Summer is here and that means that my new job has started as well. I was broke for about 2 weeks from not working but now finally have an income. The job I have is unlike any other that I have had. The people, atmosphere and job itself are all a new experience.
When I drive to work it feels like I am driving to a different world. It feels like I am up north on the lake at some summer hot spot. And in a way, I am. My last couple shifts I have gotten there at noon and have left around 9 or 10 at night. As the evening comes to an end, the sun sets over the lake and people head out on their boats to go home. It almost feels surreal since I have not grown up in this type of environment.
It always makes my day when my tables say to me, "you are from around here, are you?" Duh. The giveaway could be that I don't sport designer sunglasses like the other girls. In fact, I don't wear any sunglasses since I broke my $5 pair from last summer. It could also be that I don't know any roads out in that area and have no clue how much it is to rent a boat on the lake.
The people that come out are one of a kind as well. Some break the stereo type but the majority of the people are exactly the way that I thought they would be. Little girls with coach shoes on, forty-year olds acting as if they were 21, and twenty-somethings blowing $150 on jag bombs and not even flinching when the bill comes. It's just how they grew up and I understand that, it is just not something that I am used to.
Many of the people who work with me also grew up in the area and have boats and huge houses and their parents money for when they are in a pinch. It is no big deal to them. Apparently Tuesdays or Wednesdays the crew heads out on their boats to chill together and enjoy the lake. I don't dare tell them that I have never been on a large boat and actually do not even know how to swim.
The different lifestyle is apparent and that is fine, but it's when people think that they are better than everyone else that gets to me. Most of the people I encounter are very nice and very generous but I have had a few run-ins with the worst.
One lady was at a table and everyone was ordering. She told me that her two kids would be coming in a few minutes and asked about the kids menu. I explain the three choices of a cheeseburger, corn dog or chicken strips. She ordered a cheeseburger and decided that the other child would not like any of the choices so she didn't order anything for him. Alright, cool. She wanted a coke and sprite for them. Ok cool again. I put in the order and when it came out I grabbed the two kids drinks. When I got over there, one kid was about 12 and the other was about 8. She was HORRIFIED that I have brought over kids drinks and demanded I grab new ones. Sorry but the kids were not there when I took the order. Whatever. I grabbed new drinks and when i got back, she was HORRIFIED again that her son had gotten the kids cheeseburger. She basically shoved it at me and demanded a regular size cheeseburger because this was unacceptable. I got him a new one and luckily the husband paid and tipped generously. It's no big deal and I will gladly fix something that is wrong but honestly, it is not the end of the world that your sons cheeseburger is a little bit smaller. I think he'll make it.
More stories to come.....
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Last Day of Practicum!!
Today is my final day with my fifth graders. It was a great experience and I learned so much but am ready for the next step! Here are some things that I learned during my experience:
*I really like fifth grade WAY more than I thought I would
*Kids date in fifth grade (really?!?)
*You have to be REALLY flexible. Kids have so many different experiences and then are all thrown into one class. How do you relate something to every single one of them?!
*The students will still like you even after you have to discipline them.
*You learn A LOT by spending even one day out at recess with the kids
*Lesson planning has to be flexible. You may have a GREAT idea and find out that it really doesn't help them at all.
*FUN needs to be incorporated into lessons more
*Listening to students, even if it's just about how they watched a movie last night, makes a difference to them
*Some kids you will just never be able to reach.
*Teaching is SO MUCH FUN!
Besides having my last day with that today, my last day at my serving job was last Sunday (Mother's Day). It was hectic and busy and a great day to end on. I am going to miss a lot of the people but will not miss the job itself. It was getting a little ridiculous. Last night we had a going away party for me and about 5 other employees who are done working there. It was great seeing so many people outside of work! I headed home a little earlier than others though because I had to be here at school by 9. My new job starts Thursday and I am excited to see how that goes!
I am also moving and will start slowly moving stuff this Friday. Taryn is already moved in basically so I am going to start to transition over there. She is amazing at decorating and art so the house already looks really good! I can't wait for that adventure to start either :)
My dad's birthday is Friday. Our family is going to the Star Trek movie together for it but not on his actual birthday. I'm excited to have an outing with the whole family :)
More later!!!
*I really like fifth grade WAY more than I thought I would
*Kids date in fifth grade (really?!?)
*You have to be REALLY flexible. Kids have so many different experiences and then are all thrown into one class. How do you relate something to every single one of them?!
