And one CRAZY busy month it's been! I know I shared previously about the first Boot Camp...well...we had a second one at the end of the month, and it was a fantastic success! We had nearly 200 candidates there, many of whom were repeat participants. We had a great time! And now that the two Spring Drive in Clinics are behind us...what lies ahead are only a packing party, because the countdown is on! National Board Certification candidates are mailing their boxes in just two weeks...and I couldn't be happier! I must admit though...I'm a little sad, because I know my life and my work will change dramatically once the new loan program goes into place. That's okay...change is good...but I sure will miss the work I've done with this program in the last four and a half years.
I have continued the work on my house. I'm keeping a list of everyone who's helped out with the house. I have to - otherwise I won't remember them all! So far, we've almost gotten the upstairs ready to completely paint...and then we can do the floors up there. Just as soon as we thought the master bedroom was ready to trim and be done...I decided I wanted the old trim to be taken down...and that jacked up parts of the upper wall, so Kim's gotta go back and do some puttying and fixing so we can then go back and paint it...stupid ideas for grand wallscaping. Ugh.
I had planned to go over to the house this past Sunday and work...but was waylayed by a stomach virus. (More on that later.) So...I haven't made much progress...but what I have gotten a great deal done. We've nearly gotten the last bedroom upstairs ready to paint. The hallways are also almost ready to paint upstairs. Downstairs we've gotta drill the sheetrock back into the walls (it's covering plaster, which is stupid to me, but hey, I didn't do it, and I'm not undoing it because that's a mess I don't have time for), and then we can paint downstairs. I started sanding in the entrance foyer and the Great Room downstairs...and that's where I ended. I'll get back to that this weekend after Convention. Once I get all that sanding done, we can move on!
My uncle HB has come and covered an old vent hole in the upstairs kitchen, and I ripped out an old window up there that was cut in half. (Odd people, those upstairs people.) HB and Candace also corrected an issue with the upstairs rear entry where there used to be a window...now there's just a wall. (No song suggestions, please.) Kim and Terri have been busy destroying things, which is just the way I like it. After I ripped out the shelving and partial cabinets upstairs (man, that was fun), Kim came behind me and pulled out the front wall to the 1/2 bath. (I'm going to convert the room to a full bath with a storage/linen closet). Terri's also working downstairs to help complete the removal of wallpaper in the downstairs bathroom. My brother's going to come over (I know, I can't believe it either, but I'm pretty freakin' jazzed about it) and help me move a wall, lower a ceiling or two, and create a doorway. My HOPE...note it's a hope...is that by Easter or so, we'll have the place ready to work on the floors. There's a lot to be done, and that's one ambitious goal...but I think we can do it. I can see it...I really can see it. Paint helps.
My one wish? Tiling. I wish I knew how to tile. I'm going to learn, though, by God. I'll figure it out one way or another. See, I have this bathroom upstairs that I need to put tile in around the bathtub and shower area. Then, I can just paint the rest of it and call it a day. Then, I've got the other full bath I'm trying to put in upstairs, where I want to put in a tub/shower combo...and I'll likely want to tile the floor because we'll more than likely have to rip up the good, beautiful old hardwoods to do the plumbing. And downstairs...well...whatever mastermind put in the shower downstairs apparently didn't have a level, because the ENTIRE THING is crooked...so, I'm just going to pull it out, stick in a drain, and tile the whole thing...it'll be one BIG shower. I may even put in one of those two headed showers. How hot would that be? :)
So...yeah...that's what's going on in my world. My house is the center of my universe right now. If only the other half would get his whole half down here to help...or at least enjoy watching the rest of us. LOL. Eh...soon enough. :)
Until next time!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
What's On My Mind Tonight...
Good evening fair readers! (Or, reader, as the case may be.) I know it’s been awhile, and there’s a reason. Tonight…I’m not talking Town…and let me tell you why. Most of you know what I do for a living…or at least that I work. LOL. I work for the NC Association of Educators…which, in most states, would be the teacher’s union. I don’t bargain contracts…I facilitate professional development for educators, among other things, in my role at NCAE. One of the biggest pieces of work that I do is coordinate support for candidates for National Board Certification. In the past month, I’ve spent most of my time, awake and asleep, planning for a series of workshops that are occurring this spring for candidates. The biggest of these is our Boot Camp, a get-away to work weekend for candidates to be able to come to Raleigh, sit and work that we held for the very first time this year. We decided to offer this workshop when we realized that there were absolutely not going to be enough spaces at NCCAT for all the candidates – a record 5900 candidates this year thanks to the General Assembly’s threat to discontinue funding – and so we came up with this idea.
So…last week, as final preparations were underway…it snowed. And even though NCAE was closed on Monday, Tuesday AND Wednesday of last week…I slogged my behind into my office and worked on Tuesday and Wednesday, after having spent time on the weekend working on different things for the session, getting ready for this event. It was a big deal to me! J Those of us who worked on it, worked very hard. I cannot say thank you enough to Jasmine Hart, Beth Edwards, Monica Webb, Jennifer Elmo, Angela Farthing, Cathy Barnes, Naomi Chisolm, and Sheri Strickland. Without them, it wouldn’t have happened. There were many others involved, and I appreciate you all…but without those eight, there’s no way it would have been pulled off.
