Wednesday, August 8, 2012
My Employment Journey
About a year and a half ago, we started kicking around the idea of me going back to work. My home-schooling days were numbered; John was successfully navigating public high school and I was mid-way through my last year of Matthew being at home. I decided that I would start looking for a position within the Poway Unified School District; while the kids are still in school, it seemed like a good idea to be on their schedule. I quickly found an opening on their job board and I applied.
Yeah, I didn't get it. I didn't realize that there is a multi-step process to being hired; two to three tests, then several in-person interviews. Can't they just know intuitively how wonderful I am? If memory serves, I passed the first test, but not the second. Apparently finding a job wasn't going to be as easy as I thought.
Last summer, I found another opening that looked promising. I applied, was selected to test, passed three tests and was one of 8 applicants (out of 200) chosen for an interview. Nope. Didn't get that one either. I was told, however, that since I'd made it that far, my info would be kept on file for one year, and if something else came up, they would call me. Yeah right. I figured I was done.
I let the subject drop throughout last fall, but after the first of this year, I figured that we really could use some more money. My kids want to go to college. Whatever.
Since nothing with PUSD had worked out, I started looking at the medical/reception field. That's where I got my start, and I've always been comfortable in that setting. From January through mid May, I watched all kinds of job boards, applied to six or seven jobs, interviewed for a couple of them, and nothing panned out. I was seriously frustrated. Actually, I gave up. In fact, one Wednesday late in May, as I was running around doing my volunteer work, I actually said out loud as I was driving to the boys' school, "You know, God, I guess I'm where I need to be right now. Nothing has worked out so I'm going to quit trying to force something that isn't there. I'll be content for now."
My best guess is that that was exactly what He was waiting for. The very next afternoon, as I was eating some Tostitos and watching some trash TV, I got a phone call.
There was an opening at an elementary school that is four miles from my house. They had selected me as one of three people to interview for the position if I was still interested.
As I went to the interview the following week, I tried not to get my hopes up. I only had a one in three chance. When I opened the door to the office, a friend of mine from the kids' school was sitting at the front desk. Apparently, she's in the sub pool and had been filling in at that position since the gal who worked there left. Upon finding out that I was there to interview, she hopped up and said, "I'll go put in a good word for you!" The interview went well and two days later I was offered the job.
And so begins a new chapter in our lives; I start tomorrow. I'm at a school within the boys' district and therefore on their schedule, it's four miles from my home, it's part time, but it's enough hours that I receive benefits. Seriously, it seems rather perfect.
I'm anxious and nervous and excited all at the same time. It's going to be a bit of an adjustment. But mostly, I feel very, very blessed.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Perfect Timing
You know that moment when...
...you had a really rotten half hour and you're actually overwhelmed and crying, and then...
...you open the door to leave for In-N-Out and you see a package addressed to you sitting on your doorstep, and then...
...you see the return address and decide that whichever member of the family sent it, you will greatly welcome it, even if it's just a big empty box, and then...
...you open it and it's a Happy Day present from your sister, and then...
....it's a STAR WARS cup (!), and then....
...your tears of sadness turn to tears of joy and instead of going to In-N-Out, you'd really rather be in the same room with your sister so that you can give her a big hug, and then...
...you realize that God totally knew that you would need cheering up on this Saturday evening when He prompted your sister to send the package several days ago, and then...
...you go out and enjoy a delicious burger and some animal fries with your three favorite men,
counting your blessings.
Yeah. That moment.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
The Fury Of A Woman Scorned
I've been cheated.
I wish I was speaking about "Tricks or Treats" or something equally trivial, but sadly I'm dealing with something far more serious. To make matters worse, I have no one to blame but myself.
Back in 2004, we realized that John (our oldest son) needed to be challenged more at school. He was coasting through the day, never having to engage his brain. Knowing that we were pondering a big change, we sought advise from quite a few people: teachers, administrators, family, friends, etc. We came to the decision that John was ready both academically and socially, so he skipped third grade entirely and proceeded directly to fourth grade. In hind-sight, I do think that we made the right decision; it has served him well. He has continued to excel in pretty much every area possible.
