A Little Update

Well, the kitties are starting to coexist peacefully, and I am happy to report that not only have they been sharing spaces, but Slinky has also licked Sapphire several times and everyone seems fine with that. Whew! The only problem is that Slinky is getting quite fat, as she cleans out the bowl of whatever Sapphire leaves behind. It's a work in progress.

This next week will be my last as Long Term Sub. It's been a long, complicated 5 months since I started at the school. First the job I accepted was changed to part time, then I took on the permanent building sub job, that was eventually cut from the budget. Now the long term sub position is ending and it took me a long time to decide what I wanted to do as I moved forward. I applied for quite a few positions within schools, but became frustrated that many (read: most) were not permanent positions, and I just didn't want to be going through job searching again. The stress of not knowing where my paycheck would be coming from every few months has taken its toll. It has been a year since my back injury. Acupuncture is helping somewhat. But did I really want to continue the stress of job searching for the sake of being in public schools? I couldn't decide.

So I started looking for positions as a nanny. Although the principal at my current job told me that working in child care positions was not helping me to find a job in the school systems, I decided that what will ultimately boost my ability to get a job as a classroom teacher would be my Master's Degree. And frankly, the jobs that were calling me back in the schools just wouldn't fund going back to school. Especially since those jobs would only be 180 days per year. So after a lot of thinking, worrying, and going back and forth, I made the decision to look for a position as a nanny.

So, that is where we are. I have had several promising interviews, and I hope to have something lined up by the end of the week. This year has been....indescribable. But I am hoping for a healthy and stable 2011. And I hope yours is as well. ;)



Penni Panda Finally Comes to Fruition

Today I finished Penni Panda. I think I will make the black circles behind her eyes a little bigger next time, but overall, I'm really happy with how she turned out! Like the Dalmatian puppy and Ruby 'Roo, Penni is made of soft fleece and is finished with a red polka dot bow. Her tongue is sticking out...my favorite touch. I've been planning her for a while now so it's nice to have her here at last!

She's extra plush and chubby too. :) I'm going to start on my next holiday bear, and I think I will make either a koala or an elephant. I've been avoiding the elephant because it means creating a new pattern for the head and ears. And I still want to make a zebra...perhaps that will come before the elephant. I think I have the pattern already in my head. Either way, I want to have a lot more variety at the next craft fair, which is on November 20th, not far away. November is a busy month. I am now subbing for maternity leave in a second grade class (I think I may have already mentioned this) and we filled out our calender for the month. We have 5 days off of school this month, plus my boyfriend's birthday is on Wednesday. Lots to do...I'm sure vacation will come sooner than I think with all the activity! I put my updated resume back on Monster and School Spring and I'm keeping my eyes peeled for something in January. Crossing my fingers that the right place will be available.

My First Holiday Plushie Is Here!

It took me several days of short spurts of sewing, but here is my first holiday bear of the season! She has a beautiful green and gold holly pattern and red accents. I did a quick little photo shoot outside today, and surprisingly, she didn't show up very well because she blends in. Who would have thought the indoor pictures would look better. In any case, she's the first of several, and I hope to have several more by the time the craft fair rolls around.

This was the best outdoor one, but I had to do some editing. In other news, I start my long term sub job tomorrow. I went in to shadow her on Monday and I think I'm really going to like working in the room. I'll be planning the lessons myself, so it will be great experience for the future. And I will be looking for another job for January....but at least I have a job through the holidays. What do you have planned?

Bright Pink Kitty is Here!

Here she is! Bright Pink Floral Kitty is the first plushie to be made with my new fabric. She isn't holiday, but she'll be making her debut at my next craft show in November. Can you tell why I love her fabric so much? *peeks around at the page* When I went to the fabric store, I was just looking for holiday fabric. When I came across this, and several other generic fabrics, I couldn't help but yank it into my cart! Instead of going for the soft, cute fabric, this fall/winter I'm going for vibrant, colorful patterns! Don't worry....more to come!

