Reflections on life

Once again, its been ages since my last post. Sometimes I feel I should be better about updating...but then I realize, I think I'm the only one who read this...

Anyway, the momentous occasion for this update...as I am typing this, I am doing so in my very own house! Jon and I took advantage of the super-good (for buyers) market, borrowed some money from family for a down payment (to be completely paid back by the tax credit) and found a house! Our budget will be tight until we see how the new payments on house pan out and we may have to (gasp!) cut back on video games and eating out for a bit. But definitely worth it!

The house is a 4 bedroom cape cod. Two large bedrooms are upstairs with a gorgeous bathroom. Two are downstairs with another gorgeous bathroom. One of the bedrooms on the main floor will be an extra gaming area/study until we finish the basement. Or turn it into a nursery, whichever comes first (hopefully, the basement!) The basement is about half-finished. It needs a ton drywall, paint, and carpeting, but it should *crosses fingers* be easy to finish up. One section is going to be our "living room", with the TV, game systems, bookshelves, etc. We're going to create another section down there so Jon and I don't fight over who gets the 360 and the TV. Eventually, I also want to put a half-bath down there, since running up stairs when killing zombies sounds annoying. On the main level, we have the mud room with a washer and dryer, the kitchen, and what is now the living room but, once I get my way and pull up the carpet, will become the dining room.

And the most bizarre part....3 two-car garages. The man who lived here before us was a car lover and his son now owns a race track in texas.

One of the garages, we'll be using. I think we're converting one into an in-law apartment (to rent, not for in-laws). The third? .... No clue. But, as long as I get a pool, I don't care what he does with the third garage.

The house isn't perfect- there are some minor updates that need to be done. The garden outside needs a good day of work to make it look nice again. The appliances are older and will eventually have to be replaced, but its large enough for Jon and I to raise a family in, which was the goal. Because next year, we are NOT moving.

Of course, Jon and I have noticed major life events seem to happen around June for us, earlier than we intended. Last year, we were married a few months earlier than intended. We also bought a car earlier than we wanted since his transmission was going. This year, we bought a house years earlier than our original plan. The next step in our plan is kids.....

I think I'm forswearing sex from October to June. Just to be safe....

Ja ne

Ember

First day of school today!

For those who haven't been in regular contact with me, I am teaching ancient civilizations to sixth graders at Marley Middle School.

Matt, I don't even want to hear a word about my previous tendencies towards the age group. I think they're cute now.

But seriously, EVERYone at the school has been so nice and helpful since I walked in last week. I even planned cooperatively with my co-teacher and the other sixth grade social studies teacher. Its been awesome. I have high expectations for this school year.

Also, it is amazing to walk into class and see smiling faces who are *gasp* EXCITED about the first day of school. Even the trouble-makers seem less antagnostic than at high school.

Duh, I know.

Anyway, I'm just really excited and I think this school year will be amazing. I was a little worried that since I was placed at the school and not technically hired, that would affect the way I was treated- but that is totally not the case.

In other news...well, there really is none.

Well, there is, but not that I'm posting in an unlocked journal...maybe I'll make a locked entry later.

Ja ne

Ember

Of the wonderful land of Otakon.

If anyone needs anything, I'll be dead to the world until Tuesday.

*walks away singing anime themes*

The head of human resources called this morning to tell me I was placed at a middle school about 4 miles from my house. He said he believes it is a 6th grade position.

Sweetness.

From the advice of our upstair neighbors, Jon and I dowloaded a 10 day trial of World of Warcraft.  We'll soon be paying $30 a month to keep playing.  Its awesome. 

Since our upstairs neighbors play as horde, that's what Jon and I are.  He's a druid and I'm a hunter.  I am hooked.  Its very fun.  Of course, this leads to the issue of fighting over the computer.  Hehheh.  Guess I'll be getting my mac sooner than anticipated.  I think this takes precedence over a kitten now. 

Ssssh....don't tell Jon I said that. 

Ja ne,

Ember

Well, its really only March, but the quote is still apt.  It has been one fucking LONG month, and its only the middle. 

