Thank goodness KKGO got rid of Robin Banks in the morning. I avoided listening to KKGO because of her. All she could do was laugh. She never had anything intelligent to say. She really got on my nerves
I'm still mad KKGO got rid of Todd Baker. He was so fun to listen to in the afternoons.
Shawn Parr might not be a bad fit in the afternoon to replace Todd. He would certainly be better than Paul Freeman who has those annoying canned voices, laughs, and cheers he uses to announce something or congratulate someone. That makes KKGO seem so small market and he just doesn't do an afternoon drive show well.
Now KKGO needs to move someone into Shawn Parr's morning spot that actually knows how to host a morning show.
KKGO's lineup should look like this:
5-10a.m. - new morning drive person
10a.m.-2p.m. Tonya Campos
2-7p.m. - Shawn Parr and Nora Wells
7p.m.-12a.m.- Paul Freeman
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Apparently I'm anorexic
I saw a cousin I hadn't seen in about a year last week when we out. She came up to me when she saw me and hugged me, told me how skinny I was; then burst out crying. She was saying how sorry she felt for me that I was anorexic. I said I'm not. I've just been working out.
At a recent family gathering 1 aunt and another relative have told me how they have noticed how much weight I've lost.
The allergy shot nurse keeps asking me how much weight I've lost, how I am probably stressed, not eating, and losing weight.
A family friend Kim, whose husband used to own the hardware store has told me several times recently how I've lost so much weight.
My boss at the high school keeps wondering how I'm losing all of this weight.
Most people thought maybe I wasn't buying as baggy clothes, which is true. I'm a large in mens at max. If I can, I am wearing medium. I have discovered Levi 514s (skinny, straight leg) look nice on me. My waist size has gone from a 34 to a 30. IT IS BECAUSE OF EXERCISE. LET ME GET THAT CLEAR. PLEASE. I do not starve myself. I am a 30x32 in jeans and am proud to say it- working out at the gym has paid off. All of this has given me excuses to go out and buy new clothes I don't need, but want.
The truth is I've been exercising. I'm still 150lbs and 6'2.'' I haven't lost weight. I may be growing. My weight has been more or less redistributed. My arms are a lot bigger than they were, which you can notice. My chest is becoming more solid and my shoulders are becoming more muscular. I wasn't fat to begin with, in fact I was often told I was not big enough. HAHA.
I still eat burgers, fries, steaks, potatoes, whatever is thrown at me. Not a problem- it is delicious by the way. I do try to eat healthier, but am I going to forego the fries at a restaurant? No. I have cut my soda consumption however because the dentist said I should. I still have coke when I go out. Vitamin Water and Crystal Light are my new favorites.
But I just want to set the record straight, I am not anorexic or emaciated.
At a recent family gathering 1 aunt and another relative have told me how they have noticed how much weight I've lost.
The allergy shot nurse keeps asking me how much weight I've lost, how I am probably stressed, not eating, and losing weight.
A family friend Kim, whose husband used to own the hardware store has told me several times recently how I've lost so much weight.
My boss at the high school keeps wondering how I'm losing all of this weight.
Most people thought maybe I wasn't buying as baggy clothes, which is true. I'm a large in mens at max. If I can, I am wearing medium. I have discovered Levi 514s (skinny, straight leg) look nice on me. My waist size has gone from a 34 to a 30. IT IS BECAUSE OF EXERCISE. LET ME GET THAT CLEAR. PLEASE. I do not starve myself. I am a 30x32 in jeans and am proud to say it- working out at the gym has paid off. All of this has given me excuses to go out and buy new clothes I don't need, but want.
The truth is I've been exercising. I'm still 150lbs and 6'2.'' I haven't lost weight. I may be growing. My weight has been more or less redistributed. My arms are a lot bigger than they were, which you can notice. My chest is becoming more solid and my shoulders are becoming more muscular. I wasn't fat to begin with, in fact I was often told I was not big enough. HAHA.