On the employment front, a long term sub position covering a maternity leave opened up in my school. My current position is finished on Friday, but if I get hired for this next sub position, I will be ok until around January. Then I will begin my job hunt again. What a long year this has been! I thought I wouldn't be writing about job searching anymore, but here we are. I am feeling a lot better this week, and I'm glad I had some time to work on sewing. I've got a lot to look forward to next month...my second craft show, my driver's license test *finally!* and a trip to Disney World and Universal (for Harry Potter!!!!). It's going to be exciting, I just hope I can keep up.



Feature Friday - New CreatioNZ

There hasn't been much going on over here on this blog...I apologize for the lapse. I've been waiting to hear back about the start date on my new job, and I must say, I've been a little bit lazy because of that. Call me a turtle, but I had to retreat into my shell for a while. The good news is I start my new job on Monday! Hip Hip Hooray! It is nice to feel secure again, though I'm sure it will be a bit of an adjustment gettting back into the swing of things. This means, of course, the blog will probably be a little bare for a while, but don't worry...I'll still be sewing, even if it is infrequently. :) Of course, you can always check out my new weight loss blog, Skinny or Bust! I've already lost 4 pounds! Come join me on my challenge!

Today is Friday, which means a new feature. This week, we get to know Jocelyn from New CreatioNZ. New CreatioNZ is full of wonderful pieces of art incorporating Jocelyn's photography in many creative ways. The shop features magnets, paintings, cards, jewelry, stationary, banners and more! Head on over to check it out, but first, the interview.

How did you get into crafting?

I have loved to create since childhood. I have dabbled in all sorts of crafts but always come back to painting. Photography is a newer passion but just as much fun!

How did your Etsy shop come to be?

I heard of Etsy through a friend. I had never done online selling before so it was a big step to open my shop!

What is your favorite part about being creative?

I love that it is never the same. Every new painting or photograph is different and that keeps me inspired!

Are you a full time crafter or do you have a "day job?"

I have a job at my children's school as a teachers aide. My hours are the same as theirs which fits in very well, plus I get the holidays off with them. It does mean though, that my time for creating is limited.

If someone were to buy you a birthday gift on Etsy, what 3 words would they use in their search?

Jewelery, stationery, or handbag.

How do you create your designs?

I cannot start a painting without inspiration. It can come through a song, a scripture or an experience I have had. My paintings will often turn out very different to what I first imagined. With my photos I try to find new ways of using them. Examples are my cards, digital stationery, boxes and my latest, calendars.

Favorite spots for inspiration?

I have a lovely beach just down the road from where I live. I take my dog for a run there most mornings and watch the sun rise. I never get used to it. Each day God shows me another amazing facet of his creation. I am so humbled by what he has created for me to enjoy and if I can show even a small part of his glory in my art, then I am happy.

Who inspires you?

God.

If you had to choose one item in your shop as a signature piece, what would it be and why?

This is so hard. But this is one of my recent paintings inspired by a walk on the beach one morning. It reminds me of what God has blessed me with

Thanks so much to Jocelyn for taking part in Feature Friday! You can also check out her blog to find out more! Have a great weekend everyone!

Thank You Ikea!

Yesterday, we took a trip to Ikea to finally purchase some shelving for our living room. I am so sad (though saved of embarrassment) that I don't have before pictures of our "behind the couch/office/storage" area. It had become the catch-all area in our living room where we could "hide" unsightly cardboard boxes full of who-knows-what, the litter box, my dead plant, and basically any number of stacks of papers that I just couldn't be bothered with shredding. We've been looking at shelving options for months, and I do mean many months...I believe it began when I was still at work! We never found anything that felt right, until last night. Thank you to Ikea for having a new, updated line of mix and match shelving with doors. We chose one that would fit under our window and would hide whatever was behind it. This is what we chose:

It does has a glass panel, so you can some things, and hopefully I clean up the right hand side. I like that my books are protected from dust now. And those boxes to the right of the cabinet we bought to be placed in the glass panel part, but unfortunately....they were too long. :(

We picked up these square mirrors (4 for $5!) and some votive candle holders, along with matching vases to decorate the top of the cabinet (and hopefully deter from just stacking things in that corner again). I added some pictures and things as well. I love the way it looks!

