Mamasita's Quest for Financial

I was expecting to get paid late tonight, but woke up to find my paycheck in my account already. I went ahead and finished the bills like always- I scheduled the monthly expenses that vary and updated my spreadsheets. (One for home, one for the rental). I went ahead and updated savings as well, that will finish going through within the next few days.

I am so thankful I made it to Friday! This week has been packed with stressful meetings and issues. I have spent Hours on "training", paperwork and red tape, hours that have kept me from my students.

I haven't heard from the job that I interviewed for last week. It appeared to be a very positive interview, and I was told that I would find out either way. They also said that they were interviewing for a few weeks, so maybe they are still finishing up? I'm trying not to fret about it, I just like to know that there is another option. Of course, there is Always another option, it may just not be a Better option!

Tonight I am attending a 3 hour online study class for my final. I'm looking forward to the chance to really review, I haven't even looked at my books or notes this week due to the schedule with work. I can take my exam on Saturday or Sunday. Then I can really celebrate Spring Break in another week!

We cleaned out the garage on Saturday. I've been storing stuff in a corner for a yard sale- a yard sale that I'm obviously never going to have. We loaded it all up in the van and took it to our local hospital thrift store. The garage looks beautiful, and it took less than 2 hours to do it all, including dropping off donations.

Of course, allergies were flared up after being around the dust and pollen that morning, but after a quick shower and drinking lots of water they were back under control. Didn't you know- drinking water cures everything?! Like on My Big Fat Greek Wedding and the Windex cure, my answer for every ailment is to drink lots of water.

My ex took the kids to see Hunger Games, so SO and I got lots of errands done in the afternoon. I even completed a workout video, first time in like 2 weeks, due to family sicknesses and my crazy work schedule. We were all together again at home by 5:30, where we had pizza and breadsticks for $9. We researched hotels for a summer trip and were in bed by 9pm. Productive Saturday!

This morning I updated my finances by transfering money to my savings and paying on my "monthly expenses" credit card. April will be my tenant's final month at the condo, so I will need to start looking for another tenant as soon as she moves out, I don't want to deal with doing walk-throughs with a tenant in there. I'll start planning all of that next month, I've got to get through March right now.

Today will probably be school work and maybe a run with a friend if the weather cooperates. I have a test to complete for my online class, then I've got to start studying for my final exam that I will take next weekend. I also have maybe 2 hours of work for my own classroom I have to finish before I get to school tomorrow. Well, the best way to get through it is to just do it! Here's to getting things done well!!!

I got the stomach bug that my girls had last week. It started last night, how miserable. Even typing on the computer in bed is tiring me out. I haven't actually left the bed for much besides running to the bathroom. Anyway, I plan on taking tomorrow off as well. I hate to do that to my TA, but I need to get 100% better before I head back to class, or else I will just keep getting sick.

I'm updating the cruise total to $737. I received a $50 cash back reward from Chase and a $3 rebate. Slowly, we are getting there.

I haven't done much else money related, it's too exhausting.

No, really. I am looking forward to checking things off of my list at work and making some progress with my students in the classroom!

I was out of work Thu and Fri with sick kids. Fortunately by Saturday morning both of my girls were over it, so I guess it was a 24 hour stomach bug. I was dragging all week anyway and brushed it off, thinking it had to do with the time change. Now I know that I was sick as well, and just trudged on through it.

Thankfully, I woke up Saturday morning feeling like a million bucks. I ran 4 miles, did the grocery shopping, and some school work. Sunday I didn't do much besides eat, I still need to get back to a healthier diet. That's something else I can look forward to today, doing some healthier eating.

After work I plan on doing a quick workout dvd, then head to the ATM to deposit a few small checks that came in last week. We have our usual Monday night dance class, so we will have a quick meal at home before we take off again. Mondays always fly by for us.

For my online class I have one more test, then prepare for the final exam. Yes!!!

