on June 26, 2007
We’re here!
We arrived in the Northwest on Saturday evening. The kitties are at Grandma and Grandpa B.’s house, hopefully not causing too much mayhem. We tried to stay in a hotel, but it was “not up to our expectations” to say the least, so now we are at my grandparents’ boarding house for the transitionally challenged. Our house will be ready on the 1st, but the locks still might need to be changed, and our worldly goods do not arrive until the 4th or so. Makes moving more interesting!
I spent Monday at the bilingual job school. I really like them. A lot. Best practice (teacher talk for doing the good stuff according to research and experience)? Check. Focus on professional development? Check. Very cooperative and fun group of people? Check. Hit it off with the principal? Check. Working with kids who really need good teachers? Check. Opportunity to become more fluent in Spanish? Check. 45 minute commute? Check. Oh. Wait…
So, yeah, the only thing stopping me is the commute at this point (and Jamie wanting me to interview other places). The job is still mine if I want it, and even if she finds someone else, the principal will tell them that she has someone else pending. Whenever she introduced me to teachers it was “This is Becky from Chicago. We’re recruiting her because we really want her to work here.” Group participation: How long is your commute? How does it influence your job satisfaction and general feelings about life?
In other news, after spending a lot of yesterday at Peets using Quizno’s wireless to work on an application to a school in Seattle, then figuring out how to use the grandparents’ wireless to print it out (yes, my grandparents have wifi… how cool are they?), I went to the school. Very unwelcoming. Principal walked past random, unknown, professionally dressed-up person in her office without even saying hi. Wouldn’t even pause to shake my hand. On top of that, the job changed from 4th or 5th grade to 4th/5th split half-time job sharing. Not thinking I want to work there, even though it’s a mile and change from our house.
Another time I can write about the joys of cats and airline security. Not today, though.
Don’t get distracted by the thought of the kitties… remember the group participation question!
Commutes are a big waste of time. When I finally ended my years of driving daily between Oly & Tacoma it was like I “found” more time to do what I wanted to do (go for a walk, read, sew, garden, exercise, cook, emails, sleep, etc.) However, if you really like the job, perhaps next year you could find a house half way in-between… I still vote for looking around to find something closer.
I commute 45 mins every day, and I love it. It is my time to ponder and breathe. All I can do is sit. By myself. And listen to NPR. Which makes me a better person. :) Plus it makes me get up earlier and enjoy the morning before getting into the business of life.
While excessive driving is obviously not ideal, it doesn’t have be torture either. Like everything else in life, it’s what you make of it.
In my opinion, if everything feels right at the school and if the job will spur personal growth, you have a very gracious hand guiding you, who will not neglect to transform the fringe details.
p.s. Hi! And I am SOOOO glad you guys could come to the wedding. Thanks for making the long inconvenient trip…we like you!! :)
When I commuted from Pullman to Clarkston, it was something like 45 minutes. It was a bit of a hassle, but I don’t recall minding it much. It was kinda nice to have wind-down time from work where I didn’t have to do anything but drive. Getting up early wasn’t fun either, but I don’t remember having trouble. I’d just make some hot-beverage to go and some breakfast to go and make sure to have something to listen to in the car. Good thinking time.
Not that I love commuting, but it wasn’t that bad! Then again, it had a time-cap, it wasn’t indefinite. I know my parents moved to avoid the 30 minute commute… Probably also depends on traffic. I didn’t have a lot of traffic to deal with, but I do remember a day or two where I got stuck behind a truck, a bus, AND farm equipment. Those days were annoying!
I think the bottom line is that you feel good about the school. Are you fine with the Spanish thing?
Go with your heart! That’s where HE has always spoken to me. Continue to fill out applications and it will become more clear.
It is so great spending time with both of you. We will be sad when you leave us to go to your new home.
I think I told you my two cents on Friday, but my job is a 20 minute commute and, just like several people above, I enjoy the time to decompress. It’s also a great opportunity to expand your familiarity with children’s lit – talking books all the way, i say. :D
It sounds to me like it will be worth it. And it’ll be nice to have the decision made so you can focus on starting your new life! :)
How’s the house in this heat?
Speaking of which, how’s the house?
Does everything fit?