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MY ANGEL LOVE

Angel Love

June 2013

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ALL GOOD THINGS....

Apr 10, 2012 01:29am (EST)

All good things must come to an end.......

Spring Break is over and we're back to the grind tomorrow.

Need I say more??

Probably not, but you know me........never short of words!

I don't know how your states are layed out with the standardized testing, but here there are "gateway years"...3rd, 5th, and 8th grades.

This means that if you don't pass the standardized test during those years, you are retained unless you pass it on the 2nd try. Don't even get me started about that....I was never a test taker and that pressure would've sent me right over the edge!! Anyway, I know that Ansley is smart and that she can do well and has done well in her classes all year long, but I feel a knot in my stomach for her. She's not bothered at all, and when I asked if she knew it was important she just said, "Yes, Momma!" I don't think I'm going to tell her about the "pass/fail" thing because that would make me more nervous. I'm just going to let her do her best and we'll deal with what comes later if needed.

Easier said than done........I think this is the motto of being a parent.

Several of you have asked if I know anything about the future of my job. Thanks for asking, but no, nothing yet. My guess would be after these stinkin' tests are over we'll find out.

....speaking of knots in my stomach!

I hope that all of you have a great week and that the spring weather will keep a smile on your face!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (6) | Permalink

AHHH....GLORIOUS SPRING (BREAK!)

Apr 03, 2012 08:46pm (EST)

Spring is definately in the air down south.....literally!! The pollen in unreal, but that only means that we're on our way to a beautiful earth around us again. Trees and grass go from brown and "ugh" to bright green again. I'm not a fan of the sniffles, sneezes, and coughs, but I'm so in awe of the beauty that surrounds me!

Spring also means SPRING BREAK!!!!!

I think that we've probably had 8 out of 10 spring breaks with reverse weather patterns and rain, but not this year.....this year, it's summer already!!! Yesterday the high was 89!! YEP!

Today gave us a bit of a break at low 80's, but tomorrow we're looking at mid to upper again. The news anchors were joking last night that our overnight lows are our typical highs for this time of year.

Who cares what the weather is like when you don't have to go anywhere!!??? I can handle rainy days when I can watch them from my couch.

Our craziness at school has not settled at all. In fact, none of us have heard anything yet about a job or a move, but we only know that two buildings will be closing. We'll return next week to prepare kids for the state standardized test and then hopefully afterwards we'll get some news.

Spring Break for the county also means spring break for my graduate classes!!! WOOHOO for that!!!!! In the grand scheme of things, two years, two degrees is great, but with added stress of the other stuff.....it's been a lot of work for my little brain. You all can tell this because of my lack of participation on the site lately.

For one week, I will relax and enjoy the lack of chaos! Is that enough time? Never, but so worth it and I'll take it! Enjoy every moment big or small-- you never know how many moments there are.

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (7) | Permalink

SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE BRAIN POWER....

Mar 20, 2012 01:56am (EST)

Have you ever had so many things going on that your brain seemed to be shutting down??? I don't mean that you need to be rushed to the ER or anything, but that you literally can not focus on one thing at all....?

That's where my brain is at this point....right now!

A little more than a year ago, I thought it would be the perfect time to return to school for advanced degrees. I had help with Ansley and the classes were hosted by my school and were in my own classroom. The program would be one year for a Master's degree and a year and a half for a Specialist.

Last year, our school system had many layoffs and I found myself blessed that I didn't receive a letter telling me that I wasn't going to receive a contract. However, I was told that I needed to move from one school to another.....no biggie except for the help that I depended on with Ansley now required a bit more of a commitment. Also, the convenience of having the classes right there, required a drive for me.

This year has been a challenge. My year at the new school has been more than rewarding, but I honestly find myself working harder than I ever have before. Not only are we on a 4-day week which means that my day doesn't end until 5 p.m., but it also means that by the time I am finished monitoring and teaching my students, getting Ansley taken care of, and myself taken care of (food, water, shelter), then working on anything else is a struggle. I'm determined to finish this degree with flying colors, but if I seem a bit distant on the site or don't remember all that was said.....just bear with me. My brain is full! I like to compare my brain to my email when there are to many in the in-box. If only I had a delete button to help with this.....

Once again, as I've mentioned before, our system is up for more cuts and closing of schools. Yet again, I'll be moving IF I get a contract. We'll see which ends up happening.... Please remember me in your thoughts and prayers. I know that I do my job and try hard every day, but in a RIF situation, that doesn't always matter.

Hugs to all of you! Hang in there in whatever life is bringing your way, you're only required one breath at a time.

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (7) | Permalink

UPDATES....

Mar 05, 2012 03:34am (EST)

Well, since my last post, the superintendent has made his recommendation for our school system.

