Day.Fifty.

Well, the day has arrived. I was pretty calm during the school day. This morning was a breeze and I knew that I have done as much as I could to prepare myself. I am not necessarily nervous, but more anxious. I know that this sounds corny, but I love to sit and talk about teaching with other people who love to do it as well. I think that going into the interview with a realistic view helps. I know that there are other teacher's out there. I just hope I am the one that they want to join their staff! Before I left for the interview, I had to do a quick change at school into my suit, freshen my make-up (it is amazing sometimes what I look like after a day in Kindergarten) and head off to interview. I had butterflies in my stomach because it is time! In the words of my loving husband, "Don't screw it up..." (semi-jokingly... we do need this and I think he knows that I need this for my sanity and he knows how much time and effort I put in behind the scenes)

Here comes the amazing Kinderquote:
As I am rushing down the hall to put my stuff in my classroom, grab my purse and portfolio, I walk swiftly passed one of my kindergarteners waiting on her bus. She is a sweetheart, but definitely has had her fair share of moments in kindergarten. As I am walking by, she says, "Mrs. Edmonds! Where are you going?" I never ignore a child when they speak to me. Just not my style. So I stopped and told her that I have a meeting to go to. She could obviously sense my urgency and butterflies. She simply responded, "Well, you look really nice!"
At that moment, the butterflies were gone and I knew I was ready! This little girl was able to do that by just giving me one compliment. What a moment. I will cherish it.

Off I went, to the interview. I think that it went well. There were six people in the interview. I don't get intimidated easily, but now looking back, I probably should be a bit intimidated, because they could potentially change my life.. .but that is looking back.

I should hear something within the next week or so. I can only pray that my personality and attitude toward teaching was represented and they would love to have me on their staff. God has a plan for me. I just have to trust that plan and be patient. It is easier said than done...I will admit that.

Off to bed trying not to over-analyze everything I said in the interview. (not going to happen)

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Nine.

Sunday. I was excited to go to the new church again, but we decided to stay home as we have a lot to do. I have been reading The Leader in Me by Steven Covey. I know that the school I am interviewing with tomorrow is a Leader in Me school. I needed to get it read. So, that is what I did. I read, and read, and read. It is a good view of how schools create a common language for the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and the students are succeeding! I look forward to implementing some of the information and verbage from the book into my classroom. It definitely makes me want to read more about the subject matter and even visit the pilot school. (I will have to save to make that trip!)

John was busy working on his masters work again today. Sundays are a drag around here. Full of work. He is so close to being done. It will be welcomed by both when it is over. It is hard to watch him just toil away at his MBA. SO SOON... I keep trying to remind him. (I'll let you know how next week  goes... last week!)

Because we were just working around in the house, we were really bumming it. We didn't look good AT ALL! I was pretty ashamed when I looked in the mirror later that day. But I had a goal to finish that book, and I accomplished it! We got a surprise Facetime call from our cousins in Tulsa. Zooey is only 6 weeks older than her cousin Mia Grace. I think it is amazing to see how much she has even changed since their baptism on Palm Sunday! Well... we got a special treat to see... ZOOEY WALKING! It was so cute to see her waddle around the back porch. The wonderful things that technology can do. It is amazing. I would have never been able to view that live.. and now.. I can! What a blessing!

The night ended with a bit of positive self-talk, updating some things in my portfolio, and trying to calm my nerves. A full-time classroom is my goal. (as many of you know) This is my chance! As I laid down in bed, so many things ran through my mind. I do not know how I got any sleep...

ZzZzZzZzZ...

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Eight.

Today started off bright and early as John and I finished our taxes online and I went downtown to pay the city taxes. We actually got money back this year. That is unheard of! We have always had to pay. It is coming at a welcome time. A time where we can try to get ahead of the bills and focus on the important things. (I am determined to get my patio this summer!)

After the taxes were done, I headed to Polaris to look for some suit pants for the interview. My skirt is a little big and I thought pants would be nice too. Well, after 4 different stores, I gave up, bought panty hose and decided I would wear the skirt. Looking back, good choice!

On my hunt for the suit pants, I always stop in the baby sections to see if I can find anything for the arrival of the twins. I found the CUTEST onesie for twin girl. (I searched for a match for baby boy, but to no avail) Look how cute! (and only $6.00-can't be beat!)

On my way home from my shopping fail/find, I decided to stop at John's team's double header. It was raining, but I know they play in the rain if there is no lightning. So, I decided to watch from the comfort of the car. I was dry... and warm. They won the first game (I saw the last inning) and then they fixed the field up, ate a snack, and were ready to play game two. After the 5th pitch in, it started to rain HARD. So, I just left and headed to the grocery.

At Meijer, I decided I would try to find the materials for a craft/tool that we could use at school. During one of our literacy night meetings we talked about how, at the Dublin Literacy Conference, they talked about the importance of students seeing us as readers as well. We thought it would be neat to create something to hang outside of our doors to show what we are reading. I decided I would take on that task.... I will keep you updated! (a tutorial will follow)

I came home and tried to relax, but that is NOT happening with everything about tomorrow on my mind. I had everything packed and ready to go for my quick change after school, but I was antsy. So, I decided to start the project. Here it goes...

I will try to get some sleep...

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Four.

Whew... two days in with kiddos and I am exhausted! You would think it was the first day of school... I didn't even rest on spring break, I worked!

Update on the 'eggsperiment':
The egg from yesterday is covered in bubbles, the shell is getting thin almost see through, and it is rubbery! I think you should ALL try it. It is fun and weird at the same time.

After the day was over, I headed home to let the dogs out and hang out. Duty called with dishes and picking up (doesn't it always). And of course... Adi was at it again.. barking at the new neightbor, "GUS". I must say, he is adorable and so small!

Time to catch up on the TV! I just can't help it. While I was watching I was working on the KSACC Kickoff video for Schultz. (for a friend) I had it done, just had to burn it to a disc. I burn it... it won't work in my dvd player or blu-ray. WHY?! It worked on both mine and John's computer.. but no.. not the actual dvd players. Any ideas or advice? I gave it to my fellow KSACC teacher and we got to have a fun chat!

On an exciting side note, I have an interview!! It is next week, and I will be sure to keep you SUPER updated on anything else on the job hunt. Keep me lifted in your prayers and help me stay positive about the job hunt. :)

Feeling inspired tonight...

-Alexis