I had a dream job during Summer 2009. I was lucky enough to get a position as a Teacher Ranger Teacher at Grand Teton National Park. I can't express enough how GIDDILY excited I was as I drove through the park entrance station.
enjoyed all of my Ranger duties! 
Life has been good an interesting and now that I'm sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours (for a continuing ed class) I thought I would post... especially since it's been like, a year.
Let's start.
Jaleen and the rest of my Western Slope family to name a few!
I've been knocking things off my Texas To-Do left and right! Not that feeding a baby buffalo was on the list... but when the opportunity presented itself... how could I pass it up!? (The real reason for the trip was to go hunting...)
After feeding time was over, Delane and I set out to kill some hogs. Unfortunately, things got too dark too quickly and although we spotted some, it was too dark to get a good aim. So does this count for marking "hunting" off my list of things to do before I die? I think it does, 'cause not everytime you go out are you successful... but I'd still like to go out agian. Apparently, turkey season is right around the corner... and Delane has invited me back to her land. Clap clap!
2009 has been flying by! It must be because I've been having so much fun. Who would've thought? In San Antonio!?
Volleyball is still going strong. I am getting better and it's fun. Our team has won some and has lost some, but it's been fun all along. I am particularly loving the post-game happy hours. It's been great getting to know my teammates better!
I've marked a few things off my Texas To-Do list this past month. One thing was checking out the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. I went with a free ticket to see Pat Green and ended up getting the show of a lifetime when my friends and I realized it was Extreme Bull Night. Bull-riding galore! It was scary. I remember thinking that my job has it's moments of unnerving... I am SO glad I am not a rodeo clown!
Another thing checked off my list was to see the Institute of Texan Cultures. It just so happened that I made this a reality by convincing the second grade team that they needed to take a field trip there. Voila! Erin's Texas To-Do is one item less! We had SUCH a fun time. The kids were so great... and being with the kids was a wonderful way to experience the museum...
Let's see... let's see... oh! I applied to a program called the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program through the National Parks. I had some great feedback from a ranger at the Grand Tetons... which is my first choice, so I'm hopeful. I've got an interview scheduled next Wednesday, so cross your fingers for me!
In other application news, my "appeal" for Kansas Licensure (to get a KS teaching certificate) has been recommended and will be going to the State Board of Education for final approval at their March meeting! Now I just need to get a teaching job in Kansas. BUT... if it ends up that I stay in SA, I think that will be okay, too. Only time will tell.
Well, I need to get going and packing for my Austin trip this weekend. 1/2 marathon in T-2 days. Yikes!
Oh! One more thing! I am officially done with my ninth grad school class... only three to go! I have my principal exam on March 14th (and my friend Tina's wedding that night!)... the end is near! I can't wait to be done!
I had THE BEST time in New York. Chris was such a great host, taking me on a whirlwind day-in-the-life. It was definitely a fun weekend, but one that would be good to have just once a year. There would be no way I could keep up those kind of shenanigans year round. Highlights include techno on the subway, NYE in Brooklyn, gay dance clubs, walking home to the sun rising, drunk brunch, New Year's Day in the office, Christmas trees and luggage, yummy sushi and bowling at Lucky Strike. And really, just hanging out with my buddy. Six years is too long.
Many of y'all have been wondering when I will be updating this... so, as I sit in Jersey City watching Jeopardy with my buddy Chris, I decided the time is now. Here goes: (by the way, I am totally impressed with Chris's Jeopardy skills)
Mom let me make some Thanksgiving dishes. I decided to make a Paula Dean recipe and give Sweet Potato Balls a go. They were very time intensive but very festive. Overall, I liked the standard SP recipe better, but it was fun to give it a try.
I had a fantastic reunion with my old buddies at Bobby Baker's Lounge in Waldo. This was the third year we've met there. Bobby remembered us and bought us a round of Hot Nuts. Yum. It was so great to catch up with the girls. It's sad we're down to just once a year. Hopefully next Thanksgiving I'll have a place in Waldo and we can have a sleep-over!
Family Scrabble is always a great time... so is Quiddler.
Chloe did my hair. She was really impressed with her work. I asked if she would like me to return the favor and she politely declined. Review the picture. Can you see why she wouldn't have wanted the same lovely style for herself!?
Now it's almost Christmas time. The 3 weeks between holidays went QUICK! There were parties, and shopping for presents... and finishing up my class. I only have 4 classes to go until I have my Masters. Wah-hoo!
"Not much, you?"
Overall, the week has been going well! I registered for the Austin half marathon and am looking forward to getting back into a running regimen. Well, looking forward might be an exaggeration... but I am excited to have a running goal for my future.
Today really made me happy. First, I spent HOURS completing my homework yesterday so that today would be free and clear of any responsibilities. I originally thought I would wake up bright and early and get a head start on the day... but when the alarm went off at 5a.m. I just couldn't make myself get out from under my cozy covers. So I slept in and Isis and I set off on our adventure around 8. Not too shabby!
