They had a little church in an open area... I love how the clouds are whipsy...

This was taken near the pond. I love how the colors move from brown to red to green... made me think of a MacIntosh apple!

Fall pictures

This is a pond at the pumpkin farm we were at in Jamesport, NY... pretty huh?

New Job...

... started a new position as as permanent substitute. As the first day of school came I said to my best friend, "Jules, I won't know anyone..." As she always tells me, "Don't worry, you'll do fine." We had to go in the day before the students for opening meeting. After they introduced all the new hires (myself included) I am checking my cell phone for messages and I hear someone calling my name! Who would know me here?! It was someone who knows my husband. He came and wished me good luck.

Next, we go to our respective buildings and this time, the principal gives her greetings and announces the new hires to the building. She called out the first three and they waved... calls my name. I wave as well. Then she says, "Pam stand up." Sucks to be so short... lol When she was finished and the teachers went to their rooms, a teacher approaches me and says, "Pam! Is that YOU!?" I looked up and it was a neighbor who had moved away about 10 years ago. I went from not knowing a soul to bumping into a familiar face to meeting up with someone hadn't seen in years. She looked the same, shared stories about the kids... caught up.

At the end of the day, I had gotten a message. I was hired in another district as a reading tutor... more money and experience to add to my resume....

After meeting all these new people, I had to tell the principal I was leaving. Writing my resignation letter was more difficult than I had expected it to be. I was only there three days!!! I kept it short and sweet but told the principal as I left today, what a wonderful building she had and that she had some wonderful people working for her. They made me feel so welcome and part of the group. Generally, substitutes are not treated so well. I told the principal perhaps someday, I could return to the district and work in her building again. She said if I ever wanted to come back, she would be more than happy to have me.

Now, I start my new position on Monday. I have to say I am not as nervous about meeting people and fitting in. I keep reminding myself, I am in it for the experience... the pay is good as well but nothing more.

Work...

... for the past six years I have been trying to get work as a teacher. I went from substitute to paraprofessional to having no job because my position was eliminated. Three certifications and a Masters Degree and I had to pound the pavement again!

I spent my summer reading the want ads and sending out resumes. I also reworked my resume to make an attempt to "cross over" into the "real world" and get an office position. Nothing... two weeks ago, I get a call from two different districts for three different positions and interviewed for them. Got one of the three... perm. sub... Last week, I get two more phone calls from two different districts... the last one offered me a reading tutor position. More money than the sub but I was hesitant because I am trying to take that step forward, not two steps back... it's a very good district and they were trying to convince me to work for them, not the other way around of me trying to "sell" myself to them.

School starts in a few days. I'll let you know which one I take.

Shopping...

...for most people going clothes shopping is a fun thing to do. Personally, I do it because if I did not, I'd be wearing tattered clothing. My idea of being "dressed" was sweats and a t-shirt. As I started on my education (at 28) I saw that sweats and t-shirts were not going to be acceptable. With money being tight and my taste in clothing to be limited, I went to JC Penney's. I found some clothes that I liked and looked good on. When I paid for my clothes (with a gift card) I realized not only did my new clothes looked sharp on, but I actually had a few dollars left over!
Such began my LOVE for the place I shop the most...Penney's. No, I don't get any perks for "advertising" for them. I just honest and truly find what I need. Only thing I don't buy there are my sneakers!

My love for that store is a known family/friend fact! My students were aware as to my favorite place to shop. I came in "babbling" about what great stuff I had and (best of all) how much money I saved. The kids asked, "Why do you like it so much?" and there came the "teachable moment". Taking real life situations I added math concepts, we discussed percent, Economics as well as fashion!

Though shopping is still a chore and not my favorite thing to do. I had a friend who I worked with Jill, who has since passed away, she would comment about my outfits and "rework" the outfit I walked in with! "Pam, you should untuck your shirt, roll the cuffs on your pants and tie your wrap this way." Wha la! People would say, "Did you walk in looking like that?!" Brutal as it was, when I shop today it is her voice that I hear when I try on new outfits. As I browse looking for clothes I hear Stacy & Clinton from "What Not To Wear"... helping complement what I have instead of covering up or not looking too frumpy or choosing outfits that I should not be wearing.

So this year as I shop for school clothing, I take some pleasure in purchasing clothes. I want to look good because then I feel good. When I feel good, then my outlook changes and anything is possible!

One question....

PLAY??!!

As usual...

...my two were fighting with each other. They are 14 and almost 9 yrs of age.... We had just come back from the book store and the fighting began over the television. From my place upon the regal "throne" I shouted out to them "Stop your fighting and READ YOUR BOOKS!!" Silence...... I came out to find they were deep into reading and best of all, they were not FIGHTING!!

There is a God!

Note to self: keep books on hand. They are not just for "educational" purposes anymore!