Super 8 was not so Super! Neither has my Job Search.

Just finished watching the movie Super 8 today with the kids. The movie had great special effects; however, the best acting of the movie did not come from the adults, it came from the kids. The kids did an outstanding job, outshining their adult counterparts. The story about the ***** (don't want to spoil the movie), was a little disappointing; but the story surrounding the kids and their families was much better. I thought the movie would be better than what I expected it to be; still I give it a thumbs up, just not a "Super" thumbs up.

On a totally separate note: I have been busy looking for full/part-time work since mid December. I am on a list of people to call to fill in shifts at Starbucks, until a position opens up for me to work regular scheduled shifts again. I finished an in-service to become a sub for Mansfield ISD yesterday and should start substituting for them next week. There is a full-time Composite Social Studies teacher position open at one of their High Schools and I am on a list of teachers to be interviewed for that job. That particular school also is getting a new principal so the interviews will not start until the after the first of February. In the meantime I also interviewed for an Assistant Manager job at the local CineMark Theater. Will hear back from them later this week. So, my job searching hasn't been real "Super" either; however, it is looking up and maybe I will be busy working again soon.

2012 - Day 3 - It's a Smallville After All

Day 3 of 2012 begins with me filling out a job application to become a sub and a Math tutor for Mansfield ISD. Once again, I am looking for a new job. Don't really wish to discuss how/why I need to do this, just back job hunting mode again. I am also going to be working at Starbucks again, hopefully for at least 20 + hours a week, so I can get insurance for me and the kids.

I have also started watching Smallville on DVD. My kids started watching it with their cousins over the holidays and now they want to get it through Netflix. So I borrow Season 1 from my sister-in-law and I am trying to catch up to the kids, so we can watch the rest of it together.

I am also trying to help my kiddos do a little catch up work with their home-schooling so they will be ready to re-enter public schools next year.

Sorry about the corny pun in the title! :)

Spaghetti-Tacos and Other News

Thanks to the Nickelodeon television show iCarly, my family tried a dish called Spaghetti-Tacos last night for dinner. They were actually pretty good. You just make spaghetti, like normal, then put in some taco shells. Yummy and crunchy.

It seems my Texas Rangers are working hard to make the playoffs. Thanks to some great pitching and (cough, couch...gag....) the New York Yankees, the Rangers are tied for the wild-card spot. They are even making a race out of the Western Division by being just 3.5 games out of first place. If we could just keep beating those dang Angels.

My son Caleb, just got back from High School band camp last week. I can't believe he is a Freshman in High School this year. Just to drive the point home, he picked up his schedule for his Freshman year, along with his textbooks and school ID.

My search for a full-time job has yet to bear much fruit. All of the local schools filled their staff positions for the upcoming school year; and I have yet to get an interview with any other place I have applied for. I sent in an resume today to work with the Texas Department for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse today. Keep praying that something comes up soon.

Also I have two books to recommend for reading. The first is called Crazy Love by Frances Chan, the second is called Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. Both books will challenge your thoughts about how you view Christianity in today's world.

Feeling Puny and It's not Fun

I'm not feeling to well today. I am feeling nauseous and dizzy when I'm either sitting up or walking around, and I get a really bad headache when I lay down to rest. I hope I feel better tomorrow.

On a more hopeful note...I had a job interview with Marshall ISD yesterday and I have a pending interview with Gilmer ISD later this week. (I hope I feel better).

Being out of full-time work is not fun either. I keep getting these e-mails regarding working from home by doing work on-line. I have gotten e-mails regarding selling weight-loss products, processing rebates and advertising on Google or Facebook. It is really tempting to invest the $50-$150 initial investments and try to do those jobs. I have tried a couple in the past and it did not work out so well. The ads can be very deceiving and you must all of the ad, including the extremely small print. I would ask if any of you have tried these types of at-home jobs to let me know if they really work, but since I do not know you personally, it would be hard to believe what you said anyway.

Last random note...I hate the commercial where Ronald McDonald "creates" stars and galaxies for the kids, visiting his home in the Golden Arches, to see. Who does McDonald's think that clown is, God? I don't think so.