In a nutshell, here it is:

Close 2 elementary school and consolidate the counties Pre-K thru 4 grade into the other three schools.

Put 5th grade on a separate wing of the middle school

12-15 cuts to certified staff (that's teachers) and many more to classified staff (that's the other important folks)

Back to a 5 day week with different hours from our previous schedules for 5 day week.

We don't know information about who or how they'll decide about jobs yet. Hopefully we'll get that information passed along soon. We did get a letter from the BOE office asking what our first two choices for assignments would be if we're offered a contract. It was also stated in bold letters that there is "No Guarantee".

All I can do is continue to teach my children and know that God will take care of me regardless of the final decision about my job. I WANT a job in this county for next year, don't get me wrong, but I know that I'm in good hands. Worrying won't change things and will take away from what I need to give my students.

I really appreciate the well wishes that many of you have sent or posted for me. It's a tough situation, and this is the 2nd year that my county is facing this situation. No matter if I have a job or not, it's sad to see schools who are the center of communites close and know that friends and colleagues may not have jobs.

Hugs to all of you!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (8) | Permalink

NERVOUS BY WHY????

Feb 27, 2012 03:06pm (EST)

I've mentioned before about the situation with our school system. Brief recap: Money from the feds and state is minimal and there's not enough to keep all 5 elementary schools up and running so we have to make some major cuts for the 2nd year in a row.

Okay--with that said, the superintendent is expected to make the recommendation on Tuesday.....TOMORROW!

I'm not nervous about his recommendation, but there will also be some jobs cuts. The Reduction In Force (RIF) policy has to be decided by the local administration and can not be based on seniority only. I have gone through everything I can think of that they may use and I can't think of any reason that they'd give me the "ax", but I'm still very nervous about it.

As my nerves have gotten the best of me, I've prayed for peace in the whole situation. The verse from Jeremiah 29:11 keeps popping up left and right.

It says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

When I say, "popping up", I mean I even got a card sent to me from on of my Share friends that I haven't spoken to in a year that had that verse enclosed!! (Thanks Mary!!)

Regardless of what the decisions are, I know that God will take care of me. He's proven that through so many situations in my life that weren't exactly great, but He held me up through it all and never let me collapse. He's "rocked" me in His arms when my heart was broken as my daughter died and as other situations in life broke my heart again. He's a good God even when we can't see why things are happening the way that they are.

Sometimes I jokingly wonder if that verse is meant to encourage me that I have a job, not to worry, or that He'll be there to "prosper me" when my job is taken.

I felt like I needed to get this out of my head simply because my life has been so crazy and this is why....my brain is so full!!!

Hugs to you all.....especially those of you with a full brain!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (7) | Permalink

JUMP START

Feb 21, 2012 12:15am (EST)

First of all....no groans, moans, or rolling of eyes.....every girl has cellulite and none of them like it!

As I said in an earlier post, my butt spends so much time on the couch, the cushions look like they're made of memory foam!! I have a strong desire to get in shape again, but am just too lazy and lack the will power to get up and do it!

Now, first of all, let's get this straight....I'm not trying to lose weight, but do need to tone up---tighten up!!

Anyway, my town does a "shape up" challenge every year where a 4-person team keeps track of points earned through exercise and weight loss. It's fun and more importantly, there are accountability partners!! It officially starts March 1st, but my team and I decided that we'd better "warm up" starting today....

Yeah----two of the four of us walked today and I thought I was going to need an oxygen tank to finish the 3 mile walk! Seriously.....I finally told my friend that I didn't care if she laughed at me, I was DYING!!

This girl runs daily and is my official "butt-kicker". Tomorrow we'll try this again!

I know that my resolution is a bit late in the eyes of the world, but I find that this is the perfect time for me to give this fitness thing a shot.

I allow my past to sometimes convince me that I'll fail at whatever it is anyway so I might as well not try it at all. I wanna be done with that......and I started today!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (6) | Permalink

SPECIAL GIFTS COST LESS

Feb 14, 2012 11:48pm (EST)

I was watching "Live with Kelly" yesterday morning while she and Randy Jackson discussed Valentine's gifts. She had some crazy figures saying that the average spent for Valentine's Day nationwide was in the low BILLIONS!!! I'm not sure why that number would be so high unless people don't show the love any other day of the year.

Today I got the BEST Valentine's Day gifts for much less than billions....

When my alarm clock when off, I got a text from a friend saying, "Happy Valentine's Day" with a pic of beautiful flowers attached. (Cost = FREE!!)

When I forced myself to get out of my warm bed, I headed to Ansley's room to beg her to get up and get going only to say her name and be greeted with a smiling, FULLY DRESSED girl saying, "HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!" (Cost = FREE!!)

