Life Lately

So I knew come August that this blog would take a back seat to all things school. I just didn't realize how true that statement would be. I love being able to catch up on my blog reading over my lunch break or while waiting for the Hubby to get home from work. But I simply have not found the motivation to write anything. Maybe because school has started to encompass everything I do - but by the time I get home, I don't want to think. Well, think too hard anyways. So composing and editing a blog post seems like a daunting task to someone who simply wants to veg out.

But, I thought I'd give it a shot tonight and see what happens. Much last the last time I posted (nearly a month ago!) I figured I'd fill you in on what's been happening lately. I apologize if it seems a little all over the place - I'm just adding stuff as it comes to mind.

First off, this is the first time blogging from my new school-issued iPad. I wasn't sure how I'd like the thing. And I'm definitely still learning the ropes. To make things easier on myself, I decided to purchase a bluetooth keyboard out of my own pocket (this one to be exact). I tried using just the touchpad features, but after a couple weeks, I was still struggling with it. I type so much faster, so I'm really glad I decided to invest in a keyboard. I'm excited to see how I can incorporate this new technology into the classroom next semester. Let's just hope I have this thing figured out before January! 

I should also mention that due to the fact that this is the first time blogging from the iPad, I'm not sure I'm up to tackling inserting and linking images tonight. So please forgive me for the boring and bland post.

I mentioned last month that the Hubby had a couple interviews lined up for EMT positions. One of them fell threw. Luckily that wasn't the one we were crossing our fingers and saying prayers for. That interview went well, but the Hubby made some simple mistakes during the practical exam. The examiner asked him how long he had been out of school - over 2 years - and said that his skills just need some practice. But they liked Dan enough to offer him a Volunteer position to work on his skills with the potential of moving to part- or full-time in the future. Althought it isn't exactly what we were hoping for, at least this means he's got his foot in the door and can refresh his knowledge from hands-on experience rather than simply from his textbook. This place that he's working with seems great - the people really seem to take an interest in their employees. We're both really hoping that in the not-too-distant future Dan can quit his current job and work solely on EMT stuff. Not only would he finally have a job that he loves, but it would bring him closer to where we live too, which is a big plus!

I tried a new food! Its not too far of a stretch, but it was still enough to impress my friends and family! My best friend has become a Pampered Chef consultant and has hosted a couple of parties. At the party, she showed us how to make chicken fajitas (with onions & peppers) using only a stoneware dish and a microwave. Let me tell you, it was delish! The fact that I requested it as the dish at the party that I hosted floored her. Hannah, asking for onions and peppers?! Insanity!

In other news, we've officially lived in our apartment for over a year. It's kinda weird since the last couple of years I've become accustomed to moving, but its also sort of nice not to have to worry about boxing up all of our stuff. I think the cats are grateful too.

Speaking of cats... we're battling fleas again. We have tried everything to get rid of these things. Is it legal to shave your cat?? I wouldn't. I'm not that cruel. But believe me, it has crossed my mind.

Anyone else loving the new fall season on tv? There's nothing worse than the months between seasons when all you have to watch are reruns. Grey's Anatomy. Revenge. Once Upon A Time. Castle. DWTS. NCIS. Hawaii 5-0. Bones. Glee.... Love them all! Know what new show I'm loving too? Revolution. It's interesting. I'm curious to see where they are going with it.

Ok... iPad update. Something wonky happened and it wouldn't let me view what I was typing anymore... weird. So I've officially switched over to the desktop. Like I said, still learning. But, that means I can add links to stuff without accidentally clicking on the wrong hyperlink. Hooray!

The first 9 weeks of school is officially over. Students are getting their report cards tomorrow. I'm anticipating phone calls and emails from parents. Yay me! Luckily, I've gotten better about taking daily notes about most of my students so that I'm more prepared for parent conversations in regards to student performance. It's time consuming, but it's definitely a CYA maneuver, if you catch my drift.

Also in regards to school, I finally signed off on my evaluation from last year. That's right. A whole nine weeks into school and I'm finally being told how my performance from last year measured out. It's a good thing that my job doesn't rely on this evaluation or anything. I'm only an annual contract teacher. So it isn't like they can just turn to me one day and tell me they would prefer not to renew my contract. I'm not going to get all political, but I'm just going to say that this new evaluation system (which is based on student scores for students I've never even laid eyes on) is whack. Hopefully they iron all the kinks out of it soon. There's nothing worse than being evaluated on a system that your administrators and district personnel don't even fully understand and being told that your job and paycheck depend on it. Someone remind me again why I got into this profession... cause it certainly wasn't for the money. And it certainly wasn't for the political malarkey that we have to navigate.

And while we're on the topic of politics - anyone else sick of the ads yet? Living in a "battleground state" its been nonstop since before the primaries. Even my Facebook seems to have taken a political side. I don't know how many times I have clicked to remove the political ads, but they still seem to pop up in my newsfeed. And always for the same candidate. Seriously? Why not show both sides? Heck, why not talk about the fact that more than 2 people are running for president and there are many different viewpoints out there?

In happier news, the Hubby's student loan has officially been paid off! Wahoo! That's the first check off our debt snowball list. Next up, my car. We're anticipating it only taking about 5 months. Then we'll move onto his car, which should take another 9 or so. After that, we think we'll save up some in anticipation of starting a family before starting to pay off the student loan that was taken out in his dad's name. Even though we still have a long road ahead of us, we're definitely starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Ultimately the fact that we have a plan is what is the most reassuring. Even if the plan changes from month to month in terms of specifics, just having a goal in mind is what keeps us going.

It looks like the instagram feed in the sidebar has officially bit the dust. So I'm just going to take it down for now until I have time to look for an alternative replacement. In the meantime, you can follow what's been going on with us - my username is @hannahco11.

I really wish I could join in on the Pinterest challenge this time around. I love being able to link up with everyone and meeting new bloggers (you can see my old challenge entries here, here and here). But honestly I don't think I'll be able to get a craft done this season. But I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else comes up with.

Well, I just heard the door open, which means the Hubby is finally home from work. Time to start making up some dinner - my stomach is growling! So until next time...