There's just one aspect that I didn't think through very well...
In less than two hours, when the bell rings, I will have a Senior. Having knocked his Junior year out of the park, we will now embark on all that is one's Senior year. We've already secured his parking spot (at school) for next year, his Senior pictures have been scheduled, football season (our last!) has officially begun....here comes the whirlwind.
While I continue to be so proud of him, I have recently come to the realization that our decision to skip third grade came at a high price. Unfortunately it wasn't a price to be paid up front - it's just coming due now. Here's the thing: I cheated myself out of a year with him. A year. A WHOLE year. One year from now, not two, he will be graduating. He's hoping to go away to college; if that happens, I will literally lose him a year early. And really, even if he stays here and goes somewhere local, it won't be the same; I'm sure that the dynamic will be completely different. He'll be an adult, a college student. One year. I took one year away.
He's happy as a clam, mind you; it's this mama's heart that is having a tough time with it. Would I go back and do things differently if I could? Probably not. But as we enter this year of "lasts," I know that I'm going to shed more than a few tears. My boy is growing up, as all kids do, but for us it's coming a year early.
I wish I was speaking about "Tricks or Treats" or something equally trivial, but sadly I'm dealing with something far more serious. To make matters worse, I have no one to blame but myself.
Back in 2004, we realized that John (our oldest son) needed to be challenged more at school. He was coasting through the day, never having to engage his brain. Knowing that we were pondering a big change, we sought advise from quite a few people: teachers, administrators, family, friends, etc. We came to the decision that John was ready both academically and socially, so he skipped third grade entirely and proceeded directly to fourth grade. In hind-sight, I do think that we made the right decision; it has served him well. He has continued to excel in pretty much every area possible.
There's just one aspect that I didn't think through very well...
In less than two hours, when the bell rings, I will have a Senior. Having knocked his Junior year out of the park, we will now embark on all that is one's Senior year. We've already secured his parking spot (at school) for next year, his Senior pictures have been scheduled, football season (our last!) has officially begun....here comes the whirlwind.
While I continue to be so proud of him, I have recently come to the realization that our decision to skip third grade came at a high price. Unfortunately it wasn't a price to be paid up front - it's just coming due now. Here's the thing: I cheated myself out of a year with him. A year. A WHOLE year. One year from now, not two, he will be graduating. He's hoping to go away to college; if that happens, I will literally lose him a year early. And really, even if he stays here and goes somewhere local, it won't be the same; I'm sure that the dynamic will be completely different. He'll be an adult, a college student. One year. I took one year away.
He's happy as a clam, mind you; it's this mama's heart that is having a tough time with it. Would I go back and do things differently if I could? Probably not. But as we enter this year of "lasts," I know that I'm going to shed more than a few tears. My boy is growing up, as all kids do, but for us it's coming a year early.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
...you're STILL a Rabbi!
There are good days, and there are bad days. Yesterday was one of the bad days.
It was nothing huge; just a bunch of little annoyances that piled up and left me feeling very frustrated, angry, and inferior. I went to bed feeling defeated. While today started out great, a couple of things quickly occurred which brought me right back to where I was last night. Not lovely, I admit.
It's at this point that I'm going to switch gears on you. You see, I'm not writing this post to solicit a pity-party for myself, but rather to celebrate encouragement and timely reminders. I'm going to share a couple of things that made a difference in my morning. My hope is that you, my friends, will be encouraged next time your day isn't perfect and wonderful.
- I had friends who were praying for me this morning, it was immensely helpful. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for prayer and support when you need it!
- I spent some time praising God for His gifts in my life; it's hard to focus on the negative when you're counting your blessings!
- I actually paused and remembered what we've been learning in Home Group. We're studying Paul, for crying out loud. If he could be filled with joy in his circumstances, I could certainly seek joy in my silly little issues.
- I started singing songs that would lift my spirits. I was all over the place: "I Am" (Mark Schultz), "I Will Praise You" (Aaron Gayden), "King of the Jungle" (Steven Curtis Chapman)... you get the idea. Music is so wonderful.
