My first night working for the taxi company

Sometimes, it hits me! Something happens and I think " Man, I really wish so and so was here so we could share this moment." Tonight, while eating dinner out, I really wished my friend, Cheryl, was with me so we could joke about the lady having dinner next to me. I know joking about her would lead us to talk and laugh about our most infamous night out.

 There was not anything spectacular about the lady eating next to us but she reminded me of some ladies we shared a cab home with one night.

 I met Cheryl and Geoff over at Put in Bay one night and we had one too many.  Once we got back to the mainland, I didn't even have money for a cab but my friends we're looking out. We grabbed a cab...aka..big, white van that holds about 20 people. Think the kind of van kidnapping stories are made of. We piled in with some people from the trailer park and three older ladies. I called shotgun! Cheryl' and Geoff were in the last row.

The trailer park people were  annoyed  (apparently) that we had to talk a little louder than normal to communicate as I was in the front seat and Cheryl And Geoff were in the back. They got out the van, beat on the window and flicked us off.  How rude.

Time to drop off the older ladies.  The entire time to their home they bragged about how nice it was.  As we were dropping them off, I asked where the nice house was.  Apparently, we were sitting the driveway.  Whoops!  Cheryl and I still laugh about that "open mouth, insert foot" debacle.

Finally, we get to Geoff and Cheryl's house where the cab driver informs me that we have a few pick ups before he can take me home because I live out of the way. Geoff fixes me a cocktail for the long night of taxi driving/riding I have ahead of me and me and the After Hours cabbie are on our way.  We picked up several people and dropped them off at their destinations.  We talked and laughed. I can't even explain what this guy looked like but think long, stringy, greasy hair...about 100 pounds, scruffy, dirty....someone I'd never give the time of  day.  When I got home (an hour later), I tried to pay him.  He told me that he enjoyed my company so much he didn't want to take my money. I insisted that he did (it wasn't my money, after all,...it was Geoff and Cheryl's).

I tease them, now, that the cabbie could've killed me and they would've never seen me again and Cheryl always a agrees that it wasn't our best decision ever BUT it all worked out.

Anyway, the whole point of this story was because the lady at dinner reminded me of the older ladies in the cab that night.

 What I wouldn't give to have another night like that with  them but for now...I'm just going to be happy that the cab driver didn't kill me.

(And Cheryl and Geoff, I still owe you ten bucks! 😛)

XOXO
Emily

Random Thoughts

So, even though it's Friday and I am supposed to be doing my "Five Favorites on Friday," I'm not...but it's my blog and I can do what I want :)

I decided I'm just going to keep this post random...because I have lots of randomness going on in my mind...Here goes..

1.  I'm really sick of hearing about Robin Williams.  My goodness! My entire facebook feed for days.  I. Can't. Take. It. Anymore!!! He was funny.  He was famous.  It's sad.  Depression Sucks BUT for the love of God, please stop.  You'd think some of my facebook friends were BFFs with Robin!

2.  I started my new job this week.  I don't have a lot to say yet but it will be, by far, the most challenging job I've ever had. My students have different syndromes and extensive medical needs. Two have private nurses that accompany them to school. I'm not sure I'm cut out for this but we'll see.  To say I'm nervous would be an understatement.  All of my students are nonverbal.  I just hope I made the right decision by accepting this job. I will have students starting Monday so I'm hoping everything falls into place.  I met several of my students yesterday and they are adorable BUT it's going to be so different than what I'm used to. 

3. People in Florida are really crappy drivers. And they're rude.  Let me tell you...I may be in the South but I ain't in the South! Bless their hearts...they're just rude, crappy drivers!

4. I've done some stupid things in my life...made lots of mistakes but moving to Florida may rank up there with the most stupid mistake I've ever made.   I really can't stand living in Florida at this point in my life.   I live in a nice community but truth be told the town house we live in is for sale for $350,000 and it's the crappiest built place I've ever lived in.  The appliances are el cheapos, the cuts on the door jamb look like a three year old cut them...just not a quality built home yet it costs way more than a way nicer house in Ohio or Virginia.   I just can't imagine paying $350 for this place.  And while we're on why I don't like living here, there are too many people, too many stupid rules in our development and too much traffic.

5.  I have dreams that I still live in my house in Ohio and then I wake up and it sucks!

6.  Lizzie went to open house today and met her teacher.  She liked her so hopefully we can continue with having awesome teachers for her. 

