Need fliers, posters, business cards..??

My trip to Florida for the job "interview" went really well, and turned into me saying, "No" to the job.  My main thought was that I want elementary school, NOT middle school.  But it also helped that the school was built across the street from.. the projects.  I decided, I can't go to work every day afraid for my life!  Hey, it was a shot--and a good one at that.  Thank God I didn't say "Yes" before checkin' the place out!

After that, I came home for the 4th of July (and went to an annual party, thrown by friends of the family).  We had to leave our party early, because my grandfather has been in the hospital, and the nurse on that night was extremely rude to my aunt, so Mom and I decided we had to head over there halfway through the firework show.

The next day, Thursday the 5th, Mom, Kelcey (my niece), and I headed to Buffalo--our halfway point between here and Columbus, Ohio.  We stayed at my friend's house that night, and then continued on our journey to my cousin's wedding the following day, Friday.  That was the night of the rehearsal dinner--it was a very nice, comfortable, low-laying get-together at my cousin and her soon-to-be-husband's house.  The next day was the wedding, and it was BEAUTIFUL! 'Even more beautiful and perfect than I ever expected a wedding COULD be, after only about six or eight weeks of planning!  It was a nice weekend.

On a not-so-light note, my Pop was put on hospice yesterday (very unfortunately), but I know we're doing what's right, and what is best for him, now.  The day before, I had an AWESOME visit with Gram in the nursing home, so that was a nice feeling.

Other than all this, I've been working at a summer camp/program and babysitting just about every day of the Summer.  My most recent thing was this: I found out that a friend of mine needed a flyer designed for his business of car and race car polishing.

Here's what I came up with:

So, this is a good thing, I think.  It got me thinking that maybe I should start some side-job like this; not just fliers, but anything: business cards, notes, posters, pictures, etc.  If YOU have anything that I could help with, email:

rmbryce@hotmail.com

Getting closer to decision-making time!

Oh my goodness... Sunday, I leave for Florida.  Monday I will be meeting with the principal, sometime in the morning, to talk about the position and get a tour of the school.  After that, I'm going to do some apartment searching.  There are a few girls I have already talked to about apartments/houses.  One girl answered my email about a house that she and her friend live in, which is a three bedroom, and they need another roommate.  Hopefully while I am down there, she will be able to invite me to check the place out and introduce ourselves to one another.  Another girl is also looking for an apartment, so I might meet with her and look for places together.

Either way, Mom, Kelcey (my niece) and I are going to the Disney parks on Sunday or Tuesday, and spending the other day(s) at the pool for as long as we can without getting too roasted :)  Then, we leave Tuesday night to head back home, celebrate Fourth of July somewhere, and then we re-pack and head to Buffalo the next day--our stop on the way to Ohio.

After the wedding in Ohio, I come back to real-life and start my "nannying" job for the summer.  Again, keep me in your prayers that whatever is meant to happen will be proven to me somehow, and I will make the right decision!

Yesterday was an awesome day: I bought new clothes and new books, and then received an email from my old college, stating that I won a Visa gift card for filling out a survey. When I got there to pick it up, it was worth $100!!!!!!!  Finally, toward the end of the day, I decided I would go to the Brad Paisley, Scotty McCreery and The Band Perry concert tonight.  After my niece's dance "recital" and getting a few things done and packed around the house, I will meet up with my sister and we will all head to the concert.

'Hope things keep going in the right direction from here on out!

Life is moving so quickly!

So, today I called the principal back from the middle school in Florida where I was offered a job.  I booked a flight for this coming Sunday down to Orlando.  Mom is coming with me, which should help to calm my nerves a bit, and my niece may be joining us as well.  'Totally nervous and freaking out, but if it's meant to be, it will be.

We will take some time to look at a few of the area apartment complexes, and I will be meeting with the principal and taking a tour of the school.  He is also going to try to get some of the faculty and staff members to stop in and introduce themselves to me, which will be nice I think.  It's only from Sunday morning until late Tuesday night, but I have a wedding to be at in Ohio on Friday, so it's a packed week.

I am just praying that I hear back from a school up here before I say "Yes" to Florida.  Keep me in your prayers, PLEASE!  Other than that, life's moving at a regular pace, but I'm glad to finally have a somewhat definite job lined up.  Of course, I'd rather have something lined up that isn't hours away from family, but God offers interesting ideas.  As a friend of mine stated recently, I really need a decision-maker, not a secretary!