Had an observation last Friday that didn't go so well.  Sometimes, I really hate my fourth period.  But I did get some suggestions on how to handle them, and I think its going to work.  I need to be consistent and strong-willed, two things I'm not.  But I am looking at this as a chance to grow as a teacher. 

Oh, and I'm being observed tomorrow.  A different class though, thank God.  Different administrator too.  It will go better. 

In other news, things are pretty much peachy.  I don't really have much to write about. 

But, I'm re-reading one of my favorite series of all times.  By Orson Scott Card, famous for the "Enders" series.  Personally, I find "Ender's Game" to be rather dry.  I much prefer the "Homecoming Saga".  Couldn't tell you why, other than it was my first series by him, and I really do think its better written, the characters are more likeable, and its a better story. 

What I didn't know about it was its Mormon roots.  Apparently, Card is a Mormon, something I couldn't guess from his writing.  AND the entire "Homocoming Saga" is a re-telling of the book of Mormon put in a sci fi setting.  Who knew? 

Regardless of its origins, its still a wonderful story and I'm enjoying it more now than I did the first time reading it.  There's not many books that I can say that about.  Trully, I recommend the series.  Its worth it. 

Tomorrow's Friday and the end to what has to be the longest week of my life.  I can't wait until its all over.  At least give me a weekend to recharge before facing the class from hell on Monday.  Though truly, they're not that bad.  I do enjoy  them, they just drain all the energy out of me. 

Speaking of drain...I'm playing FFVI...again.  I'm hoping to actually beat the damned thing this time (or at least see WHY people keep insisting that Kefka is a better villian t han Sephiroth).  I'm playing it on my DS, so the translation is better and its not glitching.  I'm almost to the place where Jon and I stopped the first time.  Already farther than I was my second time playing.  But not as far as I've gotten. 

Oh!  We've made friends with our upstairs neighbors, which is exciting.  We were playing "Gears of War" and Jon paused the game.  But the sounds still continue.  Jon and I pause and look at each other, then come to the conclusion someone else is playing the game.  So he goes and investigates only to find out its the people above us. 

The next evening, we go upstairs to introduce ourselves.  We knock on their door and it gets real quiet.  A girl opens the door and Jon says "We heard you playing video games..."

"Sorry for the noise, we'll turn it down"

"No, no.  We just wanted to know if you wanted to exchange gamertags and play sometime."

*pause*

Then three more people come out from behind the door and we're invited in to chat and play Burnout.  It was really pretty damn funny.  And appearantly there's a crazy lady in the apartment building next ours, which is why they were hiding. 

Anyway, that's all the news for the moment. 

Ja ne

Ember

that I decide to post again. I've been meaning to do this for quite some time, but I just haven't gotten around to it.

First and foremost, I now have an official teaching contract. As of Tuesday, when my students walk through the door to my classroom, I'll be a real honest-to-god teacher with an annual salary and benefits and a retirement plan and a CONTRACT. Yes, its exciting. I nagged the administration for about a month in order to get this. But since they were HIRING a new teacher, I would have been incredibly pissed if they had not hired me. Not that I would have done anything, but I most certainly would have started looking around for another job for next year, no matter how perfect this one is with its location and all.

The shitty high school not too far from me needs teachers I bet.

Anyway, moving on, since I do have my contract and I don't have to go job hunting....

Nothing much has been going on. Seriously, everything's been pretty peachy-keen.

Things are wonderful with Jon and I. We fight sometimes, but we usually work it out in a couple of hours. There was a big one in front of Jenn and KK, but we even worked THAT out in a reasonable amount of time. We need to get working on the wedding thing though. Meaning- I have to get working, since its tradtionally the province of the female to arrange the wedding. And I know Jon would really rather I handle it.

My family is crazy as usual- but Mom and Dad are talking at the moment, which I find shocking. My Dad and his wife have temporary guardianship of a little two-year old black girl who is absolutely adorable. The only problem is that they are (according to my sister) declaring bankruptcy. I guess its really none of my business.