On our way to school little DD threw up all over herself and the car seat. As I turned the car around I left a message with work, letting them know I wasn't going to be in today. After she showered, I tucked DD into my bed. She slept for several hours and then sat in bed quiet as a mouse, gazing at the t.v. before she asked me to turn it off so she could rest some more. She won't be going to school tomorrow. If her dad is off tomorrow then she can stay with him, otherwise I'll be home another day.

I cleaned the downstairs while DD slept, and I am all caught up on my online class work. The afternoon flew by, like it always does when I am home!

I have a job interview next week! I applied for a position that was listed in our local online newspaper. In the cover letter I explained that I was under contract until June but could work part-time. I'm trying to gain experience/practical hours outside of my time spent teaching in a public school. I'm also looking into a "Plan B". I don't know if I can continue teaching under these conditions for the next 25 years, so I'm looking at different options I might have. I don't know what the pay might be, or even what position they are considering me for, (there are a couple), but I'm looking forward to meeting with the company and finding out more information about the field.

The job interview news really lifted me up, some good news in a hectic week.

Yikes! March is just about halfway over! How did that happen?! The next few days will be mayhem, I will be looking forward to my bed each night. I don't like it when things get hectic like this, but it happens every once in a while. I don't have any plans for Friday, I think I want to keep it that way for now. I also need a low-spend weekend, my bank account needs to heal from last weekend!

3 more weeks of my online class. I got an email from HR, there are funds available to reimburse me for my class, yippee! So long as I pass this class, I will get reimbursed my $850 tuition!

Warning, personal drama ahead... Within the next year there will be lots of changes in our household. ExH is retiring from the military, and will enter civilian life, which means a new job. His plan is to stay in the area, but probably just get deployed a lot through the private sector. SO will get new orders. This means a move is higly likely in the future, although she will try her best to get a new set of orders in the same area we are now. If she can't get orders here, then what? I want the kids to be near their dad, dad and I both feel that is best for them. This does put me on a holding pattern,though, because if my primary concern is keeping close to their father then we won't be able to join SO on a new set of orders. I'm making a conscious effort not to dwell on this stuff, but this is just an issue that is on my mind and kind of tinting things a little "blue".

We went out last night with a friend and his date. We missed happy hour but still had a great night. Didn't get to bed until 3, I haven't done that in a long time! Fortunately, I still have Saturday and Sunday to relax.

Our friend's date was visiting from a big city. He works retail at a high end designer and was telling us about the kinds of money some clients drop, amazing. Of course he was dressed to impress, you could tell he really loves fashion. I felt a little self-conscious for a moment in my Wal-Mart jeans (on sale for $7 and look great!) and a top purchased several years ago. But then I just laughed to myself. What would I do if I was wearing a $1,000 sweater and got poop on it?! It happened Monday at work, one of my students got sick. I guess I could take it down a notch and wear a $100 sweater instead, but poop is still poop. I would cry if I got something nasty on a $100 sweater. So I just go to the thrift store and buy the seater second hand for $3. It it gets poop on it, or snot, or paint, I don't cry. But I'm not a fashion girl even after work hours. I just don't have the knack for it. I suppose if I ever wanted to spend half of my salary on clothes I would expect the staff to arrange the outfits for me, I cannot pull together an outfit. But, we all have our strengths and weaknesses!

The $2,000 payment went through on the credit card, to cover the big-ticket charges. Savings is a little low, but now the credit card is back down to just expenses charged and paid off monthly.

This weekend I intend to keep the eating out budget conservative. I will have to be more vigilent in my food spending, that's all. We already have plans to meet for happy hour Friday with some friends, so that can be our "date night" meal. It is the best bargain in town, I can get a drink, tip, and a good, filling meal for under $10.00. If I snack on some fruit or something else that is healthy before I leave I can probably get by with ordering something a little smaller to eat. Of course, the night will be rounded out with a few more drinks (though not for the driver), but that is part of entertainment budget.

$4.00 came from a refund, so that brings cruise fund to $684. Next little milestone will be $700. We are getting there, it just takes consistency.