You'll be updated again soon, I'm sure!! EEEK!

Jobs, jobs, where are you??

'First summer EVER that I am not taking classes the whole time!  It feels so great, but nerve-racking.  The end of the year went well.  Here's what I gave as an end-of-the-year treat for the kids:

Now it's time to figure out what I'm doing for the summer and for next year.  I went on another "interview" (just met with a woman and her two kids) for summer babysitting.  This seems like the best choice so far, and I think I'll go for it--'very promising!  I probably will start next week.

Other than that, I've been going to physical therapy twice a week for my back, I got an X-Ray last week, and my back is slowly but surely starting to feel better.  Next year is still up in the air, but I have to give the principal in Florida a call back about that job.  I applied for a job here, in the district I finished the school year out at, but I might not hear about that for a month or two--that's NOT promising!! :/

I need thoughts and ideas: what's good for me?  Since I'm still young, and it's early in my career, I wonder if I SHOULD take this coming year to travel down to Florida and work there for a while. 'Such difficult decisions!  But, life is good, and everything will work out the way it should.  I'll write again as soon as I think to, and hopefully life will progress quickly, and in a way that I am happy with.

The school year is coming to a close..

It's been about a month, and in that month, A LOT has gone on.  My birthday, which I had planned on doing nothing for, was AWESOME!  Mom, my sister, my niece, and I went to my friend's restaurant (a small pizza joint where they don't sing "Happy birthday"), and they sang happy birthday!!  I also spent lots of time with my closest friends from my hometown on my birthday.

I quite my six-year-long job at Pottery Barn Kids, after being treated horribly for the last year.  Managers just aren't what they used to be, at least not in this company.  Therefore, I'm trying to find a decent-paying job for the summer! :/

Right now, I am in a long-term substituting position in my student teaching cooperating teacher's classroom (she is due to have a baby in about a week)!  It's going well--the kids are very tough, and they are definitely a handful, but it is a great experience.  I think after these past couple of weeks, I could work with ANY child :)

I have applied for a job for next year in this same school district (the principal told me about the posting, and he is going to offer a recommendation for me!

Last week, I was offered another job in Florida--this one would be 8th grade reading in the same county that I had a previous interview for.  The interview for this was through Skype with the principal, who seemed like a very nice, professional, interested man, and hopefully I can make it down to visit in the next few weeks to help with my decision.  My theory at this point is that if I don't get the job I applied for here, I'll head down and tell myself to stick it out down there for at least one year.

On another note, I've been looking for things to do for the students.  Their last day is Thursday, and I want them to bring something home with them that they will treasure forever.  I've found a few ideas on Pinterest, but because I've only been there for two weeks, it's tough to make a simple decision.  Here are a few great end-of-the-year ideas, though!

Rather, something like, "You are o-FISH-ally done with 1st grade!!"

(http://www.tipjunkie.com/18-creative-things-to-do-for-back-to-school/)

http://polkadottedteacher.blogspot.com/2012/05/goodbye-class-of-2011-2012.html

 http://polkadottedteacher.blogspot.com/2012/05/goodbye-class-of-2011-2012.html

http://simplegirlathome.blogspot.com/2011/05/kindergarten-graduation-ideas.html

Signing off right now--have to do a little more planning for tomorrow.  Good night, bloggers! Enjoy the week!! :)

Crossed fingers getting tired!

The weather's been NUTS!  We will have two days of 80-90 degrees and then the next day it will drop down ten or twenty and be rainy.  I can't complain--it's still been pretty darn warm out lately, even WITH the rain!  Working at Pottery Barn Kids is really just dragging me down, but I'm stickin' with it.

This past week I've done a few 14-hour days, with substituting in the morning and then heading straight into the store in the afternoon/evening.  It's tiring.  Therefore, I just woke up from a two-hour nap, which was lovely :)  Yesterday I went to the doctor about what I believed to be scoliosis.. we're still not sure if it is, but he did find that one leg is half-an-inch shorter than the other, and I may have a "pelvic rotation" (or something along those lines--doc talk).  Either way, I'm headed to another doctor in a couple of weeks to let me know for sure what's going on with this crooked body of mine.

