You should know by now that if I disappear from here for a while, we are waiting to hear back from a job. And if it takes a really long time for me to come back, Ryan didn't get the job. Ugh. The one in the summer that we didn't get was disappointing, but things looked better for this one. I feel like the countdown is really ticking now - ten more months, ten more months, ten more months. Ten months might seem like a long time, but Ryan's been looking for a job for a year already. I was hoping the job search would be easier this time around - we had a rough time the last time Ryan was looking for a job. It's probably a pointless thought process, but I often find myself thinking, "Are we supposed to be learning something from this that we're just not getting? and if so, what is it?" or, "Is this just the consequence of being highly educated and highly specialized in your field?" Whatever it is, I'm remaining fairly hopeful for now, with occasional dips in my mood.
If we have to be going through this trial again, this is a good place to do it. I am grateful to be in a community where I have good friends, lots of things to be involved in (I'm helping out with costumes for the our community play this year), and my kids are loved and looked out for. I'm substitute teaching a couple of days a week, which keeps my mind off things and brings in a few extra bucks which we will save for the possibility of the worst case scenario. I'm reading a LOT, more than I have ever read before. If you want to see what I'm reading, look for me on Goodreads. I've thought about doing an occasional book review here to highlight my favorites...we'll see.
The kids are doing well. We just registered Ned for Kindergarten yesterday. No, I didn't cry. I just wondered how I got to the point of having a five year old (in a couple of months) as my youngest and if we would still be here in the fall. Peter is doing great. He finally seems to have had some sort of language burst in the last month or two - can that happen when your kid is six? I guess so, because he is finally talking a lot, at least at home. Between Ned, who has always talked a lot, and Peter now, there is rarely a quiet moment when they are home and not asleep. Being in the school occasionally has helped me have a better idea of the teaching methods and a better relationship with Peter's teacher and we have been able to work on a couple of the language/reading issues he has been having a hard time with all year. He finally got a good score on his reading test! The kid can read - he's one of the best readers in his class. The question is if he's understanding what he's reading, which we're working on.
Grandma is coming this weekend to help finish quilts for the boys. They are so excited to see her and I'm so excited to have someone help me feed those quilts through the sewing machine! Thanks Mom!
I think I'm as excited as your boys ... looking forward to spend some one on one time with you and your boys!
Posted by: Mom | February 17, 2011 at 10:27 AM
I'm sorry about the job, but I'm glad that you are in a nice place right now. The waiting is difficult, I know.
You and your boys seem to be thriving, which is wonderful!
Posted by: Corri | February 17, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Particularly the academic job market is in such a dip -- fingers crossed that something even better is on the horizon!
Yes to book reviews please! I am always in the look out for something new to read, and I just can't commit to Goodreads!
Posted by: Beth | February 17, 2011 at 01:54 PM
I'm bummed for you guys. It WILL work out though. Is there still a hiring freeze here? Maybe that'll open up at just the right time and that's what all this stress and waiting is for!
That's so exciting about Peter! He's such a smart kid. Can't wait to see what you do for costumes this year. What's the play? Miss you! When are you coming this way next?
Posted by: Missy | February 17, 2011 at 03:49 PM
Sounds like you have been on a roller coaster. I know you all will find something that is the perfect fit!
Posted by: Emily | February 17, 2011 at 07:17 PM
I've been waiting for an update and wondering what is going on in your life. I hate the waiting game, but there is a lot to learn from it. It will work out. I know you already know that though. I'm glad to hear that overall you and your kids are doing so well. I can't believe Ned is 5!
Posted by: Tricia | February 17, 2011 at 07:37 PM
I miss seeing you. I hope everything goes better!
Posted by: Joan | March 15, 2011 at 08:40 PM