Lost Maples has been on my "Texas To-Do" list since I've heard about it. According to locals, the best time to go is in the fall when the colors are at their best. Their website even posts weekly pictures of the changing colors! I had high expectations of this fall foliage wonderland. I was a little let down. I think the pictures that are posted on the website are of the only trees in Lost Maples that actually change colors. There really weren't too many. BUT... the park itself was absolutely stunning. The Texas Hill Country is really pretty and the trail Isis and I went on (East Trail) had great scenic overlooks... not to mention the pretty river/creek/stream that went alongside it for part of the way. Isis had fun walking across the water when the trail called for it and met lots of other doggies on the way.
The East Trail was full of surprises. One was a GIANT hill that seemed to go up up up for forever. So basically the trail started under tree-cover, but by the time we made it to the top of the hill it appeared like we were in a barren desert... complete with lots of cactus. Silly me forgot sunscreen (well... forgot may not be the right word. I didn't think I'd need it!) and found myself in the wide open Texas country for about an hour. Needless to say, I got a little sun. Nothing bad though, so don't worry mom. Another surprise was that there were so many people out and about on the trail. That's always nice for me when I'm going solo with Isis... she's really not much of a protector! I met some nice people from Dallas and Arkansas and even some San Antonians!
The drive home was much less eventful. I found my way out just fine... Isis was disgustingly dirty so my first priority when I got home was to give her a much-needed bath. When I grow up, it is a dream of mine to have a mud-room... or something similar. Some neutral place where I can hose her off without creating extra bathroom cleaning for me. Oh! I listened to NPR (what else) on the way home. Emmylou Harris, one of my faves, was on A Prairie Home Companion, so that gave me company on the drive back. I am SO SO SO looking forward to next Saturday when I am going to see Michael Feldman's Waddya Know before I drive home to KC.
My good friend Val from my Cerner days came to visit me this past week. She was at a wedding in Houston and then swung over to SA to spend a few days! We had such a great time. I LOVE VISITORS! The night she arrived we headed straight for downtown to grab a margarita and some ceviche. Next we strolled the Riverwalk and ended up at Dick's Last Resort where there was a crazy group of older sisters having the time of their life. We closed that place down enjoying all of its atmosphere and headed home.
The next day we planned to go hiking at Lost Maples, but it was rainy/thunderstormy and we chose not to risk it since it's a 2-hour drive. Instead we traveled to Gruene. Gruene is a cute little historic-type German town with a lot of crafty and antique items for sale. Val and I had fun browsing through the shops and waiting out the rain. We went to the historic Gruene Hall which is, apparently, one of the oldest established dance halls in Texas where lots of famous country music stars (I don't know any of them) got their start. The bartender was cool and good to talk to. From there we headed to the Gristmill Restaurant, and I crossed it off my list of Texas to-dos! It's a really beautiful place, right on the Guadalupe River and had totally yummy food! After our outing in Gruene Val and I headed back to my place to just chill and relax. That night she helped me put up my Christmas tree! (I know... a little early... but I decided it's more fun to put up my tree with a friend than by myself...). Now my apartment feels very cozy!
For Val's last day (the visit went quick!) we did some typical San Antonio sight-seeing. We started off at the Alamo, which seemed fitting since it was Veteran's Day. I still don't really 'get' the Alamo... but it's a pretty place to walk around. After a quick lunch on the riverwalk we headed to El Mercado... we looked at all the Mexican wares and walked off our lunch. Finally - to the missions! We only had time to check out Mission Concepcion before we had to get to the airport. But if you only have time for one, Concepcion is a good one to see!
Hey y'all. Well, I'm checking things off my "Texas To-Do" list left and right. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but I did check off 'party with mariachis' this past weekend. I went to a friend's 40th birthday and it was quite the event... complete with live music in a beautiful backyard. Definitely fun times. 
It's been a busy last month. Not enough time to sit around and blog about it... so here it is in condensed/list form.
The administrative practicum continues! This time I was approached by my principal after she attended the district principal's meeting. She had two new projects for me. Apparently, Priest Holmes was at her meeting. When she mentioned it, I was like... "Hey! Isn't he a Kansas City Chief!?" Shows how much I know. I guess he retired from football last year. As it turns out, he grew up in San Antonio and that's where he now lives doing, among other things, a foundation for kids. And now I'm in charge of pushing this foundation on our campus and creating some sort of nomination form for kiddos to get selected for a chance to attend a Spurs game. So there you have it.
My other project is something called Education on Demand which I'm still awaiting details on. From what I understand it will involve loading a bus full of kiddos and staff (and me!) and heading to the AT&T center for some education rally. I think it should be fun... now if I only knew more.
Chloe was looking for a study break and alerted me to the fact that my blog has not been updated recently... so what was she to do with her study break? Well, here you go Chlo... my week in list format.