7.  Ben went to orientation today.  He's taking Honors Geometry, Honors English, Honor Geography, Honors Biology, a Multimedia Graphics class and Health.  He also has another elective but we can't remember what it is.  His football coach is trying to get the players a study hall and I'm really hoping that works out b/c I am very nervous about his course load with the addition of football.  I'm thinking he/we may have bitten off more than we can chew.  Thankfully, he was able to take the Geometry class.  The guidance counselor was unsure if they would accept the Algebra class from Ohio.  I would've been hot if he had to take Algebra again.  I mean I didn't do all those dang study island lessons in Ohio for him for nothing him to have to take the class again  ;)   

8.  Speaking of Study Island....confession time...Ben's Language Arts teacher assigned like 30 Study Island lessons to the class during the spring.  I did most of them.  We were on spring break and I thought it was a stupid, busy work assignment.  He knew the info.  Think what you may of me, I don't care ;)

9.  I'm so ready for Fall and then I realize I will probably never have Fall when I live in Florida. 

10.  I laughed today b/c one of the teachers I work with asked if they could save one of the fire drills during winter when it's cold.  I was like "Um, it doesn't really get cold here!"

11.  I get to wear jeans to work everyday.  And that is the most amazing thing ever!  Everyone who knows me, knows I love my jeans days. 

12.  I have a lizard loose in my house.  We haven't found him.  We named him Patrick.  I swear, if he ends up in my bed for some reason, I'm outta here!

13. We're going out to dinner tonight and I'm going to eat til I feel sick.  Healthy Choice Steamers for lunch all week has pretty much sucked (but I did lose 2 pounds).  If I'm being honest here, I'll admit that I do plan on putting those two pounds back on at Fridays tonight.

14.  I've been thinking about buying some of those Toms shoes to wear with my JEANS to WORK.  They have cute lacy ones and cute leopard print ones.  I'm kinda torn on the Toms shoe situation.  I like them but I hate them.  They're cute but their ugly....know what I mean?

15.  Our neighbor parked his/her jeep ridiculously.  Daniel wants me to type up/print out a nasty note.  I'm excited to do so.

16.  I really miss all my friends in Virginia and Ohio...like so much it hurts. 

17.   Some people that I'm "friends" with on facebook are ridiculous! Like seriously, do they ever look through the crap they post.  Issues!!!

18.  I think I might go the mall tomorrow and get 2 dozen cupcakes.  They're small so we can go through a dozen or more a day.  I'm in love with them and can't stop thinking about them.  Actually, I may go tonight. 

19.  I need to buy more jeans this weekend b/c in case you didn't know I get to wear jeans to work everyday. 

20.  Tomorrow night, Daniel and I are going to the Hollywood  Hard Rock Casino (where Anna Nicole Smith died) for  a comedy show.  I'm looking forward to going out.  We are meeting some friends and having dinner before the show.  It's only three miles from the house so I'm thinking we'll take a taxi and enjoy some cocktails.  I'm looking forward to getting out the house and having some adult time. 


That's all the random thoughts I feel like writing about today.  I have more....all for another day. 

Emily

A new job...

Moving is stressful.  Looking for a job is even more stressful.  When we left Virginia to move to Ohio, I felt like I was leaving my dream job.  I loved my job, loved the people I worked with.  We hung out outside of school, many of us grew up together and it just felt like we were family.  I shed many a tear over leaving my job at Middlesex Elementary School.

After living in Ohio for a month or so, I interviewed for a job as an 8th grade Intervention Specialist at Port Clinton Middle School.  I didn't get the job but was offered another position at the school.  I didn't have any other offers....and I'd soon find out that offers in my part of Ohio are few and far between.  I was bummed that I didn't get the job that I originally applied for but accepted the one thing that I truly, 100% believe....everything happens for a reason.  Now, I realize what that reason was....a girl named Hayley got the job I wanted! And I'm so glad she did because she became one of my closest friends.  Had I gotten that job, she would've been working somewhere else and we may have never met.  I'd take my friendship with her a million times over a position I wanted.  And for the record, I ended up loving the position I was offered.  The pay wasn't the greatest and the benefits sucked (bcs there weren't any) but I met so many wonderful people and students that it was worth it and I wouldn't change a thing about my experience at Port Clinton Middle School. 

So, anyway...on to the Florida job search....it's been hard! It's sucked, actually.  I don't know if I'm just over qualified or the things I've written in my application suck or if I just suck or what...IDK! But seriously, I bet I applied for 100 different positions within the county school system here and only received handful of interviews.