...I had an interview today! It was at a Catholic school--my niece's--and I really don't know how it went.  Normally, after interviews I come out with two thumbs up, pumped to hear back.  I think this one went well, but I definitely BOMBED about two or three questions.  (It doesn't help that I didn't know what to say about the saint who the church is named for--whoops!)  But, it was a lesson, and obviously, next time, I know to research more about the church itself, and what it stands for, so when they say "Tell me about Saint Whoever" I won't have to say, "Uh, I don't know" (that's not how I answered, by the way--I try my best not to say "um") :)

Anyway, I've still got my fingers crossed--they're getting a little tired, and I hope my fingers don't get stuck that way.  It's a slow-moving process, but I'm keeping an open mind and I'm praying daily that the right opportunity will fall into my lap.

On the wedding topic, with my sister: She found her dress--second one she tried on!!!--ordered it, and my niece's as well.  She and her fiance booked the reception hall (it's going to me a brunch wedding, rather than late in the evening) and blocked off hotel rooms at a place nearby.  She's getting a lot done quickly.  And it's still almost a year away!! :)

It's been a busy few weeks, but I'm enjoying the nice weather, and great students I've been working with in the various schools.  'Hope you fellow-bloggers are doing well, too!

Same old stuff

I've been living back home with my mom for about a week now.  It's so weird--it hasn't quite kicked in yet that I don't have a place of my own anymore.  I keep thinking I'll be missing some of my shows at night because I'll be making the drive back to Western New York.  But I won't :/  Strange, and as I said, bittersweet.

'Still searching everywhere for jobs--New York, Florida, Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maine, and everywhere else, as well.  I might have a summer job at a camp in Albany full time.  That way, I'll have nights and weekends to work at Pottery Barn Kids as well.  I need all the money I can get, and all the luck, too.

My sister finished nursing today--so CONGRATS to her!  My niece is having a Spring music concert tonight, so I'm going to that.  My sister, brother, and I decided on a simple, somewhat inexpensive, but GOOD Mother's Day gift for Mom.  I'm now substituting for BOCES in the Capital Region, so that should get me some work for now, as well.

Not much is new--it's the same wake up, work or try to FIND work, apply for hundreds of jobs, sleep, and repeat.  If anything exciting occurs soon, that will be blogged about I'm sure.  Other than that, I've had some time to spend with friends and family, including visiting Kay's Pizza a lot (a friend's restaurant in town).

Enjoy the week, everybody!

Moving day :/

Well, here we are.  It's April 30th, and I'm moving back to Albany today.  I've been packing and cleaning the rest of my things since Friday--all day for four days.  It's been tiring, and beginning to get very boring, but I am almost done.  I have about two more boxes and a few other odds and ends (a table, a vacuum, a microwave, etc.) to put into the car, and then I should be good to go!

It's bittersweet--I want to have a place to call home again!  It's been a while with my mom trying to move things out of her house, my trying to bring some of my things over to where I thought I would be by the time I was moving out (my grandparents' house) and still freaking out about where to unpack my car into in about four short hours :/

I'm keeping my fingers crossed about the jobs I've applied for out here though.  I'm praying that I get a call soon about one of the jobs, and then I'll know I'm meant to come back out here, at least for a while.  For now, I have an interview tomorrow for a summer program in the Albany/Troy area, and I"m hoping that goes well tomorrow.  It's the first interview in a couple months, so I gotta get back into practice.

I better sign off and finish this packing. Wish me luck, Bloggers!!

Frowns are turnin' 'round.. :)

So, in the past few days, I think I've applied to about 100 jobs--that's not much of a stretch either.  I applied to a ton of teaching jobs, and even a few restaurant, event planning, nannying, and out-of-state jobs (some teaching, some in other lines of business).  It's been tiring, and seems useless at the time, with no responses from employers.  But, as I've said many times, I'll get there eventually.  I was at my wit's end last night after asking Mom to "look over" a letter of application, and she completely rebuilt it.

Today, during my afternoon half-day of substituting, I didn't have to do too much.  I was only in to cover a 45-minute period of the day for a special ed. teacher in a 1st grade classroom (however, they only had playtime, so I got to just hang out and watch).  Anyway, as I walked into the classroom, my friend who is the reading teacher at the school, was there.  She informed me of quite a few openings at one of the nearby school districts!!!!  'Not keeping me hopes up but.. I'm excited!!  I applied tonight, with a new cover letter, and a two-page writing sample.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and I hope others will do the same for me.

