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Archive for April, 2016

Teaching Supply Woes

April 30th, 2016 at 03:41 pm

In some ways it is is nice to be teaching again. However, the negatives keep popping up lately, such as suggestions on who to vote for. Maybe I am sensitive, but I do not like my career and politics to mix.

I also found out we are required to give final exams on a scantron. We are also required to purchase them ourselves. I am already miffed my code does not work on the copier and I have had to do all of my copying at home using my own ink. When I asked about reimbursement, I was told to try and print class sets whenever possible (which I do). I was told to keep my receipts and use it as a tax write off. I was finally told I could take a few packs of paper from the supply room. However, I still have to use my own printer and ink if my code won't work. Btw, using another teacher's code is a big no no in case anyone wondered. It is one thing to purchase supply items as an independent contractor. As an employee, it is outrageous.

I have more or less decided I will stick with subbing next year. It is a lot less hassle.

Sorry for the rant! Off to try and relax and enjoy the beautiful weekend. I hope you all have a good one.

Work, Work, and More Work!

April 22nd, 2016 at 02:28 am

I keep telling myself it will slow down after June 6th when school is out for good, but I am swamped until then. I was offered extra editing, which essentially doubles my current load. I thought about turning it down, but there was no guarantee that same or a similar offer would be around this summer. So, I jumped on it. It is just about 8:30 PM here and I have been up since 5:00 AM working or getting ready for work. This is the first break I took other than running my editing check to the bank (my credit union is updating their software so I couldn't do it on my phone).

On top of this, I also offered to tutor my students on the ACT after school on Tuesdays. I love teaching the ACT, so I don't mind. However, it is rough given my already packed schedule.

I do have one more item I could finish, but it isn't critical so I think I will grab something to eat and call it a night!

Another Work Filled Weekend

April 9th, 2016 at 02:44 pm

I am in for another work filled weekend. I guess it is a good thing I do not live a busy life in general. I have no family or friends in this area, so there is not much else to do. Anyhow, I have four mystery shops this weekend and I agreed to extra editing.

At the moment, teaching covers my expenses, but that is temporary. Also, the extra income is helping me get ahead. Saving is more important than ever. My son will be 18 in 15 months and that will mean the end of child support.

I will reward myself with a trip to southern FL in June to see my adult son and daughter and my two grandkids. If the ticket prices stay where they are, I can go roundtrip via Allegiant for $58. I can only take a small carry on, but I can do a post office mystery shop and ship down a small box of clothes. Also, as I think I may have mentioned, my daughter is now working for Enterprise so I can rent a car really cheap (55% off).

There are a couple of other trips I want to take as well, but they are dependent on how much extra I can keep pulling in. My son is considering going to Michigan State for college, so I would like to take him up there to visit this summer. Of course, I told him to think long and hard and research before we go. I also hope to make it to a friend's wedding in NH in September. If I go on either of those trips, I will alleviate costs by mystery shopping while I am there. I will be able to edit too of course.

No matter what, the southern FL trip is a for sure thing. I just need to bust my tail a couple more months before I can finally have some much needed down time.

What Was I Thinking?

April 2nd, 2016 at 01:03 pm

I kept accepting mystery shops that came along and now I have 12 shop this weekend. I also am doing my editing job. So much for resting up for teaching next week!

On a good note, this will net me $100 cash (this is actually low because only one shop had a bonus), $30 in groceries, a bottle of wine, a $5 Goodwill item, and a free meal.

I will make the most of it and be sure to use the Shopkick app and scan my receipts for Receipt Hog (I will have enough for a $5 cash out after today, but I am saving up for the $30 cash out). I am also wearing my Nabu bracelet (basically a FitBit) so I can track my steps as well.

Have a good weekend everyone! Time for me to get to work.