The sandwich effect.

6 months today!

I didn't end up getting the job.  

My name was put in for the teaching position, but at the last minute the district decided to shut down another classroom at another school and just transfer a teacher over instead of hiring someone new.  

Cram more kids into a classroom so that the district can save money.

Because that'll help our AYP (annual yearly progress), right?  (That's how schools get funding each year)  More students with less teachers.

There are positions at the district office being done by 3-4 people that should be done by 1 or 2.  That's where our money is going...instead of into the schools to help our kids and teachers.  Have the people who run the district really been out of the classroom long enough to not remember how things actually work?  

This system is really messed up, and I'm not just saying that because it's IMPOSSIBLE to get a job out here. One principal told me that 45 people applied for ONE position.  That is how awful it is out here right now.  

I honestly can't wait to get orders out of here.  A teaching job would have made me hate this place less.  I've been positive for over 3 years, and I'm just done with this place.  The majority of the people out here suck, it's dirty, the restaurants/stores in town don't even try because there's no where else to go, it's ugly, and you have to drive 2 hours to get any kind of break from this place.  

Sorry for the negativity, but there aren't a lot of upsides to this town.  I'm just thankful that Ben is here with me.  You can surely bet that when/if he gets deployed, I'm fleeing from this town back to Missouri.  My mom and dad talked this morning, and if I came back while Ben was deployed, I wouldn't have to pay for rent/utilities/groceries and they'd fence in the backyard for my dogs.  

Yeah, my parents rule.  

Goodnight!

I'm going to try to be done wallowing in self pity for a bit.

After being super homesick Saturday and yesterday (I cried like 4 times yesterday), I've decided to do a "make Danielle happy" post.

First things first.  I got a new lotion from Bath and Body Works (with a coupon, of course!)

OMG, smells SO good!  Kind of reminds me of an orange dreamsicle!

Secondly, I went to the vet today to fill out some more of the pets' paperwork to send in to Japan and I discovered that to get their kennel cough shots, I would not have to pay an office exam fee, and that that shots were just $7.50!  The woman who helped me fill out the rest today was super nice and I know it was a pain, but she was really helpful.  I'm really thankful for that.  I think it's because I'm so nice every time I go in and I also care a lot about my animals.  (I've also sent like 7 new patients their way)

Thirdly, I am officially all booked up subbing for the rest of the time we're here, minus Wednesdays.  I may have that day off, or I may get called in to sub at another school on those days, who knows.  But seriously, having a job lined up until we leave took about THIS MUCH pressure off of me.  

Fourthly, although I'm still stressing about Japan,  things seem to be falling into place.

Fifthly, I have had 2 hits of interest in my Pontiac that I have for sale. *and one guy actually came out tonight to look at it!*

Sixthly, I have a new True Blood to watch.

Seventhly, my aunt and cousin are at my parents' house.  Yes, she finally had enough, and even if it's just for a couple days, I'm glad she gets a break from the douche.  Hopefully, she stays strong.  No one deserves the treatment he is giving her and I'm glad my mom is there to be her backbone.

Eighthly, I got to talk to Mary last night and she made me feel oodles better about being homesick.  I was crying to her and I hate doing that, but she listened and helped me just calm down.

Feeling a lot better today, but I still miss home.