at the apps they have to fill almost every need I have.