We also picked up a tall shelf (right) to put our gaming things, and between everything that fit in the two shelves, the desk/storage area can actually be used! Before you had to navigate around random things just to access the printer.

I also picked up this drawer organizer for my sewing cabinet. It is full, BUT it is organized and neat and I won't accidentally stick myself on pins or needles trying to dig out ribbon. Hooray! And because Ikea is so cheap, it was all very affordable. The tall shelf was from the As-Is section, and when we opened the bottom door, there was a full bathroom set in there! $83 worth of toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, toilet paper stand, toilet brush and soap dishes! I love free stuff!

In other news, it looks like I got a full time job! Still waiting for official confirmation, but I should start on Monday! I will work as a permanent sub in the school I had mentioned last. This position opened up and it was a way better option than the part-time position, even though the part-time was more related to what I want to do in the future. With the full time job, I can afford to go back to school, so this week I met with admissions at a local university to talk about applying to their Specialist Teacher in Reading graduate program. It would fit into my work schedule and I really think it is time. Lots going on! So, as you can imagine, no new projects this week. But I did make diet banana bread this evening...no eggs, Brummel and Brown instead of butter and Splenda. Can't wait to taste it! I've been motivated to start a second blog, where I will try to lose 52 lbs in 52 Weeks...I haven't started it yet, but I plan to track my progress and include recipes that I try along the way. I'll let you know when it is up and ready.

Oh! There's my bread beeping! Have a great evening everyone!

Where's the Exit on this Roller Coaster?!

So to give you an idea of my tolerance for roller coasters, or just rides in general, let me tell you a story. About Splash Mountain. A very family friendly attraction that thousands, nah, MILLIONS of people consider to be one of the most fun rides at Disney World. My boyfriend and I took a trip to Disney World last October. He is a big thrill chaser, and I am the kind of girl who gets nauseous on a ladder. No joke. Well, he played down most of the rides so that I would go on them, and this strategy worked for just about everything...except Splash Mountain.

You know how there are signs all the way up to the ride that say, Turn back now!!! This has extreme drops!!! I swear I felt like an animal being led to slaughter, being slowly shuffled closer and closer to the crazy contraption that was going to be my demise, unable to find a way to get out, but in all honesty not wanting to seem like a total baby. I got on the ride, against my better judgement, and just so happened to be in the front seat. Behind me sat a 5 year old boy and his parents. We settled into the log and off we went. I think I remember a couple smaller drops, but they weren't really much worse than Thunder Mountain Railroad, which I enjoyed. But those obnoxious animals all singing happily could not camouflage my fear when we came around the bend and began to ascend the dark, damp tunnel. I gripped onto whatever was closest to me as hard as I could, chanting over and over, "I don't want to do this. I want to get out! I need to get off this ride!" hysterically, while the child behind me chatted casually to his parents about how fun this was going to be. No, child...it was not fun. To me, it felt like this:

And let me tell you, those people on that ride were TERRIFIED! I heard the screams.

In all seriousness, it was very similar to the time my high school best friend forced me on the California Adventure roller coaster, you know the one around Mickey's head? I screamed at her the entire time that I would kill her, my stomach felt like it was sitting somewhere near my nasal cavity, and afterward I was almost sick to my stomach....but not quite. I survived that one, and I survived the much less intimidating but just as frightening and nausea-inducing Splash Mountain. But I never want to do it again.

