7/30/08

EIGHT MORE DAYS!

I wasn't going to be the girl who got too busy for life when planning a wedding. And then I turned into that girl. Sigh. So I apologize for falling off the face of the WC blog, but I'm back. In one week from right now, I will have already been through the temple for the first time, and by now, I will be in the hotel room with my family, probably pacing back and forth because I'll be getting married the next day. Brad and I have been living in different cities for six months now. To think we'll be living in the same state, city, AND house is just more exciting than I can handle!

After we get married, we're going to spend a few days in Glacier National Park, and then we'll head to Provo to say goodbye to his sister at the MTC, and then we'll make our venture down to Henderson, Nevada, where we'll be living for at least a year. 

Wondering what we'll be doing for work? Me too. Remember how Heavenly Father just clearly didn't want me student teaching in Las Vegas? I don't think He wants me teaching there at all. Period. I applied for a teaching position all the way back in April and got a letter back a few weeks later that said something like, "Congratulations! You have met all the requirements to teach in Clark County School District. Now you just need to wait to find out what your specific position will be." For months, I waited, but I heard nothing. I kept calling the district asking them when I'd know anything, and over and over again the ladies would say in snippy voices, "Calm down. We continue hiring all the way until February." I'd say, "I understand that, but I've signed a contract to live in Henderson because I've been promised a position. I need work before February." The unkind reply always went something like, "You got the letter saying you've been hired, so stop worrying. You've been hired, so you'll have a position." Then I started feeling dumb. I'm qualified...I think. I know there are a lot of really stupid teachers out there (because I've had a lot of them), and I don't think I'm one of them, so where's my job? Anyway, on Friday, I called again, and I talked to a very honest woman. She said that just because I got the letter that says I'm hired doesn't actually mean I have a job. So there you have it. I don't have a job. And there's been a permanent hold on hiring because the county doesn't have enough money. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I want to laugh because I don't really want to teach. And I want to cry because I need a job. Truthfully, I just want to become a photographer and make people's wedding announcements. The only problem with that idea is that I don't have a great camera, and I don't have any programs to make wedding announcements. Hmph. Let's be honest: I'm living in a pretty romantic realm right now, and even though I pretend I'm in touch with reality, I'm not. So if anyone has any ideas for me and work, I'd appreciate it, and I think Brad would appreciate it even more.

By the way, I sent a wedding announcement to the WC, but I think it probably got there just after school got out, so maybe none of you have seen it. I'll try to figure out how to be as tricky as Shannon and post it, but if anyone is interested in seeing the hard copy, let me know, and I'll send you one. (I actually did make my own...I used my friend's computer since it had inDesign on it. So see, maybe my idea of making them for a living isn't too far off...) (Sis Morgan, if you haven't seen it, I want you to have one.) 

Please send job ideas my way....


13 comments:

iBo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leanna said...

EmPo! I feel privileged to have received one of your announcements. =D And I had no idea you were so talented with inDesign. It looks great!

About work...I don't know if this would interest you even in the slightest, but I'll tell you what I have been doing since I can't exactly go to a school and teach full time with our little one coming. I have been doing some private tutoring. I just started posting ads for myself around town and online, and so far I just have one client. But I expect when school starts, I'll get some more bites. Also, I think you could get a lot more where you'll be. There are also lots of tutoring agencies that you could look into working for, which could be nice, because they'll do all the marketing and set up for you. You'd just have to show up. Anyway, like I said, I have no idea if you're even interested in anything like that, but I am loving it because it's so flexible.

Good luck with everything, EmPo! I am so excited for you!

Brad & Emily said...

Thanks for your suggestion, Leanna. I've been looking into places like Sylvan Learning. The only problem is that they ONLY offer part-time employment. But maybe I could work part-time there and then have private clients, too. You give me hope! THANKS!

iBo said...

If you know how to play piano you could always teach. That makes quite a bit of money...

S.Morgan said...

Leanna,
Are you going?
EmPo, against all my new policies about not giving advice anymore, I'm writing you a post as we speak. Someone really should stitch my lips shut, but just realize that after living this long and through many trials. I KNOW NOTHING, but can't help adding my two cents worth.

Sara said...

Have you thought about substitute teaching? My cousin had a lot of success with that.

Brad & Emily said...

Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. It's interesting that all of you have mentioned things that Brad and I had already thought of, so maybe Brad and I were thinking in the right direction.

Also, Sis Morgan, I'm eagerly waiting your post of advice. I feel like I could use some Sister Morgan wisdom.

Julie M said...

Hey Em,
I've just applied at a place out here in PA called Performance Pathways, but they are all over the US. They are a place that has some software to help school districts with their assessments and curriculum. Look up and see if they have a place near you and maybe give it a try. I have no idea if this will be a good job, considering I have only just applied. But believe me, I am in the same scrambling mess that you are.
No bites for teaching positions out here in PA. I don't want to substitute either.
So, here is my brilliant suggestion. You and I should become travel writers and photographers. Our husbands will be so busy they won't miss us for two or three week stints as we travel the places we are going to write about. We can work for Fordors or Frommers and write about all the cool places to go and eat and stuff. It'll be great.

Julie M said...

PS Congratulations! I am so happy for you. You make me smile. I want an announcement.

S.Morgan said...

I hate it when people delete comments. I always think the worst. Like maybe they said "EmPo, your pictures are ugly, I have a cuter husband, and you're going to have a crummy wedding because I'm putting a voodoo curse on you right now." Huh? Those of you who delete comments after taking the time and effort to write them, use the stupid "delete permanently" button. so we don't have to wonder why you came here to visit us, then decided to leave unceremoniously.

S.Morgan said...

Jewels, are you back in PA? Chan told us you said hello one day while you were in the library. We showed many embarrassing pics of you in the PP. Too bad. You couldn't even walk up the stairs and have some of Meghan's and Jami's watermelon, so they sold the pics to Playboy. I tried to stop them, but you know how stubborn those two can be; however, they did get a promise they wouldn't airbrush your clothes off.

Jenny and Travis said...

EmPo--
I screamed when I read you and Brad were getting married! (You can tell how out of the loop I am with all WC news). I am so happy for you!!!!! And now I want to see an announcement--have you figured out how to post one yet? If not, I can give you easy directions. As for job ideas, your dream job might be a reality. My sister-in-law is a crafty stay-at-home mom who has earned some money on the side by making wedding and graduation announcements and holiday cards (with no formal training in photography--just a love for it). She did my wedding announcement, if you can remember it. I'm sure she'd be happy to share with you how she does it and what programs she uses, if you're interested. Her blog is www.brholloway.blogspot.com, and her name is Rachel. On the photography vein, there is always good money in just plain taking family or graduation pictures. Hope this helps. Best of luck with your wedding and congratulations again! --Jenny

Jami said...

Julie and EmPo,
Can I be part of your traveling photography/writing cohort?
Scrambling to find employment to support husbands as they're in school is my least favorite thing to do. Glad someone understands.