Spring Update

Dang it... I'm sorry!! I told myself when I was going to start this that I was going to be really good about posting.. but alas.. I have failed!! I guess the reason is that I don't want to bore you with the mundane details of my every day life... Living in England, one would expect it to be somewhat glamourous... but it really isn't... I cook, I clean, and I take care of my dogs... pretty much the same thing you do, just half way around the world!!

Spring has been pretty good to us. Since my last post, I have had my 25th birthday! Spent it surrounded by great friends! I also got to come home for Easter as a birthday surprise for my Dad. I had a great time, but I spent it with those who read this, so I don't really have to update you on what I did while I was there!! Haha!

I did get the results back from the test I took while I was home, and I passed with flying colors!! I officially get to add the ESOL endorsement to my license as soon as I send in my $39 fee... boo...

The beginning of May has been great. Everett and I have been trying to spend as much time together as we can before he has to leave for France for a few months. We found out a few weeks ago that he was getting deployed there from the end of May to the beginning of July. Unfortunately that means that he won't be here for when my parents are here. He was extremely disappointed. But then again, he will be in the South of France swimming at beautiful beaches in the warm sunshine.. so he can't be TOO disappointed right?!

Also in the time that I have been back in the surprisingly sunny (but not warm) England, I think I have figured out my job situation for next year. The day after I got back, I had a school visit with another British school. This time they actually knew I was American! The principal was out for the day, so I was shown around by the vice principal. She was so wonderful and helpful as she attempted to compare the British school to the American school so I could have a better idea of what I would be dealing with. I met the staff and they were friendly and inviting. On the way out the vice principal gave me some important points to bring up if I were to get an interview, so I thought my chances were looking great. But... I never got a phone call...

My confidence as a teacher was at an all time low at this point, but a few days later I received a phone call from the middle school on the base here requesting an interview for an aide position. After much thought and contemplation, I decided to decline. I have had bad experiences with middle school, and the school is 45 mins from my house, so with the price of gas as it is, I wouldn't be making much money. Then 2 days after that I got called by the elementary school on base for an interview as an special education aide. I was so excited, but as a backup plan I decided to finally finish my 30 page application to sub there as well. I went in for the interview, thinking it was with the SPED lady, but it was actually with the principal! I wasn't fully prepared for that one! She was really nice and the interview was just a basic conversation about the job. The bad part was that the job was nothing like I was expecting. Since it was an aide position, I assumed that I would be working with students... but you know what they say about those that assume............. In reality, I would be a secretary for SPED, working with parents and administration, very rarely working with students. I took the weekend to think about it. The hours weren't fabulous, and as a teacher, I obviously feel more comfortable working in a classroom than an office. I ended up being offered the position, but I declined and asked just to sub. I'm hoping the subbing pans out though... I can't seem to get a hold of the lady in charge! She was sick all last week when I was supposed to finish up my paperwork, and she hasn't returned any of my phone calls or emails this week! I'll keep you posted!

Everett has been busy with his football. He has played in two games so far, one loss and one win. We got to go to Oxford for his game this weekend which is 2.5 hours away. The weather would have been perfect, except for the 50mph winds blowing in my face! He got to play pretty much the whole game because he was playing offense AND defense! He scored a touch down and had a lot of great plays! Way to go babe!

We have also been playing intramural volleyball since I got back. We play for his squadron's team and because of the crazy flying schedule these guys have had to deal with, you never know how many would show up! We played with anywhere from 5 to 10 people! Our championship game was yesterday, and so of course there were tons of people there, but at least they came when it counted!! We ended up losing the first game due to too many substitutions, we just couldn't get a rhythm going. For the second game, we had a lot just sit out, and even though it ended up being a very close match we won! So it came down to a 3rd game... once again very close, but because of Everett's amazing spikes yesterday we won!! He pounded down a good 4 or 5... and no one could return them! So... we were the league champs and have a shirt to prove it!!

Everett was supposed to leave today for France, but due to the lovely volcano eruption, and his jet breaking down, I might have a few more days with him! Sometimes things like that work out for the better!! During his time away I plan on losing weight (we'll see how that goes......) and traveling!! Mom, Dad, Steph, and Haley will get here on the 4th, pending the volcano considering they have a layover in Iceland : ( We have lots of fun things planned including trips to Dublin and Paris.. and of course London! Can't wait to have them on this side of the pond! I'm also hoping to make a trip to visit Everett while he is deployed with a few of the wives here whose husbands are there as well. On top of that, two of my good friends over here have birthdays coming up so we have fun things planned for that too!! Hopefully Everett will be home around the same time that Renae and Renee will be coming over... Such a busy summer planned! I'm sure it will go fast and August will be here before we know it and we will be seeing all of you again!!

Whew.. I'm tired just thinking about my summer.... Alright.. It is time for me to sign off...

Love you all and see you soon!!!