Keep Persevering!

I don't usually look at my horoscope, but for some reason I glanced at it today.

Professional efforts may be thwarted now, no matter how hard you work. It's like you are trying to roll bowling balls up a steep hill and you quickly reach a point of wondering if it's really worth the effort. Regardless of the lack of results, it's important that you keep working, for you are setting the stage for larger opportunities to come to fruition throughout the year.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday. Thanks mom!

Anyway, my wonderful, thoughtful, and loving friends had a small get together last night in honor of the day I was born. Rachel and Jamie made a wonderful dinner, and Kim and Rachel and I ended up dishing about Harry Potter. Rachel hasn't ever read the books (she's not a fan *horrors*) so she didn't mind hearing how it ended. Jamie on the other hand, is currently reading the last book, so he can't/doesn't want to hear the ending. It's going to be interesting now that Rachel knows how his book ends...

Back on track. I knew that I wanted to see Hairspray when I first saw the trailer, so that's the movie I picked for my birthday. Apparently, some of my friends don't trust my choice of movies. Rachel really wanted to see it, and Jamie came along, cursing the day I was born. But by the end of the movie, he was singing my praises once again. It is really one of the cutest, funniest movies that has come out in a long time. If you get a chance, go see it! I give it two thumbs up!

It's Official...

I've officially turned down the job at Newport. On paper, this was a perfect job. When I got there and here all the non-written parts of the job, like the part where I teach pre-K and act as an aid for reading classes, I knew this wasn't all it was cracked up to be. The principal also kept saying "I don't mean to make excuses, but..." and I knew he would never side with me on anything. Also, the school is not on probation for test scores yet, but I wouldn't doubt if they ended up that way soon. I really didn't want to be a part of an atmosphere where I would be limited with what I could do with the students. That is not what I want to do.

On the other hand, I have been recruited to do HIGH SCHOOL! Can you believe it? If you know me at all, you know that I have always said I don't want to work with any one who has gone through puberty! But, Rachel's mom has suggested this position to me. It's at a charter school, so I don't have to be certified (a relief since that has been something I've stressed about for the last two months) and it wouldn't be just choir. I'd get to teach a little drama (nothing new to me) and do pre-college counseling for the students. After working in the Undergraduate Programs Office in the business school for as long as I have, I know what a student will need to do in order to get into college! The bad thing about this job: I won't even know if there is a position until all the students have registered for class. Depending on enrollment numbers, this charter school may not be hiring any new instructors.

I did e-mail Dr. Misenhelter yesterday about the possibility of starting my Master's in the fall. I know that I have a job here with Barbara if I need it. And if that's where God wants me to be, then I will work my hardest and do the best I can do in this position. I know that God is in control of my life and He won't let me fail!

Tough Work Ahead

I have a job offer! I'm turning it down. I interviewed at Newport for an opening for a Music teacher and found out that it requires a lot of extra, non-music-teacher stuff. I don't want to do that. So now, I'm focusing on staying in Fayetteville, which means getting a full time job, preferably with benefits. I'm still holding out hope that the charter school in Farmington will hire me, but that is going to require a lot of prayer to pull this through. The school is down eleven students, so the board doesn't want to hire anyone else. They will know within the next week or so exactly how many students will be returning. Depending on that number, the position may or may not happen. Bummer.

So pray hard! I really, really need it.

JK Rowling Is My Hero!

If anyone knows me at all, they know that when a new Harry Potter book comes out, I'll be at Wal-Mart at 12:01 AM the day it is released, and I will have it finished within two days. With the release of the seventh and final book in the series, of course I wasn't going to change my plans. However, I did devote some time to my friends on Saturday afternoon. After being harassed about being anti-social (even though this was one of the biggest days in literary history), I put my book in my bag and headed out the door for some much needed sun and relaxation. I have to admit, the time out of the apartment was beautiful.

By the way, after two nights of not closing my book until 4:30 AM, I have finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. If you would like to discuss it with me, please e-mail me; several of my friends haven't finished it yet, and I would hate to spoil the ending for them!

I Have Another Interview...

But I'm not saying where. Some people will not be very happy about it. I sent my application and resume to the principal, and he called me within the hour. So I might be taking this as a good sign. The interview is Monday afternoon, so I'll keep you all posted. Anyway, this weekend is Harry Potter weekend! Bring on the 700+ page book and a pool!

Song for the Day

I heard this song on the radio today, and I really liked it. Thought I'd share...

Biggest Ever!

Before, and after, the DCI event last night, Evan, Jamie, and I munched on the world's biggest Rice Krispie Treat. Seriously, it does say 2 pounds. Thanks for the picture Jamie!

It's Not Just Band.

Last night Fayetteville High School in conjunction with the Siloam Springs Marching Band hosted the NWA Drum Corp International Summer Music Games 2007. It was soooooooo good! We got to see several really good drum corps, including the Blue Knights, Cadets, and Madison Scouts (in the picture). If you ever get a chance to go to a DCI competition, it's totally worth it!

Springdale's Loss...