A little while ago, KK told me that Mom and Dad were worried Jon was isolating me...I guess the sudden move to the (OMG!) OTHER side of the Beltway scared them...nevermind the fact that our new place is 15 minutes from my school and 20 (in the same direction) from Jon's MARC train station. Nevermind that we regularly see Jenn and the rest of my family and I semi-regularly see my ex-boyfriend. Yup, Jon's isolating me.

Sometimes I'm too caustic for my own good.

The new Nintendo Wii is so freaking fun! Its bloody intuitive and it comes with great games to download and play- such as "Super Mario Brothers" and "The Legend of Zelda". "Wii Sports" is also a great game to show off to guests. Its easy to pick up and a blast. Boxing is especially fun to watch.

But in other gaming news, Jon and I are working our way through FFXII- but its on hold. I've been enjoying FFVII and FFVIII. I have other things to play, I just haven't gotten around to it. After FFVIII, I'm honestly going to try FFVI again. Maybe actually get somewhere this time.

On the Anime front, Jon and I watched Utena, which was absolutely amazing. Jon wasn't too thrilled, but I think its definately more of a girl's thing. But it was awesome.

Right now we're watching Scrapped Princess, which is just as good, but in an entirely different way. Then its back to Lost to catch the first half of the third season before it starts coming back on the air for new episodes. Jon's friend at work got him addicted and that addiction follwed him home to bite me.

I think about covers all the big news since the last update.

Anyway, it about breakfast time, so I'll head into the kitchen to whip something up.

Ja ne

Ember Silverly

But anyone can read this who wants to.

Anyway, I just got the bestest news ever! *insert sarcasm here*

I am having my very first observation last period, the day before Thanksgiving break.

...

Yeah, it does suck. But its not really that bad. I'll just have a lot of room for improvement. Right now, I'm finding it more amusing than anything.

In other news...

We've moved! I'm now in Glen Burnie and 15 minutes from my school and 17 from the Odenton train station. Its exciting. Now we just need to unpack, which could take another month.

And Judge Judy is distracting me...

Ja ne

Ember

So, here's that long-awaited update. More for me than anyone reading this I suppose. Especially since right now, I'm sitting in school during my planning peirod, typing an email to myself. I'll cut and paste this and put it in my livejournal when I get home.

Does this make me a bad teacher?

Seriously though, my lessons are planned through the next unit and my grading is done until I get my next class.

So, last Monday was Yom Kippur and I was off school. I finished up playing Xenosaga and that was an awesome game. chaos is the man. I would rant and rave about him, but I am trying to maintain my composure as I type, since there are students still in the room. But, let me just say that chaos has totally replaced Squall in my book, so that should say one hell of a lot.

Tuesday Jon called and told me we had a meeting with the apartment people after school. So, I was in school late and picked him up from Odenton. We went and signed the lease. Our move in date is tommorrow, the 13th. Sweet!

Tuesday night, I dad called and told us he was in the hospital. Appearantly he has some sort of bacteria on his skin that makes any cut he recieves get infected.

Wednesday, I broke up my first almost-fight in school. Two boys were getting ready to go at it and I ordered them to their seats. They went and I let them simmer down. I could have sent them to the office, but I think I handeled it better.

Wednesday afternoon, I visited my dad in the hospital. I was quite ticked off that the hospital treated me better when I went in my work clothes than when I had appeared over the summer in my shorts and t-shirts. I was debating complaining, but I realised there was really no point. That is just the way the world works. It still ranckles though.

Thursday was uneventful, though I might possibly be forgetting something important happening.

Friday I got my room key to the classroom.

The weekend came and went, nothing exciting happened. Jenn, Jon and I went out to Arundel Mills mall.

This week is spirit week, so everything's a little crazy. Friday's a pep rally and a test day for me. A very nice, relaxed day. Its also move-in day. I'm excited.

I realized that dressing down in school actually makes me feel more like I belong. I don't know why that is.

