Back to Reality
Well, we're back. Back from our Disney World vacation and back to the daily grind. *sigh* It's always hard to return to normal life, but we did make some good memories on the trip. Here are a few highlights:
One other bit of news happened during my vacation. I got a call from the district offering me a teaching job! Kind of.... but I'll get to that in a bit. The original offer was to teach 2nd grade at the lowest performing school in the district. It wasn't an ideal position, but there are some benefits to teaching in the primary grades, regardless of the school, so I was prepared to accept it. Then, when I got home, I heard a rumor that I was put in a kindergarten position at my old school instead. I confirmed the rumor this afternoon, so now it looks as if I'll be teaching really little kids this year! It's going to be quite a change, but I'll be in a school I know, with teachers who are my friends and who will help me find my footing.
The main bummer about this whole thing is that this isn't a real teaching position. Our district is re-hiring laid-off teachers as "long-term subs," which means that we'll be doing all the same work, but for less than half of our regular teaching salary and no benefits. And, if I don't accept the position, then I'll be off the District re-hire list for good. Nice, don't you think? They may make it a temporary contract in October (what all newer teachers are hired under), which would get me back to my regular pay. If they don't though, I'll have to reassess what I'm going to do at that time. I mean, if they are going to pay me as a sub, with no benefits, than I might as well work as a day sub, with the flexibility and shorter hours justified by the lower pay (no after school meetings or evening/weekend grading). Hopefully that won't happen though and I, along with the other 60 teachers who have been hired back, will get a regular teaching contract. I'll keep you posted.
- As always, the FOOD. We love the Boma restaurant in the Animal Kingdom lodge and returned there this trip. Excellent African-inspired dishes and a delicious bread pudding with chocolate rum sauce for dessert! If you're heading to DisneyWorld in the future, I recommend checking this place out. Just make your reservations for sometime in the 4-5 pm hour, otherwise you may have to wait in long lines to get your food.
- We also went to the Coral Reef restaurant in Epcot, which was quite an experience. The entire wall is a window into a giant aquarium, and we were seated right next to it. The view, the food, and the service were all excellent. There's just something so relaxing about watching sea turtles and stingrays glide by as you enjoy a well-cooked meal.
- Meeting the Mad Hatter at breakfast. I'm not really an Alice in Wonderland fan - for some reason, I find it all a bit disturbing. But the guy who did the Mad Hatter was a lot of fun. He reminded me of many of the actors I worked with in musical theatre (IF you know what I mean....) and he sat and chatted with us for quite a while. Vika and Eamon were completely charmed by him, unlike the girl at the next table who ran to her mother, wailing hysterically as he approached.
- The absolute, number 1 highlight of this vacation for me was supplied by Eamon. Now, there's no way to sugar-coat this, but for much of the trip, the boy was a bit of a pansy. He got really scared on Splash Mountain and cried (with tears) through Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, screaming "I WANT TO GET OFF!" soon after the ride began. It was strange because he loved both rides last year at Disneyland - I'm not sure what happened to heighten his fear. In line for every ride we went of after Thunder Mountain, Eamon asked, "Is this one fast? Are there any bumps?" In the Winnie The Pooh ride line he asked this! So, Jeff and I pretty much agreed that Expedition Everest was not going to be Eamon's cup of tea (for those of you who haven't been to DW recently, it's a roller coaster that goes through "Mt. Everest" at high speeds, both forwards and backwards, with a close encounter of the Yeti kind). Finally, the day came when we were ready to tackle Everest. Jeff and I had devised a plan where we would take turns on the ride, so one of us could be with Eamon at all times. However, as we approached the line, Eamon said, "I wanna do it." "What?" I asked, "Are you sure?" Eamon replied, "Yes Mama, I think I can do it." As we walked through the line, Eamon was very quiet and tense, taking everything in. When it was our turn to get onto the train, Eamon sat down stiffly and began to shake. "Are you OK?" I asked, and he just nodded. Then the train began moving, and I looked over, prepared to see an expression of terror on the boy's face. What I saw instead completely surprised me - Eamon had lifted his hands in the air and was wearing a big smile on his face! He kept his hands up for most of the ride, sometimes letting out an exhilarated yell. The boy looked like he was having so much fun, only betraying his fear once towards the end of the ride when he asked, "Mama, is it almost over?" When I answered yes, he replied, "Good!" However, after the ride, Eames was completely giddy that he had done it. I was so proud of him for conquering his fear and enjoying the ride, and it was clear that he was pretty proud of himself too. What a little stud!