Anyway, on another note, I wanted to share a cupcake-topping idea for Mother's Day--it's sneaking up on us, and I am DEFINITELY making these for my mom and sister on May 13th.

http://hoosierhomemade.com/mothers-day-cupcake-toppers/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/papercupcakedesigns

Finally... this Friday a few girlfriends of mine are coming over to my almost-empty-but-not-quite-packed-up apartment to spend time together before I have to head back to Albany.  I think it's going to be a baking-and-sipping day (trying out some of our Pinterest recipes (food and drinks) we've found).  I'm very excited.  I'll let y'all know how our experiments turn out!  Wish me luck on that, too!  Signing off :)

Post-Easter

Megan's awesome-colored egg

Well, Easter was great... a few weeks ago!  I did some egg painting with Mom, my sister, my sister's friend, and my niece the week before Easter Sunday.  On Friday the 6th, I headed to Oswego to visit a girlfriend of mine (pictures from last Easter in one of my April 5th blogs of her and her brother).  We spent the night at her parents' house, and had a nice dinner/movie night, and then ran "family errands" the next day until I left around 4:00pm to head back to Albany.

When I got home, I went to see a Beatles tribute band at The Egg in Albany, where my brother works.  I figured a free concert would be nice :)  Unfortunately, the guys looked just about nothing like the Beatles, and their performance was only so-so.  But I still enjoyed my company, and, like I said.. it was free for me.

Easter Sunday morning, Mom, Christen (sister), Kelcey (niece), and I went to 11:15am mass; Christen and Kelcey came to Mom's afterward, to find the things the Easter Bunny left for us there; then "brunch" at 3:00pm with my brother (Jon), my sister's fiance, and my mom's sister's family of six.  Unfortunately, the food was cold and unsatisfying, but it's kind of the one day of the year that you're happy anyway! :)  I ended up staying home the entire next week because of a few things that came up.

Kelcey, holding the egg I made for her

Sadly, my cousin's (the one I share my apartment with out in Rochester) grandmother on her father's side passed away in Albany, so she and her boyfriend came into town for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  The wake was on Tuesday evening, and the funeral was Wednesday morning.  After the funeral, we all went to a reception at one of the nearby hotels for lunch, and to celebrate her long, loving, happy, amazing life!

I then had a much-need, long-awaited hair appointment on Thursday afternoon, and treated myself (with a gift certificate I received from someone years ago) at a day spa near my hometown on Monday morning.  It was a nice chuck of change I was given for the certificate, so I was able to get a massage, a facial, AND a manicure.  Finally, I drove back here to Western New York on Monday evening after my day spa treatment and packing.

I substituted in the middle school/high school from Tuesday to Friday, and now here we are. WOAH.  Of course, I'm still applying to three or more jobs a day, either in person, online, or through snail mail and/or email.  So far, 'haven't heard anything since my offer from Florida, so it's still a bit nerve-racking and frustrating.  But, I'll get there eventually!!!

Wish me luck!  I'm keeping my head up, even in the toughest of times.  God's got me set--I just hope sooner rather than later!! :)

Easter for the kids

Here are a couple of ideas for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, etc. for Easter morning or Easter "week" that I find exciting.  It's more fun for the kids this way than to just hear, "Alright, go find 'em!" :)  Let me know how it worked if you use the ideas.

'

'Definitely using one or both of these next year--definitely for the students, maybe for the niece--to see how they work.  I think they're a fun little "kick" to the norm--and who doesn't love scavy hunts??


How about these religious dessert recipes? (Retrieved from apples4theteacher.com)

      Easter Sunday Cross Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 (18.25 oz.) white cake mix
• 1 C of milk
• 3 T corn starch
• 1/2 C of margarine
• 3/4 C shortening
• 1 C fine white sugar
• 2 t clear vanilla
• Yellow food coloring

Preparation:

1. Prepare the cake as directed on the package for a 9X13 size cake.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 7 minutes then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Place the milk into a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Stir in the corn starch and stirring slowly cook the mixture until thick.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and continue stirring until the mixture cools.
6. Place the margarine, shortening and sugar in a bowl.
7. Beat with an electric mixer on low for 7 minutes or until creamy. 
8. Add the cooled milk mixture and the vanilla and continue beating about 4 minutes or until the icing resembles whipped cream.
9. Remove 1 1/2 C of the prepared icing and tint with the yellow food colored until desired color is reached.
10. Remove the cake from the wire rack and place on a cutting board.
11. Cut the cake in half lengthwise.
12. Cut one side of the cake in half from side to side.
13. Place the longer piece of cake in the middle of a piece of flat cardboard.
14. Cover the piece of cake with the white icing.
15. Place the 2 shorter pieces of cake 1/3 down on each side of the longer piece to form a cross.
16. Spread the remaining pieces of cake with the white icing.
17. Using a pastry bag pipe the yellow icing around the outside edges of the cake at the bottom and around the top to form shell boarders. (Makes 12 servings)
    