Prayer Request for Jamie and the Family

I am requesting prayer request for my wife, Jamie. She just got word from her doctor that she is going to need surgery to remove some fibrositic type cells from one of her breast. It is not cancer, it is just a mass of cells that if left untreated could turn into pre-cancer cells. We are pretty sure insurance will cover most or all of the cost, but we would like prayers for all of this just in case.

Also, I filled out two more applications for local schools who have positions I am qualified for. I am waiting to hear back from them. I need another full-time job soon especially since I may be getting a small cut in hours from my part-time job at Mardel.

We also want prayers for our upcoming Dynamic Marriage class starting in Sept.

I know God is Sovereign; however, I am starting to get frustrated (especially since I am causing the rest of my family stress, because of my lack of a full-time job. Come on God, isn't enough, enough.

Sad News From the Job Hunting Front

It seems that Pine Tree ISD has decided to go with a different someone instead of hiring me to teach 9th Grade Algebra. I got the call this morning around 10:00 a.m. letting me know the news.

It is very hard not to loose a little faith during this time of non-full-time work. I thought for sure I had the job, but I guess God has a different plan for me. I wish he would let me know what exactly that plan is!

On a little bit of good note, after returning to work from my lunch break, the manager informed me that he had accidently overstaffed the workers for tonight, and asked if I wanted to take the rest of the day off. So here I am at home starting to prepare for my family's last mini-vacation to Hot Springs, Arkansas next week.

I will fill out a couple of new job applications tonight to mail before we take off. The Job Hunt continues. Pray I keep my chin up and my focus on God. It's getting tough.

Waiting with the Fleas

It has been six days since my interview with Pine Tree ISD about teaching 9th Grade Algebra. Last time I spoke to the Principal, she was still trying to reach a few more of my references. It seems even references like to take vacations. She assured everything was still looking good though.

Sigh....

I wish I knew if I had the job for sure before my family goes on our last vacation of the summer next week. We are going to Hot Springs, Arkansas. We plan to soak in some the hot springs, visit Magic Springs/Crystal Falls and go to some kind of Botanical Gardens (I'll get back with you the name later). I'm saying this now because I might forget to blog again before we leave on Monday.)

Meanwhile we are trying to get rid of some fleas in our home. Our dog, Schnitzel, has found some fleas. We have sprayed the yard with chemicals, given the dog baths with anti-flea shampoo, we have vacuumed the furniture and carpets (and got rid of the bags), and sprayed the inside of the house. Still they persist. We could bomb the house, but we have to find something to do with the cat. We will prevail!

I'm Back For Good - I Hope!

Once again it's been awhile since I have been blogging.

My search for a new full-time job may be almost over. I had an interview with Pine Tree ISD to be their new 9th Grade Algebra teacher. Considering I barely pulled off C averages in Algebra in High School, I have come a long way. I thought the interview went well & I was told not to take another job until the Principal calls me back, so I'm taking that as a good sign.

I took the test to become certified to teach 4-8th Grade Math a week ago Saturday. I am waiting on my score to come back. I plan on taking the test to get certified to teach 8-12th Grade Math before the end of the year (August at the earliest!). It is my lack of knowledge in the fields of upper-level Trigonometry and Calculus that I'm worried about on the 8th-12th Math test. I am going to have to study hard and take some teacher help classes at the local Education Service Center to get ready for that bad boy.

My Texas Rangers fell out of first place since I last blogged. Maybe it's the stress about their owner, Tom Hicks, who is trying to sell his majority interest in the club. I am still routing for my team and hope they can pull it back together soon and pull off a playoff spot.

In the meantime, I am still working part-time at Mardel and trying not to get to addicted to Facebook's Mafia Wars.

I am glad to be back...I missed my few blogger friends I follow and who occasionally follow me as well.

I've Been So Busy I Haven't Been Able to Blog

It's been a crazy month of May for my family and me. 

I am still looking for full-time work after budget cuts cost me my former full-time job, back in April. I am working near full-time at Mardel Christian Stores; however, at just over minimum wage, it is just under half of what I was making per month at my last job. 

I have signed up to take an additional Teaching Certification in Math. I took a practice test today and only got 3 out of 30 correct. Oh yea, forgot to tell you I signed up to take a Math 8-12 Grade test. I didn't even understand the question on the questions concerning upper level Trigonometry and Calculus. Because of my poor showing I changed the test I am taking from Math 8-12 to Math 4-8. This only covers levels up to Algebra and Geometry with a hint of basic Trigonometry. I take the test in late June. Wish me luck. 

