So I've heard that rats sometimes make it up to the subway platform where people stand but I have meet witnessed it for myself, until last night. I've made a sport out of looking for the rodents down on the tracks and I always try to think about how big they really are and would be if I were to be holding it. They are big. So last night I was leaving the Bronx and got to the Bronx hub for the subway (125th st) and was waiting to catch the express into manhattan and well... A EFFING HUGE rat started trotting along side me on the freakin platform! I had a 6 minute wait for the next train and survived but still felt like something was crawling on my leg all night long. Mom, be VERY happy you were not around. It didn't help being the only white chick in the station at the time I was such a wuss. Seriously though.. Welcome to the Bronx.
- Posted on the go from my iPhone
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Graduation!
This last week I graduated from SUNY Cortland! It was a fabulous day really. The weather was perfect, I found some friends from Block 1 of my education classes to sit with, had amazing sushi with Dad, and a relaxing night at home with Mom and Step Dave. Also, Mom got me the dress of my dreams and it was perfect!
Also, graduation weekend was Dad's FIRST time coming to NYC! He's embarrassed when I tell people that so shhh. It was incredible! He flew in early and I met him at Penn Station. We went back to the Bronx to drop off his luggage, grab a bite to eat at a diner and then headed into Manhattan. We were able to go to Grand Central Station, the apple store there, the Empire State Building, grab a bite of pizza on the street, visit my first placement PS 19, visit wall street, see the charging bull, the ferry to the statue of liberty, the 9/11 memorial, have dinner at the seinfield restaurant, walk around columbia campus, see the LDS NYC temple, walk around Lincoln Center, sneak into the 2nd half of an opera, and grab some hot chocolate in Times Square! That was just the first day! The second day we went to the apple store on 5th Ave, Rockefeller Center, met the man I'm nannying for this summer, and visited my 2nd placement at PS 212. It was a very busy weekend to say the least.
We took a train upstate for graduation and came back down the day after. We were able to walk through central park and the met before driving to Tyler and Kim's for dinner before Dad had to catch his flight. I think I got him there 35 minute before take off. We literally used every minute to its fullest!
I packed up most of my things in the Bronx the day after Dad left and headed back upstate to drop it all off at Moms. I was able to spend a couple of days there organizing my room, deciding what to keep and what to throw out. Its weird, after graduating I actually feel different. Birthdays come and go and I never really feel different, but after walking I actually FEEL older and more accomplished.
As for now I will start nannying this next week while I look for an apartment in Manhattan. I can't wait to spend my summer and next year in the city! It's starting to feel like home and I'm sad when I'm not here.
Also, graduation weekend was Dad's FIRST time coming to NYC! He's embarrassed when I tell people that so shhh. It was incredible! He flew in early and I met him at Penn Station. We went back to the Bronx to drop off his luggage, grab a bite to eat at a diner and then headed into Manhattan. We were able to go to Grand Central Station, the apple store there, the Empire State Building, grab a bite of pizza on the street, visit my first placement PS 19, visit wall street, see the charging bull, the ferry to the statue of liberty, the 9/11 memorial, have dinner at the seinfield restaurant, walk around columbia campus, see the LDS NYC temple, walk around Lincoln Center, sneak into the 2nd half of an opera, and grab some hot chocolate in Times Square! That was just the first day! The second day we went to the apple store on 5th Ave, Rockefeller Center, met the man I'm nannying for this summer, and visited my 2nd placement at PS 212. It was a very busy weekend to say the least.
We took a train upstate for graduation and came back down the day after. We were able to walk through central park and the met before driving to Tyler and Kim's for dinner before Dad had to catch his flight. I think I got him there 35 minute before take off. We literally used every minute to its fullest!
I packed up most of my things in the Bronx the day after Dad left and headed back upstate to drop it all off at Moms. I was able to spend a couple of days there organizing my room, deciding what to keep and what to throw out. Its weird, after graduating I actually feel different. Birthdays come and go and I never really feel different, but after walking I actually FEEL older and more accomplished.