For this event I was, for all intents and purposes, the lead. So…if it succeeds, I’m partially responsible…and if it fails…it’s all mine. We did all kinds of little things to prepare. We had tote bags made, and in the bags, we put pens, pencils, Post Its, snack bars, and a folder of materials for candidates so that they could choose whether or not to attend mini-sessions. And God bless my mother, she spent a week baking and cooking and made treat bags for every single one of the 325 candidates that were there. I was intent on making this a special experience for each and every candidate that was in attendance.
So…why am I writing about it?
Well…let’s just say it got a little larger than I planned for it to. It really needed to be about 250 or less…but, when all of the registrations come in on one day, how do you select from the 150 registrations that arrive on one day to determine which 75 to turn away? So, we chose not to, in fairness. And to be honest, in reflecting on the event, I think we did fairly well with the size of the group we had. I had many positive comments from many of the participants – and about 1/3 of them are coming back for a second round at the end of the month.
So why has this gotten me up in arms? Because I sent out an evaluation survey. Now, when I ask for criticism, I’m truly asking for it – but I also ask for constructive criticism. Telling me something sucked (their words) doesn’t tell me anything. Sometimes, for some reason, folks take an evaluation as an opportunity to be as mean and nasty as they possibly can. It never ceases to amaze me…but I sure do look at evaluations differently than I used to.
I don’t do anything that I do – whether it be work, volunteering, my work with the Town as mayor, any of it – for praise. If it comes, great, but truth be told, about 60% of the work that I do will go completely unnoticed or credited to someone else. It’s the nature of the work that I do, and my personality…and I’m just fine with that. You see…my mission in life is to leave this world better than how I found it.
Some folks do all they can to work against such a mission. I could care less if anyone says, “Elic did this.”
However, it’s a hard pill to swallow when you work yourself sick – literally, to the point that you have to take a day off just to sleep – losing time from your personal life, losing time with your family, ignoring other pertinent priorities, calling on others to help keep your life going so this one thing will go off as well as it can, and folks are just mean the very thing you've been working yourself to death on. Just absolutely rude! “I got nothing accomplished.” “I paid $100 just to stay in the hotel room for two days.” “I could have saved $100 and stayed home.” "What a waste of my time." "The food was horrible."
Is there really a need to make such comments? I already knew these things! When the FIRST THING that greets you on the FIRST DAY of something is to be blessed out, it’s not going to be a great day. I also don’t understand why it is that those folks that have such good things to say NEVER FILL OUT AN EVALUATION! I think it’s something along the same lines as the theorem of student attendance…the worst kid you ever teach will never miss a day of school.
It takes a lot to push me over the edge. It takes a HUGE amount for me to write about it. I asked for feedback. I didn’t ask for abuse. I’ve had more than one person tell me, “You know…you have the patience of Job.” Most days I do…because I know what it’s like to work your butt off and have things go awry. I’ve planned events that involve months and months of work and thousands of dollars and hours of preparation and work only to see it rain. (And I’m not just talking about Frankenfest on Main, either.) So, when I go to an event, a conference, a workshop, a concert, a convention, or whatever, and something goes wrong, I smile and ask what I can do to help. Why? BECAUSE I’VE BEEN THERE AND IT AIN’T PRETTY. Take life as it comes…what is the use in getting so angry? The only person you’re affecting is yourself! Anger does nothing to someone else – it only does something to you! Take a moment and remember how far a kind word will go! How far a hug will get you!
My advice to anyone who ever has to complete an evaluation is this..if you can’t be constructive, and you can’t be nice…be quiet. Say thank you, and stay home next time. Don’t involve yourself next time. But don’t be rude or hateful just because the opportunity presents itself. The bridge to Heaven isn’t built with rudeness, but the many opportunities to be rude that you pass by.
Now…for the positivity. Yes, I still have some. J By Saturday afternoon of Boot Camp, I’d reached my breaking point, and when I was thanking the fantastic NBCTs who did such a wonderful job and did nothing but assist me and stopped at nothing to make sure that every plan I’d laid was put into play…I broke. I didn’t mean to…but the emotion blew right past my gates, and I cried for a second. And I meant every word I said…and every tear I shed. But you know what was pretty cool? After I finished, someone shouted, 'Thank you Elic!' and the ENTIRE ROOM stood up and clapped. That was one of the most validating experiences I've had in many, many moons. I couldn't look up...because I'd have lost it if I had. So many candidates stopped me to say thank you. And it's those thank yous, it's those "I think I can do this now!" comments that prevent me from going postal. :)
I shouldn't name names...but I'm going to. Kris Biddle, thank you for bringing me a surprise treat. I didn’t even get to eat it during the weekend. Bring me a refill. I promise, this time on Friday I’ll eat more than a Reese’s Cup. Betty Shirley, thank you for helping out with everything we needed from 2:00 until we got started at 5:00 on Thursday afternoon. I couldn’t have asked for a better assist, and it was truly appreciated – and you didn’t have to do it. Shannan Benton, I received your note. It means more than you know...you are a blessing. Janet Courson, I got the e-mail on Facebook…and I smiled a lot...and I shared it with my mom. :) Krista McGuire, I read your e-mail on Thursday night and literally started crying. Beth Edwards can prove it. It meant the world. To all of you who’ve sent e-mails, sent cards, sent notes...THANK YOU. I’m keeping them all.