    Easter "Angel" Dessert

    Ingredients:
    
18. 1 prepared angel food cake, cubed
19. 1 (20 oz.) can cherry pie filling
20. 1 1/3 C of cold milk
21. 1 (3 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding
22. 1/2 C sour cream
23. 1 (8 oz.) carton frozen whipped topping, thawed

Preparation:

1. Place the cake cubes into the bottom of a 9X13 cake pan.
2. Spread the cherry pie filling over the cake cubes.
3. Pour the milk into a small mixing bowl.
4. Sprinkle the pudding mix over the milk.
5. With a wire whisk blend the two together for 2 minutes being sure all the pudding mix has dissolved into the milk.
6. Let the mixture stand until soft set about 2 minutes.
7. Fold the sour cream into the pudding mixture.
8. Gently spread the pudding mixture over the pie filling.
9. Spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding mixture.
10. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. (Makes 12 servings)

Easter is coming!!

It's been a while, and so much has happened since I last wrote.  I said that my sister is engaged, and I'm so happy for her.  On Wednesday the 28th, I went to a "Teacher Recruitment Day" in Rochester, New York.  What this is, is this:  You arrive at the "convention center" early in the morning (between 7:15 and 7:45) and the doors to the next room open at 8:00.  Between 8 and 9 AM, there are a slew of tables set up in the room, and you go from one to the next (with recruiters from schools all over the United States), but only those you are honestly interested in working for.  My first choice was a school in New York, whose list was filled by the time I walked over to the table--as was my second choice, Richmond, VA.  So, my final two choices were Palm Beach County and Polk County (both in Florida).  After you sign up for interviews, depending what times they are, you sit around and wait.. for a whole bunch of hours :/  BUT, it was worth it, because I was "offered" jobs in both counties!

(Some information on Teacher Recruitment Days can be found here: http://www.rochestertrd.org/ and other TRDs can be found through Google searches)

Thankfully, those offers can be back-ups.  I am honored to have those offers, but I'd prefer, if at all possible, to stay closer to home.  Applying EVERYWHERE is a big deal for me right now, since jobs are sooo difficult to come by.  The Pottery Barn Kids management job, I think, is out the window.  I'm not sure if I'm up for it--not the management/leadership thing, but more the POTTERY BARN thing.  I've applied at the school I substitute for out here, and a Catholic school back home.

This week, I drove to my apartment on Sunday night to work Monday morning.  During my lunch, I received a call from BOCES back in Albany, asking to interview me for substitute teaching back there, in case (which, yes, most likely I will) I move back to Albany.  However, the problem with that interview, was that it was the next day.  So, I drove home, grabbed a bag of clothes and my toothbrush, and drove three-and-a-half hours for the second day in a row.  After the interview, I decided I might stay in the Capital Region for the rest of the week until... you guessed it!... Geneseo called and asked me to substitute Wednesday and Thursday.  Back to Western New York I drove--third day IN A ROW!  That's where I'm at right now.  It's finally the weekend, and I'll head to Oswego (to visit a friend and her family) for some Easter fun until Saturday afternoon.  From there, Albany for Sunday Brunch with the family.

Left:  Last year, Easter Egg coloring with Caitlin in Oswego at her parents' house

Right:  Last year, 2011, Easter Egg coloring with Caitlin and her brother, Chris, at the house


Below: Caitlin and me, and her Great-aunt

Easter in Disney three years ago with Caitlin (Florida roommate from Oswego)

More stuff to come shortly!! :)  What do you do on Easter?  What do you celebrate?  Do you really know and think about the real meaning of Easter, and thank God for your life, even if you have things to complain about every once in a while?  I do!

Busy bee

Work... sleep... spend time with family... drive... sleep... work...

I have no idea where my life is headed at this moment.  I spent last week in Western New York and the weekend at my mom's.  I'm back in Rochester now, and just got home from my cousin's for dinner.