With my attitude significantly less focused on myself and much more uplifted, I started about the business of the day. I had to pause and chuckle though, when one final, delightful reference came to mind.
At one point, Avram is very discouraged; he's done some things that he isn't proud of and he doesn't feel worthy to continue on and lead the synagogue. Tommy grabs Avram, looks him square in the eye and says,
"You are a Rabbi. You can fall in the mud, you can
slip on your ass, you can travel in the wrong direction. But even on
your ass, even in the mud, even if you go in the wrong direction for a
little while, you're STILL a Rabbi!
THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE!"
I've always loved that quote and today it seemed especially true. No matter what craziness goes on around me, no matter how up or down I happen to be at any given moment, no matter what life deals me...nothing can change what (who) I am. I am a Child of God. I am a wife to a phenomenal husband; a mother to two amazing young men. I have the best family and friends a girl could ask for.
I am truly and continually blessed.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Say My Name
While I'm going to forever insist that the following story comes as a result of the concussion, I fear that in reality a bit of my blonde-ness reared it's ugly head.
Matthew's chemistry teacher for this trimester was my high school chemistry teacher. He was also my swim coach for about three days; it was too cold..I gave up. Since my friends were on the team though, I was a regular fixture at the pool and at all of the meets. Anyhow, Mr. B. taught me, he taught John during his freshman year and now he's teaching Matthew. He still remembers me and today he said to Matthew, "If you ever want to hear some great stories about your Mom when she was a girl, just let me know!" Oh dear.
All I can really do to get back at him is to show Matthew pictures of Jeff (Mr. B) from my high school yearbooks. When we arrived home from school, I dug them out and showed Matthew all of the pictures that I could find; he laughed appropriately and then went inside.
As I was flipping through the pages, remembering old faces, I looked myself up in the index. You know, to see which pages I was on. Oddly, I didn't see my name on the list. "Wait. That can't be right, I must have missed myself." I looked again; no luck. "Sheesh, I know that I'm in here. Why the heck don't they have me listed? I'd better slow down and look one more time."
"...Clark..."
"...Clements..."
"...Coast..."
"...Cox..."
"What the..? Oh...yeah...right. My last name wasn't Coffman back then."
Matthew's chemistry teacher for this trimester was my high school chemistry teacher. He was also my swim coach for about three days; it was too cold..I gave up. Since my friends were on the team though, I was a regular fixture at the pool and at all of the meets. Anyhow, Mr. B. taught me, he taught John during his freshman year and now he's teaching Matthew. He still remembers me and today he said to Matthew, "If you ever want to hear some great stories about your Mom when she was a girl, just let me know!" Oh dear.
All I can really do to get back at him is to show Matthew pictures of Jeff (Mr. B) from my high school yearbooks. When we arrived home from school, I dug them out and showed Matthew all of the pictures that I could find; he laughed appropriately and then went inside.
As I was flipping through the pages, remembering old faces, I looked myself up in the index. You know, to see which pages I was on. Oddly, I didn't see my name on the list. "Wait. That can't be right, I must have missed myself." I looked again; no luck. "Sheesh, I know that I'm in here. Why the heck don't they have me listed? I'd better slow down and look one more time."
"...Clark..."
"...Clements..."
"...Coast..."
"...Cox..."
"What the..? Oh...yeah...right. My last name wasn't Coffman back then."
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Not Your Typical Tuesday
Yesterday didn't quite unfold as I had planned. It seemed simple enough - drop the kids off at school and then run to Staples. Easy! I had no idea that I would be rear-ended and find myself at the hospital with a concussion.
My initial thought is to complain. I hate to say it, but that's how my brain works. Because let's face it, when you get in an accident, there are lots of things that are negative: the vehicle and the hassle repairing it, the completely irritating and inconsiderate staff at Sharp Memorial (that could be a whole blog by itself!), the state of my body today....I could go on for a while!
However, last night as I was reflecting on how I'd write it all, it struck me that there are actually more things to be thankful for. So, while I do ask for prayer in this next day or two, because I really do feel terrible, I decided that my blog today should be about thankfulness. God's provision and protection were evident all day long; that is what I should be focused on. So here you go...some Wednesday thankfulness for you....
