2009 coming to an end...

As 2009 comes to an end, I feel the need to reflect back on what all has happened...

When the year began, I was teaching PE at a local elementary school and loving it! Roy was getting his business up and moving. They made it one year in March and are still going strong. I feel like he gets more business as the months go on, which is great!

Spring came around and there was a ton of buzz about teachers being laid-off. I happened to be one of those teachers. I spent all summer looking for a job, not only in teaching but in just about anything I felt qualified for. (I was rejected for a file clerk position due to lack of experience! Ha Ha Ha) I occupied some of my time teaching swim lessons and hanging out at the beach with friends.

The school year started again in August, but not with me. I was still hunting for a job. This was the time that I became an Educational Consultant with Discovery Toys. I am still loving this job - I am selling a product that I believe in, that is great, and has passed the test of time.

I started substituting in October. This is a fun job - I show up, follow the teacher plans for the day, and go home. It is like being a teacher without all the paperwork, plans, and parents! Substituting has kept me busy and I am enjoying going to all of the different elementary schools in the area. I have not been brave enough yet to take on the middle or high school kids. Looking back now, I think being laid-off in June was a blessing in disguise.

With all this said, I am hoping for a fabulous December and a wonderful memory to leave 2009 with. Wishing all of you reading a great end to your year and an even better start to 2010!

Fall is here - let holiday shopping begin!

I am loving being an Educational Consultant with Discovery Toys! I recently had a party with a few friends where I talked about the wonderful toys. 10 days later when the box arrived on my doorstep, it was like a little mini-Christmas. Discovery Toys are great for all ages of children and even fun for adults to play with their children. I am posting the holiday gift sets flier because I believe that these are great packages at only $99 each. Please get in touch with me if you want to know more about Discovery Toys - rachel.discoverytoys@gmail.com

Summer is gone...

June, July, and August have come and gone. It was a great summer - Roy and I spent time with family, friends, and neighbors. Many a Tuesday evening were spent out at Bands on the Beach enjoying free music. There were cook-outs and dinners out at great local restuarants.

Both of my brothers live in town, so we also spent time with them. Adam and his wife bought a house that they are remodeling slowly. I have been over to help paint, tear down walls, tear out shrubs, and of course relax in their pool after a hard days' work. Jason is still working on his MBA and still marketing director for Roy's company (Integrated Surroundings).

Personally, I have been taking on new adventures. I was not re-hired as a teacher. I did join the Discovery Toys team and am learning all about the comapny. I am an Educational Consultant who promotes the company's toys, ideas, and beliefs. (teach. play. inspire.) I have had to basically start my own business, but I am loving it. My website is www.discoverytoyslink.com/rachel

I will update as things change and fall comes upon us.

SUMMER

Where do I begin...

June 8 was my official last day with SRCSD - that was the day I joined the unemployed citizens of this country. I am still crossing my fingers and hoping that another teaching job will come along. This change also impacted my status as the GBHS swim coach because without a county job, you cannot coach a team. Time will tell what my future holds.

I have not become a couch potatoe this summer. I have been and still am teaching swim lessons at The Club. Monday through Thursday afternoons I can be found pool side with kids. I have also helped Adam and Tracy when I can because messing up someone else's house is fun! They know I will help put it back together too.

I am also exploring other job opportunities just in case a teaching job doesn't appear by August 17. Some of those explorations include a Gym & Swim Pre-school class at The Club (where I teach swim lessons now), working at a very cute gift shop, or possibly selling children's toys. All of these are options right now, but I am kinda holding out hope for a teaching job.

More to come as opportunities present themselves...

Almost summer...

I currently have 11 days left with students until August! Unfortunatley at this time, I have no idea what I will be teaching next school year - time will tell. All I know is that I still love teaching 6 years after graduating college with an Elem. Edu. degree.

Roy's business is still going strong. He seems to be busier than ever helping people update and ro-do their home sound systems and televisions. I can say that he still loves what he does and tells me about all the "cool" things he does in some of his clients' houses.

Our dogs are still "puppies" and go crazy most every day. They love to be outside especially when the sprinklers come on and when it rains. Oh, and they love when we walk them down to the water to play.

All-in-all, the Pedersen household is going good and ready for summer.

Spring

Spring has sprung! Things in the Pedersen house are moving right along. Hard to believe that we have lived here almost two years now! I can't ask for a better place to be. More posts later :)

My forgotten resolution

So, I know I said this blog would be my new years resolution. I haven't written in a very long time because I forgot about it! Thank goodness for my sister-in-law who updated hers.

Since the first of the year, things have been fine. Roy is still plugging away at his company and I am still teaching PE. This time of year is the best for teaching outside all day. I have become addicted to certain tv shows - Grey's, Private Practice, American Idol. We had a great time watching the Super Bowl at our friend's house (even though we were rooting for the Cardinals).

We recently went to spend a weekend with my dad - Adam, Tracy, Jason, Lauren, and all our dogs were there too! That is 7 people and 6 dogs in one house for a weekend that included rain, rain, and more rain. Dad's poor yard got wrecked. While we were there, we went over to Bay St. Louis, MS to visit the g'rents. My aunt and uncle from Alaska came in for the weekend as well as their 3 kids and significant others. There were some relatives from Texas that came in too. I think the head count made it to 22 for the big BSL parade. Did I mention that this fabulous weekend was also Valentine's weekend...

Sorry that I don't have any new pics - I can't seem to find my camera lately. I will try to be better about keeping my resolution current :)

Happy New Year!

Well, Roy and I made it to 2009. We had a wonderful New Year's Eve with family and friends. We cooked out, played some games, and hung around a couple fire pits where we burned our christmas tree. The evening was great and 2009 is off to a good start.