I have this thing called a Blue Day file. (Thanks , Judy Darling.) All of these notes are going in it. And when I read comments like, “this just was a waste of my time and money,” I'll pull those out…and they'll warm me right up. As Ashley Montgomery told me on my Facebook page a few days ago…”Just think about the number of candidates you’ve touched, and the number of students whose education experiences will change.” That’s what keeps me going. That’s what puts me to sleep at night.
And speaking of…it’s time for bed.
Annie…I know it’s not my norm…I don’t usually talk about the job. But, that’s what’s on my mind tonight. Hopefully, I’ll get to be a little more regular. But then again…everytime I say that…well, you know the rest.
Night friends. Thanks for being there.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
My Big Fat Christmas Present
So...I decided to give Ed and myself something for Christmas...I bought us a house. :) That's right friends! I've been waiting a long time to take this step. I had planned to be able to do this about three years ago...but you know how it is...one thing gets in front of another thing, and the next thing you know, you're a mayor. So...I started looking at houses a year ago when the big tax credit was announced. (See...it really is a stimulus.) I saw on the Realtor website that the home known around Franklinton as the Nowell House was up for sale...and it was pricy! It originally listed at $149,900...and I knew I couldn't pay that. But I fell in love with it when I walked in. Everywhere I stepped, I could see something cool. Something new. Something...me.
Then, someone made an offer and snatched it right out from under me. So, I figured, eh, it's not meant to be, and moved on. Gave up, actually. Then, about two months later, I got a call from my real estate agent - a local agent named Tanisha Holmes. (I firmly believe that it's important to do as much locally as you can.) Tanisha called and said it was back on the market. We put in an offer immediately...and it was accepted. I had it...I had it! Then...we discovered a HOLE in my credit score blown by a an error in the report from DiscoverCard that Discover wasn't willing to correct - no matter what, and it's my word against theirs. (Again...another reason to shop locally - even for credit.)
So...away it went. I went about paying off credit cards, other debts, etc. Then...I thought...let me check my score. And it had gone up! A LOT! So...I called Tanisha...and we discovered that the Nowell House had been purchased and was essentially off the market. And much though I loved that house...it eventually came to be that it really wasn't for me, no matter how much I liked it. I liked it (loved it) because of the size. I've lived for eight years in a house on 2nd Street - a great little house, good enough for me...rent free - that is 675 square feet. That's right. It's a shoe.
So...that's been one of my criteria. It needs to be bigger...and big enough to have several rooms. And...I wanted a second floor...because I've never had one, really, except for my apartment in Burlington. So the search was on. Tanisha and I looked at nearly every available house in this town! I looked seriously at a cute little house (that would be great for someone without a need for many doors to keep four mischevious cats off the dining room table and the kitchen counters) on Chavis Street. I looked at a house on Oak Ridge Road that just needs a little updating, but just wasn't the right fit for me. I looked very seriously at a house on Green Street - great house, with the possiblity of expanding the lot...needed just a very little bit of work...but ultimately, I decided that I wanted to be in a neighborhood, not on a major thoroughfare. So, back to the drawing board.
And then, I saw it on Realtor.com. I saw a very familiar house - familiar to anyone who's ever banked at First Citizens in Franklinton...or anyone around my age who went through Franklinton area schools. 12 Vine Street. I couldn't believe it. The house where my fifth grade teacher sewed my costume when I played the Velveteen Rabbit in the play of the same name. The house where we built my 9th grade float for Homecoming (the theme that year was soap operas...and I hadn't yet discovered General Hosptial - that came two years later...so our's was The Bold and The Pitiful...and it was...). So, off Tanisha and I go...and I thought she was going to try to wrestle me to the ground to buy it herself.
Then, the dance began. We'll pay this much, but you've got to do this. We'll take this much, but we won't do that. We'll pay this much, but not without this. We'll take this much, but you'll have to handle this and that. Jeez, can't I just get a freakin' loan and buy the place???
It took THREE MONTHS of wrangling between the first offer and having keys in my hand...but on December 28, I closed on it. And boy, it was a hard secret to keep. I told Tammy because I had zoning/permitting questions, and I told Kim because I had HVAC questions and I knew she knew some folks...but as close as they are, they didn't even tell each other! (I mentioned it right before Christmas...and they looked at each other, and looked at me, as if to say, "What does she know?") I didn't want anyone to know it until I had it because I'd already lost one house - and it was rather public because I'd told the world I was buying it.
So now, the world knows. And here's the plan...
We've got to finish patching the holes, sanding the built in bookcases, completely overhauling the informal dining room, and I've got to have HVAC put in...and then I'm moving. I figure, sometime in late February/early March. Why so long? I already have a house. In fact...that's a point I shared with someone when I was looking for homes in the first place. I already had a place to live - and it was working just fine. Even though buying this house is going to stretch my budget to the MAX...it's something I wanted to do...to put down roots. To have a place of my very own - not something subsidized by someone else (even though it kind of was). To have a place to grow...to have folks over...to have an open house!