I Drive a Beast
My Sequoia did it's job; it handled the brunt of the collision with only bumper damage. The other guy's van, not so much. I'm so thankful that I don't have a crumpled up car right now.
No One Was Coming
When the guy hit me, he knocked me forward into an intersection. Thankfully, there was a lull in traffic and no one was coming; if there had been, I could have easily taken a direct hit to where I was sitting.
Delayed Symptoms
While I felt pain in my head immediately, I didn't lose consciousness at all. In fact, although I was hurting and was very shaky, I was able to speak clearly and handle all of the "info swapping" with the other people, pull off to a safe parking lot and call my insurance company. It was only after completing all of that, about 15 minutes, that the full effects of the concussion set in and I realized that I needed help. It made things so much easier that I was able to function and get that taken care of.
Not Only Help, But Perfect Help
Obviously my first calls for help went out to my mister; but unfortunately, he was unavailable. I then called my bestie and found out that two certain someones (with a super cute, sleeping baby in the back seat) were about five minutes away and able to come and get me. Never have I been so relieved to see their wonderful faces! I'm so thankful that they just happened to be in town (on vacation from New Mexico) at that moment and that they were right where I needed them to be. God's timing, to be sure. They packed me up and drove me to Urgent Care, where Andy met us.
Andy Is Fabulous and So Are His Bosses
Andy had taken some time off on Monday, so I felt terrible calling him away from work yesterday. In between, well, let's just call them "concussion symptoms," I kept apologizing to him for inconveniencing him. He, of course, was a rock and was all kinds of wonderful. He even received a text from his boss telling him that "..family is much more important than anything going on here...stay with your wife." I am so appreciative of that.
My CAT Was Scanned
After spending several hours at Urgent Care with continued "concussion symptoms," I was sent to the hospital for a CAT Scan. I'm so thankful that they did that. While it was a pain in the rear and the staff there wasn't great, as Andy said, "I don't want you to go all Natasha Richardson on me." We were both very relieved to know that everything looks good on the inside.
Potato Cheese Soup
After a total of seven hours with "concussion symptoms," things finally settled down enough for me to handle Gatorade. Then, when Andy went to pick up the Sequoia from the parking lot that I'd left it in, he went to Marie Calendar's and picked up some soup for me. I wolfed it down, hoping for good results. Seriously, a bowl of soup has never tasted so good! So thankful that Andy got it for me, and that my body cooperated!
I'm sure that I could work up some more things to be thankful for, but you get the idea: I was loved and cared for all day long. I need to rest today, perhaps for a couple of days, but my body should recover soon.
Like Bing said, I've got plenty to be thankful for.
My initial thought is to complain. I hate to say it, but that's how my brain works. Because let's face it, when you get in an accident, there are lots of things that are negative: the vehicle and the hassle repairing it, the completely irritating and inconsiderate staff at Sharp Memorial (that could be a whole blog by itself!), the state of my body today....I could go on for a while!
However, last night as I was reflecting on how I'd write it all, it struck me that there are actually more things to be thankful for. So, while I do ask for prayer in this next day or two, because I really do feel terrible, I decided that my blog today should be about thankfulness. God's provision and protection were evident all day long; that is what I should be focused on. So here you go...some Wednesday thankfulness for you....
I Drive a Beast
My Sequoia did it's job; it handled the brunt of the collision with only bumper damage. The other guy's van, not so much. I'm so thankful that I don't have a crumpled up car right now.
No One Was Coming
When the guy hit me, he knocked me forward into an intersection. Thankfully, there was a lull in traffic and no one was coming; if there had been, I could have easily taken a direct hit to where I was sitting.
Delayed Symptoms
While I felt pain in my head immediately, I didn't lose consciousness at all. In fact, although I was hurting and was very shaky, I was able to speak clearly and handle all of the "info swapping" with the other people, pull off to a safe parking lot and call my insurance company. It was only after completing all of that, about 15 minutes, that the full effects of the concussion set in and I realized that I needed help. It made things so much easier that I was able to function and get that taken care of.
