New job....eventually

new backyard, Red Rock

Life is crazy and if you don't fight where it wants to take you, it's not AS stressful.  A lot of BIG changes since last post.  I am now a LCSW as of February.  It happened quicker than what I projected because yours truly is not a math wiz and I was counting hours separately vs combined.  So TA DA here we are!  With that happening about the same time a lot of changes were happening in my work section.  My bad ass supervisor was scheduled to PCS in July and then our director got a job at the VA in Vegas and would be leaving around the same time.  Our awesome team was breaking up, which unfortunately happens and it happens more often in military type settings.  

Joe and I decided to enjoy one more summer in Alaska and then move out before winter.  Knowing how long government jobs will take to get hired onto, I decided to start job hunting and applying to government jobs (doesn't matter what state I'm licensed in).  I had already planned on flying Tux down to Vegas to be adopted by my brother due to all the traveling Joe and I were planning on taking.

A month or so prior to the Tux drop off trip, I get a call back from a contract company about a job at Nellis AFB, NV.  First off, Joe and I wanted to move to Vegas when we left Florida so we were focusing on the Vegas area due to other benefits that line up with our future goals.

This contract company moved fast!  I talked with the Capt I'd be working for and everything was lining up and they wanted me for the position but they needed me sooner than later.  So we discussed it and figured "why not".  When I dropped off Tux I told Chris and Anna we'd be neighbors and I'll cat sit whenever they need :). I got back to work, worked a week, out processed and we hit the road!

Our road trip to Vegas

All of our stuff fit in this trailer AND we had plenty of room for other stuff....*psst* we think we have too much stuff!

We saw so much beauty and animals this time, spent a couple of days with fam in Utah, and then onto Vegas.  We found a furnished condo to move in on 1 June and I had a start date of 20 May so we have been in an extended stay.  We got settled, did some touristy stuff, and them bam....got hit with some speed bumps.

Major speed bump....Nellis AFB is giving some push back on credentialing me as a provider, even though I'm an LCSW.  My start date is now up in the air, hell the job that I moved down here for is up in the air!  I was told by the contract company that there is a 50% chance of me NOT having a job. I do not gamble!!!!  If this does NOT go through I probably will NEVER work with a contract company again.  I understand that it is not the contract company that is causing problems but they need to have some better checks and balances to avoid having someone move across the U.S. for a job.  I should hear something this week about where we stand with this job.

Until then, I am getting all my paperwork ready to submit for a Nevada license.  There are a good amount of LCSW jobs in the area but I need that NV license so here we go, and of course all of that cost a stupid amount of money :(

We've had some smaller speed bumps that have popped up which make the big one even more frustrating.  This morning we found out that our condo, which we were hoping to move in on 31 May, won't be open for us to move in until 1 June so we need to find a place to sleep for one night now.  I am hoping I can just extend one night to where we are at currently.

Since we are staying in an extended stay I am utilizing the library for their wi-fi and printing services.  I went to one that was farther away the first time and I figured I'd go to the one closer today....interesting.  I am sitting at a table and there is a homeless lady next to me and she's been munching on chips, checking out cooking books, and having some low key conversations with herself.  Not bothering me at all. What IS bothering me is the elderly, decently dressed man at the next table over who appears to be staring at me and licking his lips on the regular basis.  HE is giving me more of the creeps than the homeless that are chilling in the library!  

I CANNOT wait to have my own space, a kitchen to cook in, my own printer, and a peaceful place to reset when needed. I need some sort of focus, routine, and get back to some more healthy ways.  Yes I can do all that living in a damn hotel but it will be a lot easier in our space.

Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming...

And SWITCH

Joe and I don't do anything "normal" and it works for us.  A few weeks ago Joe gave his notice at his job.  He enjoyed the people and the concept of the job he was a fan of but he had similar issues with his work environment as do/did I.  

My work environment was having a negative effect on my mental health.  Joe was beginning to worry about me.  I was coming home in a mood, either angry/frustrated or depressed.  I was in a constant state of being tired no matter how much sleep I got.  Every morning I would have to force myself out of bed, there was even one day I didn't even shower before going into work!  My depression was strong and deep, only getting deeper the longer I struggled in that work environment.  Joe said we'd be o.k. financial for a few months if I put in my notice.  I hate not having something lined up and I also don't like not having an income but my unhappiness at work was overriding those worries.  One morning Joe sent me a picture of me from Florida, I was on a beach cruiser and smiling...he text "I remember this girl".  I cried and knew I had to quit work, the environment was not going to change any time soon.  Coworkers have shared with me their struggles that have been going on for years.  I did not have the motivation to fight the system.  So a week after Joe put in his notice, I submitted my two weeks and yesterday was my last physical day at work.