One other bit of news happened during my vacation. I got a call from the district offering me a teaching job! Kind of.... but I'll get to that in a bit. The original offer was to teach 2nd grade at the lowest performing school in the district. It wasn't an ideal position, but there are some benefits to teaching in the primary grades, regardless of the school, so I was prepared to accept it. Then, when I got home, I heard a rumor that I was put in a kindergarten position at my old school instead. I confirmed the rumor this afternoon, so now it looks as if I'll be teaching really little kids this year! It's going to be quite a change, but I'll be in a school I know, with teachers who are my friends and who will help me find my footing.
The main bummer about this whole thing is that this isn't a real teaching position. Our district is re-hiring laid-off teachers as "long-term subs," which means that we'll be doing all the same work, but for less than half of our regular teaching salary and no benefits. And, if I don't accept the position, then I'll be off the District re-hire list for good. Nice, don't you think? They may make it a temporary contract in October (what all newer teachers are hired under), which would get me back to my regular pay. If they don't though, I'll have to reassess what I'm going to do at that time. I mean, if they are going to pay me as a sub, with no benefits, than I might as well work as a day sub, with the flexibility and shorter hours justified by the lower pay (no after school meetings or evening/weekend grading). Hopefully that won't happen though and I, along with the other 60 teachers who have been hired back, will get a regular teaching contract. I'll keep you posted.
It sounds like a FABULOUS trip! We haven't eaten at either Boma or the Coral Reef but I've heard the same about them. They're on the list for the next visit!
Yea Eamon! That's an awesome story!
And congrats on the job! It's something, and it could lead to something more!
Sounds like a great week!
Welcome back! Glad you had a great time - and thanks for the food recommendations, we're going back in the spring. And good for Eamon! That story made me smile. You knew he could do it, right? My monkey loves roller coasters now (kiddy ones of course) and I hope it lasts - but you never know what could make them change their minds.
Good news on the teaching front. Hey, at least its something. A foot in the door is better than nothing these days. Good luck!
Welcome back to psuedo reality! I have never been to DisneyWorld although I lived in KY for 19 years! A dork, I know! It sounded like an awesome ytrip for all. Hey and welcome back to the funny farm of teaching! You have a great teaching partner and TONS of teachers who love you at the school!! You can compete with me for the best 'dear in the headlights' look! That sub thing has got to be a joke...I hear some union discussions brewing. It's so great to have you back!
The "Yeti Ride" (as it is called around here) was the highlight of our trip too. The kids loved it! I still hear about it, and we were there in March. But, we only got to go once because the lines were so horribly long and they weren't giving out fast passes that day.
Welcome back!
I hope everything works out satisfactorily on the job front this fall. Kindergarten should be a new and interesting challenge at least!
The cats and I are very glad to have you home. As for the teaching position, the whole sub pay for the same work is ridiculous. But such is the state of school in California. On the other side, how great that you got a position in the school you like!
This comment is from my mother-in-law, but she doesn't have a Google Account or OpenID and couldn't leave this herself :-)
"I am soooo jealous of your trip. I felt that way when Saj and her family went to Disneyland with Matte and Cathy and then went on to WDW. I thought about the great time we had with them when our whole family went to WDW, M and C got engaged and we met your family that night at Tony's. That is my favorite place to vacation and I need to get back soon! Thanks for the tip about Boma. We will put it on our "must" list.
So happy you are teaching this year. I taught Head Start for 3 years and I love that age. Hope you do too, and I will keep my fingers crossed for a regular contract.
Love your blog and also your mom's. Read them regularly. Keep writing."
Hey!
I hope you take the job. I know the pay is dumb, but honestly, your mom is right. We are in California. Yikes! My buddy teachers down my school hall that were pink slipped never got hired back. I just saw of my neighbors who are displaced teachers from other schools who has taken their positions.
Sounds like a great trip!
I hope things work out with the job.
Kindergarten? May the force be with you. I can't wait to read your school stories this year!
Glad you had a great trip and that you returned to find a job waiting. What a wonderful vacation!
Welcome back! We just got back today as well and I completely know what you mean about the laundry...
Congrats on the job and I hope it leads to something more permanent.