dgoldbaum81

Absolutely. If spending were controlled, each candidate would have a fair chance. Perhaps, then, we could get a viable third party in the USA.

Things have changed considerably since my last post. I did not get accepted to the teaching fellowship, but it has turned out for the best. Right around the time I was interviewing for the fellowship, I began to get writing gigs. In February, I took the plunge and joined Examiner.com even though it is only a revenue sharing site. They do occasionally have other bonuses as well. Joining that site helped me establish a web presence which led to more writing gigs.

I now write SEO (Search Engine Optimization) content and was recently accepted as a research paper editor on EditLift.I am still writing for the Left Hand Valley Courier, which is a local monthly based in Niwot, CO. I also am working on developing my own business now that I can offer SEO, which is in high demand right now.

My personal life is going pretty well also. I just achieved yellow belt rank in Karate and Ian and I are in the process of buying a house.

I was initially hesitant to go back towards a teaching career, but I feel like it's the right thing to do. I am applying to a teaching fellowship. I went to the information session last night and had my questions answered and most of my fears quelled. I am really excited about working with kids again and I am at peace now that I have a goal to reach. The fellowship is quite a neat program. Fellows agree to work in one of the two districts in the partnership for 5 years, they get a Master's paid for, a small stipend the first year, and a teacher's salary from the 2nd year on. It's highly competitive, but seems like it has great support for new teachers in the program. Also, my dad has agreed to pay my application fees as a Chanukah present which helps relieve the financial pressure.

I've gotten three tutoring/editing clients with it. I also use it for games and other time wasting activities.

The new year seems to be starting off on the right track. I had a job interview on Thursday that seemed to go well. I also got an email for a tutoring gig (very close to home) that's three days a week. It would be tutoring a 2nd grader who is in a dual immersion program. I also have a lead on a writing gig. If I were able to combine all of these, I might actually have a decent income. I'm really enjoying the Longmont Chorale and helping out on their advertising committee. I also love how appreciative they are of volunteers.

Puddo (Cuddles) the dog's name.

Today has been a pretty good day other than the usual. I wrote my official resignation letter today and will put it in the assistant principal's hands in the next couple of days. I'm finishing out the semester. I've now got a couple irons in the fire for the summer and/or fall. I am looking into a couple of positions that are open at a charter high school here. The high school is aimed towards serving new immigrants. I also got a call about working for an interpreting company. I need to call them back tomorrow, but that is so exciting! I had to share that with everyone.

I think cell phones have had the worst influence on people's behavior in public. They have private conversations really loudly. They stay on the phone even when they are walking up to the clerk in a store. So many people drive with them and swerve in-between lanes or don't look when they're turning. That's only the beginning.

I successfully passed my defense today and will graduate in a couple of days. Granted, I still have some revisions to do, but that's how it usually goes. I'm just glad I can breathe a sigh of relief. I am getting ready to get formally married in about 8 months. Once I land a job my whole life will finally be in order. Yay! I'm not sure what else to say but I am looking forward to my graduation and then Christmas with the in-laws in Arkansas. Hope everyone is doing well too.

Ian gave me the engagement ring/wedding set for my birthday. I thought, for those of you who are not on facebook, I would post the pictures here.