pre torf.

the international fair (torf) officially begins tomorrow at 3:00. i have been trying to get to bed early in preparation, but for some odd reason i have had trouble falling asleep. i guess i have had a lot to think about!

-i got offered the supply job in thailand. i was absolutely shocked! he wined and dined us, and tried to give us the pitch on why we should take the opportunity. in truth, it is amazing: great location, wonderful benefits... but i think i am ready for my own classroom. i told him i was interested, but needed to pursue other job opportunities at torf.

-an administrator from a school in guatemala called last night and offered me an interview for a grade one position. i went down to the hotel this morning to meet him. it was really laid-back, and i got to see a cute slide show of the school and guatemala city. at the end of the interview, he offered me a grade one teaching job! at that moment, i KNEW i really wanted my own classroom. i think i will have to call thailand and let them know that i can't turn down this challenge.

-about an hour later, i met with a school in mexico. i had contacted them via e-mail, because i was very interested, and i knew it was difficult to get noticed as a first year teacher. i went to the hotel at 3:00, and didn't end up leaving until almost 5! i had thought the interview in guatemala had been laid-back, but this interview was AMAZING. it was so comfortable, almost a conversation about who i am, and what i believe is important in education. the school is very curriculum-driven, and has high expectations of its teachers. professionally, this is an opportunity like no other. i wasn't officially offered a position, but if i want it, i think it is mine! i have until mid-day on saturday to let them know.

-this evening i got another call and an e-mail from two different schools in uganda. what an experience that would be! i have interviews with them tomorrow morning before the fair.

phew. i did not expect this to happen along this timeline. i never realized that administrators would actually take the time to visit with candidates before the fair. it is actually a perfect scenario: the timing is more flexible, the setting is more relaxed and it works to their benefit. they can snatch the goodies before anyone else does! it also gives me more time to make my decision, and research the schools.

i am feeling good because i know that - either way - i will have a job for next year! i am trying to celebrate the fact that i have choices... but i wish it wasn't so difficult to choose.