Here's to a happy Christmas and almost new year

         Apparently I'm averaging about a month between blogs. My first resolution for the new year will be to do my best to cut that at least in half, promise!
         Wish I could say that the last month has been filled with excitement and many fun stories to share, but in reality I subbed almost every day-a great accomplishment for December, and spent about a week sick with a cold that just would not quit! I did dive back into my knitting. I'm actually getting pretty good at scarves, beanies, however, are still a work in progress, but I'm no quitter.
          About two weeks ago, during that week with the awful cold, I interviewed for a long-term sub position at a local elementary school. The job was for a half time teacher of English Language Learners. Another teacher I work with recommended me for the job back around my birthday. Since it just so happened to coincide nicely with my master's endorsement in ESOL I applied as soon as I returned from Vegas. Never heard a thing. Before Thanksgiving I called to see if the position had been filled. I was told that I had not been considered due to the fact that I did not already possess the necessary endorsement. Once I mentioned that I was in school for my masters including middle and ESOL endorsements I was instructed to add it to my application because the job was being reposted.
         Another few weeks went by before I recieved a call about an interview. Good thing I called to check what was up right? The interview went ok, but being a bit sick and froggy my normal Rachael charm was significantly turned down. When I got a call about an intake interview last week I was a bit surprised. I had basically talked myself out of NOT wanting the job just in case I didn't get it. The only person I told about my interview was my dad. I feel like we are on the same page about interviewing for positions and not wanting to disappoint the people we care about. Anyways, no need for that as I was offered the position and start the fourth of January. I guess I got one of my Christmas presents early this year. So wish me luck in my first official teaching job in the United States, I still of course count Thailand as my FIRST full time teaching job ever. I already miss my life as a middle school teacher, but as I have Fridays off I'll be checking in at Rowe from time to time. Better start channeling my elementary teacher again...
         On another note, we had a wonderful Christmas at the Fetrow house. I'm also happy to say we were able to share the holidays with the Gesslers and Buzos, whom I consider extended family :) Hope all of your holidays were filled with family, friends and lots of love as well. Here's to new surprises in store for 2010!