And So It Begins...

Well, it is officially the weekend before school starts here in the Coos Bay area.  Nick is hard at work setting up his classroom, writing lesson plans, doing all of those things teachers frantically put together before their students come back.  Me?  Well, this is the first time in 4 years I haven't been participating in this mad rush to be fully prepared before those kids enter the room.  They come whether you're ready or not.  My days have been much less eventful as an unemployed teacher.

In the last 3 days since Nick has gone back to work, I've woken up around 10 every morning.  I usually do some kind of exercise: biking, walking, jogging, etc.  Then I make myself some lunch, shower, and get "ready" for the day.  I'm usually "ready" by the time Nick gets home from work.  Note to Self: Wake up Earlier!  Then I work around the house (dishes, laundry, etc.) until Nick gets home.  We spend the evenings together walking the dogs, watching TV, taking naps, or working on school things (which I am happy to help with).

MONEY!!  Although I like hanging out and doing whatever I want, the stress arises when I think of money.  How am I supposed to pay bills?  Loans?  And for fun and food?  I don't want Nick to have to pay for everything, so inevitably I will have to find a job.  I applied to 3 teaching positions down here, only to find that a local school was closed and the positions were filled quickly.  I didn't even get an interview...sigh...Talk about a blow to one's ego!  I think I'm a good teacher.  I've been told that I'm a fantastic teacher, but I couldn't even get an interview.  It totally sucks, but I guess that's how it goes.  I have accepted that fact that I will be a substitute teacher and a domesticated "housewife," so to speak.  I'm sure lots of stories will arise from my days as a substitute and I will be sure to post them.  I just hope the kids are nice to me.

This blog is a way for me to document the adventures I have as an unemployed teacher.  I have never been unemployed, so it will be an interesting experience.  I know there are a lot of other people out there in my situation, so maybe it will help others cope with their situation.

Cheers!
Ashley