It's the drops that get me, that feeling of no control and that pulling sensation in your stomach. That's what I'm feeling like today. This year has been a roller coaster that I can't find my way off of. It's not going to hurt me, but I am probably going to be scared out of my mind and a little nauseous. Yesterday I was offered my dream job....assisting the reading specialist by working with small groups of children who are not meeting grade level. My ultimate goal is to be a reading specialist, so this job was perfect, and the school has a large population of second language learners, with whom I can use my Spanish that has been lying dormant since high school and I have missed using so much. I was so excited that we went out to dinner and dessert to celebrate! But this morning I got a call saying that the funding has been cut, and the position will likely only be half time....and it still has to be approved by the superintendent before it is final. I would still want it if it is part time, but it would mean searching for a second job.

I also had a decent sized back spasm last night and it is still acting up so I've been in bed all day. I ask you...where's the exit?!

My List of Do's when Interviewing

Yeah, I know...I'm not an expert! But after 6 months of applying and interviewing, nearing 20 interviews finished, I figured I would share with you the Seven Do's I try to tell myself when gearing up for an interview.

1. Keep your look simple, polished, but original.

I was really tempted to wear my new white sweater with my favorite pants, which are black, to my most recent interview. Maybe with a bold piece of jewelery? Well, I don't have bold jewelery. And black pants with a plain white sweater looks so blah....I've watched too much What Not to Wear to make that mistake. Instead, I decided to wear my new white sweater with a floral skirt I made earlier this summer. Not only does this add some color and pattern to my outfit, the skirt fits perfectly around my tummy, so I won't worry about any unflattering lines, and it is long enough to be work appropriate, not sexy or frumpy. For makeup, I go more neutral and natural than I would for a nice dinner, but with the basics covered. Moisturizer, light mineral powder foundation, eyes and a light lip tint. I don't want them to think I'm going to be late to work because of my makeup routine.

2. Remember the names of the people interviewing you, and use it.

I learned this from my boyfriend, who deals with many people in his company over the phone. I thought it was silly when I first met him, he would repeat the person's name three times on the phone, but when I went into an interview and had no idea who I had talked to on the phone, I realized how lame I seemed. Ask for the name if you don't remember it, write it down and use it. Which brings me to my next point...

3. Send thank you notes!

I didn't send these when I first started my job search and quickly decided to incorporate it into my routine. Which is one reason you should remember the interviewers' names...you're going to want to include them in your thank you note. If you've interviewed with a large company or with a school district (like me), addressing the company as a whole, HR or whom it may concern makes it sound like you didn't take the time to learn anything about who you spoke with, so why would they want to take the time on you?

4. Be polite, even when they aren't.

Early on in my search, I came across a couple people who were less than professional. Whether it was asking inappropriate questions (someone ate her lunch during our meeting, told me I would be hard pressed to find a school that would offer health insurance, only wanted to know how my previous school ran their program and paid their teachers, and nothing about me), or making rude assumptions to your face (someone told me I was obviously in teaching for the money because of the age group I wanted to work with), it is always better to take a deep breath and handle the situation with tact. It isn't always easy, and it can be tempting to make a smart remark, but I try to be polite, yet not ignore the comment. Rather, I try to address it as politely as I can without seeming wishy-washy or apologetic. If all else fails, thank them for their time and make your escape. It can be a jungle out there.

5. Have a portfolio of your work to refer to during the interview.

This is a standard item to bring to teaching interviews, but I'm not sure how it works with corporate settings. I've found that my portfolio, when it is complete and polished, can be my best asset in an interview. Sometimes I have difficulty explaining exactly how I implemented an activity without going into a long winded speech, so I pull out my portfolio to show photos and lesson plans of successes, as well as documentation. My portfolio contains all the items I would send in initially (cover letter, resume, recommendation letters, transcript, and licenses), writing samples, documentation of lessons and environments I've planned. Pictures are a fast way to show the interviewer what you look like in action, without them taking your word for it. And having work samples gives them a way to preview what they might see around review/report time. I always makes sure I refer to it at least once, especially if they don't ask for it.