As for now I will start nannying this next week while I look for an apartment in Manhattan. I can't wait to spend my summer and next year in the city! It's starting to feel like home and I'm sad when I'm not here.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Syracuse and Teaching Certificate!
Two weeks ago was spring break for New York schools. It was incredible to have some time to sleep in and catch up with some things. My mom came to the city to spend Easter with me and I had some time to go back to Syracuse and spend the other weekend at her house. I was able to take my friend Zachary with me because we both needed to get out of the city and around some nature. We were able to spend both days outside on hikes, and drives in the country. Also, we went by the store I used to work at, J Michaels, and see some old friends. It was so nice to spend time at home eating home cooked meals, driving my car again, and playing games with my mom and step dave. It really was such a refreshing weekend.
As for student teaching I continue to love my class. I am in a fifth grade class and the kids are brilliant. They amaze me everyday with how hard they work and the insight they have with different lessons. I have currently been teaching a writing unit on how to write a literary essay. It should all come together in the next week and in two weeks we will have a publishing party! I'm nervous with how everything will end up, but I think these kids will just continue to blow my mind (keeping my fingers crossed).
I only have three more weeks until I graduate, which is kinda insane. I spent two days this week traveling to interview for different nanny positions. One is up north of the Bronx, and the other was out on Long Island past Queens. Both positions have their pros and cons and I really have to consider all the options before I decide on one. It's crazy to think how different my life can be in just 2 months from now! I'm so excited!
Yesterday, I completed my final test to earn my NYS teaching certificate! I was a little tired but I think I did well and passed. I should know in about a month :) Ahhh! I can't believe this process is finally over!
Well, it's Sunday and that means I get to spend the day cooking, cleaning, lesson planning, and catching up with blogs :) It's a little rainy here in the city today, which makes staying in and getting things done that much more enjoyable. I love it when it rains in the city.
As for student teaching I continue to love my class. I am in a fifth grade class and the kids are brilliant. They amaze me everyday with how hard they work and the insight they have with different lessons. I have currently been teaching a writing unit on how to write a literary essay. It should all come together in the next week and in two weeks we will have a publishing party! I'm nervous with how everything will end up, but I think these kids will just continue to blow my mind (keeping my fingers crossed).
I only have three more weeks until I graduate, which is kinda insane. I spent two days this week traveling to interview for different nanny positions. One is up north of the Bronx, and the other was out on Long Island past Queens. Both positions have their pros and cons and I really have to consider all the options before I decide on one. It's crazy to think how different my life can be in just 2 months from now! I'm so excited!
Yesterday, I completed my final test to earn my NYS teaching certificate! I was a little tired but I think I did well and passed. I should know in about a month :) Ahhh! I can't believe this process is finally over!
Well, it's Sunday and that means I get to spend the day cooking, cleaning, lesson planning, and catching up with blogs :) It's a little rainy here in the city today, which makes staying in and getting things done that much more enjoyable. I love it when it rains in the city.
Hike to Chittenango Falls
Zachary and Me @ Green Lakes
Step Dave and Mom @ Green Lakes
Lucy @ Green Lakes
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Easter in the City!
Brooklyn Bridge for the first time ever with Mom!
Amazing Indian food on Easter's Eve!
Momma bought me beautiful flowers for the apartment! Mmm
Park Ave.
Easter Parade
Me and my new cute friend Zachary
Rockefeller Center
Mom and me outside of my school
Monday, March 26, 2012
holy busy.