I still eat burgers, fries, steaks, potatoes, whatever is thrown at me. Not a problem- it is delicious by the way. I do try to eat healthier, but am I going to forego the fries at a restaurant? No. I have cut my soda consumption however because the dentist said I should. I still have coke when I go out. Vitamin Water and Crystal Light are my new favorites.
But I just want to set the record straight, I am not anorexic or emaciated.
Awesome day
My mommy is sick today. She has a cold, but it is developing into something worse. She fears fluid is building up in her lungs. Being a certificated substitute, she called in sick and requested me as a sub. She went to the doctor and is there right now.
She called in at 9p.m. last night and less than a minute later I had a call asking me to sub for her. I accepted.
My mom even personalized her lesson plans- she started off "Dear Sonshine," ... and then ended with "have a great day! Love, Mom xoxoxoxo" She gave me her room keys, lesson plans, and papers to copy for the lesson.
I got up at 5:45, made breakfast, got dressed, and did my hair. I watched the news and browsed the net for a few minutes. At 6:15a.m. I left. Got to her school at 7:00a.m. on the dot. It was a nice drive. It was foggy, but I love that weather.
I arrived, signed in, made my photocopies, and was ready to roll. Class started at 7:30 and the kids got off at 11:30 because that is the normal Tuesday schedule. My mom has GREAT kids- seriously, no problems at all. It was so quiet in 3 of her classes, you could hear a pen drop. My prep was last period and I got to write my essay for Spanish. No homework now, score!
I left at 11:45, got paid for being there a full day; and was off to spend money.
Went to Burger King for some chicken tenders I had been craving, then hit up the outlet mall. I got $50 in new designer underwear... haha... can't believe I'm admitting that. It was $5.00 a pair versus $20 elsewhere. I also bought some new black jeans with a brown wash in my size for $9.99 at Aeropostale. I got a pair of low rise, dark blue jeans at Abercrombie & Fitch for $19.99. That was my first purchase at Abercrombie. Now I feel all cool, trendy, and in. I was considering going all out and buying a pink polo and popping the collar, then getting a new pair of sandals- then I'd really be in. That might too much of an extreme change at once.
I was out of the outlet mall (that is 38 football fields long) within an hour. I got home at 2:30. I still have a full day ahead of me! HECK YES!
She called in at 9p.m. last night and less than a minute later I had a call asking me to sub for her. I accepted.
My mom even personalized her lesson plans- she started off "Dear Sonshine," ... and then ended with "have a great day! Love, Mom xoxoxoxo" She gave me her room keys, lesson plans, and papers to copy for the lesson.
I got up at 5:45, made breakfast, got dressed, and did my hair. I watched the news and browsed the net for a few minutes. At 6:15a.m. I left. Got to her school at 7:00a.m. on the dot. It was a nice drive. It was foggy, but I love that weather.
I arrived, signed in, made my photocopies, and was ready to roll. Class started at 7:30 and the kids got off at 11:30 because that is the normal Tuesday schedule. My mom has GREAT kids- seriously, no problems at all. It was so quiet in 3 of her classes, you could hear a pen drop. My prep was last period and I got to write my essay for Spanish. No homework now, score!
I left at 11:45, got paid for being there a full day; and was off to spend money.
Went to Burger King for some chicken tenders I had been craving, then hit up the outlet mall. I got $50 in new designer underwear... haha... can't believe I'm admitting that. It was $5.00 a pair versus $20 elsewhere. I also bought some new black jeans with a brown wash in my size for $9.99 at Aeropostale. I got a pair of low rise, dark blue jeans at Abercrombie & Fitch for $19.99. That was my first purchase at Abercrombie. Now I feel all cool, trendy, and in. I was considering going all out and buying a pink polo and popping the collar, then getting a new pair of sandals- then I'd really be in. That might too much of an extreme change at once.