Not Only Help, But Perfect Help
Obviously my first calls for help went out to my mister; but unfortunately, he was unavailable. I then called my bestie and found out that two certain someones (with a super cute, sleeping baby in the back seat) were about five minutes away and able to come and get me. Never have I been so relieved to see their wonderful faces! I'm so thankful that they just happened to be in town (on vacation from New Mexico) at that moment and that they were right where I needed them to be. God's timing, to be sure. They packed me up and drove me to Urgent Care, where Andy met us.
Andy Is Fabulous and So Are His Bosses
Andy had taken some time off on Monday, so I felt terrible calling him away from work yesterday. In between, well, let's just call them "concussion symptoms," I kept apologizing to him for inconveniencing him. He, of course, was a rock and was all kinds of wonderful. He even received a text from his boss telling him that "..family is much more important than anything going on here...stay with your wife." I am so appreciative of that.
My CAT Was Scanned
After spending several hours at Urgent Care with continued "concussion symptoms," I was sent to the hospital for a CAT Scan. I'm so thankful that they did that. While it was a pain in the rear and the staff there wasn't great, as Andy said, "I don't want you to go all Natasha Richardson on me." We were both very relieved to know that everything looks good on the inside.
Potato Cheese Soup
After a total of seven hours with "concussion symptoms," things finally settled down enough for me to handle Gatorade. Then, when Andy went to pick up the Sequoia from the parking lot that I'd left it in, he went to Marie Calendar's and picked up some soup for me. I wolfed it down, hoping for good results. Seriously, a bowl of soup has never tasted so good! So thankful that Andy got it for me, and that my body cooperated!
I'm sure that I could work up some more things to be thankful for, but you get the idea: I was loved and cared for all day long. I need to rest today, perhaps for a couple of days, but my body should recover soon.
Like Bing said, I've got plenty to be thankful for.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Five
I know what you're thinking, "What? A post from Michelle in March?" Crazy, right? Never, in the history of Snow Comes Up, have I blogged in the month of March. Truly this is a momentous occasion.
So the title...Five. Not only is The Five a delightfully entertaining news show that 3 out of 4 Coffmans find fabulous, it is also the number of thoughts/observations that I'm going to share with you. Lately, I've had occasion to feel rather, well, old. Here are five signs that I just might be aging a bit:
1. Oh, Honey
Andy and I recently watched the first six seasons of How I Met Your Mother on Netflix. I can't believe that we didn't jump on board years ago and I'm so glad that we're caught up. Well, as caught up as we can be. Anyhow, they have this bit where this girl named Honey is guest starring and she is totally naive; they spend most of the show saying, "Oh, Honey." I find myself doing that more and more these days. Whether it's someone being naive like Honey, or it's just a poor decision that someone happens to be making, I have quite a few "Oh, Honey" moments.
2. My Kids Are Growing Up
Few things mark the passage of time like the growth of our children. In thirteen weeks, I will have a senior and a sophomore. My youngest child now has a chemistry teacher that I had in high school. How is this possible? It's because I'm getting old.
3. My Movie Selections
If you know me at all, you know that the number of chick flicks that I actually like can be tallied on my ten fingers. It should come as no surprise that our Netflix queue is full of drama and action movies with the occasional comedy, sci-fi or foreign movie thrown in. Two nights ago, we received a movie that we'd never seen but had heard a lot about. It's a classic, but somehow we'd missed it. On Wednesday evening, with a glass of wine and a glass of scotch in hand (I had wine, he had scotch; I didn't have both!), we watched The Godfather. Yes folks, we finally saw it. And somehow, I felt a little bit more grown-up when we were done.