So...if you like to paint and you're interested, we're looking to have six rooms ready to paint by January 30 so we can get rolling! Let me know if you wanna come hang out with us!
Then, someone made an offer and snatched it right out from under me. So, I figured, eh, it's not meant to be, and moved on. Gave up, actually. Then, about two months later, I got a call from my real estate agent - a local agent named Tanisha Holmes. (I firmly believe that it's important to do as much locally as you can.) Tanisha called and said it was back on the market. We put in an offer immediately...and it was accepted. I had it...I had it! Then...we discovered a HOLE in my credit score blown by a an error in the report from DiscoverCard that Discover wasn't willing to correct - no matter what, and it's my word against theirs. (Again...another reason to shop locally - even for credit.)
So...away it went. I went about paying off credit cards, other debts, etc. Then...I thought...let me check my score. And it had gone up! A LOT! So...I called Tanisha...and we discovered that the Nowell House had been purchased and was essentially off the market. And much though I loved that house...it eventually came to be that it really wasn't for me, no matter how much I liked it. I liked it (loved it) because of the size. I've lived for eight years in a house on 2nd Street - a great little house, good enough for me...rent free - that is 675 square feet. That's right. It's a shoe.
So...that's been one of my criteria. It needs to be bigger...and big enough to have several rooms. And...I wanted a second floor...because I've never had one, really, except for my apartment in Burlington. So the search was on. Tanisha and I looked at nearly every available house in this town! I looked seriously at a cute little house (that would be great for someone without a need for many doors to keep four mischevious cats off the dining room table and the kitchen counters) on Chavis Street. I looked at a house on Oak Ridge Road that just needs a little updating, but just wasn't the right fit for me. I looked very seriously at a house on Green Street - great house, with the possiblity of expanding the lot...needed just a very little bit of work...but ultimately, I decided that I wanted to be in a neighborhood, not on a major thoroughfare. So, back to the drawing board.
And then, I saw it on Realtor.com. I saw a very familiar house - familiar to anyone who's ever banked at First Citizens in Franklinton...or anyone around my age who went through Franklinton area schools. 12 Vine Street. I couldn't believe it. The house where my fifth grade teacher sewed my costume when I played the Velveteen Rabbit in the play of the same name. The house where we built my 9th grade float for Homecoming (the theme that year was soap operas...and I hadn't yet discovered General Hosptial - that came two years later...so our's was The Bold and The Pitiful...and it was...). So, off Tanisha and I go...and I thought she was going to try to wrestle me to the ground to buy it herself.
Then, the dance began. We'll pay this much, but you've got to do this. We'll take this much, but we won't do that. We'll pay this much, but not without this. We'll take this much, but you'll have to handle this and that. Jeez, can't I just get a freakin' loan and buy the place???
It took THREE MONTHS of wrangling between the first offer and having keys in my hand...but on December 28, I closed on it. And boy, it was a hard secret to keep. I told Tammy because I had zoning/permitting questions, and I told Kim because I had HVAC questions and I knew she knew some folks...but as close as they are, they didn't even tell each other! (I mentioned it right before Christmas...and they looked at each other, and looked at me, as if to say, "What does she know?") I didn't want anyone to know it until I had it because I'd already lost one house - and it was rather public because I'd told the world I was buying it.
So now, the world knows. And here's the plan...
We've got to finish patching the holes, sanding the built in bookcases, completely overhauling the informal dining room, and I've got to have HVAC put in...and then I'm moving. I figure, sometime in late February/early March. Why so long? I already have a house. In fact...that's a point I shared with someone when I was looking for homes in the first place. I already had a place to live - and it was working just fine. Even though buying this house is going to stretch my budget to the MAX...it's something I wanted to do...to put down roots. To have a place of my very own - not something subsidized by someone else (even though it kind of was). To have a place to grow...to have folks over...to have an open house!
So...if you like to paint and you're interested, we're looking to have six rooms ready to paint by January 30 so we can get rolling! Let me know if you wanna come hang out with us!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thanksgiving
Most of you know that my partner, Ed, lives in Rhode Island. (Yes, it's a long distance relationship...but at least he doesn't live in California.) Usually, I fly Southwest to Providence (technically, we fly into Warwick) and it's a quick trip. However, I couldn't get a flight for less than $375 this year, so I decided to drive. (Yeah...I only saved $45 bucks, but I got the times I wanted and did exactly as I pleased...and it was glorious.)
I've never driven it. NEVER. And we've been together over four years now. It was fantastic! I had a ball driving! I'd never been on the New Jersey Turnpike. The furthest north I've ever driven is Delaware, and that was an accident (wrong turn in Baltimore for work...long story). I set out on Sunday around 2:00 in the afternoon. I decided that I'd stay overnight in Delaware (mainly because I knew where it was), so I got a hotel in Newark, Delaware, and stayed there for the night. I set out around 9am the next morning, and drove north. I mislicked and went through Philadelphia, but I got out fast so I could get on the Turnpike...and let me tell you...I ended up having to do the one thing I hate.
See...I have a paralyzing fear of heights. And, for those of you who don't know, the only thing between here and Providence is RIVERS...lots and lots of rivers. And guess what crosses those rivers? VERY HIGH BRIDGES. I white knuckled it across one in Philadelphia, and that's when I decided to hit the Turnpike.