I was out of the outlet mall (that is 38 football fields long) within an hour. I got home at 2:30. I still have a full day ahead of me! HECK YES!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Some stories from my new job
Some recent substitute experiences:
I got up at 5:45 to go sub. I was at a different school than my mom- another middle school. My mom had to be at school at 7 and I had to be there at 7:30, so I let her off and took the car. I had a half day assignment. I was subbing for PE. I was told to go out to the locker room and just hang out. The first thing I noticed walking in was a sign on the door that said "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem" in reference to the Kenny Chesney song. The teacher was playing country music and signing along. It was pretty funny. We talked about how we both like country music and KKGO (GoCountry 105). Then I told him about going the college I go to. When the other PE teacher came, he said now it was time for breakfast and they brought out cereal bowls, cereal, and milk and offered me breakfast.
After the 1st period, the guy asked me if I want to be the regular PE male sub whenever they need a sub in PE. The district requires if it is a male PE teacher or male PE class that there is a male teacher. He said they have a hard time finding guys to sub for PE. I find that somewhat hard to believe- it was easy!
Overall subbing was very easy. I had duty outside every period to make sure the kids get into the locker room. The kids had to run 3 laps around the field and I marked their names down each time they went around. Easy day. I was done at 10:30.
A recent Thursday:
I had just about the worst day of substituting thus far. I had really small classes, but the lowest performing kids at the middle school. They were a handful. I had a class of 8 with 4 troublemakers, a class of 12 with 6 troublemakers. I ended up separating the kids and giving them new seats for the day. I had to walk around constantly to remind them to be quiet or to work on their assignment. I subbed for a language arts class. I had most of these kids 2 periods because they have a double block of English because they need extra help in it. It was a LONG day!!! Let's leave it at that!!! I had a bad headache by the middle of the day and no Tylenol. I drove my mom's car. I let her off at school and continued on to the school I was subbing at. My mom doesn't keep Tylenol in her car; but I do mine. I have dental floss, Tylenol, lotion, hand sanitizer, and just about everything else I'd need.
Subbing for PE again at that same school I mentioned above:
I subbed for PE again today. It went well and I met a lot of other subs- one of my mom's former students about 15 years ago and a former home economics teacher from Texas/Arkansas. One sub had subbed for my mom many times before and she was nice to talk to- she was also a PE sub today. The PE teachers were very friendly again. The only problem was I had 2 terrible classes. The first was just bad 7th graders. The 2nd class was 50 special ed students. My dad teaches special ed and says 1 regular student is the equivalent to 3 in special ed. It was wild. It was like there were 150 of them. Just telling them to run around the field they took off in 10 different directions and I was a lot more visual in my directions this time telling them to go in a circle and motioning the direction and walking in that direction.
I love subbing for PE- make me mad and run a lap. No, I don't care you just ran 3; you aren't behaving, so take a lap.
I got up at 5:45 to go sub. I was at a different school than my mom- another middle school. My mom had to be at school at 7 and I had to be there at 7:30, so I let her off and took the car. I had a half day assignment. I was subbing for PE. I was told to go out to the locker room and just hang out. The first thing I noticed walking in was a sign on the door that said "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem" in reference to the Kenny Chesney song. The teacher was playing country music and signing along. It was pretty funny. We talked about how we both like country music and KKGO (GoCountry 105). Then I told him about going the college I go to. When the other PE teacher came, he said now it was time for breakfast and they brought out cereal bowls, cereal, and milk and offered me breakfast.
After the 1st period, the guy asked me if I want to be the regular PE male sub whenever they need a sub in PE. The district requires if it is a male PE teacher or male PE class that there is a male teacher. He said they have a hard time finding guys to sub for PE. I find that somewhat hard to believe- it was easy!
Overall subbing was very easy. I had duty outside every period to make sure the kids get into the locker room. The kids had to run 3 laps around the field and I marked their names down each time they went around. Easy day. I was done at 10:30.