I've been SO bad at blogging. Looking through my day planner I can sorta see why this hasn't been top priority. I've been trying to figure out summer work, school, housing, etc. I've finished my first placement in the third grade and was so upset. I feel in love with those kids and miss them everyday. I have recently been placed in a fifth grade class in Times Square. It's amazing and the class is incredibly gifted and mostly at or above grade level. I'm already teaching at least two lessons a day. New kids comes with new germs. I'm already suffering from a sore throat. Ouch.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Short film for your weekend
I am leaving town for the weekend and wanted to leave you with a short video. I hope you like it, it's one of my favorites. What we can learn from children amazes me.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Post Grad Life- possibilities are endless
I don't think I have ever been so unsure about so many things in my life as I am right now. Just a few things on my mind.
a. Substitute Teaching License
i. to then get hired at the school I am currently student teaching at
b. Spanish 102 Online Course
c. Weekend Nanny Position
i. with a different job during the week to make enough to get my own apartment in NYC for the summer
d. Full- Time Live-In Nanny Position
i. and put off getting a teaching position for at least a year to live with a family that frequents the Hamptons.
e. Utah
i. try to get a teaching job in PC or SLC
ii. get a job teaching at an online school like my step sis-in-law Crystal who would be my "in"
iii. get a job teaching at a montessori school in SLC that I may have an "in" with
Let me explain:
a. I have recently handed in my resume to my Principal and Vice Principal at the school I am currently student teaching at. My host teacher, principal, and vice principal all suggested I get my substitute teaching license. The reason they suggested this is because then if there is any problem with my New York State Teaching Certificate coming in (and being dated) in time for the first day of school, I could still teach as a "sub". This means I would be hired for a job, but if conflict occurs with dates and certificates I could still be paid on the books but be called a "sub" until all the paperwork clears, even though it may be late September or October or whatever. This is a great sign that my host teacher and administration are highly recommending me do this, because that shows me they are or want to seriously considerate me a candidate for an opening. The thing is to get a sub license the principal has to nominate you online by writing a letter to the NYC Department of Education who will then write me a letter telling me of my nomination and the steps necessary to proceed. I would then have to take another written test, pay some more money, and then get my picture taken for my sub card. This is something I need to make happen in the next hmm 2 weeks probably.
b. Ok, Spanish 102. I may want to just charge Rosetta Stone to my credit card and get this over with. I have been putting off Spanish 102 for all of my college career. I took Spanish 101 fall semester of freshman year, which was 5 years ago. I only need 101 and 102 of a foreign language to graduate and for some reason I just haven't gotten this done. I am looking at BYU online courses because I've heard they are cheap and effective. The problem with this one class is that I won't get my diploma until August, although I will be able to walk in May. This may push back my teaching certificate even farther. sigh.
c. Weekend nanny position. So, I have joined a couple online nanny position websites that you pay $15-20 to get a background check and search for jobs. About a week ago now I set aside a day and applied to about 40 positions ranging anywhere from live in nanny position full time to live out nanny position part time. I had my first interview last Thursday with an amazing family. Yep, they are twins, oh and did I mention they are 7 months old? They told me out of over 200 applications they narrowed it down to 4 girls. Out of those 4, they chose me. This means I will be watching these girls on the weekend. This is amazing for right now since I am student teaching Monday- Friday, but after I graduate in May I would like to work more so I could potentially pay for an apartment in the city.
d. This leads to my next point. The delima of choosing a live in or live out full time or part time nanny position. I have a lead right now with a nice man who wants to meet with my tomorrow. This man works for the family. He expressed interest in me working with this family and their 3 girls. (ahhh! adorable!) I still have other conversations going with other families that are interested in live-in nanny positions so if this family doesn't fit for me then I will hopefully find one that will.
e. Utah. Oh Utah. Every Sunday I get really sad and homesick for this place. I feel like I could apply for teaching jobs in Utah and would not have that difficult of a time finding a position considering my experience in NYS and NYC to be specific. So, I could apply for elementary schools in PC and SLC area all summer and strive for a position there. Also, my step-sis-in-law is currently teaching at an online elementary school where she works from home and teaches kids online. Since I know her well I could potentially be let in the know when an opening happens at that school. Also, my dad knows a girl who started her own montessori elementary school in SLC that has been so successful she is currently opening a second, which she is looking for hire. This would be another great career opportunity for me back in SLC.
