What about now? WHAT ABOUT TODAY?!?

Oh, actually, I'm not feeling stressed or any of that, it's just I couldn't think of a title and that song was on the radio so....

But it's been a while, feels like anyways. Well, this WAS first week on that new job, so I was adjusting to the new schedule. I think I've adjusted. So far, I'm liking the job and anxious to be done being a newbie. I'm also liking having evenings and weekends off. Happy saturday!

Today, we got some shopping done. Wolfgang wanted a light table for a school project, which caused the light to go off in MY head --> ART TOY! We got one.

Another stop was to get a video game store gift card, purchased from a girl who clearly has a tattoo addiction.

Image of tattoo guy using a light box --->

I'm nothing if not a consolidator of imagery!

Chaco was with us, and while we were out, I needed some new running shoes, so we stopped to get me some. I was making my decision when Wolfgang appeared, asking if I was ready yet. "Not yet", I told him. "First I have to lace these up and totally embarrass you by running around the store".

"No, I'll just walk away and act like I don't know you", he pragmatically replied.

Party pooper.

<-- Image of the shoes I got. Not my feet/legs.

I'm nothing if not an adept user of googled images.

I did demo a burst of speed along the back wall of the store, wherein Chaco attempted a body block. Apparently, he's all for public familial embarrassment. Good times.

Now I know what I've been missing all those saturdays when I was at work.

.

dusty

This Illustration Friday post comes on a Saturday - this week's prompt being "dusty".

Growing up in "the west", I've seen plenty of dust out in the boonies. The cowboys are out in it for hours on end. Just another day at the office.
.

day one

So the first day of my new job was...

a day off. Government holiday, hmm.

Okay, I don't think I messed up too much. Took care of some general housewifery, kept the noise level of my own kids and various neighborhood urchins down to a gentle roar, did a sketch, and talked on the phone to Mom - who would not approve of the sketch girl's posture...

but I felt a lazy streak going. Might as well stick to it.

The weekend was pretty nice and relaxed too. We went out to eat on Saturday for Chaco's birthday. Did I tell you he turned 17 last week? Seven - freaking - teen?? We had Asian food. My fortune cookie said I "will be showered with good luck". SHOWERED.

Then, once again, we totally lost on the weekend NFL pool picks. Let the showering begin.
.

chicken

Okay, I had no intention of posting yet another crossing guard-ish blog post, but when I saw that today's Illustration Friday prompt was "chicken", I just couldn't resist.

Why DID the chicken cross the road?

It's not in my job description to know.
.

nice to feel wanted

Yeeks, Friday! Once again, the week has sort of sped on by. Aren't I supposed to be winding down after the holidays? Still waiting for the wind down...

The week started with a big honkin' snowstorm that provided a snow day for the school kids. With that, I feel like I've been a day behind all week. Tuesday, they all went back, including me at my crossing guard gig in 6 degrees F. Good test of the outerwear!

And speaking of the crossing guard job, no sooner had I acquired my lovely bright vest that the vice principal at the school was inquiring my interest about another open position they had at the school. Would I apply? That day??

Anyway, long story short, I went ahead and submitted the necessary paperwork. Cleaned up out of the orange vest for an interview, and now I have that job too. I think I'll like it - working with the title 1 students.

So, for now anyway, my desire to transfer my working hours from evenings and weekends to school time hours has been satisfied. I start next week. This is good timing as I'm between classes with my other job. I'm not sure if I'll stay on for that with a teeny amount of assignments, or do an inactive period, or just say good-bye.

I definitely like the idea of leaving the evening and weekend classes behind, but to be honest, I'm feeling a little wary of going from teaching adult students to teaching the 1st through 5th grade crowd. At least I know the school and staff pretty well, and they're a good bunch.

Either way, this is my last weekday "off" for a while...

... unless I get fired.
.

crossing the void

"Greetings, citizen! Do you require assistance to cross the street?"

"Uhh.... no?"

(hmm, perhaps he didn't understand me)

"Saludos, ciudadano! ¿Necesita ayuda para cruzar la calle?"

"Okay, Mom, whatever."

Well, nice for Wolfgang to stop by, anyways.

My new office:

It was a rather busy week, this last one. Kids went back to school. I finished that GRE class I was teaching over the break, graduated from crossing guard school, and literally hit the road.

It's actually quite fun - this crossing guard thing. I've learned that drivers are typically very friendly to an elementary school crossing guard - certainly moreso than they generally are to a bicycle commuter.

Okay, so Wolfgang didn't feel like using my services. He just stopped by on his way home to tell me he needed a ride somewhere later. But the elementary kids are cute and appreciative. Many recognize me, probably from Run with Lumber fame and more probably from "you know, Meego's mom".

"Are you the crossing guard today?", one asked excitedly.

"Yep"

"Will you be here tomorrow too!?", with expectation.

"Nope. Tomorrow's Saturday".

.... well, I know what he meant.

.

deja vu

Happy first Illustration Friday of 2011! This week's prompt is "deja vu" oooOOOOooooh!

I love coffee

I love tea

Every cup

Is sweet deja vu to me

(Okay, so that was pretty bad and wouldn't hold up on the playground...)

.