I started substitute teaching again.
Three years ago I started a (mostly) full-time job and, except for Voting Day and a couple of quick visits to talk about writing to students, I didn't step a foot into the schools during that time.
I missed it, and I'm so grateful the district accepted me as a sub again. Over the past few weeks I've reviewed color patterns... read Peter Rabbit aloud for the first time in more than a decade, as well as voiced a part in the last act of Othello... watched a stage performance of "The Emperor's New Clothes"... enjoyed a documentary hosted by Peter Jennings about the 50's and early 60's (three times!)... learned about the dangers of drinking and drugs from Hollywood Henderson via VHS... and overheard some heartbreaking home life stories.
I'm not going to be the popular sub... at least not at the high school... because I don't care if the kids like me or not. I'm there to follow the teacher's directions, period. And, if possible, get the kids to learn something while they're under my watch.
After raising three kids and subbing for 15 years (plus one year on the payroll as the elementary school librarian) I'm on to all, or at least most, of the tricks. But I still have a soft heart and those kids can be really tricky. I'm sure they're going to pull one over one me every once in a while because they can also be interesting, considerate and funny.
I'm hoping to sub as much as I can until summer vacation starts. Unlike other jobs I've had in my life, this one gives me a good feeling, like I've actually done something positive with my time. It's also a great source of material for my children's book!
And, of course, the main reason I'm taking time away from my book for anything else is we need the money. I'm just grateful that I've been able to gather a flexible collection of jobs I enjoy:
- Writer
- Photographer (Art and Portrait)
- Blogger
- Book Reviewer
- Substitute teacher
- Winery Bistro waiter
- Independent Silpada Representative
- Substitute church secretary
- Personal historian (although I haven't made much progress on this one!)
I feel like I've forgotten one or two...
Oh, well. It's hard to focus when this is what's going on around me...
So gorgeous! The world is exploding in color!
I pulled over to take this on my commute to #5 yesterday. And to sigh.
There was an art show going on around the estate, so during some down time, I grabbed my camera and walked around...
This was my favorite, by Shakti Sarkin. I didn't go home with it, though. The price? $1350.
Made me wish I could add 'artist' to my list.
Here are a few other pieces that caught my eye...
I believe the art will hang around for a month. But we also have a new permanent addition to the Bistro. A pizza oven!
You can see Chef Sean is happy about it...
...but this is going to be sooooo detrimental to my waistline...
I love pizza.
I love my jobs.
If you miss me on Facebook or FlickR or in the comments section of your blog, now you know why! (Thanks for missing me, Patti!)
