all the recent goings-ons...

Things have been busy - that kinda goes without saying.  I've had some interesting experiences since the last time I've posted.  One of them involved a student that was making racist comments in my class and when I addressed the subject, the student had what I call a "freak out."  It was bad enough that I had to file an academic misconduct report with the college and I actually had a police officer in my class to make sure the student didn't come back.  That was pret-ty damn stressful. I was afraid for my personal safety - I was always looking over my shoulder when I was on campus and I wouldn't have been surprised if this student showed up on my doorstep - but thankfully that didn't happen.  Being on guard like that all the time is stressful and I literally felt physically ill from this situation. This happened shortly before spring break and believe me when I say that I really needed to get out of town.

I headed out to Palm Springs, CA to visit my brother for a week.  John had a stressful week or so before we left town as well so we were very thankful for a vacation.  Palm Springs wasn't as warm as it usually is around that time of  year and it actually rained when we were there, but we relaxed by the pool a few days, went to the WWII Air Museum (rainy day activity), wandered around town, ate delicious food, drank copious amounts of booze, participated in show tunes night and the best part: got to spend time with my bro.

Not too long after I got back into town I found out that the class that I've been teaching over the summer for the past six years has been canceled due to budget cuts.  WHAT?!?   This means I need to find a summer job!  Oh crap.  Needless to say, that was another stressful situation.  I figured the best way for me to make the most $$$ I could would be to wait tables and/or bartend...and I haven't done that in about seven (yes -- SEVEN) years!  So, I taxed my brain to remember past experience and got my "server/bartending" resume together.  I went out to a few places that were hiring and jumped through the hoops, but I wasn't feeling too interested or excited about the places where I applied.  John happened to mention my situation to the owner of the bar/restaurant where he hosts an acoustic jam every Tuesday night.  The owner said that they have guest bartenders there on Thursday nights and I should come in and talk to the manager about it.  I was interested, but actually waited two weeks til I went in.  I went in to talk to the manager and she asked if I could do it next Thursday. Okaaay.  Why not?  I told all my friends about it and a lot of them came in to see me.  I had a great time -- it was like riding a bike!  The bartender and manager loved me so much they told the owner that he should hire me since he was looking for another employee.  I went in the next night to pick up tips and the manager asked if I could work on Saturday night.  Sure!  I was there for one hour and the owner offered me a job.  Yea!!!!!  That is one stress that is relieved.  I start officially training on Thursday.  Here's another stress:

This is the last week of classes and finals start next week.  I explained to the owner about writing up finals, grading papers and tests and how it takes a lot of time.  He was understanding and said he's a grad of the college - and he would work around the schedule until I'm open to work full time.  Awesome!

Phew!
(photos from Cali to come soon)