I have been so overwhelmed with everything going on lately I apologize for the lack of blogging. I am hoping in the next week or two I will have a better understanding of what road I should take. For now, I see so many possibilities. I'm confused why so many people after graduation move into their parents basement. Um, hello.. opportunity is out there. Just go get it. It's a little overwhelming.
a. Substitute Teaching License
i. to then get hired at the school I am currently student teaching at
b. Spanish 102 Online Course
c. Weekend Nanny Position
i. with a different job during the week to make enough to get my own apartment in NYC for the summer
d. Full- Time Live-In Nanny Position
i. and put off getting a teaching position for at least a year to live with a family that frequents the Hamptons.
e. Utah
i. try to get a teaching job in PC or SLC
ii. get a job teaching at an online school like my step sis-in-law Crystal who would be my "in"
iii. get a job teaching at a montessori school in SLC that I may have an "in" with
Let me explain:
a. I have recently handed in my resume to my Principal and Vice Principal at the school I am currently student teaching at. My host teacher, principal, and vice principal all suggested I get my substitute teaching license. The reason they suggested this is because then if there is any problem with my New York State Teaching Certificate coming in (and being dated) in time for the first day of school, I could still teach as a "sub". This means I would be hired for a job, but if conflict occurs with dates and certificates I could still be paid on the books but be called a "sub" until all the paperwork clears, even though it may be late September or October or whatever. This is a great sign that my host teacher and administration are highly recommending me do this, because that shows me they are or want to seriously considerate me a candidate for an opening. The thing is to get a sub license the principal has to nominate you online by writing a letter to the NYC Department of Education who will then write me a letter telling me of my nomination and the steps necessary to proceed. I would then have to take another written test, pay some more money, and then get my picture taken for my sub card. This is something I need to make happen in the next hmm 2 weeks probably.
b. Ok, Spanish 102. I may want to just charge Rosetta Stone to my credit card and get this over with. I have been putting off Spanish 102 for all of my college career. I took Spanish 101 fall semester of freshman year, which was 5 years ago. I only need 101 and 102 of a foreign language to graduate and for some reason I just haven't gotten this done. I am looking at BYU online courses because I've heard they are cheap and effective. The problem with this one class is that I won't get my diploma until August, although I will be able to walk in May. This may push back my teaching certificate even farther. sigh.
c. Weekend nanny position. So, I have joined a couple online nanny position websites that you pay $15-20 to get a background check and search for jobs. About a week ago now I set aside a day and applied to about 40 positions ranging anywhere from live in nanny position full time to live out nanny position part time. I had my first interview last Thursday with an amazing family. Yep, they are twins, oh and did I mention they are 7 months old? They told me out of over 200 applications they narrowed it down to 4 girls. Out of those 4, they chose me. This means I will be watching these girls on the weekend. This is amazing for right now since I am student teaching Monday- Friday, but after I graduate in May I would like to work more so I could potentially pay for an apartment in the city.
d. This leads to my next point. The delima of choosing a live in or live out full time or part time nanny position. I have a lead right now with a nice man who wants to meet with my tomorrow. This man works for the family. He expressed interest in me working with this family and their 3 girls. (ahhh! adorable!) I still have other conversations going with other families that are interested in live-in nanny positions so if this family doesn't fit for me then I will hopefully find one that will.
e. Utah. Oh Utah. Every Sunday I get really sad and homesick for this place. I feel like I could apply for teaching jobs in Utah and would not have that difficult of a time finding a position considering my experience in NYS and NYC to be specific. So, I could apply for elementary schools in PC and SLC area all summer and strive for a position there. Also, my step-sis-in-law is currently teaching at an online elementary school where she works from home and teaches kids online. Since I know her well I could potentially be let in the know when an opening happens at that school. Also, my dad knows a girl who started her own montessori elementary school in SLC that has been so successful she is currently opening a second, which she is looking for hire. This would be another great career opportunity for me back in SLC.
I have been so overwhelmed with everything going on lately I apologize for the lack of blogging. I am hoping in the next week or two I will have a better understanding of what road I should take. For now, I see so many possibilities. I'm confused why so many people after graduation move into their parents basement. Um, hello.. opportunity is out there. Just go get it. It's a little overwhelming.
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