6. When you get home, apply for at least one more job!

It's never a good idea to think you've got one in the bag. It can take a while to hear back from someone, and that is time you could have been interviewing at more places. If it's a no, you haven't lost any of that precious job search time, and if it is a yes, you can always let the other employer know you've accepted another position. This is the hardest part for me because I always want to put all my eggs in one basket, but it isn't realistic.

7. Remember...they want you to succeed!

This is another thing that has helped me stay calm. The interviewer wants to find the right person, and they are hoping you are it! While you may not always be the best fit, they aren't there to prove you're bad at what you do...which is what used to cause a lot of my nerves. Just do your best and prove to them why you were such a great candidate that they called you in!

Thankfully, Other People Blog Too

Good morning everyone. Just thought I'd include a shot of my kitty exploring my kitchen/sewing table, since I still haven't finished my skirt tutorial yet. I had a bad stomach ache this weekend that turned out to be (I think) a kidney stone (most likely because I haven't been taking my baking soda....must replace moldy juice jug today!!). I didn't think it was a stone because this time the nausea/upset stomach came before the pain, but now the pain is here and I am consequently not working on my tiered skirt. I promise it will come soon!

In job news, woke up to two requests for an interview this morning, which made me both extremely happy and extremely anxious. Not because I'm worried about the interview...at this point, I've been on around 15+ interviews so I'm not so nervous about what I am going to say. No, I'm anxious about making a decision and if I am making the right one. I'm finding that the elementary level jobs I am being called about are either long term sub or part time. Part time lead teacher wouldn't be so hard to choose, but part time assistant pays less, which would mean getting a second job....not that I am opposed to that at all, but it means more job searching. I know, I know, life isn't easy, at least I'm getting my foot in the door, and there are far worse things to happen to people. I know I also shouldn't get myself so worked up about this, but as a worrier at heart, it all seems 10 times scarier in my head. I'm so used to full time lead teacher, even if it is in a toddler room, that it is scary to think of only having secured a part time position.

The more I read over what I just wrote, the less scary is actually seems. Things will be ok...they'll work out. And I should even have time to go back to school. *big, deep breath*

I came across two blog posts today that really cheered me up though, and I just had to share them. First, Sarah over at Yes, Teacher! shared this Jack Handey quote as part of her Mondays with Jack, and it really made me laugh: "I hope some animal never bores a hole in my head and lays its eggs in my brain, because later you might think you're having a good idea but it's just eggs hatching." Thanks, Sarah, for starting my morning out with a laugh!

Erika over at Oops! I Craft My Pants shared her latest craft...a wacky and unique frame idea: covering a picture frame with gum. I just love Erika's blog and this was another quirky post that just made my day. Check out the frame and Erika's fantastic blog here!

All I can say is, thank goodness for blogging today. :)

What If...

...interviews were like reality tv shows? Wouldn't it be easier if you could see what your competition was like and how you compared? What if instead of waiting for days to hear a yes or a no, you got to listen to the interviewer critique everyone, so you could know where you stand. And then all the interviewees would go back to a swanky apartment, drink champagne and talk about how unfair the process was...but what an amazing opportunity it was at the same time. Instead of days of waiting, you could be eliminated right away if you didn't make the cut. I mean, no one has to wait until the last show to find out that they were cut in the beginning. Wouldn't it be great if the interviewer gave you feedback directly, rather than leaving you guessing?

I was just watching HGTV Design Star when that thought came to me. Although, I guess I wouldn't want my job search broadcasted across America so everyone and their dog to talk about how stupid my curriculum plan was compared to contestant number 3.

So I guess there are pros and cons to everything. ;)

Muddled

I really need to shift my sleep schedule by about...2-3 hours. I can't sleep at night, then I sleep in in the morning. I've been on this schedule ever since I hurt my back in January and no matter how early I wake myself up or how much I do during the day, I can't get to sleep at night. I guess that just goes to show you how exhausting it really is chasing toddlers around all day.