I have filled out applications for three school districts; Kilgore College, and at least 4 other places that are not education institutions. So far no takers except I do need to write an official letter of interest for the Kilgore Collge job and mail it to them. I will do that as soon as I finish this blog. 

My kids start their last week of the school year next week. They only go three days (not counting Monday -- Memorial Day) then it's Summer fun. Next year Caleb will be a Freshman in High School (is he really that old?) and Rachel will be a 7th Grader. We have already been given the speech about how we should join the Band Booster Club and support our Band students. The fun is just starting. 

I have also been feeling sick and puny a lot recently. I missed Monday because of an upset stomach and general aches and pains. Today, I went to work only to throw up in the customer bathroom. I hope it is not the Swine Flu. Today's illness I am going to blame on some bad food. I hope I am feeling better and back to work on Monday. I have tomorrow off anyway. 

I also need to make some major life-style changes. I have been watching my beautiful bride, Jamie, do a total nutritional/diet change over the past few weeks. She is healthier, and loosing some excess pounds she has been wanting to get rid of. I too need to take charge of my food addiction and change my life-style. Getting older is not easier and I need to take care of myself before my blood-pressure and cholesterol take care of me for good. 

Out of my recently posted list of movies I want to watch, I did watch Star Trek. It was good. I am interested to see what they do with the new time-line they established. Oops, did I ruin the plot?

In the Mafia & Job Update

As a member of Facebook, I am often asked to join many of the application games that Facebook & Friends has to offer. I have turned down many of them, but one I joined recently is Mafia Wars. It is yet another very addictive game, much like Mouse Hunt. Currently I am at level 13 and trying to fend off various mob attacks from rival mobs. I have 14 members in my family, counting me. 

I am still working part-time at Mardel Christian Stores in Longview and I have put out several applications at local school districts. I am hoping to take the Math certification test in June so I can teach Math. If I pass that test, I will almost certainly be able to choose which school I wish to work for, as all the local districts are looking for good Math teachers. 

I Am Now Currently Unemployed.

I went to work this morning expecting to do what I always do, make as many contacts as possible to try and fill marriage education classes with couples waiting to get married or couples who seek to improve their marriages. I came to work despite the fact that on Monday I found out that I would no longer be a full-time employee for Twogether in Texas, or the Longview Wellness Center (soon to be called Wellness Pointe), at the end of the month. 

At 8:50 a.m. I was called into my Program Director's office and told that I am being let go NOW. Why? The reason I got was that I had just shown signs of "losing heart and the desire to finish out my job in a proper fashion." What the .....? What do you mean I have lost heart. I just added three more couples to a class yesterday. I even spoke to another potential provider. 

They said because I had started organizing my files and e-mailing them to my Project Director, with more than a week left before I was supposed to be let go, it showed that I was already showing signs of trying to let other people do my job for me. I thought I was just being courteous and trying to give people a "heads up" to things they may want to be aware of after I left. I was still keeping those files updated and correct and I would have until the last day I was working there. Apparently that day was today. 

They were also upset that I had already taken some steps to start trying to help myself find another job. They found out that I had signed up to take a test to try and get certified to teach Math and that it played a part in me not accepting a part-time paid consultant job they offered me in lieu of not being able to keep me full-time. You were letting me go right? I do have the right to try and make myself as marketable as possible to help me find another job, right?

So, I turned in my computer, cell-phone, and my last pay-check will be mailed to me next week. They at least told me they would not contest me filing for unemployment and they would write letters of recommendation for me. I am waiting to fill out the exit-interview form before I write something very ugly on it. 

I still think very highly of marriage education and what the mission statement is for Twogether in Texas. I, at least at the moment, do not think very highly of how the past few days have transpired. I never lost my desire to do my job to the fullest, I think they just couldn't stand to see me there taking any more money than I had to when they could use it somewhere else.

Now I am sitting at home, looking over job openings in the Longview area and beyond. I plan to make job hunting my new career after I return from the Easter weekend visit to my in-laws and LTC in Dallas. Wish me luck! 