4. Gym Trips Are More Work
A wise friend told me a while ago that I should get myself in shape before I turn 40. Having become quite disgusted at the general state that my body has become, I decided in December that 2012 would be the year that I reclaim a more decent Michelle. After years of starting diets only to fail days later and setting unrealistic expectations, I finally came up with what I think is a reachable goal. I started walking and eating better on January 2nd and at the end of January, I joined a fabulous gym. I am happy to say that I am now 11 pounds down and I have no desire to stop at any time soon. That being said...it's so hard!!!! Ten years ago, I could have joined a gym and thought nothing of it. Now my body frequently yells at me. Ice this, heat that, tape this, stretch that. At least twice a week I have a Roger Murtaugh moment and think, "I'm getting to old for this..."
5. My Coffee Order
I used to drink Mochas. A couple of years ago, I switched to Vanilla Lattes. Last month, I changed it up and started getting Americanos that were sweetened and had a splash of whole milk. I am happy to say that while my Americanos must still be sweetened, I no longer add any milk to them. It's odd, but I've always wanted to like black coffee and beer. Not together or anything funky like that, but it's a goal of mine to one day be able to go into a restaurant and order, "Coffee." Or to sit down at a bar and simply ask for a beer. Will I get there? No idea. But I do believe that the absence of anything creamy in my coffee is a step in that direction, and therefore, a sign of growing up.
Yep. I'm getting definitely getting older.
So the title...Five. Not only is The Five a delightfully entertaining news show that 3 out of 4 Coffmans find fabulous, it is also the number of thoughts/observations that I'm going to share with you. Lately, I've had occasion to feel rather, well, old. Here are five signs that I just might be aging a bit:
1. Oh, Honey
Andy and I recently watched the first six seasons of How I Met Your Mother on Netflix. I can't believe that we didn't jump on board years ago and I'm so glad that we're caught up. Well, as caught up as we can be. Anyhow, they have this bit where this girl named Honey is guest starring and she is totally naive; they spend most of the show saying, "Oh, Honey." I find myself doing that more and more these days. Whether it's someone being naive like Honey, or it's just a poor decision that someone happens to be making, I have quite a few "Oh, Honey" moments.
2. My Kids Are Growing Up
Few things mark the passage of time like the growth of our children. In thirteen weeks, I will have a senior and a sophomore. My youngest child now has a chemistry teacher that I had in high school. How is this possible? It's because I'm getting old.
3. My Movie Selections
If you know me at all, you know that the number of chick flicks that I actually like can be tallied on my ten fingers. It should come as no surprise that our Netflix queue is full of drama and action movies with the occasional comedy, sci-fi or foreign movie thrown in. Two nights ago, we received a movie that we'd never seen but had heard a lot about. It's a classic, but somehow we'd missed it. On Wednesday evening, with a glass of wine and a glass of scotch in hand (I had wine, he had scotch; I didn't have both!), we watched The Godfather. Yes folks, we finally saw it. And somehow, I felt a little bit more grown-up when we were done.
4. Gym Trips Are More Work
A wise friend told me a while ago that I should get myself in shape before I turn 40. Having become quite disgusted at the general state that my body has become, I decided in December that 2012 would be the year that I reclaim a more decent Michelle. After years of starting diets only to fail days later and setting unrealistic expectations, I finally came up with what I think is a reachable goal. I started walking and eating better on January 2nd and at the end of January, I joined a fabulous gym. I am happy to say that I am now 11 pounds down and I have no desire to stop at any time soon. That being said...it's so hard!!!! Ten years ago, I could have joined a gym and thought nothing of it. Now my body frequently yells at me. Ice this, heat that, tape this, stretch that. At least twice a week I have a Roger Murtaugh moment and think, "I'm getting to old for this..."
5. My Coffee Order
I used to drink Mochas. A couple of years ago, I switched to Vanilla Lattes. Last month, I changed it up and started getting Americanos that were sweetened and had a splash of whole milk. I am happy to say that while my Americanos must still be sweetened, I no longer add any milk to them. It's odd, but I've always wanted to like black coffee and beer. Not together or anything funky like that, but it's a goal of mine to one day be able to go into a restaurant and order, "Coffee." Or to sit down at a bar and simply ask for a beer. Will I get there? No idea. But I do believe that the absence of anything creamy in my coffee is a step in that direction, and therefore, a sign of growing up.
Yep. I'm getting definitely getting older.
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