Beach time in Baska, Croatia

We just spent 5 days in Baska (pronounced Bashka), Croatia at the beach with John's mom. After surviving the 8 hour drive (one way) with a 17 month old baby, we had a blast! Chloe LOVED the ocean and especially the waves! The first two days, the water was completely calm, which was a great "introduction" for Chloe. She ran straight into the water (with her floaties on of course), and loved going out with me and John. The beach was pretty pebbily/rocky, which is par for the course in Croatia. It was a little hard to get used to for the adults and hurtful on the feet but great for Chloe. She had rocks in her bucket, in her watering can, in her snack cup and in her mouth! Luckily, I don't think any were swallowed. On the third day, it was really windy and the waves were crashing on the shore. We took Chloe out into the ocean and lifted her above the big waves when they came rolling in. She thought it was so fun! She would yell "weeee" every time another wave came. The adults had a good time playing in them as well - we even got John's mom in there even though the water was pretty chilly.

John and I went running/hiking every day and enjoyed being adventurous while Marilyn hung out with Chloe. Of course, Marilyn loved all the time she got to spent with her grandbaby and being the teacher that she is practically doubled her vocabulary in two weeks! I'm not kidding, it's incredible how many words she learned. All in all it was a great trip and a great visit.

To see pics from our trip, visit our Phanfare Photo Website: www.cumminsfamily.phanfare.com

Professor Cummins

Well, I got the job and will start teaching in the fall! I, of course in my usual manner, started freaking out about "change" and whether I really wanted to do this, etc. But, a lot of payer and calming advice from my wise hubby helped tremendously. John and I also visited and interviewed an English-speaking day care for Chloe last week and really liked it. So, I officially accepted the position yesterday, and will start off teaching one class the first trimester (that's 5 hours of teaching and 5 hours of prep). I pick up my textbook and materials in the next couple of weeks so that I can start preparing, and class officially begins at the end of September - after our friends Ann, Dan and Jack visit and after our trip to Greece, which is a huge blessing that the timing all works out! Now that the decision has been made, I am super excited =).

On to Round 2

The interview was a success! It must have been the suit =). Now, it's on to Round 2 where I have to teach for 15 minutes on an accounting subject that's "near to my heart" to a few faculty members. That happens next Tuesday, and surprisingly as I didn't think any accounting subject was "dear" to my heart, I already know what I want to teach on - the concept of Goodwill as it relates to purchase accounting. If the teaching session goes well, I can teach (in English) College Level I, II or III accounting, which will be determined once I take a look at the textbooks and syllabus. Each class meets for 2.5 hours twice a week with an additional approx. 10 hours of prep/grading time per week. The cool thing is they have 3 semesters between October and July, so I can start with one class and then add a second if I want. Now all I have to do is figure out childcare for Chloe - and of course prepare my interview lesson......

Teaching Interview Tomorrow

This is a bit random, but I have an interview tomorrow to teach accounting in the fall at the City University of Seattle's Bratislava branch. They have a management program, and I think you can also get your MBA. I had been interested in teaching at one of the international high schools like one or two classes a week, but they are all staffed for the fall. A friend of mine suggested that I check out this place. I sent my resume last Thursday, and my interview is tomorrow. Now I've got to get out my old (and I mean old) suits and figure out what I'm going to wear! Please pray that it goes well =).