It's a long road, with many more miles to go

This week has been quite the exhausting week. Tuesday was supposed to be the big day when I was to find out if I got the job in Texas or not. I waited and waited.... no call. I figured it was just another potential employer's failure to contact the person they weren't interested in. Whatever. Annoying.

But then, Wednesday came around. It was just about the time that I decided I was going to stay in Alton another year and plan on moving in the summer of 2011. I was fine with the plan. No big deal. I already had a job, and the moving process would be a lot less rushed and much more planned. But I got a call from the lady asking for different reference numbers. The ones she had tried were not working. SO.... things immediately changed. Why would she want references for someone she was just going to turn down?

After a few more problems with the numbers and e-mails, references had been contacted, and I got the job. Crazy! In two weeks, I'm going to be a Texan, and I'm going to be working for a district that wants to pay me over $11,000 more than my current salary. Um. Okay!

So it's go time to be packing and looking up realtors. With 3 dogs, no apartment place will want to rent to us. And honestly, we're not renters at heart. I'll be living with my grandparents until Randy can sell our house and find a new job in Texas. It'll work out. Things always do.

Here's to bigger and better! I'll try not to get too annoyed with the Texas attitude. It'll probably just be something that is more amusing than anything. Houses are cheap. Jobs are aplenty. Family is close. I can't complain. Here's to change!

What did I just do?

Things have been quite crazy around our place lately. In our (my) usual fashion, I've gotten a bit impulsive and interviewed for a position with the Garland Independent School District in Garland, Texas. That, of course, means that I may be moving and starting a new job in, oh, 3 weeks. Yikes!

Unlike some of my previous impulsive decisions, my impulse to move to Texas was not without much thought, deliberation, and list-making of pros and cons. Randy's fully on board, as his job is dead-end. There's just a lot to do to get our house ready for the market. We're starting phase 1 of Project Get the Heck Outta Illinois by doing a yard sale and getting our stairs completely finished with wood end caps, railing, and new carpet. After that, it'll just be a bit of staging and photos will be taken. Then, we'll meet with some realtors to get their opinions. That is, IF I get the job.....  If no job offer, then we'll sit tight until next summer, when we'll definitely move.

As for the interview I just had, I feel really good about it. I'm not sure how many other applicants there were, but I feel confident with how the interview went. The lady interviewing me was extremely positive in her feedback, and she said that she was "excited that she was able to speak with me." Plus, the experience I've had in the classroom seemed to be of particular interest to her. So, we'll see. I'm very much of the idea that if we're supposed to be in Texas sooner than later, things will work out. They always do. Remember, we're the crazy kids that decided to move to St. Louis, apply for grad school, buy and renovate a house, relocate jobs, and get married all in one year. I think we can handle it. At least I'll have an income this time around!

So... stay tuned.

DOUBLE RAINBOW SONG!!

Surprising how catchy it is.... sing it with me...

"Double rainbow all the way across the sky...."

This guy's nutso!

Now, don't get me wrong, double rainbows are lovely. But this guy.... he's got a thing for the double rainbows.... just watch. Catch some enthusiam!

My favorite part.... "What does this mean???"

Um... it means that there's a double reflection of the sunlight inside the raindrops. I'm pretty sure that's what it means.

A few things

I applied to a job opportunity in Rowlett, Texas today. I kinda really hope I get it. It'll mess things up a bit (i.e. Randy and I will probably live apart for a while), but we're young enough for things to be a little messy. Moving is never convenient, so why should I expect it to be now? I'm ready to take a job that I love for a salary that I love. It's out there, I just have to move to get there.

Yesterday I spent almost all day baking yummy things, like focaccia, honey wheat bread, and burnt sugar custard. If you're interested, I've posted some of the recipes for you to share with your family :)

Rosemary Focaccia
4 c. white bread flour
1 tbsp. instant dry yeast
1 tsp. salt (plus more to add to bread in final stages)
3 tbsp sprigs fresh rosemary
5 tbsp. olive oil


Put the flour & yeast in a large bowl with 1 tsp. salt. Stir in the 3 tbsp of oil and 2 cups of lukewarm water. Mix until the dough is soft, adding a little more water if the dough feels dry.

Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Put in a lightly greased bowl & cover with plastic wrap. Leave in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size

Preheat the over to 400 degrees. Turn out the dough on a floured surface and cut in half. Roll out each half until 10 inches round. Transfer to a greased baking sheet, cover lightly with plastic wrap/towel for 20 minute, until risen.

Press your fingers into the dough to make deep holes all over. Stick the fresh sprigs of rosemary in the holes, cover in sea salt. Sprinkle with water to keep the crust moist and bake for 25 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.


Wheat & Honey Bread (made in a breadmaker)
1 package yeast
3/4 c. whole wheat flour
2 1/2 c. bread flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. honey
1 egg
1 c. plus 1 tbsp. warm water


Put all ingredients in breadmaker according to company settings (usually wet ingredients first). Set breadmaker to dough cycle. After dough cycle is complete, shape dough to desired shape (note: makes enough for 2 french bread-type loaves). Let rise for 20 or so minutes. Bake at 350 degrees until golden.