I had a great time sightseeing, though. The best part for me was when I hit the edge of New Jersey where you can see across into Manhattan. I knew exactly where I was. Wondering how? Every single landmark has been referenced at some point or another on Law and Order or Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Now you may laugh.
Driving through NYC was a challenge because you s l o w d o w n so much. And apparently, Connecticut is the longest state in the union. Good LORD it took me forever to get through it! (And all I could see in my head was Tony Danza driving up in someone's driveway in a beat up blue van, jumping out to vacuum. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you missed the 80's.) Finally, I hit the Rhode Island state line...and I knew I was home free...except for one problem. Their exits don't match the mile markers like ours do. Eighty four hours more to go...
I got to Providence, and fortunately, I know my way around pretty well. When Ed works at the bar or has long translating assignments, I borrow his mom's car and go wherever I want to go. I like that. I liked being able to drive my own even more! So, I rolled on up to the Providence Place Mall where he works, and waited for him. He came out of the party office, and looked at me (not unlike Will does sometimes...with a look of sleepy bewilderment) and said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Well hello to you too." He said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Can I get a little excitement?" He said, "What are you doing here?" I guess that's what happens after four hours of sleep.
I had a great - and somewhat restful Thanksgiving. Although, you'd think I'd learn that I can never take a real vacation. If I put something off (such as preparing the maps, etc., for the Holiday Lights Tour, or writing e-mails to go out when I get home to candidates for National Board Certification), then it catches up to me and I have to work late. Oh well. I slept a lot. A LOT. It was great. Thanksgiving was awesome, too! Ed's brother's fiance (how Southern does that sound?) and her parents make Thanksgiving dinner, and we all meet there and eat. It's awesome, and her parents are wonderful.
On Friday morning after Thanksgiving, I loaded my car up with all the stuff I've bought and left over the past four After-Christmas sales, and headed south. I made it to Franklinton in just under ten hours - and that's with two stops for food, and one for gas.
I really do enjoy long drives by myself. I can zone out, not be around anyone and have to think...and oddly, that's when I do my best thinking. Thank goodness for the Voice Memo function on my phone!
I've never driven it. NEVER. And we've been together over four years now. It was fantastic! I had a ball driving! I'd never been on the New Jersey Turnpike. The furthest north I've ever driven is Delaware, and that was an accident (wrong turn in Baltimore for work...long story). I set out on Sunday around 2:00 in the afternoon. I decided that I'd stay overnight in Delaware (mainly because I knew where it was), so I got a hotel in Newark, Delaware, and stayed there for the night. I set out around 9am the next morning, and drove north. I mislicked and went through Philadelphia, but I got out fast so I could get on the Turnpike...and let me tell you...I ended up having to do the one thing I hate.
See...I have a paralyzing fear of heights. And, for those of you who don't know, the only thing between here and Providence is RIVERS...lots and lots of rivers. And guess what crosses those rivers? VERY HIGH BRIDGES. I white knuckled it across one in Philadelphia, and that's when I decided to hit the Turnpike.
I had a great time sightseeing, though. The best part for me was when I hit the edge of New Jersey where you can see across into Manhattan. I knew exactly where I was. Wondering how? Every single landmark has been referenced at some point or another on Law and Order or Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Now you may laugh.
Driving through NYC was a challenge because you s l o w d o w n so much. And apparently, Connecticut is the longest state in the union. Good LORD it took me forever to get through it! (And all I could see in my head was Tony Danza driving up in someone's driveway in a beat up blue van, jumping out to vacuum. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you missed the 80's.) Finally, I hit the Rhode Island state line...and I knew I was home free...except for one problem. Their exits don't match the mile markers like ours do. Eighty four hours more to go...
I got to Providence, and fortunately, I know my way around pretty well. When Ed works at the bar or has long translating assignments, I borrow his mom's car and go wherever I want to go. I like that. I liked being able to drive my own even more! So, I rolled on up to the Providence Place Mall where he works, and waited for him. He came out of the party office, and looked at me (not unlike Will does sometimes...with a look of sleepy bewilderment) and said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Well hello to you too." He said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Can I get a little excitement?" He said, "What are you doing here?" I guess that's what happens after four hours of sleep.
I had a great - and somewhat restful Thanksgiving. Although, you'd think I'd learn that I can never take a real vacation. If I put something off (such as preparing the maps, etc., for the Holiday Lights Tour, or writing e-mails to go out when I get home to candidates for National Board Certification), then it catches up to me and I have to work late. Oh well. I slept a lot. A LOT. It was great. Thanksgiving was awesome, too! Ed's brother's fiance (how Southern does that sound?) and her parents make Thanksgiving dinner, and we all meet there and eat. It's awesome, and her parents are wonderful.
On Friday morning after Thanksgiving, I loaded my car up with all the stuff I've bought and left over the past four After-Christmas sales, and headed south. I made it to Franklinton in just under ten hours - and that's with two stops for food, and one for gas.
I really do enjoy long drives by myself. I can zone out, not be around anyone and have to think...and oddly, that's when I do my best thinking. Thank goodness for the Voice Memo function on my phone!