I didn't get the Springdale job. I heard from other music teachers, not the superintendent or principal (that's another story), that the position had been filled. I really am sad about this. Oh well, I still have a couple of options. I'll have to see how they go...

On another topic, I attended a workshop today for music teachers. Nick Page, an amazing music composer/teacher, led this workshop. It was amazing to see him in action. Check out his website if you get a chance.

Weekend Update

This was a rather quiet weekend. Friday night, the girls got together for a much needed girls night. We meet at Chili's in Bentonville, for food and fun, and then headed to Casa de Kemp for some old Will and Grace episodes and some deep conversation. Saturday was a much needed day of rest, and I watched all four Harry Potter movies to prepare for the main event on Sunday. I was a little trepidatious about seeing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. No matter what anyone says, this is one movie worth seeing! I loved it. Of course, it's not as good as the book, but when are the movies ever as good as the book? Now I just have to wait until early Saturday morning. The final book in the series is being released on the 21st. I will be spending the whole day reading, so no one call.

Pet Peeve Update

I have another pet peeve to add to the list. This one comes in above the driving issues and below the butt heat.

4. Underwear showing
I really don't understand why clothing makers are cutting their pants so low in the back that no matter what underwear you wear, the world sees it. I'm all for the shorter backed jeans (who wants mom-jeans for goodness sakes!), but couldn't pant makers get with pantie makers and make some pants or underwear that don't show under clothing? Seriously!

No news is good news?

I am still, patiently, waiting to hear from Springdale. I really don't know if I got the job or not. I've heard about a couple of the other people that interviewed for the position, and they are so much more qualified than I am. And it's in their area of expertise.

Lucky for me, I have another couple of options still available to me. Worse case scenario, I sign up to substitute at all the area schools. This would keep me extremely busy, but I don't know if I want to live that way for the next few months. Another option is Haas Hall. I've e-mailed the principal about the choir director-drama teacher- high school counselor position, but I haven't heard from him yet. We'll see how that goes.

My last option is to start grad school. My summer job will open for hire the first of August, and if I want it, I think I can have it. It's a great job. It's on campus, which means a tuition break and all kinds of benefits, and I already know the basics of the job. I just really need a decision to be made so I can know what I am going to do. I really hate being in limbo.

I saw FIREWORKS!

Since the Fourth of July was on a Wednesday this year, I didn't get to see the fireworks show that happens in Batesville every year. I was kind of sad, but my friends and I had a blast anyway. We stayed up extremely late Tuesday night, something we haven't done since we were all in college, and just hung out (talked, ate, played, ate, and did I mention we ate). Anyway, Wednesday we all went to see the new movie, The Transformers. It was ah-mazing! I think it's my new most favorite movie in the world. If you haven't seen, I do suggest spending the money to see it on the big screen. Seeing Optimus Prime on a small screen won't do him justice.

The movie was over two hours long, and it was almost mid-afternoon before we headed back to Casa de Kemp to begin our second feast in two days. This feast consisted of salad, potato salad, chips and hot dogs. And then it was nap time. I think I slept for almost an hour on one of the most comfortable couches ever (good choice Erin and Evan!). After a marathon of Miami Ink on TiVo, the feasting continued with pizza, left over wedding cake, and an amazing concoction of ingredients I'll call the Potato Salad Ranch Dip. That's all I'll say on that subject. Anyway, we ate and then headed out to the yard for a firework extravaganza brought to us by Jamie and Evan. Here are a few of the pictures...

Jacob loved the "Snake."

We all acted like kids when the sparklers came out!

Emma really didn't like the ones that made a loud noise. Once the sparklers were gone, she was out, or inside as the case may be. The Artillery Shells are always fun to see.
Jamie had to be muy macho and hold a bunch of Roman Candles at once. But I think this is my favorite picture from the night.
Some of the big blasts we created.

I always knew you could spell your name in the air with a sparkler.

What are your pet peeves?

Well, I discovered this weekend that I have three very prominent pet peeves. Two of these will probably be relatable, while the last one, and probably the biggest, makes absolutely no sense whatsoever! Anyway, here they are...

3. Excessive Speeding

Now, I'm not saying that I have never speeded, but the people on the road who drive 15 to 20 miles over the speed limit, really need to SLOW DOWN! Seriously, if you're that late deal with it. You're not going to make it on time whatever you do. And if you're doing it because you can, get a hobby before you take some one's life.

2. Not Using a Turn Signal

It's there, it's easy to use, and according to the driver's manual written by the State Police, it's supposed to be used before you turn. Just use it!

And the ultimate...

1. Butt Heat

Now this one is the one that makes no sense other than to me. I hate, absolutely hate, sitting in a chair immediately after someone else has gotten up. When you sit down, the chair should be cool; not warmed by the gluteous maximus of the person sitting there previously. Ugh! It's just gross. And it's even worse when you sit on a toilet seat that has butt heat. Think about that one for a minute! I will usually take a minute before I sit down if I have noticed someone was using my chair. I know, it makes absolutely no sense.

Well, there are mine. Does anyone else have any major pet peeves?