344/365 Unpaid

Yeah, I make a couple of bucks doing these presentations, and I have to fulfill the dates already promised, but I finished my presentation today at 2:45 and I don't start again until 8:30 tomorrow morning. Can't I beam myself home in-between? I want to be with my peeps, my cats, and my music to practice. Instead I hide away in a random Starbucks, piddling away on the Macbook, dabbling in lesson plans, Facebook, Blogger, and workshop preparations. Not the super-gig, this presenting lifestyle.

308/365 I flatly refuse

to pay for internet service. Another hotel wanting $12.95. So instead I blog in the business center where I can't even hook up my laptop. No pictures, no extended post. I am remembering how little glamour there is in consulting. Even the limo ride was terrible today. From the Dulles area to Hunt Valley, Maryland took us 3 hours (less than 60 miles). I guess I underestimated the traffic, and maybe that 1 liter bottle of Deer Park water was a mistake. Just let me say that yes, that was me....er.... getting the job done behind a tree along the D.C. outer loop. Another overpriced crummy hotel meal. Another hotel room with a heater drying out every mucus membrane. I can't wait to get home tomorrow!

303/365 Good thing it's fun

I taught today, dressed as Gretel. In school the kids had creative and wacky costumes, yet they were still mostly focused and working in class. We were able to have a giggle, but then they were right back on task.

Good thing, because I'm not sure when I'll officially be on the payroll, and even then the noble profession will pay some 75% less per annum than the consulting. But we can get by, and I sleep and wake beside my family members, and accompany them to rehearsals and performances. So far, so good.

299/365 Over Employment

From idle hours to wild days. Land at JAX at 11:45, up at 5 for school. Yes, I am lucky that I can start my new adventure without burning the old bridges, but it isn't easy! The traveling, the rushing about, and the long hours of the old job really challenge me to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for 150+ kids the next day. Until I see some more of this old friend (above) I'm counting on caffiene!

298/365 What goes around

It's one of those round tower old-style hotels. This was where I did my first ever seminar, a day-long workshop for SDE on Four Square Writing, just a couple of weeks after 9/11/01. I thought it was familiar when I saw Hilton Oak Lawn on the itinerary for today. This was where it started. Now it is beautifully renovated, and I return to do a Four Square Writing seminar for another company, one of a dwindling schedule of seminar work. First time I was here I was easing my way out of the classroom, now I am easing my way back in. This building isn't the only thing circling back!

174/365 This crazy job of mine

I really do enjoy this job. For the most part (and with certain noteworthy exceptions) teachers who attend these trainings have the best of intentions and reaffirm my faith in the profession of education. Most participate willingly, bring ideas and open minds, and make my job a pleasure. I haven't had a lot of work lately, but this week as I observe/facilitate some training in differentiating instruction, I am reminded about both parts of my job. The good part - the professional development and the opportunity to use my experience and knowledge, and the bad part - being away from my family and home. Coming back to work after this hiatus it feels like the good is better, but for so many reasons, the bad is worse.