A recent Thursday:
I had just about the worst day of substituting thus far. I had really small classes, but the lowest performing kids at the middle school. They were a handful. I had a class of 8 with 4 troublemakers, a class of 12 with 6 troublemakers. I ended up separating the kids and giving them new seats for the day. I had to walk around constantly to remind them to be quiet or to work on their assignment. I subbed for a language arts class. I had most of these kids 2 periods because they have a double block of English because they need extra help in it. It was a LONG day!!! Let's leave it at that!!! I had a bad headache by the middle of the day and no Tylenol. I drove my mom's car. I let her off at school and continued on to the school I was subbing at. My mom doesn't keep Tylenol in her car; but I do mine. I have dental floss, Tylenol, lotion, hand sanitizer, and just about everything else I'd need.
Subbing for PE again at that same school I mentioned above:
I subbed for PE again today. It went well and I met a lot of other subs- one of my mom's former students about 15 years ago and a former home economics teacher from Texas/Arkansas. One sub had subbed for my mom many times before and she was nice to talk to- she was also a PE sub today. The PE teachers were very friendly again. The only problem was I had 2 terrible classes. The first was just bad 7th graders. The 2nd class was 50 special ed students. My dad teaches special ed and says 1 regular student is the equivalent to 3 in special ed. It was wild. It was like there were 150 of them. Just telling them to run around the field they took off in 10 different directions and I was a lot more visual in my directions this time telling them to go in a circle and motioning the direction and walking in that direction.
I love subbing for PE- make me mad and run a lap. No, I don't care you just ran 3; you aren't behaving, so take a lap.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Being compensated
Money is a sensitive subject I know, which is why I haven't brought the issue up to my dad or mom. I am just in the planning stages and thinking this idea out, which is why I'm blogging about it. It is one of my "deep thoughts..." that needs a solution.
I sometimes get gas for my car 1-2 times a week. It is no secret that my parents pay for my gas because of all I do for them. The thing is though, I always have to wait for my dad's ATM card or him to go with me to get gas. Sometimes that means waiting until 8p.m. Wednesday night.
My parents don't make me pay a cent- the money I make from work is being put toward several things. Money for a car, money for a house, and spending money when I go out with friends (3-4 nights a week lately). My parents buy my clothes, don't make me pay rent, and I get $20 a week for lunch money; which is why I feel awkward asking for this or breaching this subject as I don't want to appear too greedy or like I am asking for too much.
I often run errands for my parents. Last night my dad called when I was at Borders asking me to bring home butter, paper cups, trash bags, and jelly. That was around $30 and it will be sometime next month when I'm reimbursed because my dad always insists on waiting until the beginning of the month to pay me because him and my mom only get paid once a month. I am already owed $20 for another trip to the store earlier this month and $50 for an unexpected gas fill up on January 6. Part of the reason I am never paid back until long after the event has passed is because my parents don't keep copious amounts of cash on them. To be reimbursed will mean me hounding my dad, asking to be reimbursed, demanding a check, and me having to go to the bank to deposit it. It isn't the easiest thing to corral him into paying.
I would like 1 of 3 things. The first to have my parents transfer in a predetermined amount to my checking account each month for me- say $150 to $200. That way I don't have to spend any of my money to pay for things like the unexpected gas trip when I am low and I don't have dad's ATM, or can't go to the gas station with him. The money will cover things like when dad needs me to run to the store for groceries. The money could be used for my many gas trips that I already make with my dad so I am not having to wait on him to go get gas and inconveniencing him.
The second would be to have access to my parents bank account via an ATM card. Let me calm your fears and say I am responsible and would only buy things I need like gas, groceries when my dad asks, and things like that. I see where this is controversial because they have significantly more in their bank account than I do and some may think I would run wild. Secondly, if the card were lost or stolen it would be a risk- I've never lost my ATM or credit card. However having an extra ATM card around increases the possibility. I don't completely embrace this idea either since there is pressure of having a lot of money in my pocket and the thought of carrying around another card.
The third option would be to have my parents write me a check monthly and I deposit it into my account- in essence the first option, but without the work on my parent's end. It may be a little extra hassle for them to write me a check at the beginning of the month and me to deposit it, but I could see this becoming more routine and would alleviate the need for me to hound my dad to go to the gas station.