Besides the not sleeping part, I miss the socialization of working. 5 days a week I had a room full of toddlers and two co-teachers to socialize with, and then of course the rest of the building during lunch breaks, playground, computer work time. And the parents. I talked to so many people at my job that I didn't realize how much I would miss it when it was gone. I don't know if it was the 4 months of "I can't go anywhere because I can't get out of bed/can't sit that long" that I kept telling everyone, or asking that they come over to my house so I would have a comfortable place to lay on the couch, but since I've been able to be up and moving and social again, I feel like my social life is just plain gone. Without the hustle and bustle of work, my life feels dull and boring and repetitive. Sewing has helped a bit, but I still feel that need to talk to people. I feel like I post more on facebook than I have in a long time, simply because I'm bored and I want to talk to people. I've become one of those people who posts everything on facebook, hoping that it might spark a conversation with someone. But of course, I think people are starting to tune me out instead. I do that when someone posts too often. It's understandable.

It's just hard when your life seems to have shrunk to such a small little space in the world, with so few people in it. I've tried to be strong and positive about everything that has happened this year, but I feel like I've been limited. Back in high school, when I injured my back, I knew I would not be able to dance anymore. Those funny hopes to become a dancer turned into a love of watching others dance, and yearning to move like that, feel that excitement again. I found something I loved just as much: teaching. And this year, I feel like I'm 18 all over again, my life turning a corner and limiting me again. No more toddlers, no more infants, no more young preschool. No more lifting. No more caregiving. Which of course is something I came to really love about teaching toddlers, that relationship you build as a caregiver that you don't get with teaching first grade.

And then there's first grade...and kindergarten, and second grade. I'm finding that my spirits are diminishing slowly, feeling that I might NOT get those jobs, that I might be lucky just to be an assistant this year. Then what? Will I go back to school? Can I afford that? I think I've jumped into this sewing because it takes my mind off that fear. And the hope that by selling my work, I could have a new passion, a new way to make a living, and be able to go back to school seems so exciting. But I keep finding these road blocks, like cost to get registered to sell in MA (which is one of only 3 states that requires this, btw), possibly the cost of renting a space at a local shop, which was offered to me this week. Do I really want to pursue this? Or do I just want this to be a hobby, making myself clothes. I'm struggling with this decision, but I've decided that I will at least take the first steps and give myself the option. Who knows what will happen in 3 months. Maybe I'll get that job I want and sewing will go back to being a hobby. Maybe my bears and blankets will have a niche and start to sell. I just wish there was some way to see 3 months down the line and know which way I should go. But of course, that's the risk in life. I know risk is supposed to be the fun and unexpected part of life, but I've always hated new and unexpected experiences and tried desperately to prepare myself for them...or avoid them.

Well....this week I'm working on my own projects...just for me. And maybe work on a new project I thought of tonight. We'll see. I just wish I could fall asleep before 3 am.

Just some thoughts

I was walking to the train today on my way home and my back started tweaking. With every step I could feel a click on my right side. My first thought was, "How am I going to walk the 2 miles I need to walk in order to get home?" I was really tempted to hail a cab, which would most likely cost me over $30...something I probably should not be doing. Knowing that I just spent $60 on my month's worth of train rides, I decided to walk through the pain, get some exercise and save some money.

On a side note, I found my new favorite snack place, Berry Line. They sell frozen yogurt with rotating flavors and tons of delicious toppings! They use natural ingredients, and the frozen yogurt isn't the super sweet, almost ice cream kind...you can really taste the sourness of the yogurt. Also, the fruit they add on top is fresh and yummy! I suggest anyone in the Boston area go find one of their stores and give them a try! http://www.berryline.com/content/home

Back to my walk...I was thinking as I started my second mile how hard it is for me to finish just one mile on a treadmill, but I can do 3 miles if I have a destination. It feels much easier to walk for longer periods when I know there's an endpoint. It gives me motivation...I can see my apartment building up ahead and I know I just have a walk a little bit more. But whenever I walk on the treadmill, I give up. I guess a little of that has to do with necessity, but it reminds me why sewing has become such an exciting thing for me. I put a lot of work into it, but there's an endpoint. A very real, useful, tangible product of my work. It motivates me to get up and get going.