Putting money in, taking money out, it just gets a little boring after awhile! I guess because it doesn't look like my money is really "doing" anything right now. I took out a chunk of savings to cover braces and school, and now I have to save that money up again. A little tiresome, that's all.

On a more fun note, I did a Zumba class last night while my DDs were in their own dance class. I actually brought my laptop to dance class. I planned on getting some work done while the girls danced. Then I just decided to join in the Zumba class, just for the fun of it. I couldn't stand sitting in front of the computer again. I didn't look too sexy doing the moves, but it was a lot of fun and I worked up a sweat from my head to my toes!

While I'm up early this morning I will get a little bit of homework done. 4 weeks till the final exam!

I transferred $2,000 from short-term savings to cover some big-ticket expenses that will be coming up- this week little DD will get braces. I'm also paying off the tuition I charged for my class. I should have this $2,000 back in the account within the next couple months. I might get tuition reimbursement (I'm on the wait list), and I'm waiting on my refund from the state of about $600. Coupled with my regular savings, I should still be able to make my short-term goal of $10,000 by June.

I tracked my expenses this morning and noticed a LOT of eating out charges, that has gotten a bit out of control lately. I enjoy trying different foods, but really, I need to find another hobby, this is getting expensive! I also need to pack more snacks and things, so I'm less inclined to stop for anything.

Agh! I've been slacking on the allowance lately, but the new American Girl catalog came out, so little DD now has some things she wants to buy. She tallied up her allowance for the past couple months, plus she traded me a gift card for cash... in all, I owed the little lady $6o! She was kind enough to write me out a bill and noted that it was Due March 20. At least she gave me a couple weeks' notice! I bit the bullet and got her cash out of the ATM after school. She's been counting her cash and reading the catalog for 2 days now, trying to get the best deals. Some of the things she really wants "Bitty Baby" brand, and is willing to pay for it, and other things she will find out in town. Little DD still has some more saving to do for the selection that she wants, but we also discussed picking up some of the items at local toy stores for cheap, like the baby feeding set. Now I have some gift ideas, anyway! I'll hunt Ebay and Amazon, and Grandma can search yard sales when the season starts. We've got to teach them while they are young to spend wisely, and that when they do spend, to make sure it is worth it.

That didn't take long. I woke up and checked my checking account online, my paycheck was deposited. The withdrawal to savings is already "pending", and all of my bills are already scheduled to be paid out. Even our monthly dance lessons, which used to be payable by cash or check only, finally got credit card capabilities, so now I can charge that on my monthly spending credit card. It's nice not to have checks to write out or wait to clear.

Savings will be slow for March and April, as I have to divert that money to the credit card to cover my tuition I charged in January and the cruise deposit. I will still make my $10,000 goal by June, though. Especially if I get reimbursed for my class. I'm on the waiting list for employee tuition reimbursement, so if it happens, bonus. I don't want to count on it, though.

My brother gets married in 3 months. My mom asked if I could help her set up a bridal shower of some sort, but I think that the bride's friends have set up parties already. How many parties can the same friends attend? We have a very, very small family, so a family-only shower really isn't a great option either. I am thinking of inviting my parents, the happy couple, and maybe the bridesmaid/groomsman to a brunch out in town...drinks, entertainment, and some time together to celebrate the happy couple before the big day. What do you think? Any suggestions? They are both in their 30s (35 and 37) and have been on their own for a while so I don't think that the traditional shower them with gifts party is as appealing...

So we are wrapping up a busy month...

I turned in the change we have been saving since last summer, total of $102 to add to the cruise fund. Plus another $5 rebate. I will most likey pay for the actual cruise out of savings, and use this money from rebates and change as money for excursions and onboard expenses- those can easily cost more than the cruise.

Work is finally settling down. We are getting our additional assistant. A couple "high needs" kids have been absent for the last few days, so I've been able to get a ton of work done with the rest of the class and clear off my desk a bit.