I Know, I Know...
I know it's been almost a month. I'll both ask for forgiveness and say move on, because it's beena little hectic. Why? Because I've been working non-stop between my paying job, my not-so-paying job, and my volunteer work here in Town (and outside). It's been nutso! So...let's talk about some of it.
I hope you were able to see the Frankinton Christmas Parade! It was AWESOME! A great job was done by all those who worked so hard behind the scenes, including Darrell Chalk, Commissioner James Worley, Tammy Ray, David Robbins, Michael Devall, and Bob Truitt. (And yes...I assisted, also.) The tireless efforts of the members of the Franklinton Fire Department cannot be spoken of highly enough. It is truly amazing to see it all come together - and I really appreciate Darrell getting me back up to actually see the parade this year! (And, the members of the American Legion who carted my big ol' behind back up the road!)
The Arts Alive Committee had two great events back to back weekends, which was wonderful! First, the Community Holiday Concert was a great deal of fun. Commissioner Fuller surprised everyone when she kicked off the concert with a song! Five different acts, including Elvis, entertained a crowd of over 100 people. It was a great night - and we were done by 9:30, which was amazing unto itself! This past weekend, we had our two night Progress Energy Franklinton Holiday Lights Tour. Nearly 30 stops on the tour this year, including of course my parent's house at 440 S. Cheatham St. Should you decide to go visit, feel free to drive through, but if you want to get out, go up to the back door and let them know you're there. Most folks know - my mom packs heat.
We have over 60,000 lights on two and a half acres of house, buildings, land and trees...and grapevines. I'm especially proud of the FHS/NCSU themed CandyCane Forest. :) (Mainly because I spent two days doing it.) My dad worked for the better part of a month on getting the lights up. He started the week before Thanksgiving. I tried my best to get over there several times to work on them...but my schedule runs me ragged...and the worst part is, I do it to myself. I spent the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving working on lights...and in two days, I put up over 25,000 lights. My dad lives to put up the inflatables. The cool part? My dad and I have exactly two things in common besides blood...being elected to public office, and a love of Christmas lights. We'll both be up at 5am on December 26, too...cruising around, looking for lights on sale. If you see any, call 919-702-4814 and keep me posted so I can hit the good sales. :)
Next year, Arts Alive is thinking about doing a Candlelight Tour...seven or eight homes that you can tour - historical homes. What do you think?
I hope you were able to see the Frankinton Christmas Parade! It was AWESOME! A great job was done by all those who worked so hard behind the scenes, including Darrell Chalk, Commissioner James Worley, Tammy Ray, David Robbins, Michael Devall, and Bob Truitt. (And yes...I assisted, also.) The tireless efforts of the members of the Franklinton Fire Department cannot be spoken of highly enough. It is truly amazing to see it all come together - and I really appreciate Darrell getting me back up to actually see the parade this year! (And, the members of the American Legion who carted my big ol' behind back up the road!)
The Arts Alive Committee had two great events back to back weekends, which was wonderful! First, the Community Holiday Concert was a great deal of fun. Commissioner Fuller surprised everyone when she kicked off the concert with a song! Five different acts, including Elvis, entertained a crowd of over 100 people. It was a great night - and we were done by 9:30, which was amazing unto itself! This past weekend, we had our two night Progress Energy Franklinton Holiday Lights Tour. Nearly 30 stops on the tour this year, including of course my parent's house at 440 S. Cheatham St. Should you decide to go visit, feel free to drive through, but if you want to get out, go up to the back door and let them know you're there. Most folks know - my mom packs heat.
We have over 60,000 lights on two and a half acres of house, buildings, land and trees...and grapevines. I'm especially proud of the FHS/NCSU themed CandyCane Forest. :) (Mainly because I spent two days doing it.) My dad worked for the better part of a month on getting the lights up. He started the week before Thanksgiving. I tried my best to get over there several times to work on them...but my schedule runs me ragged...and the worst part is, I do it to myself. I spent the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving working on lights...and in two days, I put up over 25,000 lights. My dad lives to put up the inflatables. The cool part? My dad and I have exactly two things in common besides blood...being elected to public office, and a love of Christmas lights. We'll both be up at 5am on December 26, too...cruising around, looking for lights on sale. If you see any, call 919-702-4814 and keep me posted so I can hit the good sales. :)
Next year, Arts Alive is thinking about doing a Candlelight Tour...seven or eight homes that you can tour - historical homes. What do you think?
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Rest of My Trip to New Orleans
So…I shared with you what happened on the first couple of days of my conference in New Orleans. Then, it got busy! We had a great start to our conference, with a wonderful speaker, Dr. David Berliner. He was incredible! Then, we had some great conversations on Thursday during the day, and a wonderful night out with folks from my Mid-Atlantic region (mostly Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina). Friday was a little long, but again, great conversations around teacher evaluations and how to utilize them in an effective manner for professional growth.
Then came Friday night. I had a blast! (It was about time for some fun…thankfully, I was in the right place!)
