happy birthday to me

It pretty much rocks that my birthday this year coincides with Go Texan Day. I am wearing a western shirt, overalls, boots and pigtails to work. Whoo hoo!

jobs

Due to this crazy recession, we've been reconsidering my leaving my job anytime soon. No other jobs are forthcoming and should I give up a steady gig? Things are a bit easier this semester, although I am still overwhelmed by the volume of grading. We have a short week coming up (classes T-Th only), then a few weeks, then standardized testing, then spring break, then camp (for me). After that we have 2 months left, with the Easter holiday in there somewhere.

Many folks have told me that I am doing a good job, that the kids like me and are learning, that I shouldn't leave. My boss said she'd like to place me in a job where my passion lies, i.e. science, but this placement is dependent on an addition of an honors program at our school.

I don't know what to do, so right now I'm not doing anything. I applied for a job at my old p.o.w. I really didn't want to go back there but felt obligated to apply. I didn't get an interview. I don't know why, and it could be because they received applications from several folks with chemistry backgrounds (unlikely) or because they don't want me back (more likely), which hurts a bit because I did work hard for them and always tried to do what was best for my peeps.

Despite feeling putout that they didn't interview me, I was relieved. What, my inner voice said, what are you going to do if they not only interview you but extend an offer? Say "just kidding--I would rather chew my foot off than come back"? That's an exaggeration, and while I miss the 9-5ishness of the job, I don't miss the crushing boredom that came with many of the tasks I had to do. I don't miss the guilt I felt because I hate "serious" writing and never wanted to write up anything for publication. I do miss all of the kick a&& folks who work there, but some of them have left and it would be too weird to be there without them.

Okay.

Off shortly to look at more houses. Our friends in Spring showed us their parents' house last night. It is cool and huge and cheap, but the 'burbs are not in our plans.

worky

A few folks at work know that I am looking for another job and have encouraged me not to leave. That is nice for my ego. However, my boss did not encourage me in that direction. I like to think that is because she had my job before me and knows how sucky it can be. Still, the librarian is my good pal and she told me she wished I could join her in the library. Hmm, I thought. I passed this thought along to my boss. Hmm, she said. Let me stew.

I am letting her stew.