I'm halfway through my online class, yay! I will be done right before Spring Break.

I applied to teach summer school. It is only 3 hours a day, 4 days a week. Just enough structure to keep me on a decent sleep schedule, I do best with a "little" structure. Of course, there may not be summer school this year, with the budget in complete upheaval.

Yep, schoolwork, running, and lesson planning. I might even throw in some sheet washing! I don't mind, really, because it feels so good afterwards, when it is all over and done with. If I do X,Y,and Z, I get relief from that nagging feeling that sits over me, telling me I have responsibilities to deal with. So would all of that work be considered Negative Reinforcement because it decreases the aversive mental discomfort of not doing what I'm supposed to be doing? I will have to verify with my instructor on Wednesday at our meeting!

Yesterday we did the meal planning and grocery shopping. We stayed right at our $80 budget. We also met up with some friends at Target and out for dessert. Our Saturday nights just get wilder and wilder as we get older!

The great news at work is... I'm getting an additional assistant, again! They gave me the additional assistant in October, then took her away in January to use in a bigger class, but our need for additional assistance didn't go away. Finally we are getting the additional assistance again. This is great news for the students and for my assistant and me! We can teach again!

I got up early again and was able to update my finances. My family cruise account had a little bit more in it than I thought, so I updated the balance on my sidebar. I guess I overlooked a refund deposit somewhere.

I set up payments for my credit cards that I use monthly instead of my debit card.

I also transferred some cash into my ShareBuilder account.

EXH paid for the braces, so I can schedule that for DD.

Yesterday I completed a lot of stuff. I ran 2 miles on the treadmill before waking up the girls. I had a very "big deal" meeting at work, whew! I completed some paperwork that was neglected. Lesson plans for today were fine tuned. I also coached at the afterschool program for an hour and a half. Then I went to a doctor's appointment. I'm glad I had an evening appointment (5:30!), but I didn't leave the place till after 7:00! After picking up my DDs from their dad's, they just barely had time to eat something I grabbed on the way home and complete homework. I was cranky and tired last night to say the least. Fortunately, most days are not like this. Usually once I leave work I pick up the girls from my parents' house and head for home, and we don't leave the house again till morning.

It's FRIDAY! I'm looking forward to an evening at home with my kiddos and SO. We have groceries in the house to choose from, and I have plenty of classwork to keep me occupied this weekend!

I knew today was going to be tough, as I started the day with two back-to-back important meetings. But I'm so glad to have them finished, a little weight has been lifted from my chest! I worked through lunch, but it was worth it because I started to clear the mountain of paperwork off of my desk. From now on I will just pack a fruit or cheese/yogurt for lunch and use lunch time for planning.

Today I started helping in a new afterschool fitness program, it will be every Tue and Thu. I will still get home at my regular time, I just usually do paperwork or workout after I'm off the clock and still at school. It was so refreshing to be around these kids, I enjoyed it.

After dinner I spent 1.5 hours on my online class, doing homework and studying. I feel better now, like I can make it through this class! I found a free website called studyblue.com where I can quickly write up flash cards, save them in a digital backpack, and review them in different formats when I want to. I showed it to my oldest daughter today and had her create her Spanish flash cards. No more index cards and cramped fingers from writing!

I didn't get to work out today, but I couldn't exactly fit everything in. My workouts are pretty flexible anyway. I go by the total month- I aim for 8 workouts or more per month (anything besides running), and also run 25 miles per month. This gives me some leeway in my schedule- if I am going out of town one weekend, I just up my miles another weekend to make up for it. Or if I have a really busy week at school (like this one), I can just find an extra chance to workout later on in the month. Some people feel better knowing that they do Workout #1 on Monday-Wednesday-Friday and Workout #2 on Tuesday-Thursday, and need to stick with that consistent schedule. I'm just not like that. I get my workouts in when and where I can!

Oh, almost forgot- I have a $7.00 refund to add to the family cruise fund, so new total will be $526!