I got to hang out with a former student early in Friday evening. Travis is a medical student at Tulane University – how awesome is that? I’m so proud of him! After that, I met up with several friends, and we took on Bourbon Street. I rode a bull at Bourbon Cowboy. You read that right…I rode a bull! Is that not hilarious? I fell off three times…but I rode that sucker for at least a minute each time! Then, we walked around Bourbon Street…taking in the sights. Ha! I bought souvenirs for some friends and family back home. And then, I headed back to the room. (That’s all you’re getting! :))
Then came Friday night. I had a blast! (It was about time for some fun…thankfully, I was in the right place!)
I got to hang out with a former student early in Friday evening. Travis is a medical student at Tulane University – how awesome is that? I’m so proud of him! After that, I met up with several friends, and we took on Bourbon Street. I rode a bull at Bourbon Cowboy. You read that right…I rode a bull! Is that not hilarious? I fell off three times…but I rode that sucker for at least a minute each time! Then, we walked around Bourbon Street…taking in the sights. Ha! I bought souvenirs for some friends and family back home. And then, I headed back to the room. (That’s all you’re getting! :))
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
NEW ORLEANS!
Greetings all!
I'm currently in Cajun Country...that's right, I'm in New Orleans! Why? Allow me to explain (why I'm not just here on a vacation, which I never really take).
Most of you know that I work for the NC Association of Educators. How many of you know what I actually do? I thought so. :) My official title is 'Education Consultant,' which is a pretty way of saying, "he does just about everything we can think of except due process cases.' In reality, my work is that of professional development for educators across the state of North Carolina. I lead and facilitate workshops for teachers; I coordinate support for candidates (teachers) for National Board Certification, which is just about a full time job in itself this year with over 6,000 candidates; I work with members who have issues with their teaching licensure; I serve on several advisory boards and commissions; I facilitate leadership training for NCAE members; and the old standby...other duties as assigned. :) There's more to it...but the list could go on, and on.
In North Carolina, there are three of us that work in our Center for Teaching and Learning at NCAE. (In many states, this work is referred to as IPD - Instructional and Professional Development.) There is someone in just about every state's NEA affiliate that does this work. Some states, like Massachussetts where my friend Kathy Skinner leads the way, there are several staffers (like 10-15); others, such as Texas and Alaska, have one person who handles all IPD work, and does other things as well. I'm fortunate - in NC, this is my lot in life. My primary work is IPD work. And I LOVE it. I never thought I'd leave the classroom....but...when the time came, I jumped, because honestly, this is about the only thing that could have dragged me away.
Now that you know what I do...why am I in NOLA? Well...all of us that do this work, this IPD work, across the country, came together many years ago to create an affinity network called the National Staff Association for the Improvement of Instruction, or NSAII. We are nearly 200 members strong - which is a feat given how many of us are doing this work (we are fewer than 250). We come together once a year to share information and work with each other, and to 'sharpen our saws' so that we can continue to improve the work that we do. So...I'm in New Orleans for the annual NSAII conference, which is a joint effort with the NEA's Center for Great Public Schools, which focuses on teacher quality and research.
Did I mention that I'm also the Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President for NSAII? Yeah. Pretty much since I joined the NCAE staff. I'm not the greatest VP in the world...but I try.
So...that's what's brought me to NOLA. So let me tell you what's been going on since I got here.
The flight down was almost perfect. I wish I could have stayed in Nashville longer...but that just gives me a place to go for vacation, because I would LOVE to be able to spend some quality time in Music City USA! Once I got to Louis Armstrong Airport, memories of my first trip here six years ago (for an NEA National Representative Assembly) came flooding back. Man, we had a great time! Those were good days...and they were good memories until my cabbie decided to try to drive at warp speed to get me to my hotel, and he hit a bump and my head nearly went through the roof of the minivan he was driving. The needle didn't go below 80 the entire time. I was quite happy to put my feet on the ground.
The hotel I'm at is called the Omni Royal Orleans. It's on St. Louis St. (or Rue Saint Louis) in the French Quarter. And just ONE BLOCK away from Bourbon Street! My room is beautiful...and I have a jacuzzi tub. No kidding. A jacuzzi tub. Yes...I've already used it...twice. :)
I had to take a small walking trip yesterday afternoon because I managed somehow to leave all four of the charging cords for my iPhone in North Carolina (work, Town Hall, and home), so I had to find the AT&T store and buy one. The store was literally nine blocks from my hotel, straight down Royal across Canal. Canal Street is amazing. It's so cool to just walk down. I didn't get to spend much time down there...but it was just cool! (When I win Powerball, I'm getting a home here.)
We had dinner last night at Arnaud's, which is a world reknowned restaurant just off Bourbon Street. Bourbon wasn't very lively when we walked to dinner...but Lord, were the beads flying when we walked back. (And how stupid did I look walking down Bourbon wearing a tie?) Dinner was great - I actually ate seafood...okay, crabcakes, but they count - and dessert was fantastic. (You know me...the food is the most important.) The restaurant was pretty amazing, too...because it's 14 different homes cobbled together to create a restaurant that's literally about half a block. (These are big blocks. too.)
