Another Job Disappointment

You may have noticed I haven't written about my job search in some time. For the last two weeks, I've been in hot pursuit of a job and decided that if I didn't blog about it, I'd have more chance of getting it. Turns out that idea was wrong.

About 3 weeks ago, a fifth grade teacher at the boys' school took a leave of absence for the rest of the year. Last week, the job was finally posted on the hotline, and the principal was given permission to hire (despite the job freeze). I was so excited, and called right away to schedule an interview. I've been trying to get into this school for awhile now, and this is the first position that has come up in over a year.

On Thursday, I was interviewed by a committee of teachers. They interviewed 21 applicants. That's right, 21! From what I understand there were more than 50 applicants. They then recommended their top four choices for the next round of interviews. I got the call on Friday and my second interview was set for Monday at 11:45. I spent all weekend reading teacher-type books, mostly about discipline. This class is extremely challenging, with 14 boys and 8 girls. Luckily, I have a little experience in the boy department.

So, yesterday I interviewed with the principal, vice principal, and other fifth grade teacher. I thought the interview went pretty well, but I didn't feel totally confident about it. I just can't put my finger on it, but I didn't have a wonderful feeling. That was confirmed this morning at 7:15, when the principal called me and told me they chose someone else.

Now, I can make myself feel better by remembering that I did make it to the second round. And if I had gotten the job, it was going to be extremely challenging to me and my family. And I would have had to put Jonathan in full time care instead of part time preschool. And it was a fifth grade job, and I prefer the primary grades. But none of that really helps. It still sucks. It still boils down to the fact that I really wanted the job and didn't get it. There's just no way to sugar coat rejection. It sucks.

Our new computer is here!!

Today is a "teacher duty day," when the kids stay home and the teachers complete their grades. Which explains while I still haven't showered or dressed, despite it being 12:15 in the afternoon. Anyway, about an hour ago, the doorbell rang, and there on my front porch was a fed ex man with our new computer!!! I eagerly signed the form and brought the computer inside. I've spent the last hour setting it up and trying to figure out what preloaded programs I want to delete. This computer is a step up for us...it's the next version of the Inspiron series The front is all silver andtthe screen is a bit bigger so it can show wide screen movies! Yea! My next task is to transfer all of the files from our thumb drive on to the hard drive. It will take awhile because I plan to go through all the files and only transfer the important ones. Looks like Chris and I will stay busy this weekend.

A politician in the making!

Benjamin has joined the "Student Government Organization" and is running for vice president (along with most of the other fourth graders in the group.) Here is the campaign poster he created this weekend, with the help of a die-cut machine. I'd vote for him!!! But, alas, I'm not in the fourth grade (thank goodness!)

TOY bus

Benjamin's third grade teacher, Liz Clayton, was not only named teacher of the year for Port Orange Elementary School, but she was also a finalist for the entire county! Each year they make a city bus with all of the finalists' pictures. We went with Liz for the unveiling. Here are the pictures!

Jonathan's artwork

While we're on the theme of Jonathan's artwork, here are some of his masterpieces. He was drawing pictures from the movie "Monster's Inc." The pictures are, in order, Sulley, Mike, and Celia.

Jonathan is writing his name!!!

While wiating for our food at Buca Di Bepo, we were surprised when Jonathan's doodles on his placemat turned into his name!!! Look carefully and you'll see "Jon" on one and "Jonnnananan" on another. Since that day (about 3 weeks ago), he has learned to write his entire first name!! I have to say, it's a bittersweet accomplishment. Part of me is so darn proud that he can write "Jonathan" at age 4, and another part of me mourns his childhood that is slowly disappearing. Sigh.

Some pictures

Our computer is working (for now) so I've had the chance to finally upload some of our recent pictures. Here are pictures of our family, Mom, and Elke at Buca, celebrating the painting of her house; Benjamin fighting Jack Sparrow at Disney; Jonathan finding a place to sleep on our hallway floor (!); Jonathan amusing himself in the rearview mirror; and Benjamin and Ms. Clayton, his teacher last year who now has her picture on a bus!! She was a finalist for Volusia County Teacher of the Year, and we think she should have won!