I have to mention a big deal though: MY SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED!!!  This week while I was home, I spent all of my time with family.  On Saturday night, as Mom, my niece and I were on the way to our cousins' play, we received a call from my sister.  HE POPPED THE QUESTION!  Congratulations, Christen--I'm so happy you're happy!!!

Lots of weddings for me in the upcoming years.  Although, not my own for... maybe ever??  Ha, I had a serious conversation with my 6-year-old niece on Saturday morning about living together in 12 years, when she turns 18, and owning two cats.  I was slightly joking; she was seriously excited (two hours later she said, "I have a great idea for a name for one of the cats!!).

Anyway, I'm going to do some reading before bed.  Hopefully I'll be called to substitute in the morning--REALLY need the money :/

G'night, bloggers!

It just feels so right!

Woah!! I'm FINALLY back in Western New York, at my apartment near Rochester.  I had a wonderful drive back here, and even got a little tan on my left arm :)  It's strange because I forgot how I left my apartment.  I didn't recall whether there was any food whatsoever in the cabinets and refrigerator, or where I left everything in my room, and how EMPTY I had left it!

It's great to be back, so it's a little bittersweet knowing that I am moving out of this place in a month, and probably out of town completely. :/  It's been a great year and a half out in this area, and I'm a little more bummed than I realized I would be about moving back toward my hometown (not that I didn't KNOW I wanted to stay away from there all my life!).  This time, I am (unfortunately) only here until tomorrow evening.  I am substituting in one of the schools out here tomorrow morning, but have to drive back to the Albany area afterwards because I am working there on Wednesday.

Nice surprise though: ...my landlord started painting the house GREEN while I was gone!! My dream of living in a green (not the clear kind) house has come true (partly... and for less than a month...)

(looks a little silly at this point)

Anyway, that's my check-in at this point in the week.  It's Monday, so I'm a little out of it.  I'll write later... maybe tomorrow.

Something came up

I have not had much time recently to write and catch everyone up with my life.  I am still in the Albany, NY area for a few more days.. perhaps a few more than that, actually.  I have been working at Pottery Barn Kids for five-and-a-half years.  Originally it was a part-time thing, and I was there all of the time.  But I took time off in 2009 for the Disney College Program, and then took some time off this past year while I was living in Rochester, so I guess I'd be considered "seasonal."  Lots of things happened throughout those years, and it's been both an uphill and downhill road.  At this point in time (fingers crossed) it's more of an uphill.

When I went in to work a few days ago, one of my co-workers informed me that we are in need of two new managers, and that he thought I'd be a great fit for one of the positions.  I talked shortly with the store manager (who I do not know VERY well, because he just began with us a few months ago, and, like I said, I'm not around all that often), and I am going in to talk with him more in-depth in one short hour!  I couldn't tell you if this would be considered an "informal interview" or just a "chat"-- we haven't given it a name.

Of course, this wasn't my thought of what would happen when I came back to New York.  I thought I'd be substituting daily, and looking further into retiring teachers' positions or long-term leaves to fill.  At this point in time, I need a steady income, and if I was recommended for a management position, I might as well take it, while I have nothing holding me down anywhere.  My lease for my Rochester apartment is up in April, and after mid-April, I won't know where to go, so I might be heading back for a management job in Albany.

I'm not getting my hopes up, but I think I am definitely cut out for the job, even with the simple fact that I've been with the company for so long.  I know what would be expected of me, and I have a strong feeling that I would be a great fit.  Either way, wish me luck, and the outcome will be offered when I know what it is!

I don't know about everywhere else, but it's a beautiful day in Upstate New York!

A belated to my beloved...

Yesterday was my niece's 6th birthday!  I can't believe how the time flies.  I was lucky enough to make her a very special present, similar to the one I gave her last year.  I made a sign saying, "Happy 6th Birthday, Kelcey!"  I then went around the parks to a few of the characters (Snow White, Aurora, Cinderella and Belle), asking them to autograph and then hold it for a picture.  I put it together in a collage with the sign itself, as well as the four pictures.  A big "thank you" goes out to Mom and my friends who stood in the lines with me for the special gift!

<<-- Here's last year's gift, too! :)

Last night, Mom, Jonathan (brother), Christen (sister), Nick (Christen's boyfriend), and Kelcey (Christen's daughter/my niece) went out with my Aunt and two cousins and a family friend for the birthday dinner at Olive Garden.  It was so good to see my family for the first time in a few months, although I wish I had more time to chat.