Before I put in my notice I had a telephone interview for a position on base.  It's a slight pay cut but it sounds less stressful, smaller work community, structure, and more follow through and accountability.  As usually I feel as though I bomb telephone interviews, thinking I sound like an idiot or after the call replay conversations thing "I should have said this".  I submitted my 2 week notice at the VA on Friday and on Monday I received an tentative offer email for that position! 

dog sitting Luna, dog cuddles make everything better

This process of quitting my job has been interesting for me.  It's always a hard decision even if it's for one's own sanity.  My frustrations with work were echoed by a majority of my coworkers and we were banding together to bring issues up to the managers and leaders in hopes of a change.   When I decided to quit my job, with no other employment lined up, a coworker stated "You are amazing".  

This gave me pause, it was said as she was leaving my office.  Amazing? Really? for leaving a toxic work environment that was doing me more harm than good?  I got to thinking about it and I've been commended for just doing stuff like that before.  I left a government job in Utah and moved to Hawaii.  I had a safety neat but no real job.  I just moved.  After graduating with my MSW I went against what "made sense" and followed my gut, things have been working out wonderfully.  When I went off to India and volunteered for 2 weeks, I had no job and shouldn't have spent the money but I went and had a profound experience and things worked out.  I am blessed!  I have been in positions where people have been helpful and have provided some security and safety but at times I just go and do.  That is what I did with this recent situation.  I have been at the VA for 7 months and gave my 2 weeks.  People were surprised at how sudden I was leaving but NOT surprised as to the why.

Joe and I both have our history of jobs that suck your soul.  We are making it a priority to enjoy life, even if that means taking a pay cut at times.  We are o.k. with that.  We don't have to make X amount of money, we just need to pay off our debt and then move on to our next big thing.  

Although leaving the VA was best for me, it's always hard to say good bye and stop therapy with Veterans.  I did my best to inform them of my leaving, ensuring I personally talked with each one either by phone or in person.  One of them gifted me with this painting.  I'm always in awe when a client takes the time to do something to give to me.

gift hand painted from a client

So here we are, both unemployed.  I'm working towards a start date...the DOD hiring process is never quick.  We have time off to focus on down sizing, selling things, and enjoy more of what is in our back yard!

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Blue Ridge Mountains!

No rest for us!  I had a telephone interview a couple of weeks ago for a job in Panama City and they wanted me to come meet the team and see the facilities.  I got free time to spare so why not!  Joe was able to take the whole week off, he was taking Thursday and Friday off for our own little get away so it worked out well.

Darien, GA

It's about a 10 hr drive :(  We stopped in a cute little town in GA and then had lunch at a fun place in Tallahassee, FL.  We got to PC early evening so we could scope out some apartments that we wanted to look at after my job interviews.  I ended up having two!  Another place called me to set up an interview that day so I had a day packed and it was Joe's birthday!  He got to play interview chauffeur and scope out the area while I was getting questioned :P

First interview went o.k.  It was to be a Child Protective Investigator.  It is a state job and I would be investigating reports of child abuse.  I would have to pull call off and on, and drive up to 2 hours away.  One place in the region I would have to take a ferry to get to!  It would be a very taxing and mentally stressful job.  It would not be a boring job that is for sure!  One of the questions I asked was about how they support their workers to avoid burn out, they did report a heavy turn over rate and their "seasoned" person had been there 3 years!  I was told by one of the supervisors that they highly recommend that their workers take a week off ever couple of months for a reset and to "catch up on paperwork".  Ummm not a good selling point to me!  Knowing how I am in the work environment, I would work myself to the bone to do the best I could do!  Additionally, this job would not get me towards my LCSW which I want to get.  I would have to take additional work to get my therapy hours :(  I researched the pay average for MSWs in FL (they are lower than the national average) and the range is from $21-$31/hr, this job was $20 and some change :(.  They wanted me to come back after my other interview for the background check portion but....