I had the day off, and spent nearly all of it in front of the computer. I was catching up from my online class for nearly 5 hours, ugh. I can't seem to get ahead with this class. I am managing to get all of the work done by the deadline, but the past couple weeks that is all I have managed. I haven't been able to study before the test deadline, and my grades are slowly going down. My day: started with an hour and a half of paperwork that is due at a meeting tomorrow. Then I switched to my classwork. During a mid day "break" I ran 3 miles, showered, and got back on the computer for more schoolwork. Then I had dinner (which SO prepared) and took my girls to dance class. While they danced I did lesson planning on my lap top for work. Now we are back home and I'm trying to pump myself up for another hour or so of studying, but it's all starting to sound like gibberish. I think I will take the rest of the night off... I can't give up now (I'm halfway through it!), but this is so much tougher than I thought it would be. I just want to pass this class!!! Ok, end of whine!

Tomorrow I will head to the bank to cash a check at the ATM on my way to school. After the check clears I can transfer money over to savings and my credit cards (I use them throughout the month to earn points). Then I should be all up to date on bill paying chores.

Time for some sleep, think I've earned it. I'm glad I got caught up on homework and work, some things you just have to push on through. I've discovered (the hard way) that you can't just bury your head in the sand and make things go away!

One of my $20 refund checks came in the mail today, so my cruise account is up to $519.

Braces will be in the future. "Phase 1" can start soon, and then "Phase 2" will commence when more of her permanent teeth are in. Gotta talk to exh to decide how we want to pay for it all. The orthodontist does allow no interest, monthly payments, so I'm assuming we'll take advantage of that.

I ran 3 miles this morning, enjoyed the couples' massage, and after lunch out...broke into another box of Girl Scout cookies. Dang it! I need to give them away! At least I've got my sugar fix for the day. We are attending a baby shower tonight, and it's going to be more like a wedding reception. There's a band, open bar, and of course food. I want to enjoy myself at the party, but not feel like I have to roll myself out of there!

Ugh! The candy I can sort of avoid.But the brownies and cookies, these are things I love! And once I start on them, it's so hard to stop! I can't just throw them away... that's the frugalist in me. So last night the brownies were finished by the family for dessert (I of course did my share!), and umm, I finished off the open box of Girl Scout cookies reading last night. The rest of the Girl Scout cookies are unopened, so I am good for a while. Today I aim to get that sugar out of my system, get back into running my miles, and get back to where I was before Valentines.

Today should be fun at school. We have a short community outing in the morning, and cooking in the afternoon.

I also leave early to take one of my girls to see the orthodontist, to see if braces are in the near future...ka-ching!

I will most likely be taking work home this long weekend, I have several important documents due next week, and one of them is not started yet. Plus I want to get 4 days worth of planning completed, so I get ahead a bit. My planning time is a joke this year, so unfortunately planning suffers.

Besides school work, I have my "own" school work to do this weekend as well. Lots of videos to download, and a test to complete by Monday. I really think that this will be my last class for a while, the time factor and mental toll is pretty high. School is always on my mind, because stuff is always due or always needs to be reviewed. I am learning a lot from this class, but I need to get that balance back between real life and college courses. The payoff isn't high enough for me right now.

I woke up this morning and verified how much I got paid. I went ahead and paid all of my bills online, and updated my budget (an Excel spreadsheet). The rest of my bills are taken out of my account automatically, so I'm done till next paycheck. My only financial duty for the next couple weeks will be to keep my spending within the budgeted amount. It will be a busy next few weeks, so I don't anticipate too much shopping and spending.

Last night after dinner we exchanged Valentines. I got each of my girls a bouquet of fake flowers (they have so much fun with these, with their imaginations!), and a toy from 5 Below. They were happy. SO got a new pair of pajamas. I made cheesecake for dessert, which the whole family was looking forward to. SO booked a couples massage for the two of us for Saturday, I can't wait! The rest of my week will be full speed ahead at work, at home, and with my class, so I can really use a massage Saturday. It was a very thoughtful gift.