And I think I'm done. I wish I could remember everything elese that happened. But, at least this post won't be deleated.

I quit. I had half a post written and I just deleated it all.

So, I've been doing some thinking lately about what's wrong with my once favorite webcomic, Dominic Deegan.  I've come to the conclusion that its suffering from something of a DBZ effect- the characters are just too powerful to be believable anymore and the plots are starting to get old. 

You see, there are two main types of stories: plot-based and character-based.  Character-based stories have a rather mediocre plot but rather interesting, well-developed characters.   The plot comes from the characters and their personalities, the story is made unique by who the characters are, not what they do.  Think of Mercedes Lackey (though her characters are admittly poorly written), Fruits Basket, and Firefly.  The focus is on the unique characters, or a unique character, not so much on the plot.  The plot-based stories use basic stock characters and have them do interesting things.  There's minimal character development.  Things happen to the character, they do not change the character in a fundemental way.  Examples of these are Robert Jorden, Neon Genisis Evangelion, Babylon 5.  Though the characters may be very memorable, the stories themselves are filled with archetypes and stock characters. 

Now, I'm not saying one is better than the other (though undoubtably, the best writing combines both elements equally), but the problem with plot-based is that, once you run out of plots, it gets old, and that's what's happened with Dominic Deegan.  Dominic has saved the world a couple of times, we've 'been there, done that'.  Through it all, Dominic has become more bad-ass and shown off some really cool powers, but HE hasn't really changed.  The characters are still pretty much where they were when they were introduced.  Oh, there are a few changes- Luna's not trying to kill herself anymore and Pam is a stronger person now, but for the most part, these large peronsality changes happened quickly and without drama.  Dominic himself, the main character, is pretty the same as the first comic. 

The ending to the last story-line was even a little  rushed, at least in my opinion.  I think that Mookie seneses something is wrong, but he's not sure how to fix it, so he's moving the story back into lightness and away from the save-the-world plots.

A better decision, in my opinion, would have been to make a dramatic decision, but one I don't think Mookie was quite willing to do.  About a month ago, he had the chance to kill Dominic's girlfriend Luna.  I think this would have, if handled correctly, given the comic the depth that Mookie was aiming for with his 'save the world' plots.  Killing Luna, I beleive would have had to fundementally alter Dominic's personality, force a change, a crisis.  I think exploring that would fundementally changed the nature of the comic, but instead, we go to a lightness and happiness that seems almost disjointed and at odds with the past couple of story arcs.

I also have my own theory on why Mookie didn't kill Luna, though I think that's very straight-forward.  Like many webcomic artists that I've read, Dominic is based on Mookie himself and Luna on his ladyfriend.  He can't kill Luna, unless he wants to doom/curse his relationship with his ladyfriend.  Which, is of course, the fatal flaw self-insertion stories.  Never make it so you can't kill a character.  Killing characters can be, if done properly, an excellent way to advance plot or character development. 

Before I go immerse myself in something else just as plot-driven, I'd like to say that I do like Dominic Deegan and I will continue to read the comic, I just think Mookie missed the chance he had to really send the comic where it was heading and develop Dominic's personality quite a bit. 

Ja ne

Ember

So, after many frusterating interviews, I'd pretty much given up on the idea of me teaching at all this school year. I was convincing myself that I would be content to sub for a year- it would give me plenty of time to hang around the house, the freedom to take off when I wanted, and the money Jon and I need to stay afloat.

Saturday, I'm shopping with my mom, and my cell phone rings. I've taken to never answering my cell, since the only people who call it that I don't recongize right away are business numbers. So, I check the voice mail, and its the assisstant principle of the school who wants me to come in for an interview on Monday. I call him back an arrange it. (Please note: school down here started on Monday, so this was really last minute). I didn't even know what the position was until I went in for the interview.

I go in Monday, and the position is for World Civ (which is wonderful, since I've already taught world history). I have the interview and I think it goes pretty well, but I'm forcing myself to not get my hopes up. Knowing that the school's in a hurry to get the position filled, I expected a call that day or today early morning.

