How Do Other People Do This?

I was sitting in my house yesterday, Sunday evening, wondering what I could do. I realized that in the past several years I have been busy creating lesson plans, preparing for projects and lectures, and being just plain busy with teacher work. There I was last night without any of the normal routine to which I have become accustomed. I remember being in the midst of constant work and wondering, "when will this teacher work end?!" Now, on the other side, I wish I could have that work back. It is alien to me to not have homework.
After graduating high school I went to college. I did take a short break from school in 1997, but I was working two jobs, one of which was in a school. After this break I attended Texas Bible Institute. I worked very hard there as students were the main labor for running the retreat/camp center at the school. After that I accidentally became a teacher out of an emergency need in 2000 when a teacher became ill and they needed a substitute. My position became permanent and I found myself working 2 jobs and a volunteer ministry position with the youth group at my church.
In 2001, I decided to go back to college and that lasted five years. Throughout college I maintained at least one job. I was always busy doing something. After graduating in 2006, I taught until this past May. So what am I saying?
I have always been busy and now I find myself with one job that does not require me to do anything outside of the work hours. Some if not most of you reading this probably think I am crazy, but I miss my busy days. Will I ever get used to this?
I began to wonder, "what does everyone else do after work?"
I guess I could go out drinking, but I would rather drink at home with friends over dinner. Ok, so where are my friends? Busy. Hm.
So the next option I came up with is a hobby. Yes, a hobby. My newest thing is trying to enhance my cooking skills. I have been cooking meals out of a cookbook and creating menus for about a week now (the length of time I have lived in my new house). My boyfriend enjoys it, but let's face it, I can't spend all day cooking. My figure is already on the plus side so I don't exactly want to spend an over abundance of time in the kitchen. So what is another hobby?
Well, my mom did buy me that sewing machine. It sits on the table next to the computer mocking me. Then, I begin to see images of high heels, calf-length skirts, and pearls and ask myself, "am I living in the 1950s? Am I really going to turn into Donna Reed?"
It wouldn't be a horrible thing. Maybe I would excel at sewing. Maybe I could turn it into a business. So then my mind turns to business opportunities. I could sew, take photographs, and make, you know, stuff. I could rent a booth every October at the Art in the Park and get rich! Yes! I could do all that; couldn't I?
What does everyone else do with their spare time?
Cook, clean, weed the yard, clean the car, repair the car, pay bills, sleep, lather, rinse, repeat...

What I Did During My Summer Vacation.

Looked for a job!!! I was in such denial with my previous job. I thought my school would be open forever and explode with enrollment any day. However, reality crashed my fantastical party, pointed directly in my face with its giant grubby finger and shouted, "Nanny nanny boo boo! You lose, I win! Your job here is over!"
So there I was, the last week of May, face to face with my new "friend" Reality. I took the hand of my new friend somewhat grudgingly and went on the path of employment. The thing about reality is that he (or she or it, whatever you prefer) is not a prognosticator; he does not tell you what is going to happen only what is happening right now. I thought I was going to be able to find a job no problem. I still wasn't fully embracing my new friend, you see.
I marched into a new school, fully expecting them to say, "Oh yes, we have heard about you and would LOVE to have you on our staff!"
Yeah, that did not happen. And it continued to not happen time and time again. I did have one principal tell me he thought I was great and would fit right in, but did not have a position open. Um, why did he interview me then? I still do not know the answer to this question and hope perhaps it will show itself fruitful at some point.
You know interview questions right? The infamous "what are your strengths and weaknesses?" Would you like to know my weakness? INTERVIEWS!!! I learned I hate them. I get the sweats, my mind goes blank, my tongue twists up and meanwhile reality comes in and whispers, "You aren't certified. They want someone who knows about IEPs and all their fancy educational verbiage and programs." (shutup reality!)
The best interview was the one that started out with, "Originally, I had put your resume in our 'no' pile." Really? Thanks for the tidbit of information buddy.
Well, by the end of summer I did end up finding a gig. I now work with kids that are about 2 to 3 feet shorter than my previous teaching job. I am not the lead teacher, but I am excited about the learning possibilities.
What did I learn this summer...
1. Don't fall out of doors and hurt your ankle when you are uninsured. (another great story from my summer)
2. Always be prepared to further yourself. In my case, getting a Master's degree and certified.
3. God takes care of reality.