'Weather's been pretty decent the past two days (low to high 50s, with some wind), which I'm thankful for after getting used to the 75+ degrees in Florida for the past two months.  I have a few errands to run today, which will not be horrible, as I can even ride with the windows down in the car!  One of my closest high school girlfriends is on her way to the house now, so I'm signing off, but want to share an idea for free time...

http://www.duitang.com/people/mblog/20176448/detail/

A GREAT evening

Blogging twice in one day... I think that's a first so far.. and impressive!!  I stayed positive throughout the day, and I think it helped that my brother informed me that a few "new" country stars would be in the area this evening.  Kip Moore, Brent Anderson, and JT Hodges came to Albany, New York tonight.. Thankfully, to the small arena my brother works at.  He was able to get Mom and me in for free at the last minute, and I was also able to meet the three AWESOME singers/guitarists after the concert.

Left to right: Kip Moore, JT Hodges, Brent Anderson

It was a great experience, and I am blessed to have family who help me stay happy and excited about anything and everything.  It was not a normal concert where one performer comes on stage, does their thing, and leaves.  Brent Anderson, JT Hodges and a member from his band, and Kip Moore and two of his band members sat--in a row--on the stage together the entire time.  They joked and laughed, played and sang together, and thanked the audience for being so fun and free-spirited.  'Glad I came home to New York when I did!! :)  Goodnight!

"And we danced, and we laughed, never talked about tomorrow.  We just lived a little in the here and now." -JT Hodges

"'Somethin' 'bout a truck in a field with a girl in a red sundress and an ice-cold beer to her lips, beggin' for another kiss.  And it's somethin' 'bout you and me and the birds and the bees, and Lord, have mercy, it's a beautiful thing--ain't nothin' 'bout it luck; there's somethin' 'bout a truck." -Kip Moore

"And I sing, 'What 'you wanna do?  I think that I could stay with you for a while, maybe longer if I do.'" -Brent Anderson

A stressful (but I'm still alive!) week

Woah.  It's been a long week.  The biggest piece of information is this: I'm back in Upstate New York--and it's FREEZING!!  Mom came down at 10:30am on March 1st (only four hours after my 14-hour shift was over the night before), and I bought a new battery for my car and headed for the gym in between work and the airport.

We spent a couple of days packing, and some time in the parks, trying to enjoy ourselves on my last days while she was down in Florida with me.  I had a chance to see some of my closest friends one more time before the long drive, and held my tears to the best of my ability.

The reason Mom came down to drive back with me was mainly because I was afraid that I might break down on my own, and be far too anxious to know what to do about it.  Thankfully she was with me, because... it happened.  One of the only things that has NOT been wrong with my 2006 Hyundai Elantra was the tires.  A tire blew.  On I-95 North.  THANK THE LORD right in front of a sign for the next exit ahead.  911 was called.  AAA was called.  And three hours, one tow truck, one thousand worries, two ATMs, and a Domino's pizza delivery later, Mom and I both managed to settle down enough and fall asleep in a Days Inn motel somewhere in South Carolina (we had hoped to get to Virginia the first night--THAT didn't happen!).

Yesterday was the second leg of the trip (after having AAA put my doughnut onto the car at 9am, eating our (FREE!) motel breakfast, driving to Firestone for a new tire and Jiffy Lube for a (FREE!) check to be sure the rest of the car was healthy) and we made it home safe.  Oh, Southern hospitality!! :)

So, that was the craziness of the week, and although I miss my friends in FL far too much already, I am more than excited to see my friends from home (both Albany and Rochester, NY).  So thank you to all of my friends who have expressed comfort and worry after reading my Facebook status about our side-of-the-highway breakdown, and to my Florida friends who have spent the past two months with me!

Mom and I had a long conversation during our car ride yesterday about people TRYING to change.  We came to the discovery that there a lots of things that we can never change about ourselves, no matter how hard we try.  When I signed onto Pinterest last night (1:30am when we arrived in Albany), I came across this pin, which was perfect timing, and did nothing but put a huge smile on my face:

I hope everyone thinks of this quote when they are unsure of what the future holds, or upset with themselves for any reason.  It's something to think about.  Sit back, relax, and be yourself. :)

Food for thought...

