I met up with Mom and Dad at Chili's for dinner and showed them the sonogram pictures there. They were so excited! I'm still surprised at how clear the pictures are and how far technology has come even since Kael was born.
Tuesday morning I woke up early and got all ready for my interview at Ankeny High School for a Spanish/French position at Centennial. I reviewed all of my information and had a good breakfast before taking off. I was pretty nervous but kept it cool. I got there early and sat in the office while they finished preparing the conference room. I got to talk with Dr. Hawkins and Julie Blevins for a minute while I was waiting and got a really good feeling about being there. It was good to be "home" even though it was at a different building. I also saw Mr. Cowger and Mr. Richards and the front office lady commented on how I fit in so well and already knew everyone!
Before I was called back, Dr. Lindaman came out to ask me if I was comfortable having someone from the Copán, Mexico exchange program in the room. The group was in town and one of the higher-ups was interested in observing an interview, especially with a Modern Lanugage applicant. I obliged, of course and was introduced to him along with Jennifer Aguirre who will be teaching upper level Spanish at Centennial. Jodie Graham, who I interviewed with at the recruitment fair, finished off the panel.
We went through almost an entire packet of formal interview questions before it was time to head upstairs for the next portion of the interview: a 15 minute conversation in French with Madame Pace. On the way I chit-chatted a little bit in Spanish with the gentleman from Copán so it was a little tough to flip the switch to French once we got to her room. Once we got rolling, it was completely comfortable and I knew I was doing just fine. It was actually really fun, partially because it was Mardi Gras, but mostly because none of the panel knew French so we were able to talk about all sorts of things! I revealed to her that I'm expecting and that none of them knew yet and she shared that she'll be retiring after next year but hasn't officially announced it yet. Sometimes knowing another language puts you in a secret club, ya know? :)
When we wrapped up she gave two thumbs up to Dr. Lindaman right in front of me and I was glad to give Madame all the credit because she was my teacher! Again, coming home just feels good.
From there we went straight to Renée Pepper's Spanish IV classroom where I was to teach a 10-15 minute lesson. I was most nervous for this part and it didn't help that the original panel had grown from four to seven! Obviously Renée was there but two more directors from the Copán program were also in the audience. (Read: lots of native speakers and Spanish teachers.) I was sooo thankful that I had practiced on Karen's Spanish IV class the day before and was fairly confident that it was a good lesson. (The Kansas Teacher of the Year suggested the concept after all...) I got myself together and let it roll. And boy, did it roll! Honestly, it went about as well as I could've hoped and I have no idea if I was within the time frame. I even caught Renée laughing at my humor (in Spanish) a couple of times which was a good sign.
Once I was done, the original five of us headed back to the conference room to finish the formal interview portion. I felt pretty confident about my responses and after most of them had left, Dr. Lindaman asked if I would wait for a few minutes so we could go over some details. Of course I wanted details so I sat patiently by myself in the conference room. What I didn't realize was that they were quickly discussing their reactions from the interview and when she came back and sat down, she formally offered me the job!!! I was so shocked, especially when she said it was the first time she's ever given an offer on the spot! We went over the job description, salary, benefits, etc. and I was even more thrilled after hearing that information. I would be teaching Spanish III and French III and a combined French I/II class. My salary would increase about $4000 from Shawnee Mission and I would be hired on step 7. Also, family health insurance is less than $200/month! I am still in shock ... I also let her know that I was expecting because I didn't want to feel like I was deceiving anyone by accepting the job then immediately taking time off. She was very supportive and said that the rest of the Modern Language staff at Centennial are all moms and will be incredibly helpful.
So the last detail was how long I would have to decide. Rob and I honestly hadn't sat down and discussed if I would accept the job if it were offered to me since we weren't anticipating a response so quickly. He had casually mentioned that we would accept but that there is a lot to think about. After all, it was his idea for me to apply and he wouldn't have even entertained the thought if he wasn't open to moving to Ankeny. Anyway, Dr. Lindaman told me she would like a response before school in the morning. As in, less than 24 hours!!! Oh, boy.
While heading out o my car I ran into Renée Pepper who was with the director of the Copán program. I was surprised and thankful to hear such positive comments from them about my lesson. Mrs. Pepper (my former teacher) pointed out how calm I was with such important people in the crowd and expressed how honored she would be if I joined their team. I told her they offered me the position and she told me to email her ASAP once I decide! I know this is a great staff, but it just reminded me how lucky I was to be asked to join them.
Finally, after two and half hours, I called Rob and woke him up to the good news! He didn't know what to say and was clearly a little groggy still. Of course he was excited but totally blindsided by the overwhelming decision we were about to make.
When I got home my Mom was waiting anxiously and was so shocked when I told her that she was
So, she headed to pick up Grandma and I headed to pick up CJ's for lunch and we met up at Laura's for lunch. Dad and Mandy joined us and we even got to see Kael at recess. I feel like this sort of thing happens all the time and they just don't tell me since I'm not around but they insist it's only when I'm home. :)
Anyway, they were all looking forward to the big gender reveal and Mom had time while I was at my interview to get a cake. How sweet! I even got name suggestions from Kael and Kylee and everyone cast their vote on whether it was a boy or girl.
I pulled off the blanket to reveal the blue cake, then announced the other surprise: I was offered the job this morning!
I don't think anyone was totally floored by either announcement but they were SO EXCITED for both!
Remember how I said the drive there went pretty fast? Well I had even more on my mind on the way home! If every trip went that fast I wouldn't mind living far away quite as much. Maybe.
Anyway, Rob and I spent the evening discussing what to do and essentially trying to think of reasons why we shouldn't accept. I was so exhausted that I went to bed before an official decision was made. Before leaving in the morning I shook Rob and asked if we decided anything. He muttered something and I asked if I was going to accept the position. He mumbled, "yeah, I guess" and I laughed at how anticlimactic this life-altering decision was made. I suppose it was sort of a no-brainer since we never came up with a reason strong enough to prevent us from moving to Ankeny.
So, I called the fam on the way to school then called Dr. Lindaman and HR once I got there. Everyone was so excited and I was an emotional wreck! I'll blame it on the pregnancy ...
The Pattersons sent me a thumbs up pic which I unfortunately I didn't save, but here's the one I sent back. Yes, it was early in the morning. After a long night and a couple of very eventful days.
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