I got two rejection notices for teaching positions yesterday. Even though they're just two of the 26 I have on this particular job site, they're just glaring at me, saying, "Not good enough." I know that's a really crummy attitude to have, but I can't help it. The worst part is, they don't even let you take the jobs that didn't hire you off your page. So I have this whole list of possible jobs that I've submitted or am being reviewed for, then those two "NOT HIRED." I wish they would just take them off the list. Keep things positive. :)

That's all for now. I'm cooking up ideas for things to make next...I want to try to make some stuffed animals or blankets for babies that I could maybe sell on Etsy....we'll see. First, I have to learn to replace the needle so I can hem my boyfriend's jeans and make myself a jean skirt.

My first dress and a little stress

Yesterday, despite the fact that I was sick, lacking any energy or motivation, I decided to get started on my first dress. I bought a See & Sew pattern from Joann Fabrics and an abstract black, white and red stretchy fabric. I figured since it was a pattern I'd be able to whip it out quickly with little to no alterations needed. *sigh* Boy, was I naive.

First off, I had this silly idea that I could make different folds in the fabric to leave a more whole scrap piece. Of course, I forgot that the pattern needs to stay vertical and I made my first cut so the pattern was horizontal. No worries, I bought enough fabric this time to make up for mistakes. I cut new top pieces and began to sew. The dress was fast and easy, and even though I was feeling worse as the night wore on, I kept sewing. I was a woman with a mission and no amount of sore throat, aches or stomach cramps were going to stop me! That was, until I tried on my finished product.


Hello frumpy! The neckline that looked sooooo cute on the pattern packaging looked boxy and frumpy on me. I obviously didn't need to use the larger size, especially with such stretchy fabric. Not only that, but the waist was about 4 inches too low and was so loose it looked like I had no waist. I found the energy, after some dinner cooked by my very patient and caring boyfriend, to add some pretty elastic lace from the store in Cambridge to the waistline of my dress. Here, I think, is when I really began feeling like poo. I accidentally sewed the waistline to about 2 inches of the bust line. Frustrated, feeling yuckier by the minute, I carefully snipped the stitching out and redid that section of the waistband. Tried the dress on...fit a little better around the waist, but the top still looked two sizes too big and way too boring. Exhaustion setting in, I gave up for the night and decided to make some alterations, hopefully in the way of a cute neckline and taking in the waist a bit more, another day.

That other day is NOT today. I spent most of the night being sick and didn't get to bed until 3 am as a result. Still have a horrible sore throat and just feeling exhausted this morning...or should I say, afternoon. My new dress will have to wait until I am a little more coherent, or I may end up sewing the hemline to the neckline, and end up ripping it to pieces in frustration.

On the job front, I've applied for yet another 3 teaching positions, as per the unemployment requirements. Still haven't received my first check from them. Must call if I don't in the next couple of days. I'm still surprised by the fact that you can be an assistant teacher or paraprofessional with no degree or license, yet they want a Master's degree just to be a first year teacher. As I have my Bachelor's, I seem to fit somewhere in the middle. I applied for both, hoping I will get the latter rather than the former. I also got a call about an infant/toddler position from someone who found my resume online. Must call her back too. I don't look forward to saying, "Thank you for calling me but I can't do toddlers, my body can't handle it anymore." I'm hoping she won't laugh at me. At the ripe ol' age of 25, I already have physical ailments preventing me from doing work. *sigh* I swear if I hear a sentence that starts with the phrase, "You're too young to be worrying about..." I will throw a tantrum. Actually, I MUST be old enough to worry about back problems, arthritis, fertility, etc because I already am. Don't judge a book by its publishing date, people.