Good evening/morning!  It's seemed like a long day, but it will be nothing compared to what I am about to face in a few hours... ONE MORE DISNEY DAY at Walt Disney World... for a whopping 14 hours with crazed and delusional guests.  Wish me all the luck you can wish, because I'll need it to stay awake!!

On another note, I finish work at 6:15am on the morning on Thursday the 1st, and shortly thereafter, head to the Orlando airport to pick up my very best friend in the world--Mom!  A few days here in the parks, and then it's back to New York I go! :/

I want to share a yummy recipe I found on Pinterest tonight through a friend of mine.  Just look at the picture and TRY not to click the link and learn how to make those scrumptious cookies!!

http://atendercrumb.com/2008/09/my-favorite-chocolate-chip-cookie/

I think it will be one of my first baking experiences when I get back to New York, and I'll let you know how it turns out.  That's really it for me tonight, though.  I need to get as much sleep as possible before the 14 hour shift ahead of me.

Goodnight world, and Happy Leap (and Hump) Day!!

First thing's first...

These past few days have all meshed together, and it is hard to recall what has happened.  I know that I went to bed around 10:00 pm on Friday night, only to wake up an hour later and fail at my mission of falling back to sleep before my 5:00 am shift on Saturday.  However, I made it through that eight-and-a-half hour shift, and proceeded to spend the rest of the day with friends in Epcot and Magic Kingdom parks (until 1:30 am Sunday morning).

Today I worked from 3:30 until 11:30 pm, and went to meet some other friends out at the tavern for a bit, and am just getting home from a few very long days now.  I'm sad to say that my life will be slowing down in just a few days when I head back to New York. :(

Mom's coming down on Thursday morning to spend a couple of days, and we are starting the long drive as soon as I am out of work on Saturday afternoon.  Short but sweet visit I guess this has been.

Anyhow, onto better and happier thoughts.  I've wanted a dog for a few years now, but it just hasn't been the right time.  I'm hoping that SOON is the right time.  All I have to do is find a job, settle somewhere, and make sure that I am allowed to have pets in whatever apartment I find after April (or later).  I've been looking at Pomskies (I'm finding lots of negatives, but a few positives, and they're soooo cute!!).

Look at this little guy!!  I WANT THOUGHTS!!  That's my "thing" for the night; I'll come up with some"thing" else tomorrow perhaps, and share it.  I'm off to bed--this life is exhausting!!

Life sure is crazy!

This one's going to be very short.  I got through the day yesterday, and the same goes for today.  The only problem is that my car died, I had to have Disney security jump it, and I need to get a new battery this weekend (not to mention I have to go back to work at 5am tomorrow).  But all is well, and I'm hoping to manage the drive back up north in a week.

I know I probably have zero viewers right now, but as soon as I get into the swing of things, and figure out how I'm going to blog more than twice a week, I'll put it out there for more to see!  'Hope the week has gone well for everyone, and I will try to get through the weekend without spending TOO much on a new car battery! Goodnight, world!

Welcoming myself to blogging

Well, welcome to this brand new blog.  I've always been interested in the blogging world, but put it off saying, "I have no time for that.  There are more important things to do each day."  I finally gave in, and decided I need to do something for myself, and this is just the thing!

It might take me a while to ease into it, and I promise I won't get to it more than twice a week, if that.  But, let's try it out.  I'm sure my posts will be jumpy, and random depending on my thoughts in the moment, but I'll do my best.

I'm waiting (not so) patiently for my shift to begin today.  Working seasonally at Disney World, I have no set schedule, and most of my time working is spent in the middle of the day or late-night.  My shift today is 7:15pm to 1:30am, and I have no money in my bank account to leave the house and do anything, really.  However, I can't complain... I'm alive and well, with friends and family who will NOT let me go hungry or sick.

It's my third year working at Disney, and I am leaving next week to head back up to chilly (although nothing like it should be in the wintertime) Upstate New York.  I'll get there on my niece's sixth (woah!) birthday, spend a week or two with my mom and family, and then head back to my Western New York apartment to get some substitute teaching days in (in hopes that they will grow to enjoy my professionalism more than they already do, and offer me a job in a few months!!) and hopefully make more that just my rent per month :/  Although, I'm not complaining--just explaining how it is at the current time!!

Anyhow, I should begin to put my beautiful, chicken-skirt-and-ugly-shirt costume on, and energize myself enough to run around Fantasyland all night!  I hope I didn't completely bomb my first stab at this blogging thing, and I'll try my best to post again soon!