Our principal and principal's assistant brought in breakfast and juice for us this morning just to say "Thank You". (Cost = NOT BILLIONS

)

When I got off work this afternoon and went to my mom's to pick up Ansley, she had a card for me with something inside. It was a sweet Valentine's card with a HUGE Payday candy bar inside. (Cost = $3.00 for both)

As you can see, I'm super happy with the less than billion dollar gifts that made it to me today. I'm always the one who wonders why Valentine's is so special because if you truly love someone, you let them know often, not just one day of the year.

Tonight, while others are eating out with their #1 Foxy Babe, I'll be hanging out on the couch with the dog typing a paper for my research class, but you know what.....Ansley's already made my day special, who could ask for anything more???

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (6) | Permalink

GROWING PAINS

Feb 06, 2012 05:25pm (EST)

I've heard so much about growing pains. I know that usually means that there's not room for everyone as the family grows whether it's in the house or the car, or wherever, but here are some of MY growing pains as Ansley grows.....

Teen Nick, Nickolodean, Disney shows constantly

The begging for a cell phone, ipad, laptop, etc. without a thought to how much those items actually cost and how the bill is paid.

ATTITUDE!!! Yes, already!

Extremely slow movements when I'm in the biggest hurry.

Lack of care regarding personal appearance.

Naive (naivity) regarding friends who aren't good friends.

I know that the growing pains will be tougher as we approach and go through the teen years and I'm super happy that I have the opportunity to go through these growing pains at all, but there has to be a medicine to help mommies deal with all of this attitude.

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (6) | Permalink

FRUSTRATION LEADS TO STRESS

Jan 18, 2012 01:13am (EST)

Have you ever noticed how a simple thing that begins to frustrate you leads to you being stressed, and you being stressed leads you to being ill (angry), and you being angry hurts others, and hurting others makes you feel bad, and.......well, you get the picture!

As a teacher, I find it frustrating that the goal of teaching children how to be successful in life often times gets turned into anything but that. Money issues, paperwork, and politics often wins out when we're suppose to be educating the leaders of tomorrow.

This year, our county is facing a major budget crisis yet again. If you remember last year, I was in the middle of changes for the county. I was a "lucky" one who only had to pack my things and move to completely new school, but others walked away without a contract for the next school year.

We were all hoping that this year would hold even and that we wouldn't face those fears again....no such luck! Being in a small town, we naturally don't get the same amount of money from the government as a larger county, but it's not enough.

Our Board of Education is working day and night to look at every option to cut spending and yet save our teachers and support staff. This year, we're facing having to close one or more of our elementary schools. With these closing will come consolidation....

I know that you all know that change is tough!! Try change in a southern small town, and it's especially tough... Nobody understands why things can't always stay the same and why we can't use the other "pot" of money to pay for teachers. It's so frustrating!!! Kids are overall pretty resiliant, but parents and other grownups aren't.

Change is hard! Change is frustrating! Change is stressful! Change makes people angry! Angry people hurt others' feelings......see where this is going?

I type this for two purposes...(1) to get it out of my head!! (2) to let you know that if I'm not around as much, it's not because I don't want to be here, but some days I just need to unwind my brain rather than stare at a computer.

You're always in my thoughts and I know you're all wishing you could send millions my way to allow me to just not have to work at all, but really, that's too kind of you!!

Hugs to everyone!!

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (6) | Permalink

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Jan 05, 2012 01:58am (EST)

You know the saying, "You Learn Something New Every Day?", well, I learned something new about my own family today.

On Christmas Day my great aunt passed away after a short illness. My grandmother and aunt were pretty close sisters-in-law, but me--not so much. I can just imagine those two catching up on all the "happenings" in Heaven. They were both such characters here on earth!!

Anyway, I was able to go to the visitation, but due to Ansley's schedule, was not able to make it to the funeral the following day. My father was a pall bearer therefore both of my parents attended the funeral and graveside service.

While there, my mom noticed that my great grandparents on my dad's side were also buried in the same cemetary. She noticed that my great grandparents lost a child who was 5 years old. Now, I know that children could suffer from illnesses that we wouldn't find threatening during this day and time, but still the pain of losing a child.... Anyway, mom went on to tell me that the 4 sons that I know as my "PawPaw" and his brothers were born after this first child's death and after those 4 children, she had 4 more children that died as infants. My great grandmother must've been one amazingly strong woman---saying goodbye to 5 children..... (The last 4 were born every 2 years....and died)

I think of the support that I've been given from Share and the community that surrounds me, but can't imagine living in the 20's and having to go through this alone.

You definately do learn something new every day. Sometimes when you feel like you're so alone in a situation--even within your own family--you're not.

Posted by Angel Love | Comments: (9) | Permalink

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