I have a confession… one of the ways that I like to escape from the world is by diving into a children’s picture book. Since I can remember, I have loved to read. Over the years my book choices and genres have changed and varied – picture books, interactive story books, teen novels, young adult, British literature, airport novels, Women’s literature, realistic fiction, murder mysteries, cookbooks, oh I could go on and on. Granted I love nothing more than snuggling up on the couch with the latest Chick Lit, I have always held a special place in my heart for children’s books.
Once I realized I was too old to take out a picture book, I’ve have always jumped at the chance to read to little kids. My favorite books as a child were any Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer:
and interactive storybooks like this:
I LOVED this book because you could open envelopes and read all of these funny letters that the postman would deliver to various characters (Mother Goose, The Three Bears, etc).
Now that I am a nanny I can spend 3-4 days a week at the library picking out books to read to Little T. As soon as I open one of the books I am taken to a happy place – that lets me forget where I am.
Sometimes the warm fuzzy feeling that overtakes me when I am reading one of these books is interrupted by a question or an exclamation from the peanut gallery, but most of the time it is just me and the story.
Don’t get me wrong – a good murder mystery, realistic fiction, or young adult novel (yes I still read them – The A List is great!) always provides an escape from the real world. It is just the whimsy and humor of children’s books that really whisk me away from reality.
I will be visiting my happy place a lot over the next month – through children and adult books. I wasn’t offered a position in the teaching program… yet. I have been waitlisted. I considered not even telling everyone in blogland becuase I have been really disappointed and frustrated and … well… sort of embarrassede. I really thought I had it in the bag for awhile. Last week I started doubting myself though and it turned out I was right.
I don’t know if I will get a position or not, but I have to start looking at my other options for obtaining a teaching certification in the state of Maryland. I can’t just enroll in graduate school because the Bears are not financially stable enough for only one of us to work.
To be honest, I don’t think I can nanny all summer long. And I sure as heck don’t want to be in an office working as an assistant or a temp of some sort. All I want to do is be in school and working towards becoming an elementary school teacher.
Until I figure out what in the heck I am going to do with my life, I am probably going to stop at the library – and pick up some more kiddie books. =0)
Oh my gosh!!! I used to LOVE Little Critter. I had totally forgotten about that book until I read your post. Thanks for reminding me! 🙂
Fingers crossed that you find something! Good luck!
Hi friend,
I’m SO sorry to hear about the teaching position. How disappointing…but everything DOES happen for a reason (insert cheese here).
Honestly, I didn’t think my hubs and I could do it financially either…but we’re MAKING it work. I’m in school full time and (now) working part time, and student loans help a bit.
Something will work out!!! Promise.
Don’t get discoruaged. It’s so hard out there these days, but I am sure you will find something. You are passionate, talented and I can see the love you have for education. I am sure someone will notice that too very soon! Just keep your head up and I’ll say prayers for you. Thank you again for the spaghetti sauce recipe. I am dying to try it.
Awww, sweetie – don’t get discouraged. You will fulfill your goal 🙂 What about teaching part-time at a preschool (even at a local church preschool)? You could possibly take a couple of classes at the the local community college (if they offer a degree in early childhood assistance) that would potentially transfer to whatever school you’re trying to get into. I’m a teacher, who absolutely loves what I do, so I understand your burning desire to get in the classroom and teach our youth 🙂 I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
PS – One of my childhood favorites: Amelia Bedelia – I still love her 🙂
OMG! This is why i love you so! Not only did you totally make me laugh yesterday when I needed it most…you love the Jolly Postman!!!!?!??? Seriously, one of my most favorite books ever! It is such an amazing book…and usually goes unnoticed by so many! It’s like a best kept secret! LOVE it!
Seriously, thank you for your sweet comment yesterday…that girl is just a horror show…I too hope her insides are just all yucky!
Have a great day sweetie! xo
I’m sorry things didn’t work out the way you wanted them to work out!