And here's the run down....and I'm going to be brutally honest without naming schools (except for one that I really wanna call out)

Job #1
I interview for an ESE Specialist position in Pompano Beach.  An ESE Specialist is kinda like a school based Director of Special Ed.  It's a half time position which has pros and cons (pros...awesome hours...cons...pay sucks).  It's seriously the hardest interview I've ever been to.  They ask questions and I feel completely inadequate! I feel like I know my stuff when it comes to Special Ed.  I ask them about morale at their school...how their teachers get along...that's important to me....they exchange looks...I get weird vibes but whatever... I need a job. I'm willing to ignore the occasional crazy co-worker.   I leave and figure "Well, that was a waste of time!"  I seriously sucked! I know I did.  I get home and get a call from them that I'm a finalist and they want to interview me again the next day.  I told Daniel that the other candidates must've really, really sucked b/c I did such a horrible job. I go in the next day and meet with the principal and asst. principal...minus the teacher who was on the original interview committee.  They tell me that they wanted to meet with me without her...b/c basically she was a problem. Ummmm....ok...sneaky...unprofessional...but whatever, I'll deal with your BS b/c I need a job.

Job #1 Verdict- Never heard from them again.  Oh well...I also told them that I was not a big fan of unions.

Job #2
I go the interview at school #2 and wait for my entire life.  They're behind.  That irritates me but I'm not going to complain b/c I need a job.  I smile and am totally fake and say "that's ok" but it's not ok.  I'm hungry.  I'm nervous.  But I need a job.  I go into the interview and its seriously the weirdest interview I've ever been a part of.  Here's how it goes...she tells me that she is going to say a group of people and I have to say one word they would use to describe me...it was rapid fire.

Student....fair
Administrator...reliable
Co-teachers....fun
Parents....communicator

This went on for a few more and then she was like "Ok, we're done!"  "What? Done? That's all?"  ( I mean I didn't really say all that but that's what I was thinking).  Not sure why the heck she was so far behind if this is how the interviews were going.  She assures me that she will call one way or another.

Job #2 Verdict- I'm still waiting for weirdo principal at Job #2 to call.  (I think that means I didn't get the job).

Job #3
I interview for another half time teaching position.  It went well.  Both ladies who interviewed me were great. 

Job #3 Verdict- I had no sooner walked in the house when they called to offer me the job.  Uh! Decisions, decisions...I wanted to take the job so badly BUT it being a half time position didn't work for us so I had to turn it down. 

Job #4
So, I get an email in the middle of the night....like 3 in the morning.  Here it is copied and pasted word for word.


Dear Emily Driggers,

Interviews for the ESE Specialist Position will be held on Wednesday, February 23rd.  You have selected because we are interested in interviewing for the position.  If you already have an interview, please disregard this email.  If you do not, please report to the school between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. with your resume.

We look forward to seeing you!

Ok...so February 23rd, huh? Guess I'm going to be a little late for this one.

And the grammar...ugh!

And the fact that there is no name, no school, no address. 

But never fear, my Inspector Gadget skills were primed and prepped that morning.  I had to google the name of the person who sent the email and track it to the school to see where it came from.  And low and behold it was from the same school where I had Job #2 interview. 

So, I call and I'm like (very nicely b/c I need a job) "you're email is a little messed up."

Long story short, I go into the interview and realize it is for the same EXACT position that I already interviewed for so it's totally awkward and this time it's in front of an interview panel and the principal explains that I really wasn't supposed to be invited to interview.  The principal then explains to me that they are looking for someone with more experience for this particular position (it's also a director type job so I get that).  BUT then she explains to me that they are hiring FOUR Intervention Specialists and she thinks I'd be a wonderful fit for the school and she'd like to hire me.  Only thing is...it's a one year grant.  She told me to go to the job fair and see what was out there but to call her back the next day b/c she wanted to hire me if I didn't find a more permanent position at the job fair.  I thought this was great.  The school is 10 minutes from the house and I figured I'd get my foot in the door.  I felt excited and very relieved going into the job fair. 