Next interview was the follow up.  It's working with active duty and retired military in an in-patient setting...mainly PTSD and substance abuse.  The population I want to work with and it's therapy focused!  Only downside is that it's an PRN so it depends on the patient load how many days/hours I will get.  I was told during the interview at a minimum it would be 2-3 days.  This work environment would be a perfect fit for me for it's population and it's workers.  I spent a few hours there.  I sat through one of their team meetings where they staff clients and I got a good feel for how they operate.  I talked to some of the other MSWs and also the nursing staff and everyone enjoys the clientele and the work environment!  I walked away with a job offer for $23/hr :D  WOOT!  I start orientation on 5 October.  That gives us a couple of weeks to get settled in FL!  

After that interview we had a light snack, I changed, and we started apartment shopping. We had Joe's bday dinner on the water and it was wonderful and we were both in awe that this was going to be our new home!  Tuesday morning we checked out another apartment and then headed back to N.C. 

first FL sunset!

We took Wednesday as a reset day and then Thursday heading to the mountains of N.C.  Beautiful area and we both loved the city of Asheville!  It didn't feel like we were in N.C.!  The Biltmore is amazing and I recommend that to anyone in the area!  I'm fascinated with the Vanderbilts now!  

Biltmore

it use to be a dairy, holding 40 dairy cows...now it's a winery and we sure did enjoy the wine tasting!

Saturday we headed home and stopped at Chimney Rock.  The elevator was broken so we got an entrance discount since we had to climb 499 stairs to get to the top!  But it was worth it!

Chimney Rock

We have a garage sale to get ready for this weekend and then a short trip to Charleston for Labor Day Weekend!  Then the weekend of the 11th we are off to the Outer Banks and then we MOVE!  

It's a rainy day, the furkids are lazy and I need to get motivated! ugh  I need to sort through stuff to get rid of.  I kept some "winter" stuff because it does get chilly here in N.C. but now.... I  have to downsize even more!  Plus I have my work starting paperwork to fill out and send back to my new job!!!!!  Time for some income!  

Life is crazy, wonderful, and I plan to live it to the fullest!

Busy Judged Bee!

Next month, this time we will be in Florida!  WOW!  This month has flown by with my trips up the east coast and more trips to squeeze in prior to moving!  Craziness.... 
Baltimore with Natalie was fun!  I had some firsts: raw oysters, cigar, and hookah!  We had a random night downtown where we just did and went where the night took us!  That's the way to experience randomness of a city :D

on the water taxi with downtown behind us

at our raw oyster place of the night! delish!

To add to the business of moving, Joe will be going to PA this friday to pick up his motorcycle...which will be more comfortable for me to ride compared to his current one! Sunday we turn around and drive to Panama City.  I have a job interview (high five) and we will check out apartments before heading back home where we promptly turn around and head out for our already planned visit of the NC mountains!  

I may have two interviews on Monday in FL, I need to call this lady back.... ugh  This second job isn't what I want to do but I do want a job and it's in my social worker realm.  It will be good interview experience for me even if I don't get or take the job.   I've been in NC and in this area for about 4 months, I've gotten NO bites on anything :(  but I'm not even in FL and I have two interviews.  There is a reason for everything!  Additionally, a Chief Joe knows has a daughter in the same field working in that area and I'm going to forward my resume her way and she's going to check out some areas for me!  WOW  Things like that remind me of how the military use to be back when I first joined in, more family and support!

It's amazing how half of the day can be negative and draining and then things can quickly turn around.  Yesterday evening is when the Chief connect happened.  Earlier that day I was judged while in Lowe's.  :(

I am not anti religion, I am anti organized religion especially if you are going to use your religion to tell me how I'm suppose to live my life!  I'm in Lowe's looking for something specific and an older gentlemen, who works there, strikes up a conversation with me and I ask him for assistance.  I was feeling good, just got my retired I.D. card!  Well, the  normal course of conversation he asked if I had any kids and I told him no, but I do have furkids ;) Next thing I know I'm being told that it's "god's will" that I have children to populate the earth. To which I pointed out that many others are populating the earth just fine and by me not having children will  not cause any imbalances.  He then said that "it's to impart wisdom" which I can do without birthing a child, I can help those in need through my work and my good deeds. Then he talked about when I'm older, having kids will ensure I'm taking care of.... first off that is NOT a guarantee and if I'm having children as a retirement policy that is the wrong reason to do that.   Then it was that god wants me to pass down my specific genetic code.  Ummm  I have not read the bible cover to cover but I do not think that god mentions genetic code anywhere in the writings.  :P  I went into Lowe's for an electrical outlet plate and I get questioned by a random man on MY life choices!  Do guys have these conversations? Would a male worker in Lowe's ask a male customer if he has kids and if not, well.... that's YOUR job to pass down your specific genetic code.  I need to work on my responses, after the initial question of "do you have kids"...if it progresses, I'm going to start questioning them.  

