October 3rd we moved from Bellevue to Mercer Island so I could be closer to work. That's right...I live on an island. I never thought I'd actually say that. It is actually nestled between Seattle and Bellevue, and a major freeway goes through the north end of it. Driving on the I-90 you might never know you were on an island, but it's true! So far we really like it. For one, our place faces west which is vital in Seattle. It is also a bit bigger and fits our stuff much better. It also is soooo much closer to work for both of us. Jon is about 10 minutes, and I'm only 20 minutes away. That is a huge improvement from before. Even though it was a pain in the patootee to move again after only 6 months, I really think it will be worth it in the long run.
Things at work are good overall, but definitely very different. Since I am only there part time I am finding it is challenging for there to be any consistency. Teachers, and students, walk off with books, and subsequently the card catalog is NEVER accurate. No wonder over 10% of books are marked as lost at Gatewood. I also have no assistant, so all of the wonderful things I was spoiled with at Copper Ridge (books being checked in, overdue reports ran, processing and cataloging completed of new arrivals, book repair, delivering of library baskets back to classes, checkout to classes, etc) are all done by moi. This in addition to helping staff locate materials on a moments notice, checking out books during my prep time, maintaining the library, and planning/creating lessons. I usually leave exhausted and feeling like there is so much more to still do. What else is new, right? :)
As a new employee I also have the challenge of being accepted and finding my niche. At Copper Ridge I felt like people respected my thoughts because I was a known entity. I had built up trust and rapport over the years so I could be counted on for sound ideas. Here I am having to reinvent myself with EVERYONE. Since I am only part time this is a slow process. Teachers at Gatewood tend to be very friendly, but most eat in their rooms with their teammate, so making connections with staff has also been hard. I crave social interactions with adults after being around little guys all day, and unfortunately that happens none too often.
I am slowly trying to make new friends outside of work as well. We attend three different Bible studies, and I am starting to develop a few relationships that go past the acquaintance level. However, being gone most nights of the week is exhausting so we are considering cutting back on at least one of these commitments.
I finished my UP teaching last week and felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I did not enjoy the experience at all, and needless to say I don't think I will continue to instruct another course anytime soon. Wayyy too many hours invested for too little payoff. At one point Jon said to me he thought I cared more about the students passing than they did. Unfortunately for many I think that might have been the case.
I think that's it for now. Hopefully I'll be better about posting now that I have a bit more free time.
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