Job #4 Verdict- I called the next day to accept the position (job fair was a bust...see below).  I left a message around 10:30.  Called again around 2:30 and left a message.  Sent an email on the next day.  Waited all weekend.  Called and left a message again on Monday.  At this point I decided, for whatever reason, the principal had gotten my hopes up for nothing.  I was devastated.  Daniel wanted me to go to the school and "accept" the position face to face so she'd be put on the spot.  I couldn't do that.  I was so disgusted with her.  Honestly, my feelings were hurt and I was just devastated that I got my hopes up.  How unprofessional of her to offer me a job and then not return my calls or emails.  Should've known after Job #2 interview with her and the email I got from her that was a disaster.  (FYI...the school's name is Fairway Elementary! The principal is unprofessional).  Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned so take that, Ms. Principal....now my entire following of 10 people will know you suck!

Job #5
Job Fair...stand in line with a couple thousand people...interview with a guy who was so distracted by the people around us he couldn't even make eye contact.  Waste of time.

Job #5 Verdict
No go

Job #6
Job Fair...stand in line, waste my time.

Job #6 Verdict
No go....I don't even care at this point.  That's a lie.  I care....a lot...I'm stressed....I'm over it.  Job searching sucks. 

Job #7
I get a call to interview with a private school.  The school is about 2 minutes from the house.  The hours are perfect. No state tests! I can teach what I want to teach! Total control...it's a good thing and a bad thing.  The interviewer spent an hour trying to sell ME on the school and why I should work there.  It was a great feeling.  I just knew I was getting a job offer.  It sucks, however, b/c the pay is about $10,000 less than working in the public school.  I decide I'm willing NOT make the pay be a deal breaker.  I really liked the principal and felt like I'd enjoy working there. 

Job #7 Verdict
I was offered the job but had to turn it down b/c I accepted a different position about two hours before her job offer.

Job #8
I interviewed at a great, little school in Coral Springs. I could just tell when interviewing with the principal and another lady that I would love working there.  It was a 73% position so the hours were perfect...8:00-1:30 every day.  I felt really good when I left the interview. 

Job #8 Verdict
Not sure what the outcome would've been.  They called to follow up about 10 minutes after I accepted a position with another school.  I had to turn down going any further with the school.   I was a little sad.  I had a good feeling about that school and think I would've liked working there. 

Job #9
Initially, I applied to be a case manager for students with disabilities at ARC Broward.  I received a phone call from them last week letting me know that the position had been filled but they thought they would have a preschool teacher position open and they wanted to know if I'd like them to keep my application for that position.  Sure!  I honestly wasn't expecting to hear anything else so I was surprised last Friday when they invited me to interview this Monday.  I went in for the pre-interview and just had really good vibes. I felt it went great and then I went to interview with the Director of the school and the ESE Specialist.  The interview was crazy! First of all, it lasted for a long time which was actually refreshing b/c I felt that they really, really were interested in me.  Secondly, with it being a preschool position, I didn't feel prepared for some of the questions.  In my mind, I was constantly referring back to what I did with my own kids.  When I left, I had no idea how it went.  I felt confident but also knew that I could've done a better job with some of the questions and felt like, at times, I couldn't quite get out what I wanted to say.  Long story short, I was home for about 15 minutes replaying the interview to Daniel when they called to offer me the job.  I was so excited and felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders.  I went back up there and spent the rest of the afternoon filling out paperwork. 

So while the job search was stressful and very weird at times, I've realized a few things....

1.  I have been very, very lucky to work under some amazing administrators.  I was lucky when I worked for Middlesex County and I was lucky when I worked for Port Clinton. 

2.  Not everyone is lucky to work for amazing administrators and I feel sorry for them.

3.  Everything does happen for a reason. 

4. I think I may be in way over my head with my new position.

5.  I'm going to work my tail off to give my kids the best preschool experience they can have.

6.  I would never in a million, bazillion years send my kids to Fairway Elementary School ;)

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Emily

Pizza Pasta Salad

One of my favorite recipes to make is my Pizza Pasta Salad.  It's such an easy, delicious side dish to make and it's perfect for dinners with larger groups of people.  I usually make it ahead of time so the dressing has time to soak into the pasta.  I just think it tastes better this way. 

 

Ingredients:

1 Box bowtie pasta
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 green pepper
1 can black olives (I use the 2.25 oz. size)
1 package of pepperoni (I use about half of the 5 oz. package)
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp. parsley
1 1/2 tsp. garlic
1/2 tsp. dry mustard

Cook pasta according to package. 

In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, vinegar, parsley, garlic, sugar, and dry mustard. 

Once pasta is done, rinse under cold water and drain. 

Add pepperoni, green pepper, black olives and mozzarella cheese to the pasta and mix. 

Add dressing mixture to pasta mix and stir until the dressing is evenly distributed. 