Do you ask all your customers about why or why not they have kids?

Do you tell them WHY they should have kids via "god's word"?

I don't know you, so I feel no need to discuss my personal life with a random man so thank you for your assistance.

Grrrrr

I was polite and didn't question his belief system, just responded to his reasons as to why I didn't feel the need to procreate.  I was respectful of his views and didn't condensed him, although he looked at me as if I was a silly "lost" girl, a female who had lost her way.... a female who had grown horns as soon as I said I am not having children.  If I said I couldn't have children as compared to a I am choosing not to, his reaction would have been COMPLETELY different.   

I left Lowe's without a wall plate AND feeling irritated and pissed.  Got home and ordered the wall plate off of Amazon, no judgement there!

A pirate looks at 40

Well, I'm not a pirate and I'm not turning 40....but I'm just about there.  I will be turning 39 in a manner of weeks and whoa what a ride it's been thus far.  I've moved more times that I care to count and by the end of September I'll have another move tallied up!  I can't believe it, I'm already hunting for apartments and there is so much to do AGAIN! We want to downsize even more with this move so I need to start going through my stuff again.  I did keep some cold weather stuff/clothing which I can downsize :D  Yeah for Florida, no winter weather!  We have our must see NC items scheduled.  
I just returned from visiting a friend up near Boston and had a great time!  I thought when people talk of north easterners they embellish the "wicked" and other words.  They don't!  It is beautiful up there, all the towns but I would hate to live up there in the winter :(  We checked out Salem and some other historical areas.  My Mom lived up there as a little girl so it was nice to see some of the area.  We bought fresh lobster off the boat one day!  My first lobster eating experience!  I've avoided having lobster in restaurants, mainly because if I'm going out to eat I don't want to work that hard to get to my food!  So buying it off of the fisherman, then taking it back for some home cooking, and eating it outside with great people... it was worth the wait!  I was gone about 6 days and I was so happy to come back home!  
We have a somewhat chill weekend coming up then I'm heading to the Baltimore area to visit a friend there just for a long weekend.  I need to get all this visiting in now before I get a job! *fingers crossed* that the job happens soon after we get to FL.  I applied for a hospital social worker position this week and that would be great if I got that job!  
My life has never felt more surreal to me before!  Even living in different countries I've had moments of "wow, is this really happening to me" but it's not been constant. The compatibility that I have with Joe amazes me, the ease of our relationship is something I've always wanted but never lasted.  It's the little things.... Yesterday I texted Joe about dinner, asked about pork chops (I found a recipe) and he stated he wanted to grill them so I looked for some sides to go with.  He invited his friend John over (John's girl had other plans) and we were just going to hang out.  Joe gets home, seasons the chops, I get working on the homemade mac and cheese with Joe's assistance.  John shows up and he "monitors" Joe's grilling and I finish up with the mac and cheese, and broccoli.  We timed things wonderfully and it all finishes about the same time.  We sit down and the food was wonderful, conversation is easy...after dinner we did a quick clean up and move out to the porch.  The guys light up their cigars and I have a glass of wine.  Easy, comfortable, good times!  It starts to rain and we start to relocate to the garage, I tell Joe I'm going to go inside (I'm engaged in this book and I'm almost done) plus the guys were talking shop and well...I had enough of that.  No hard feeling and it was easy going. After John left Joe said they had some good conversations on relationships and other things, so I'm glad that I stepped away and they could have those conversations.  
A wonderful evening!  So comfortable, everyone was in a good mood, and the vibe was relaxed and comfortable!  
I am really blessed!

Grey area vs Retirement

I've been in NC for a month and I'm not going crazy even with all of my "down time".  I am actually enjoying figuring out dinners and flexing my cooking muscles.  I am able to find the little things amusing about the area, Joe helps with that.  When I was talking with the vet about Sami's ultrasound, she asked me if I needed to talk with my "husband" before making an appointment.  I had to chuckle at that and explained that I would go ahead and schedule the appointment.  I guess it's the norm that the woman has to talk things over with "the man" before making major financial decisions :P  Sami's test came back good but with some slight elevations so she's on some meds for a wee bit. Hopefully it won't be forever.  Sami girl will be 11 in Aug, she's an old lady.  They are living the good life!