Work is still shadowed with concerns, I don't know how to describe it. When I think of it right now it's like a dark cloud passes through my head, if that makes any sense. It's not the kids, not at all. They can all make progress, but I need the support to help them. But I'm working through all of this, and I'll make decisions for next year.

After a busy Saturday, spent running errands, baking, and entertaining, I enjoyed a lazy, no spend Sunday. The girls and I spent the entire day in our pajamas. We did some cooking for the week, I helped organize the girls' bedroom, and I finished my homework for the week. Now all I have left to do is the test by Tue afternoon. I plan to do the test tonight after dance class, before I get to bed, I didn't wake up early enough this morning to do it.

On Sunday I also spent over an hour in front of the fireplace, reading for fun. This is one of my favorite things to do. And it's free!

I've got a lot of work ahead of me today, but that's ok. This will be the week I clear a lot of stuff off of my desk. Mentally I can clear some of the "clutter" related to work after this week.

I will update my bills again on Wednesday after I get paid, should be able to throw some more in savings. I think I will start throwing a bit more in there to round it to a nice, even number each month. Every little bit helps, I guess!

Today $44 in rebate checks came in, woo hoo! New cruise total is $543. I've got the first $500 down, gotta get creative on earning the rest. I could just put a little money in the account each paycheck, like a bill, but where's the fun in that?! We are saving up our change, so that is sitting there waiting to be cashed in. I'm also saving up my rewards cash from credit cards. I'll add all of that in to the account when the time gets closer.

I enjoyed a wonderful night of sleep finally. I don't know the last time I was able to sleep without any cold medicine, Tylenol, sleep pills, etc. I'm starting to feel better.

TGIF, everyone!

I am adding $12 to the cruise fund from rebate checks received in the mail today. New total: $499!

I also received my tax refunds today, I wasn't expecting them for another week, that was good news. Though they are going to savings for now, some of it may go back to ex, gotta see for sure when he does his taxes.

Today was a challenge. My body was either in defense or reaction mode all day. It was exhausting. Even my muscles are sore, like I've been boxing. I need to sleep well and start out fresh in the morning, I have no choice.

Fortunately, my own children are a respite for me after an awful day. I've really enjoyed their company. xoxo

Today was chilly and gloomy. Fortunately, my friends and I had 'Drag' your friends to Brunch tickets. It is brunch with entertainment, 'nuff said! Nothing like a mimosa on a gloomy day and laughing with friends to lift your spirits. Money well spent.

I picked up the girls later in the afternoon. I helped them with cooking cupcakes and a school project, so it was fun stuff. Now we are doing our Sunday night stuff, prepping for the upcoming week.

Before brunch I did a lot of studying. I took test #2, and scored a 91. I'm happy with that grade, it was a really tough unit. I will have to do a bit more studying after I get done with my update, in order to stay on top of my lessons. Luckily this is only a 10 week class, 3 weeks down!

Early this morning I also updated my bills while SO did the cooking for the week (well, a good portion of the cooking for the week). I save the budgeting for the weekend when I have more time to compare balances, schedule payments, and other financial tasks I don't want to rush on during the week.

The only thing I didn't get to today was running, I usually do my running on the weekends. I'll still get my miles in for the month. I will just have to really stay on top of it now that school is taking such a great deal of my free time. But it's ok, I met school deadlines and I had some fun today, too. There are only so many hours in a day!

I received a $5 rebate yesterday, so new cruise total is $487. I never got around to checking the mail today.

Taxes have been completed and accepted, anticipated refund arrival date Feb. 14.

I have a short training tomorrow morning, then I head back home to continue my Saturday. I plan to do a bit more studying then take my 2nd test. Then pick up a few art supplies for my girls, grocery shop, a pretty simple Saturday. I'm glad for that, actually.