I am not sure how to approach this subject with my parents because money is a sensitive issue. How do I approach this? I can't really think of a good time other than maybe sitting down at dinner saying I spent _X_ for _X_ and it took a toll on my bank account, then I didn't have enough money for _X_. I don't feel comfortable talking to my dad about this when we're alone in the car. I don't feel comfortable talking with him about this at all since he is less receptive to parting with money than my mom. Until recently he wouldn't let me have his ATM card for 10 minutes to run up to the gas station, whereas my mom has let me have hers for this for years. My mom would probably support any of the three.
I feel bad in doing this because my parents do so much and to me this makes me sound greedy. I think it is a good solution however because it won't mean me spending my money to pay for things my parents have agreed to pay for. I am not asking for additional money from my parents, just to cover things they already pay for.
I sometimes get gas for my car 1-2 times a week. It is no secret that my parents pay for my gas because of all I do for them. The thing is though, I always have to wait for my dad's ATM card or him to go with me to get gas. Sometimes that means waiting until 8p.m. Wednesday night.
My parents don't make me pay a cent- the money I make from work is being put toward several things. Money for a car, money for a house, and spending money when I go out with friends (3-4 nights a week lately). My parents buy my clothes, don't make me pay rent, and I get $20 a week for lunch money; which is why I feel awkward asking for this or breaching this subject as I don't want to appear too greedy or like I am asking for too much.
I often run errands for my parents. Last night my dad called when I was at Borders asking me to bring home butter, paper cups, trash bags, and jelly. That was around $30 and it will be sometime next month when I'm reimbursed because my dad always insists on waiting until the beginning of the month to pay me because him and my mom only get paid once a month. I am already owed $20 for another trip to the store earlier this month and $50 for an unexpected gas fill up on January 6. Part of the reason I am never paid back until long after the event has passed is because my parents don't keep copious amounts of cash on them. To be reimbursed will mean me hounding my dad, asking to be reimbursed, demanding a check, and me having to go to the bank to deposit it. It isn't the easiest thing to corral him into paying.
I would like 1 of 3 things. The first to have my parents transfer in a predetermined amount to my checking account each month for me- say $150 to $200. That way I don't have to spend any of my money to pay for things like the unexpected gas trip when I am low and I don't have dad's ATM, or can't go to the gas station with him. The money will cover things like when dad needs me to run to the store for groceries. The money could be used for my many gas trips that I already make with my dad so I am not having to wait on him to go get gas and inconveniencing him.
The second would be to have access to my parents bank account via an ATM card. Let me calm your fears and say I am responsible and would only buy things I need like gas, groceries when my dad asks, and things like that. I see where this is controversial because they have significantly more in their bank account than I do and some may think I would run wild. Secondly, if the card were lost or stolen it would be a risk- I've never lost my ATM or credit card. However having an extra ATM card around increases the possibility. I don't completely embrace this idea either since there is pressure of having a lot of money in my pocket and the thought of carrying around another card.
The third option would be to have my parents write me a check monthly and I deposit it into my account- in essence the first option, but without the work on my parent's end. It may be a little extra hassle for them to write me a check at the beginning of the month and me to deposit it, but I could see this becoming more routine and would alleviate the need for me to hound my dad to go to the gas station.
I am not sure how to approach this subject with my parents because money is a sensitive issue. How do I approach this? I can't really think of a good time other than maybe sitting down at dinner saying I spent _X_ for _X_ and it took a toll on my bank account, then I didn't have enough money for _X_. I don't feel comfortable talking to my dad about this when we're alone in the car. I don't feel comfortable talking with him about this at all since he is less receptive to parting with money than my mom. Until recently he wouldn't let me have his ATM card for 10 minutes to run up to the gas station, whereas my mom has let me have hers for this for years. My mom would probably support any of the three.
I feel bad in doing this because my parents do so much and to me this makes me sound greedy. I think it is a good solution however because it won't mean me spending my money to pay for things my parents have agreed to pay for. I am not asking for additional money from my parents, just to cover things they already pay for.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I made dinner
I love to cook and prior to this past quarter I would make dinner once a week or so. I hadn't made dinner in a while, so figured I would tonight.