No call.

Until I sit down for lunch and my cell phone rings. I grab it and dash out the door only to find it was Jon calling me. I stifle my dissappointment and am actually grateful for his call of encouragement. It did feel nice. I sit back down and am starting to look through other job offers (musems and such) when the cell rings again, this time with a number I don't recognize. I grab it and head out the door, and the assistant principle offering me a long-term substitute postion! The position, according to everyone in the system I've talked to, will most likely turn into a permement position, since that's what they were looking for in the first place. (My guess is there was some issue with hiring and budget or something.)

So really, I'm ecstatic. That news really made my day. *dances around the room*

Right, now that that's mostly out of my system, I'm gonna head to cleaning. The apartment's a mess after being sick for a week, so I figure I better clean it at least once before Jon starts having to help.

Best day ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ja ne

Ember

So yeah, I've been fending off one mother of a cold. At least, I think its a cold. At least, its a monster cough and a low-middle fever. Its spiked at 103 recently and, between boughts of tylonol, regularly reaching 102. And I'm so tired of sleeping, eating, drinking, and repeat....*sigh* My back hurts from lying in bed so much.

Anyway, I think its time I choke some food down.

Ja ne

Ember

First off, I should never watch five episodes of Lain in one day. It does creepy things to the mind, especially when all alone in the house. On the positive side, I got past the evil fourth episode at which I was doomed to be stuck forever.

I also beat FFX-2 with 100% completion on the first run-through. For those of you who don't play games or haven't played this one, you don't know how much fucking work that was. Fortunately, I had a very nice FAQ on hand to guide my every breath (quite literaly in that game). Now its time to run through and kick ass on New Game Plus.

Other than that, I haven't got much to report. All's quiet on the job front, though I'm hoping to hear back from someone soon. That was a hint to the Powers That Be out there in the universe. Jenn's coming down for more interviews tonight, so it seems like someon's getting a job no matter what. I just wish I knew what I was doing.

*sigh*

It also doesn't help that something fucked up with my application. A form wasn't filled out properly. I called the registrar yesterday and they said they'd call back. Of course, that means I had to call them today. Only to have to send the forms along by snail mail. Oh goody. Hopefully, I'll be hired in spite of the bitchiness of the paperwork.

My back's been hurting a hell of a lot lately. I think it may be from too much gaming, but I'm not sure. Either way, I'm ready for a change of pace. Which means I'm more than ready for school to start back up, preferably with me teaching. If not, everyone always needs substitutes.

*sigh*

Anyway, off to cook dinner.

Ja ne

Ember

The above is from FFX-2, which happens to be a decent game, in spite of the bad stuff I've heard about it. Its not pithy or deep in any way, and certainly not as emotionally gripping as some of the other Final Fantasy titles (meaning FF7, FF10 and Tactics from my limited experience) but its good. Very fun. Now, if I could only train myself not to over-level so I actually had to fight instead of fool around for the battle, I'd be set. But eh, over-leveling isn't so bad.

In other news, I have an interview Monday. Fun. The area is a bit better than the last two schools, so perhaps I'll land this job. It'd make me real happy. Hell, I'd be happy with any job.

Speaking of which, my sister got a job working at Wendy's. Her first day was yesterday. She sounded like she enjoyed it. She'll change her tune, I'm sure. Just kidding if you're reading this, Kat. I did always like working at McDonald's, in spite of my bitching. It all depends on how much the managers like you and how much hell your coworkers give you. I was lucky in both respects.

So yeah, nothing else going on. I'm waiting for us to get hot water so I can shower and start my day. I'm not tired enough to head back to bed, but I don't want to take a cold shower. And I physically can't do anything else until I shower. I'm a freak like that. I need to be clean and my hair needs to be washed. Every single fucking day. With HOT water.

Oh yeah, Jon and I broke our bed. Actually, Jenn was there too. We sat on the bed. Yup, that's all. The metal warped and bent and I refused to sleep on it that night. Seriously, it felt like it was going to fold in on itself. So that required a trip to IKEA to spend money we really shouldn't be spending right now on a new bed. But its much sturdier and very nifty.

