Update from the ‘burgh

We just got back from enjoying a relaxing Thanksgiving out in Philadelphia and are settling in for what’s bound to be a long cold winter.

Things have been up and down.  I found a job back in the beginning of October working for the North Hills School District.   I’m now the TA in the emotionally disturbed class of North Hills Junior High.  Not exactly a step up the job ladder.  On the plus side, I get some really great benefits (none for Sue) and I have guaranteed interviews for any elementary openings for next year.  Really, that’s the only reason I took the job.  It doesn’t pay enough to really support a family, and I don’t really teach – I basically babysit.  But I’m trying to make the best of it, forging new relationships and trying to reach out to the kids however I can.  Interviews are supposed to start in 2007 so hopefully I’ll know something before Christmas break.

Sue also found out a lot of her friends from college have moved back to Pittsburgh.  We had a chance to hang out last Saturday on the southside and had a great time catching up.  I think it was really nice for me to hang out with people who are also struggling.  I guess misery does love company.  It’s been tough talking to friends and family and getting the cheer up talks from people who’s lives are going well.  Like my dentist brother in law or my other friends with good jobs.  I don’t want to hear about how sometimes you have to work your way up the ladder, or that sometimes you need to play in the minors before you hit the big time.  I’ve worked my ass off to get where I was.  I held a teaching job and did a damn good job for over 4 years.  Please save your pep talks.  But as I was saying, it was great to hear others going through similar struggles.  I think Matt Davis summed it up best when he said it’s like a kick in the balls.  He was talking about his own struggles with his business degree and it was the honesty I needed to hear.  We’re not the only one who have been having a tough time after college.  Don’t get me wrong, I feel bad for these guys and their struggles and in no way am I happy that they’re struggling, it’s just nice to talk to someone who can relate to what you’re going through.  Also, now I’ve got people to play Rock Band with!

Some other random notes of interest

• Quit Warcraft
• Downgrading back to XP (I think…)
• Music – Architecture in Helsinki
• Steelers Fans = Insane
• Music – Cold War Kids= Amazing
• Music – New Rilo Kiley CD = Teh Suck
• Movies – Saw Rambo for the first time – Chest Hair Doubled in Length
• Books – Till We Have Faces – So far, so good
• Movies – Darjeeling Limited – Not playing in or around Pittsburgh…
• Culture – Bodies Exhibit at Carnegie
• Concerts – Peter Bjorn & John Dec. 3rd!
• Netflix – Lost Season 1, disc 2 (getting ready for season 4 in February
• Video Games – Super Mario Galaxy (89 stars and counting)
• Soda – Cherikee Red (limit of one per day)
• Flight of the Conchords – Episode 10 – New Fans
• Thanksgiving – Mashed Potatoes
• Office – Very Cold…
• Update – Done