This morning, and most of the day today, we're in working sessions. Until about 2:00 today, we're in NEA Research 'Boot Camp,' which is an opportunity for us to hear from some great researchers about current issues in educational research. (I'm not a big researcher...but I always glean a good deal from this part.) This afternoon, we'll have two different pre-conference sessions, and then our opening session that'll run until about 9:00 tonight. (And at that point...I'll likely take care of a couple of things and go to bed. I've also gotta find a place for my region to dine out tomorrow...the work of a VP is never done...)
I'll share more when I get the chance. Forgive me for taking so long to write again...it's been a bit on the crazy side these past few weeks between work, Frankenfest, et al. Annie...you've gotta do a better job...don't let me go for more than a week!
Catch ya soon!
I'm currently in Cajun Country...that's right, I'm in New Orleans! Why? Allow me to explain (why I'm not just here on a vacation, which I never really take).
Most of you know that I work for the NC Association of Educators. How many of you know what I actually do? I thought so. :) My official title is 'Education Consultant,' which is a pretty way of saying, "he does just about everything we can think of except due process cases.' In reality, my work is that of professional development for educators across the state of North Carolina. I lead and facilitate workshops for teachers; I coordinate support for candidates (teachers) for National Board Certification, which is just about a full time job in itself this year with over 6,000 candidates; I work with members who have issues with their teaching licensure; I serve on several advisory boards and commissions; I facilitate leadership training for NCAE members; and the old standby...other duties as assigned. :) There's more to it...but the list could go on, and on.
In North Carolina, there are three of us that work in our Center for Teaching and Learning at NCAE. (In many states, this work is referred to as IPD - Instructional and Professional Development.) There is someone in just about every state's NEA affiliate that does this work. Some states, like Massachussetts where my friend Kathy Skinner leads the way, there are several staffers (like 10-15); others, such as Texas and Alaska, have one person who handles all IPD work, and does other things as well. I'm fortunate - in NC, this is my lot in life. My primary work is IPD work. And I LOVE it. I never thought I'd leave the classroom....but...when the time came, I jumped, because honestly, this is about the only thing that could have dragged me away.
Now that you know what I do...why am I in NOLA? Well...all of us that do this work, this IPD work, across the country, came together many years ago to create an affinity network called the National Staff Association for the Improvement of Instruction, or NSAII. We are nearly 200 members strong - which is a feat given how many of us are doing this work (we are fewer than 250). We come together once a year to share information and work with each other, and to 'sharpen our saws' so that we can continue to improve the work that we do. So...I'm in New Orleans for the annual NSAII conference, which is a joint effort with the NEA's Center for Great Public Schools, which focuses on teacher quality and research.
Did I mention that I'm also the Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President for NSAII? Yeah. Pretty much since I joined the NCAE staff. I'm not the greatest VP in the world...but I try.
So...that's what's brought me to NOLA. So let me tell you what's been going on since I got here.
The flight down was almost perfect. I wish I could have stayed in Nashville longer...but that just gives me a place to go for vacation, because I would LOVE to be able to spend some quality time in Music City USA! Once I got to Louis Armstrong Airport, memories of my first trip here six years ago (for an NEA National Representative Assembly) came flooding back. Man, we had a great time! Those were good days...and they were good memories until my cabbie decided to try to drive at warp speed to get me to my hotel, and he hit a bump and my head nearly went through the roof of the minivan he was driving. The needle didn't go below 80 the entire time. I was quite happy to put my feet on the ground.
The hotel I'm at is called the Omni Royal Orleans. It's on St. Louis St. (or Rue Saint Louis) in the French Quarter. And just ONE BLOCK away from Bourbon Street! My room is beautiful...and I have a jacuzzi tub. No kidding. A jacuzzi tub. Yes...I've already used it...twice. :)
I had to take a small walking trip yesterday afternoon because I managed somehow to leave all four of the charging cords for my iPhone in North Carolina (work, Town Hall, and home), so I had to find the AT&T store and buy one. The store was literally nine blocks from my hotel, straight down Royal across Canal. Canal Street is amazing. It's so cool to just walk down. I didn't get to spend much time down there...but it was just cool! (When I win Powerball, I'm getting a home here.)
We had dinner last night at Arnaud's, which is a world reknowned restaurant just off Bourbon Street. Bourbon wasn't very lively when we walked to dinner...but Lord, were the beads flying when we walked back. (And how stupid did I look walking down Bourbon wearing a tie?) Dinner was great - I actually ate seafood...okay, crabcakes, but they count - and dessert was fantastic. (You know me...the food is the most important.) The restaurant was pretty amazing, too...because it's 14 different homes cobbled together to create a restaurant that's literally about half a block. (These are big blocks. too.)
This morning, and most of the day today, we're in working sessions. Until about 2:00 today, we're in NEA Research 'Boot Camp,' which is an opportunity for us to hear from some great researchers about current issues in educational research. (I'm not a big researcher...but I always glean a good deal from this part.) This afternoon, we'll have two different pre-conference sessions, and then our opening session that'll run until about 9:00 tonight. (And at that point...I'll likely take care of a couple of things and go to bed. I've also gotta find a place for my region to dine out tomorrow...the work of a VP is never done...)
I'll share more when I get the chance. Forgive me for taking so long to write again...it's been a bit on the crazy side these past few weeks between work, Frankenfest, et al. Annie...you've gotta do a better job...don't let me go for more than a week!
Catch ya soon!
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