Refrigerate until you're ready to eat.  It's so delicious!

Five Favorites on Friday

It's time for five more of my favorite things...

The latest book I read.  Outside In is set in Put in Bay, which is my favorite place to visit. 
I loved reading this book and it made me want to be there so badly.  The book is about a former
teacher who goes to PIB to work at the Round House as a bouncer.  The story depicts his summer on
the island.  And from the stories I've heard, I'm willing to bet it's a very realistic compilation of island life.

Chick fil A....this deliciousness shouldn't even be referred to as fast food. 
I can't even put into words how much I love this place.

Love a Coke Zero!

I love Face Time.  Lizzie and her BFF Paige face time each other
frequently and I think it's the cutest thing ever.  They play dolls together,
eat meals together and just hang out.  It's been a life saver since we moved.
 

 

This is my new favorite shirt, from the Limited.  I've always loved
shopping there and they have not disappointed lately.  I'm loving
this color combination.  I wore this to a job interview and the first two
minutes of the interview consisted of discussing this shirt.  Love it!

 

 

Lizzie Lou Who

Just a little bit of comic relief from the cutest 8 year old I know....Lizzie Lou Who

That hair....

Just say YES!

I often sit and think that I wish time would slow down.  It's so hard for me to believe Ben is entering high school and my baby will soon be going into third grade.  I don't even know how this happened.  I can't help but think in just four short years, from now, we will be finalizing our plans to send Ben to college...and Daniel and I will be 40!!!

I know Daniel and I have tried our hardest to be good parents and to provide our kids with everything they want and need as well providing them with opportunities and experiences.  They don't hear the word "no" often and while I know some people may not agree with that,  I honestly don't care.  I say all the time, they are only kids once.  We'll never get these days back and it makes me happy to know that they'll look back and think "I had a really awesome childhood!" 

So, I guess my advice for today and everyday is...say "yes" more than "no" and take time each day to reflect on what a blessing children are...even when they are driving you nuts!

Lizzie driving me nuts...making goo and a huge mess. 
She's so happy! Glad I said "yes!"

So many memories in this house...

When we first moved to Ohio, we lived in an apartment.  I hated every second living there so you can imagine how happy I was when we were able to purchase this house several months after we moved to Ohio.  Aside from getting a job at Port Clinton Middle School and meeting many friends there, this house saved me.  I was an awful depressed mess after moving from Virginia and this house made me feel excited about living in Ohio.  I was excited to fill it up with memories and put our personal touch on it.  Leaving this house was difficult. I can't even describe how many wonderful memories we have in this house. 

I got to have my girl friends over for craft day in this house.

Lizzie got to break rules in this house. 

Some of our best friends got to spend Thanksgiving with us in this house.

We got to adopt and love the most loving, wonderful dog in the world in this house. 
She also was killed by a coyote at this house.  We will never forget her.

We got to celebrate an undefeated football season  and the first TAAC championship since 1978 in this house.

We got to hang with our BFF in this house. 

We got to hang out with our goofy friends in this house. 

 

We got to have first days of school in this house.

We got to look at this view in this house. 

We got to hate snow in this house.

We got to make history again while living in this house.  Undefeated baseball team
and a trip to the Little League World Series Qualifier Tournament

We got to eat delicious crabs with our friends and family in this house.

We got to grow up in this house.

We got to experience unconditional love in this house. 

We got to spend time with our family in this house. 

We got to experience how bad goodbyes suck in this house. 

We got to experience awesome support from our small community in this house. 

We got to experience season ending breaks in this house.
BUT not before we tied the Ottawa County record in 200M Hurdles. 
 

We got to watch Auburn win many games and championships in this house. 

We got to eat our favorite foods in this house. 

We got to have our sissy visit us from Virginia in this house. 











This was an amazing house and I while I hate that we had to leave it, I am so thankful for the time we were able to spend there. 



Goodbyes

Some people say its not "goodbye," but it's "see ya later."  I don't care what it is, it sucks! Goodbyes suck! When I moved to Ohio from Virginia it was hard.  Understandably so....I'd lived in Virginia my entire life.  I was leaving everything I knew.  Never in a million years did I realize leaving Ohio would be so hard on me.  We definitely made lifelong friends there and leaving them sucked just as bad as leaving our friends in Virginia five years ago. 

If you don't like pictures, you may want to stop reading....lots of pics coming up. 

 

 

We are so blessed to be able to call these people our friends.  We are very lucky, indeed.