Hoping For Some Good News

Sorry for not posting in a few days, I have been putting off posting a new blog until I knew for sure I had a new job! My "third and final interview" is today at 4:00 pm. I should now then if I really have the job. Everything is looking great as far as me working there; they have contacted all my references, they are making copies of meeting I will miss "Tomorrow", and they are working around my current work schedule to meet with me for the interviews. I will let you know later today how things go! Just keep praying!!!

Unbelievable...Josh Hamilton!

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton put on a spectacular show at this year's MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby. Hamilton hit 28 home runs in the first round, 4 more in the second, and then hit 4 more in the final round. I was practically yelling for joy for Josh every time the ball sailed over the fence. To bad for Josh that fellow AL All-Star Justin Morneau, of the Minnesota Twins, hit 6 in the final round to become the 2008 Home Run Derby Champion. I really thought it was great that Josh Hamilton thanked, "My LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ," for his success in overcoming his life's problems and success in the Derby. Way to go Josh! (Hamilton is pictured on the left in the photo, Morneau is on the right)

On a more personal note: I have a "third and final" interview with the Longview Wellness Center about the job as Healthy Marriage Outreach Coordinator. Keep me in your prayers.

Waiting and More Waiting

Waiting seems to be my occupation at the present time.

As of today I am waiting to hear back from my latest job interview. It went very well, so well in fact that I was called back for a second interview and they have started to check my work references. That's good right? I should know by the end of the day or at the latest , Tuesday of next week. So, that leaves me waiting. (I will continue to scour the want-ads in the meantime though, just in case.)

I am also waiting for 3:30p.m. to arrive. This is the time I get off work today. After work my wife and I will be heading back to Howe, TX to pick up our children. They have been spending a week with their cousins (my wife's sister's kids). Before we head home; however, we will be going to watch the Texas Rangers play baseball on Saturday. I am really anxious to go to this game. So, once again I am waiting. Dang clock!

What can I learn from all this waiting? God works on His own schedule, not mine. God has always provided for my family (despite some very stupid mistakes on our part) and he does it on His own good time. Several times when my wife and I have been looking for jobs, God has literally waited until the last day to provide us with our new job. He seems to be doing this again with my recent job search. I really need to learn to be still and patient; listen to what God is trying to tell me. I am trying God, I am trying. While I am waiting though, could you take away my OCD so I am not freaking out during all of this waiting? : )

How Healthy Marriages are Important to a Community

As part of my job interview tonight I am supposed to make a three-minute speech about How healthy marriages are important to a community. Here is what I am planning on saying, barring any last minute changes....

Why I Think Healthy Marriages Are Important to a Community

I believe strong and healthy marriages are essential to the growth and development of the community. They can impact a community on several levels.

Healthy marriages most visibly impact our community in the effects they have on our children. Parents in healthy marriages have the potential to shape the future of their society in how they impact their children. Children learn many of their moral principles and guidelines in life from their parents. It is upon that foundation of beliefs, that future generations will conduct not only their personal lives, but how they conduct business, treat others, and their own children.

Speaking from personal experiences, I have witnessed the impact of both healthy and unhealthy marriages on today’s children. Children who come from strong marriages tend to be more well rounded in their beliefs, their commitment to education, and their treatment of their fellow students and teachers. Children from healthy marriages have a greater self-esteem and a greater sense of wanting to achieve goals and ambitions that will benefits others. Children from healthy marriages have better problem solving skills and a wiliness to help others solve problems as well. Children from healthy marriages are less likely to involve themselves in destructive behaviors in order to seek the love and acceptance that children from unhealthy marriages often do. Healthy marriages, more often than not, produce healthy children. Children who grow up in healthy marriages generally do not become burdens to their community when they reach maturity. Instead they seek out ways to improve the community as well as their own families and marriages.

A community will often spend large amounts of time of money attempting to help children of unhealthy marriages. They will create programs to treat addictive behaviors, such as drugs, alcohol and sex. They will create programs to promote abstinence, in order to curtail teen pregnancies and the spread of STD’s. A community will hire specialize police officers to deal with growing gang violence. Schools will spend money on specialized buildings and teachers to house students who cannot function in a school environment. Cities will build prisons to house the most violent of children. All of this can be stopped or reduced if a community would focus on the root of these problems; the break-up of our families.

