Tutoring: Test Grades

Each of the "kids" I tutor texted me when they got their tests back.  One received an 81%, the other an 85%.  Much better from the failing grades they each received on their first test, but some room for improvement.  I am so proud of them both and they each seem quite happy with the results!  

On a side note: one of my students said the nicest thing to me right before this test.  He stated that he has never been worried about a test before because he never felt smart enough to pass it.  For the first time he was nervous because he felt smart enough to do well.  I am gratified that I could make a difference.

My Old Kitten

I realized the other day that I have very few pictures of Piper on my blog, so here are a few I snapped over the past week or so.  Piper is my old girl, 10 years old now, and is still so very tiny.  Only 8 lbs and still has silky fur like a kitten.

Homemade French Bread

My first attempt at making homemade french bread...not bad!

Halloween 2011

 Trudy as a cow

 Lily as a bumblebee

 Trudy as a lobster

Lily as a pig

Oh Civilization V....

...how you make me waste hours and hours of precious time but you are so much fun!

Tutoring

My students have their second test today (the first since I started tutoring them). I am so nervous, more so than when I took this class. I really want them to do well and not feel our sessions are a waste. Sending positive thoughts to them both!

Silly Schnauzers

It seems about time for another silly schnauzers post.

Trudy in Piper's scratching post, not of her own free will...

Best Friends

Homemade Bread = Success

When my sister moved out about two months ago, one of the items she wasn't able to take to California was her breadmaker.  I decided to take a stab at it last weekend, but failed miserably (see yesterdays post).  Today I decided to give it another try and...success!  Warm, homemade garlic bread!

The Ghost of Lily

I have no idea how this happened on a digital camera...

An Hour in the Park

I attempted to make homemade bread last weekend...which ended miserably.  So instead of throwing it away, we went to the park this morning to feed the ducks and birds.  Unfortunately it is still almost 100 degrees in the middle of October, so we only stayed for an hour.

 

Weight Loss

I have to credit this post to my friend Alana over at Fractured Fairy Tales who has been so completely open and honest regarding her struggles with weight gain and loss.  It is such a difficult subject and she has tackled it head on!

One benefit of being unemployed is that you have more time on your hands.  More time means little excuse for not working out.  Since graduating in May I have gone to the gym at least 3 times a week for a minimum of one hour.  In addition, I have rid myself of any unnecessary medications and of course am doing the vegetarian diet. So far I have lost 7 pounds!  This is a great start but I still have a way to go. What a difference it makes when you see results!

My favorite gym music: Ke$ha

Museum Stuff

Despite being on the active job hunt, I am still volunteering at the museum about 20 hours a week.  Hubby and I agreed that if working in a museum is what I want to do in the future, than maintaining an active role here in town is advantageous.  Yesterday was an awesome day! There are two buildings which constitute our museum, one on each side of the road.  About a year ago, the University decided to move people and offices around.  My boss was moved from one side of the road to the other and he has never unpacked.  I mean NEVER unpacked.  There are boxes everywhere, I can't walk, I can't turn around, I can't find anything.  So, I finally convinced him it was time to organize! Yesterday was the first day and I had a blast!  I love organizing, I love unpacking, I love putting things in alphabetical order, I love finding a place for everything!  My boss thinks I am nuts, but even he admits that coming into an organized office makes him feel better.  I can't wait for Monday!

Unemployed x 2

• On August 19 Hubby was notified that his company would be closing their Tucson office
• On August 26 Hubby worked his final day at his job of 5 years
• On August 30 he flew to Oregon for a job interview, unfortunately they chose an older, local candidate

I have been searching for work since I graduated in May and now Hubby is also on the job hunt along with millions of other Americans. Together we have put in dozens of applications across the country and...nothing.  Not a letter, not a phone call, not an email...until last week when [redacted] contacted Hubby to begin the testing process. Keep your fingers crossed for us, send good thoughts and I will provide more information when I can.

P.S.  Hubby's former boss hooked him up with some temporary work and I got a tutoring gig at the University.  Hopefully these can get us by for a little while. :)