Monday, March 25, 2013

Virtual Coffee Date

Recently Lisa and a few other bloggers have written a "virtual coffee date" post and I have been meaning to write one for awhile now. No better time then the present, no?


 
Photo courtesy of Lisa's condo in Minneapolis when I stayed with her in August 2011!

If you and I were having coffee together ...
  • I'd tell you that I am feeling extremely anxious these days. Anxious about getting a teaching job. Anxious about student loans. Anxious about relationships. Anxious about completing my portfolio Anxious about time. Just, anxious. Pray I'm not on meds by August, ok? 
  • I'd tell you that despite being extremely busy juggling student teaching, completing as many teaching applications as I possibly can, taking advantage of every possible meet and greet with district representatives, working on my portfolio and working part time at the agency, I am still making sure to keep up with my favorite past time - reading. Last night I started the 21st book of 2013 and tonight my friends and I will meet at Dos Rios for our third Books 'n Bars meeting of the year. I am always available with a recommendation for a good book!
  • I'd tell you that I started student teaching today at a new placement and I would tell you how excited I am to be teaching at a school that seems to be everybody's favorite school.
  • I'd tell you that having your classmates turn into competition for teaching jobs is a very weird feeling and I do not like it. There is one friend in particular that is ... particularly catty. I am not sure if she realizes that it comes across that way, but I am not willing to participate. Gives me the sads. 
  • I'd tell you that despite the stiff competition, there are still some very nice people out there. On Saturday when I was in Cedar Falls for the UNI Teacher Fair a girl that interviewed for the same position I did a few weeks ago remembered seeing me and stopped to say hi. We chatted each time we ran into each other at the fair and it was nice to make a new friend. :)
  • I'd tell you that speaking of new friends, I met Kristin from Single Mama Life and it was so nice to meet her! I will never forget how she reached out to me and sent the nicest email after I posted about not getting the job I interviewed for. 
  • I'd tell you that despite being very busy, I miss blogging very much.
  • I'd tell you that I recently registered for Dam to Dam, the race that sparked my interest in long distance running last year and the race that I am hoping will ignite that spark again this year... now, if only it would stop snowing so I could comfortably run outside...
  • I'd ask you, speaking of snow... when is it going to stop? And, I would hope that you give me an answer I like. Or offer me a beach vacation to somewhere tropical!
If we had coffee today, what would you tell me? 

13 comments:

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling so anxious about things. It will be good to have your portfolio done and to have a job secured. I think those items will REALLY help. Just remember you can defer your loans or set up a payment plan that is based on your income. Hang in there - calmer waters are ahead! I can relate as I feel very stressed these days and I just feel very off and not like myself. I always get like this during CFA study season but it's especially bad this year with the move and all. :(

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

I stayed up until almost 2 am reading and like a goddamn psyhic my kid wakes up an hour earlier than she normally does. Typical of when I stay up late to finish a book (Let's Pretend This Never Happened) HILARIOUS! My birthday is tomorrow and I am super stoked for spring break and the early childhood conference I am going to next week!

Anonymous said...

It was so nice to meet you! Hopefully the fair was beneficial, I saw that the des moines school districts are having there own fair, let me know if you need that info.
I second the previous comment about Let's Pretend This Never Happened, hilarious book!

Angie said...

I registered for Dam to Dam too! After running it last year, I swore up and down that running it once was enough. Funny how a little persuasion can change things :)

Amber said...

I'm sorry things are so stressful right now. I think that during times of transition like this it's normal to feel a bit anxious. Sending good thoughts you can secure a job soon, I'm sure that will help so much!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

Ug, sorry you are feeling stressed and anxious about the job hunt. I remember that feeling. I sent out so many resumes and got no answer! It was so frustrating. It will eventually all come together! Don't worry too much!

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

I am also over the snow- I hope it stops here too!

I understand how you feel about all the crazyness right now. The last two years I have had classroom aides who are finishing up their masters and applying for positions. It has been really hard for them, both with people at my school also applying for jobs and their friends/classmates in their masters to suddenly start competing with each other for jobs. I hate that it has to be like this because clearly there is a need for good teachers like you, and my two aides, out there in the world. On a positive note, last year my aide landed a wonderful first grade teaching job at another school in my district and of course she is doing a wonderful job there and everyone loves her. I know for sure, this is going to happen for you too! Hang in there :)

Stephany said...

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear you are feeling so stressed out lately. I remember that feeling well when I was student teaching - especially making sure my portfolio was ready and all my certifications done before I graduated! I wasn't even applying to jobs and I was stressed to the max so I know you must be experiencing it so much more! I got shingles in my last semester before I graduated, ha, so just pray you don't have to deal with that! NOT pleasant. :)

Shoshanah said...

21 books so far this year! We're barely 3 months into the year. Call me impressed!

And I can only imagine how anxious you must be feeling. I remember how awful it was when I finished grad school, and had no idea where I would find a job. But you have a big advantage compared to me, since you at least know that you want to do. And I'm sure you'll find the perfect teaching job, and be ready to start come September!

Mollie said...

Busy, busy girl you are! I'm so glad your student teaching gig went well and am anxious to find out where you land, hopefully for the fall school year!

applesandglue said...

What a fun idea for a blog post! Hmmm, student teaching sounds stressful.. makes me glad I didn't have to go that route. That said, I was basically just thrown into a classroom lol!

I'll take the snow! Send it to Texas!

Epic Thread said...

It'd be great to see that quote as I drink my coffee in the morning.

Jillian - http://epic-thread.blogspot.com/

Nora said...

There is nothing worse than feeling anxious. I have panic/anxiety attacks every once in a while and they are the absolute worst! I hope that things are better for you now( do you like how behind I am on my blog reading?)

Isn't meeting new friends the best? One of my favorite things to date!