After a rough first week at school and a weekend filled with homework (thank God there's only a week left for these two classes... then I'm halfway done with my program!!) I decided to have a day dedicated to (at least one) thing(s) I love. Isis and I got in the car bright and early and headed out on an hour and a half long drive to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. On the list of things I need to do before leaving Texas, Enchanted Rock was near the top. I've heard so many great things about it! So, on our way we went... until something nearly catastrophic happened! Out in the middle of nowhere (aka the Texas Hill Country) the air conditioning in my car stopped working. I was cruising along at about 75mph so I turned off the A/C and cooled off 
with the windows down. Then I looked at my dashboard and did a (Scrubs) J.D. head-cock and wondered what could be wrong. Something didn't look right. Then I noticed it. I was overheating. I immediately put my hazards on and started crawling down the interstate at 45mph. A quick call to my dear old dad and I knew I needed help soon. Lucky for me, my exit to Enchanted Rock was right up ahead!
wait for 4 hours... it also turns out that that very same boyfriend also had a wife that showed up about an hour later... also willing to sign him up for the job. Not to fear! Another lady (not involved in the previous, strange, relationship) appeared and told me to wait; she'd go home and get her husband. And that's exactly what she did! Her hubby Shawn really helped me out. We filled up my radiator tub-thing and chewed the fat while he messed with the A/C and stepped on the gas. Turns out my car was just thirsty... and really... could you blame it in the hot, Texas heat? So I went on my way confident that neither I, nor my vehicle, would blow up... at least today. 
you. While I am not a fan of Texas, I am a fan of the hill country. First, it's beautiful. Second, the people are helpful and friendly. Third (and this is my favorite reason of all), when you are driving down the road and the person in front of you is going too slow, THEY WILL MOVE INTO THE SHOULDER FOR YOU TO PASS! It's very fun and exciting and a country practice I took part in today both as a passer and a pasee. 
Today was an exciting day for me. Last year, I worked closely with my AP in beginning the discussion of having a peer mediation program on our campus. Although Mr. U isn't at our campus anymore, the program is something I feel strongly about so today I approached my principal and informed her that I would be moving forward with it. Amigos in Mediation, developed by the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center, is a comprehensive program that enables STUDENTS to resolve their own problems... under the guidance of their teachers... but through their own process. How cool!! I have a terrific group of educators from my campus that are excited to be involved with the project and today we met to hash out some of the basics. I really am so blessed to work with amazing people that do what's best for kids... even if it means giving up a Saturday for training or their conference period to monitor mediation sessions. Clap clap! So I spoke with my contact at Bexar County and it looks like we're set to go. The next steps will be to nominate and select our students, make a presentation at the Parent Organization meeting and get going with the conflict resolution. While I don't think that my elementary school will see significant mediations requested... I am super excited about the ramifications for the program in the future. We'll be one of 2 (of 14) elementary schools in the district with the program... but 2 of the middle schools and both of the high schools currently have AIM in place. Our students will be one step ahead with their knowledge of conflict resolution! I am thrilled to be developing these skills in the kiddos early... I'm sure it will come in handy as they grow and develop and face all of the challenges that secondary schools bring.
Today during the most boring and pointless of all professional developments I have ever attended, my colleagues and I discussed Texas musts. The conversation began when I admitted I had never indulged in a frito pie. Like never hearing of Pat Green, this too was absurd to my Texas-bred buddies. What else has Erin never experienced in Texas? What else MUST she do before she leaves the Lone Star State? Among the list came going to the coast. This is a time-honored tradition and one I have never participated in. Although I've never been invited to a weekend at one of the many coastal-city-hotspots, my friends knew there was something else keeping me from the sea. After all, I do lots of things by myself... so why not the beach? Well, I AM prone to sunburn. But the sun isn't the real problem - I do, after all, know how to apply sunscreen. I DO have a fear of underwater ocean animals. But that's probably more of an excuse than anything serious. The real reason, I confided in them, is that I don't quite feel comfortable tooling around in a swimsuit... whether or not I know anyone at the beach. I have some body esteem issues. And that's that. I really did anticipate some nodding heads of understanding and/or some similar stories pertaining to bathing-suit self esteem. Instead, my friend Sheri nearly knocked me upside the head in the kind way that she has and exclaimed, "Erin! You completed a marathon and you have a body esteem problem?! Get real!" And that is when some things kind of clicked in my head. Maybe I don't look exactly the way I want to. Perhaps I don't have the figure I'd ultimately like to have. When it all comes down to it... while it still matters to me... it doesn't REALLY matter. After all, my body - no matter the size or shape - did something that other bodies (even some more svelte and chiseled frames) never have. And that is catapult itself 26.2 miles. A quote I became especially fond of on the race course stated "I run because the mind is stronger than the body." I always thought that applied to me given the body that I have. And while my mind did help get me across the finish line, it was ultimately my body that moved me from the start to the finish. So thanks Sheri for saying what you did. I'm not completely cured by any means, but it is funny how a quick comment can begin to change your perspective.