Our family is doing our part to support the dental profession this month! My girls will have sealants put on/redone (only partially paid for by insurance), my youngest has an appointment for a consultation with an orthodontist, and I chipped my tooth at dinner tonight! This was originally from an accident back when I was a kid and chipped my tooth. It has been filled since then to keep the tooth smooth and non-chipped looking, but every once in a while I have to have it refilled, and now is one of those times. Ugh.

I had a quiet day around the house. We did our grocery shopping, then I took a nap. After lunch I ran 3 miles, did some homework, ran another 3 miles, did some more homework. We made some cake pops and had dinner. Now I'm here on SA checking up with everyone, but in all actuality I need to get back to homework. This week I need to get in touch with potential practicum supervisers. I need to see how tough it will be to get those required experience hours.

I've already taken the dog for a walk, it is so sunny outside and I only needed a sweatshirt, love winter days like this! Usually this is such a rough time of year for me mentally, I really appreciate the nice weather whenever we get it.

I took my Unit 1 test this morning, got a 96%! Now on to the next Unit. I'll need to print up all of the material, which just became available last night, or else I would have printed it at work. But if I wait until Monday to print at work I won't be able to take advantage of the several uninterrupted hours of studying I can do this weekend. So I will suck it up and print from home this week.

We plan to grocery shop today and meet a friend for dinner. I've got some running to finish up for the month, I'll get it done!

I'm also going to turn in our change, we've been saving since the summer.

I added an additional $400 to savings, so my new total is $1406. I will update again after I get paid next week. Feels like I'm saving so slowwwly!

Tomorrow I will call my state Dept of taxes in regards to the letter they sent where I did not file deductions correctly and owe them money. I want them to explain what I did incorrectly, so that I don't make mistakes again. I will make that call on my cell phone at work. I can put it on speaker while I work on the computer, at least I can do something productive while I am put on hold.

I didn't do any studying tonight, just resting. I can study tomorrow and take the test Friday night or Saturday afternoon. Then get started on the next unit.

I was feeling so hopeless early this morning, but things always do pick up. I truly believe, you are never given what you can't handle- though you might need to make some hard choices.

My students were having a much better day today. I talked it over with coworkers- the student of concern IS making progress- it's just us adults who are becoming wiped out!

My first test opens up Friday evening for my class. I'm going to study several more hours before I take the test this weekend. As soon as this test is out of the way I start the materials for the next unit. The weekends will be when I do the majority of my studying and learning, the downtime during the week is minimal. But this class will help me be a better teacher, and one day have more options.

I started working on the taxes yesterday. I have always filed jointly with my ex because we are just separated, we've yet to file any paperwork (but determined to this year!). So this was our first year filing separate, I claimed head of household. I haven't completed the taxes because my work still delivers W-2s the old fashioned way- they make an announcement over the intercom, and everyone has to initial by their names as they are handed their W-2. Can you believe that, in this day and age? Anyway, I estimated using my final pay stub of the year, and I will update that to the W-2 info as soon as it is in my hands. I'm sure we will get the W-2 with payday on the 31st.

We also attended the board meeting last night regarding what to do with the house when we have a military transfer. They went ahead and put us on the wait list for one of the rental slots that are authorized. We are also going to start researching realtors today and look into the possibility of selling, since we have about 17 months before the transfer date. The HOA commended us for being proactive with our house!

Besides that, I had a very long, stressful day at work that left me wondering if I am the right girl for the job. I can't help but think that if only I was "better" I could change the behavior of a couple severe students I have in my special ed class. I admit they have made progress, but it is very slow, and it is so hard to be in the middle of the behaviors and noise for 7 hours a day. I'm expected to be able to "fix" these behaviors as well as teach to the alternate standards, with reduced staffing. The other special ed teacher has older students, and she gets a planning time all to herself, and her students attend specials, and she has additional assistants, and, and... I'm just feeling the burnout I hear about, I think. I'm sorry for the whine fest, I'm just very sick and tired. Thanks for listening!