Truly healthy marriages produce young adults who are better equipped to handle the challenges of today’s world. These children would have seen first hand how to properly handle disagreements between adults. They would have witnessed first-hand how husbands and wives show love and respect to each other. These children would have a moral set of rules to live by, that when consistently enforced, will teach them how to show respect to authority and live by the laws of the community. These children would have been taught the proper ways to budget and spend money, so that they will not spend beyond their means and have to rely upon the charity of others to help them. These children will have learned how to show charity to others, so they become partners in recovery for those in need, rather than idle watchers.

Healthy marriages show a community’s commitment and hope towards the future. It shows that a community has not adopted the “throw away” attitude of the rest of the world. When a community shows that it is committed to saving the most sacred of institutions, then a community will put forth that same effort in how it conducts business and how it treats its fellow communities.

As you can see having healthy marriages are not just the “moral thing” to do, they are a vital part, if not the life-blood of a thriving and growing community. Don’t you agree?

7-22-08 -- This blog earned a Genius reading level! Cool...maybe this is why I got the job!

Job Interview

I finally have a job interview! It is with the Longview Wellness Center for the position of Healthy Marriage Outreach Coordinator. This job seems to be a perfect fit for what I love to do. It is working with an agency that focuses on healthy families, including healthy marriages. This agency is also responsible for the VOW Program, that my wife and I attended. It is a great program, that I think this job will be working with. The interview is Wednesday evening.

Pray that all goes well and, that no matter what happens, that I keep my focus on GOD as my provider.

New Job Possibility -- Again

For those of you praying for me and my job situation, here is another job possibility you can pray for.

OUTREACH COORDINATOR Healthy Marriage Outreach Coordinator wanted. Solid organizational and interpersonal skills are necessary. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred. At least three years of outreach/ marketing related experience required. Bachelors Degree in a relevant area of study preferred. Computer literacy in MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel programs. Strong oral & written skills are imperative. This is a full-time position with a great benefit package. Some travel & overnight trips may be required. Reliable transportation & insurance essential. We need friendly, people oriented applicants.

This job seems to fit right up my areas of expertise. The only thing lacking is possible marketing experience, but I am sure, if they look at my experience elsewhere, this can be compensated for. I do speak a little Spanish, and I am willing to learn more.

I am willing to do whatever God wants me to do, but this job sounds great. Pray that God works miracles with me. Thanks.

New Job Possibility & Other Stuff.

Today I found out that the High School in the school district my children attend has a Social Studies teacher position open. I quickly called to verify that the district had my current application and resume and then I e-mailed my resume and a nice cover letter to the Principal. Pray that I at least get an interview. It would be great to work on the same schedule as my kids.

I am so looking forward to the Texas Rangers baseball game on July 12th. I haven't been to a game all year and I am itching for some live baseball. I hope to see several Rangers who have made the All-Star team this year. Some of our Rangers deserve to be on the team.

Our home-based business Four English Peas Travel is slowly picking up a few clients. The recent rise in gas prices may be affecting the number of people who plan to travel this year. All the same if you plan on going on a vacation or planning on doing any traveling, check out our site. The prices you find are comparable or better than the leading other travel based sites, which I won't mention by name.

I also have created a Facebook account for anyone who cares to view it. It is sort of like a blog, but not.

I plan on doing the "If Your Life Was a Movie" blog about the music soundtrack sometime soon. Just haven't had a lot of free time at home recently.

Job Hunt 2008 -- Update

My recent efforts to secure a new job have not yet produced fruit. I have applied for thee different school districts in the area and have looked for open positions in several areas outside of education. So far, zip, Nada, nothing! The only jobs outside of education that I find even remotely interesting or I am qualified for are, on-line survey taker or selling insurance. Selling insurance requires a lot of traveling around the area, that I currently cannot afford to do. The teaching jobs I have applied for have not yet called me for an interview. I know this process can take a while for schools, but I really want to know where I will be working at the end of July.

My wife and I have even considered looking into jobs in the Dallas metroplex area. Irving and some communities in Northern Dallas have nice school districts and communities to live in. The cost of living is higher though. Plus, our kids would have to start all over making new friends.

My only options are at this moment are to take two or more part-time jobs until something else comes along. I used to be a waiter and I did work some retail, so that's a start right? Will they hire a 41 year old guy to do that?

Keep praying that God works quickly! I still have faith.