*The students will still like you even after you have to discipline them.
*You learn A LOT by spending even one day out at recess with the kids
*Lesson planning has to be flexible. You may have a GREAT idea and find out that it really doesn't help them at all.
*FUN needs to be incorporated into lessons more
*Listening to students, even if it's just about how they watched a movie last night, makes a difference to them
*Some kids you will just never be able to reach.
*Teaching is SO MUCH FUN!
Besides having my last day with that today, my last day at my serving job was last Sunday (Mother's Day). It was hectic and busy and a great day to end on. I am going to miss a lot of the people but will not miss the job itself. It was getting a little ridiculous. Last night we had a going away party for me and about 5 other employees who are done working there. It was great seeing so many people outside of work! I headed home a little earlier than others though because I had to be here at school by 9. My new job starts Thursday and I am excited to see how that goes!
I am also moving and will start slowly moving stuff this Friday. Taryn is already moved in basically so I am going to start to transition over there. She is amazing at decorating and art so the house already looks really good! I can't wait for that adventure to start either :)
My dad's birthday is Friday. Our family is going to the Star Trek movie together for it but not on his actual birthday. I'm excited to have an outing with the whole family :)
More later!!!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Busy...
Wow! I have been so busy that I have not written in over a month....
Here is a little update on my life!
Right now I am helping teach fifth grade. I love it! I thought that maybe fifth grade was a little too old for me but I absolutely love it. I spend every week day here from about 8:30-4:00. I don't work at GC during the week since I am usually wiped out from being at school all day. It's a lot of work but I usually get it all done while I'm at school. It's nice to have my evenings open and to do things that I really enjoy. My class is so great- 17 fifth graders that are all VERY different. I have learned so much so far and can't wait to student teach. I am actually done at this school May 13th so I do not have much time left here :(
I also bought a new car the day before Easter. It's an '08 Kia Spectra and only had 8,900 miles on it when I bought it. It's a darker blue and sparkles! I love it :) Unfortunately I am pretty broke from buying it. I did sell my old Corolla to a guy at work. I'm sad but over it because of my great new car!
I got the job at a new restaurant this summer so I am SUPER excited for a summer of fun and money making! I get to work outside EVERY day and I also get to wear shorts and a T-shirt. My friend told me that it's super laid back and that the people that go there love to tip! I think it will be a great experience, plus I need a break from my other job. My last day is this Monday. I'll miss the people but I know that I will still see them.
I am living with my two friends next year and we got a GREAT deal for our rent. I can't wait to move in and start decorating and getting things situated. I will miss my current roomies tho :( We have been through a lot the last two years and have become very close. I know that they will be coming over to my new house though and we will still talk a lot.
There are so many changes taking place in my life right now. They are very exciting but also overwhelming. I think this summer will be a huge stepping stone in my life and will really be a learning experience. I can't wait for what's ahead!!
More later....
Here is a little update on my life!
Right now I am helping teach fifth grade. I love it! I thought that maybe fifth grade was a little too old for me but I absolutely love it. I spend every week day here from about 8:30-4:00. I don't work at GC during the week since I am usually wiped out from being at school all day. It's a lot of work but I usually get it all done while I'm at school. It's nice to have my evenings open and to do things that I really enjoy. My class is so great- 17 fifth graders that are all VERY different. I have learned so much so far and can't wait to student teach. I am actually done at this school May 13th so I do not have much time left here :(
I also bought a new car the day before Easter. It's an '08 Kia Spectra and only had 8,900 miles on it when I bought it. It's a darker blue and sparkles! I love it :) Unfortunately I am pretty broke from buying it. I did sell my old Corolla to a guy at work. I'm sad but over it because of my great new car!
I got the job at a new restaurant this summer so I am SUPER excited for a summer of fun and money making! I get to work outside EVERY day and I also get to wear shorts and a T-shirt. My friend told me that it's super laid back and that the people that go there love to tip! I think it will be a great experience, plus I need a break from my other job. My last day is this Monday. I'll miss the people but I know that I will still see them.
I am living with my two friends next year and we got a GREAT deal for our rent. I can't wait to move in and start decorating and getting things situated. I will miss my current roomies tho :( We have been through a lot the last two years and have become very close. I know that they will be coming over to my new house though and we will still talk a lot.
There are so many changes taking place in my life right now. They are very exciting but also overwhelming. I think this summer will be a huge stepping stone in my life and will really be a learning experience. I can't wait for what's ahead!!
More later....
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