I had a lot of choices- chicken, top sirloin, hamburger were the meats I could deal with. I chose chicken. I wanted something quick, so I decided on baked chicken. It was good and had a lot of flavor. I used a flour coating with paprika, pepper, Lawry's seasoning sauce, and salt. I also opted to make rice with a can of cream of chicken soup stirred in as opposed to the must-have with chicken. That must have is mashed potatoes. The chicken was great and the flavor could be found throughout the chicken, not just on the skin. I also made corn.
No, my intent was not to make you salivate, but with that description, I don't know how I could have avoided that. My point is one of two things- I made something we don't usually have (the rice and the GOOD chicken). Second, my sister got mad and became defensive when I criticized my dad's chicken for lacking flavor. Third, she complained even before she tried anything I made how she will hate it. And she must have; she may have taken a bite out of the chicken and ate almost no rice, which is because I poured the soup in it. The chicken wasn't much different than usual, other than it had much needed spices. My sister also complained that the corn tasted like water. I put it in the microwave for 6 minutes with salt and butter like my dad does. I can't judge, but I can assume it turned out alright since nobody else had any complaints. It hurts that my sister put me and my cooking down like that.
I plan to do a lot more cooking in the near future; and a lot of it I don't plan on my sister liking.
I had a lot of choices- chicken, top sirloin, hamburger were the meats I could deal with. I chose chicken. I wanted something quick, so I decided on baked chicken. It was good and had a lot of flavor. I used a flour coating with paprika, pepper, Lawry's seasoning sauce, and salt. I also opted to make rice with a can of cream of chicken soup stirred in as opposed to the must-have with chicken. That must have is mashed potatoes. The chicken was great and the flavor could be found throughout the chicken, not just on the skin. I also made corn.
No, my intent was not to make you salivate, but with that description, I don't know how I could have avoided that. My point is one of two things- I made something we don't usually have (the rice and the GOOD chicken). Second, my sister got mad and became defensive when I criticized my dad's chicken for lacking flavor. Third, she complained even before she tried anything I made how she will hate it. And she must have; she may have taken a bite out of the chicken and ate almost no rice, which is because I poured the soup in it. The chicken wasn't much different than usual, other than it had much needed spices. My sister also complained that the corn tasted like water. I put it in the microwave for 6 minutes with salt and butter like my dad does. I can't judge, but I can assume it turned out alright since nobody else had any complaints. It hurts that my sister put me and my cooking down like that.
I plan to do a lot more cooking in the near future; and a lot of it I don't plan on my sister liking.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Trying to get me to stay
I work at my old high school and love it for many reasons. I like the kids I tutor, the teachers I work with, the laid back atmosphere, my coworkers like Gaby, and that by working there now it may make it easier to possibly get a teaching job there. I shouldn't have problems getting a teaching job since I have connections since my parents are teachers.
The thing I hate that is as of late overshadowing my job- THE PAY. It is $10.00 an hour. When I graduated high school 3 years ago, $10 was good considering minimum wage was $6.75. Minimum wage is now $8.50. I have never received a raise. The school district and 2 idiot board members voted against a pay raise for tutors that would have raised our hourly pay to $12-15 an hour based on college units and experience. Last year every person in the district EXCEPT TUTORS got a 6.6% raise. Tutors in the district next to us and less than a mile down the road make $15 an hour. Another district in the area just raised tutors salaries from $9.75 to $10.75.
I am 3 years into my college career and could easily find a better job paying a lot more. I could make $14.50 an hour being a campus supervisor at a school (only need a high school diploma), $11.75-$14.75 being an instructional assistant (only need 2 years of college) or I could go out of the educational realm completely. All of these above jobs would work around my school schedule because they have morning or afternoon hours. If I work for more than 4 hours a day at either, I get health and retirement benefits as opposed to no benefits with my current job. I could get other tutoring jobs for private companies (think Sylvan) and make $15 an hour or better.
