Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Why I chose this job!

1. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a psychologist, because I love to listen to people talk. But when I realized I like to talk more than I like to listen, I wanted to be a teacher.

2. Did you ever pursue that career?
After a little detour with a few road blocks, I am finally a teacher.

3. If you are not in that field, what changed?
I am finally in this field after a few years of maneuvering to make it work.

4. What is your current job?
I am learning support teacher at York County School of Technology. I teach English and reading.

5. What’s the best part of what you do?
I love the structure. I know what is expected of me and I have a very set schedule with freedom in between that schedule. But I think what I love the most are the students. I really enjoy seeing them try to learn and breaking through their bad habits.

6. Do you have plans to do something else down the road?
Maybe teach a different subject or level, but I never want to leave teaching.

7. How did you get your present job? If you are a stay at home mom, how long did you need to plan that move?
my husband and I made the decision for me to quit my full time job as a food writer to start my master's and certification in Special education. In the meantime, I would substitute teach. I ended up subbing in the school's ES class run by the IU. After 5 weeks of that, I was moved to work with the school's learning support staff as a long-term sub. And, I was hired full-time after not making any major mistakes!

8. Did your parents influence your choices of jobs over the years?
Not really. My mom always encouraged me to go to college, but never pushed me in any certain direction. I am sure her creativity has been passed onto me.

9. What advice would you give your children on careers?
You don't have to make 6 figures to be happy. Find something that you love to do and a schedule you can keep. Your job has to feel rewarding and it has to be bearable more than it is unbearable.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Shopping sorrows

I had an outdoor wedding to attend this weekend. It was rainy, it was cold and most people stayed at home in their sweats to watch a movie. I realized that the cotton dress that I had planned to wear wasn't going to cut it. I decided on an impromptu shopping trip after work on Thursday. The problem was, where could I go? I wanted to get home to spend time with Nate, but still hit up the store that would have the best selection. I started at Burlington Coat Factory, where I had luck earlier this year. Nothing looked right. The Calvin Klein sweater dresses were adorable on the racks, not so much so on my curvy figure. It showed off every angle. I ended up buying a pair of cute brown short boots...1980s style. With no luck on the dress, I headed to Ross, which was my first instinct. I loaded the cart with 18 items. No lie. There were so many cute dresses there. I couldn't decide what to wear, so I ended up spending $111 and taking it all home to Nate to help me decide what to wear. I ended up with a Calvin Klein pleated dress, a long sleeved brown and purple dress that will be great for work, four pairs of tights, a brown cardigan, a purple sweater cardigan and a purple Nine West purse. All of the items are interchangeable and great additions to the wardrobe. I ended up wearing the tan Calvin Klein dress with a brown cardigan, brown tights and knee-high brown boots. I was warm and I felt dressed for the season. I got many compliments on my outfit. I actually got some inspiration at a blog I follow...wardrobe911.com. Check it out if you are in a fashion slump.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

I tried Thai


Lately, Nate and I have been discussing eating at a Thai restaurant. But today was spent watching football, walking the dog and doing yard work. It was the perfect day to spend working outside and around the house. So, I decided to cook at home. Thai Chicken is what I came up with. Here is the recipe. Check it out. It's adapted from "Good Seasons Casual Entertaining," a gift from my sister a few Christmases ago.
Thai Chicken and Sesame Noodles
1 cup Asian Salad dressing, divided
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves cut into strips
2 tablespoons each peanut butter and honey
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (more if you like heat)
8 ounces thin spaghetti, cooked and drained
3/4 cup each grated carrot and sliced green onions
Pour 1/3 cup of the dressing over chicken in medium bowl; toss to coat. Cover. Refrigerate 1 hour to marinate. Drain; discard dressing.
Mix remaining 2/3 cup dressing, peanut butter, honey and pepper; set aside.
Cook chicken in a large skillet on medium-high heat about 8 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Mix chicken, spaghetti, carrots and onions in a large bowl; toss to coat. Serve immediately. Serves 4.