And I have yet to confess this one to my father. Or his wife. >.>

They can have their matress back by the way, but the offer means I have to confess. <.<

By the way, I've noticed that now that we've graduated, I haven't heard from any LVC friends on here. With the exception of Jenn. Hey peoples, update already, so I know what's going on in your worlds. I refuse to believe that nothing is happening. Of course, I don't think anyone was that regular when we were in school...but still...UPDATE!

Finally, I'm listening to my playlist and I'm thinking that I really like every song coming on the playlist...well, perhaps that's because we're in my favorites folder? I need that shower. Or sleep. Or both...but not at the same time.

Right, time to check that hot water.

Ja ne

Ember

I wanted to show off my new journal! Isn't it pretty?

Damn, I sort of wanted a pithy quote up there. Oh well, too lazy to find out appropiate for my situation. Which is just as well, since this is just another update, not about any specific topic other than myself.

Where to start...

The JOB SEARCH. So far, I've sent out all my applications and been to one interview. Now its just the waiting game. Good thing I'm patient. I'm betting everyone will call next week while I'm on vacation. *nods* That's exactly what will happen. Either way, I'm not worried. If I have to sub for a bit, its no big deal. Together, Jon and I are making enough to support us. And that's what really matters.

On the homefront, I officially decree our house open for public viewing. Everything now has been put away (as much as its going to be) and the house is officially "cleaned". So, to those of you in the area (or not) come visit! Jon and I are not adverse to company one bit. Recently, we picked up a "kitchen" table (its really in the "living room, but its all one big room anyway) and an entertainment center. Jon and I decided we don't even really need a futon, since we're both happy with our mattress on the floor, and we're the ones who ultimately matter.

In addition to the house being clean, I think Jon and I finally have worked through the worst of us moving in together. Its funny, but I never really thought about the stress and adjustments that come with moving in with someone permenantly. We've argued about everything from bills to cleaning, from my cooking to his pack-ratish nature. We've even argued in front of company (sorry about that again, Jenn). But I firmly believe that arguements are good for a relationship and that if a couple isn't arguing it means that someone's just standing aside and taking some shit they shouldn't. Either that, or the couple isn't being entirely honest with each other.

The other big adjustment is for my family. Specifically my sister. I think its been hard on her to realize that I'm NOT living at home anymore. That means I won't be around every day to see her. I live with Jon in our apartment, and my first responsibility (barring emergencies) is to make sure our place is clean, there's food in the fridge and on the table, and to play lots of video games (the last is according to Jon).

Yeah, I had to learn that too. But after a week of running around like a total freak, the point was driven home. I've made my decision and I don't regret it. I enjoy hanging around the apartment.

Now, I should be working on my story, but I think that'll wait until after vacation next week.

See, procrastination doesn't end, even after college.

Ja ne

-Ember

I've been out of college for a whole weekend now. Its a rather intimidating thought.

I've moved into Jon's apartment- not officially with the paperwork and the permement address changes or anything yet- that's all coming when I find the time and energy. Right now, the place is a mess and we need some basic supplies to make it livable. Including a magic wand to clean up all our shit that's all over the floor.

That's actually my job, but its a slow, intimadating process. It goes even slower since I continuously find ways to distract myself. Such as Livejournal.

But, its my only job over the summer. Jon is making enough money that we will both be supported more than adquetly over the summer while I look for a full-time teaching position. Meanwhile, I get to place happy house-fiance and clean our apartment, do the cooking, and laundry and such.

And yes, I said fiance. I'll post a picture of the ring as soon as it gets back from being re-sized. ^_^

I have to drop it off first...I need to go shopping...

Anyway, my plans for the summer- other than applying and cleaning- are video games and finishing my story. If I ever want to become published, then I have to work on it and there's no time like the present.

So, that's my plans for the summer. Those of you who I want to contact me know how, so do so!

Ja ne

Ember