I could be a bank teller, despite the fact I loathe math, but could make $10.00 or so an hour to start and there is plenty of room for advancement. I could apply to be a checker at the grocery store and make $14 an hour or so and they have a nice benefits package. There is also room for advancement there. There are a bunch of other things I could do with my talents too.
Money is the biggest issue. I feel slighted by the school district for not receiving a raise. I know that I deserve a raise... 3 years... more experience? I am saving money for many things right now including a car, vacations this summer (Chicago with friends, perhaps a trip to Vegas or two), and a house. I only wish I could afford a house payment right now where I could get in on this housing slump. I don't have to work, but like to work to keep busy. My job is purely for keeping me busy and spending money. I guess I'm to the point where I'm greedier and want more money. Part of me is wanting to branch out and try new things. I am going to start subbing in my mom's school district this month as a matter of fact to try new things and make $125 a day. I really just want to experience other things though, things that pay more.
My boss was talking to me the other day and she adores me. I can do no wrong. I made it a point to tell her months back that I was seriously considering leaving the high school. She said she understood, respected that, said she'd love to write me a letter of recommendation, and asked if there was anything she could do to get me to stay. Among the things thrown around included giving me "extra" hours- like if a kid needs extra help in 1st period I can come in early to help him. Other things included making me lead tutor. I already do the job of the lead tutor since I have been there for 3 years I know all the ins and outs. Those aren't real incentives, but she can't really do much more- it all lies in the hands of the district, and so she can try to get me to stay, but it is going to be hard.
The thing I hate that is as of late overshadowing my job- THE PAY. It is $10.00 an hour. When I graduated high school 3 years ago, $10 was good considering minimum wage was $6.75. Minimum wage is now $8.50. I have never received a raise. The school district and 2 idiot board members voted against a pay raise for tutors that would have raised our hourly pay to $12-15 an hour based on college units and experience. Last year every person in the district EXCEPT TUTORS got a 6.6% raise. Tutors in the district next to us and less than a mile down the road make $15 an hour. Another district in the area just raised tutors salaries from $9.75 to $10.75.
I am 3 years into my college career and could easily find a better job paying a lot more. I could make $14.50 an hour being a campus supervisor at a school (only need a high school diploma), $11.75-$14.75 being an instructional assistant (only need 2 years of college) or I could go out of the educational realm completely. All of these above jobs would work around my school schedule because they have morning or afternoon hours. If I work for more than 4 hours a day at either, I get health and retirement benefits as opposed to no benefits with my current job. I could get other tutoring jobs for private companies (think Sylvan) and make $15 an hour or better.
I could be a bank teller, despite the fact I loathe math, but could make $10.00 or so an hour to start and there is plenty of room for advancement. I could apply to be a checker at the grocery store and make $14 an hour or so and they have a nice benefits package. There is also room for advancement there. There are a bunch of other things I could do with my talents too.
Money is the biggest issue. I feel slighted by the school district for not receiving a raise. I know that I deserve a raise... 3 years... more experience? I am saving money for many things right now including a car, vacations this summer (Chicago with friends, perhaps a trip to Vegas or two), and a house. I only wish I could afford a house payment right now where I could get in on this housing slump. I don't have to work, but like to work to keep busy. My job is purely for keeping me busy and spending money. I guess I'm to the point where I'm greedier and want more money. Part of me is wanting to branch out and try new things. I am going to start subbing in my mom's school district this month as a matter of fact to try new things and make $125 a day. I really just want to experience other things though, things that pay more.
My boss was talking to me the other day and she adores me. I can do no wrong. I made it a point to tell her months back that I was seriously considering leaving the high school. She said she understood, respected that, said she'd love to write me a letter of recommendation, and asked if there was anything she could do to get me to stay. Among the things thrown around included giving me "extra" hours- like if a kid needs extra help in 1st period I can come in early to help him. Other things included making me lead tutor. I already do the job of the lead tutor since I have been there for 3 years I know all the ins and outs. Those aren't real incentives, but she can't really do much more- it all lies in the hands of the district, and so she can try to get me to stay, but it is going to be hard.
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