Little Thoughts

Back in Phoenix, we are experiencing some turbulent sibling rivalry. The boys are having some turf wars and general brother bouts that are making Tom and me a little crazy. It's difficult to come back to less of an audience. The boys don't have a houseful of folk to get attention, just Mommy and Daddy. Our pediatrician assured us that the fighting will not cease anytime soon, so we have to figure out some new action plans.

School meeting begin next week for us, so we are lamenting the end of summer fun. I decided to apply to a teaching position here in town to help our lagging finances. After dropping off my file with the district, HR called to say the position was filled. My former principal, who works for the district, personally called HR on my behalf to recommend me. The district rep called me back this afternoon with a travel position covering overload classes and offered an interview tomorrow. I am not sure if the position is full or part time (it sounds part time), but if they can offer me more hours, that will help.

It's bittersweet, of course. Trying to get out of teaching is like trying to get crazy glue off of your hands, it feels stuck to me. I'll keep the chorale job and keep working on grants and let the rest go. I have the internship with the arts commission, but that might have to go. I feel responsible for how things are going and it's one thing to move on. It's another to not pay bills or feel like you are swimming with your head held high. So, my plan is to keep taking my little classes, keep finding small projects and hopefully we'll make enough to pay a few things off and get to a better place.

On the up side, I am working on choosing my summer collage photo frame and what pictures I want to use. Actually, I have two summer vacations to work on, last year's and this year's, so that will keep me happy for the week. So that is going to be my birthday present from me. Although I have some serious photoshopping on a few pictures (Chris, Kristen and the trash cans as a prime example) so I am considering pooling some of my birthday money for Photoshop Elements.

My husband had asked me what I wanted for my birthday last month and my answer was the Harry Potter book. Which I am proud to say that I am on chapter 5. He told me yesterday that he feels badly that the book is my present because he really wants to read it too. (he is not allowed to read it before me, because if he knows what happens, he is very likely to talk about it in some way, as much as I love him). The better part of the present is actually having some quiet time to read the book. Now that's what I call a gift!