As for my pet boarding hunt...I found some places but due to the limited selection around here, during the holidays these places are booked two months out! OMG!  Ugh... so I'm not sure what Joe and I will be doing over the 4th, he was going to talk with some folks and we will see.  

The other day weekend Joe and I checked out Wake Forest for a car show.  It was in the old historic downtown.  We both expected a small little thing but it was big!  That area was pretty and the downtown was cute.  After walking around looking at all the cars we had some good seafood at Backfins Crabhouse.  It was a beautiful day!

Our weekends are so short :(  We've gone on some rides around the country.  It's peaceful being out in the open air.  We went riding with Chris one Sunday and then grilled out.  When we go over to Chris's house we usually take Sami, his daughter likes her, and I feel bad for leaving Sami alone if I don't have to.  Plus we always hang out outside so it's a good time for her.

This past week I did a little venturing on my own.  Checked out Wilmington NC and then one of the aquariums here in the state.  I really liked that city and Joe and I will probably go back.  It's right on river, a lot of cute shops, and fun restaurants.  Plus all the historic buildings and mansions were beautiful.  

on the river walk of Wilmington

looking across the river to the USS North Carolina

this a bed and breakfast!  

love all the random history and beauty of this area

I'm enjoying my free time but I'm getting ready to get back into the workforce, but there is a "wait and see" thing that is going on right now.  Hopefully we will hear something soon and it will help to give me a focus on what is next for Joe and I.  I am going to visit a friend up in Boston here next month. I should take advantage of this free time I have right  now and it's great that Joe is supportive of when I get an itch to visit a friend on the east coast or checking out a nearby city.  

I'm amazed every day at how different my relationship with Joe is... we are both completely all in.  We are truly together and invested in each other's happiness as individuals and as a couple.  Joe sent me this quote awhile ago and it's been sitting on my desktop.  It's so true and it's great to be able to be all in... I'd rather have the wild, fearless, passion of life and the heartache that could come than just existing.  Life is about living it to the fullest and taking those chances and risks!

Interesting south

It's been a transition and it's going to be ongoing for a wee bit.  Yesterday I went around checking out possible boarding areas for Sami and if longer than a weekend... Tux.  Our vet does do dog boarding but not cats.  I decided to check out one other vet that does cat and dog boarding, along with another spot that their cat boarding set up I liked.  Stop #1 was to the vet office and it was about 1pm.  Now, one thing I've noticed about this area is that customer service is lacking.  I walk into a business and it's like I am putting these people out in asking about their services or asking for help!  This vet was no different... I walk in and see 4 technicians or admin personnel in the front office area.  I explain that I was new to the area and wanted to check out their boarding facilities.  The female at the front looked at me like I was odd for asking for such a service then proceeded to ask me to come back at 2, that everyone is at lunch, and there is no one to take me on the tour.  I would like to remind you that I saw four workers there while I spoke to her!  UGH  Needless to say I did not go back :(  
Next stop was a boarding place in the middle of nowhere, another regular thing out here, and I have no issue with that...I have GPS :D  I drove around and around, according to my GPS I passed it twice BUT there was NO business sign and I was not going to randomly drive down people's driveways. Grrrr  Oh well.  We'll figure something out when we go out of town!

Speaking of Sami, my old lady, is getting an ultrasound next week to check out her liver.  Before leaving Utah she was started on a liver supplement.  It could be old age or it could be something more so we are going to hopefully determine that's it just old age.  She is such a trooper and is a good dog! 

As for the job hunt...applied for three jobs and we'll see how that goes.  Job hunting is so much fun :(

With not much going on in the local area here, Joe and I take little trips (usually up to the Raleigh) area.  Last Saturday we hit up Fuquay Varina, it has a history of there being a mineral spring there that built up the population. We started off at a local bakery, got some ice coffees and some fresh baked goods and then walked around a little.  Joe made a comment that that town has 10,000 people less than Goldsboro and Fuquay Varina has more stuff to offer, to include 3 microbreweries!  We checked out one, Draft Line Brewing Co. and they had just been in business for a year.  They set up a bar and a place for a band in their warehouse where they brew.  It was a neat set up but it was HOT!  They had fans so it wasn't terrible but we've been hanging out in 100 degree weather with the humidity! ugh I'm getting use to it.  We then went to Lafayette Village, a little shopping area with a Paris building vibe. We picked up some awesome cheese and some spices before having a nice late lunch before heading home.  This weekend we are planning on checking out a car show which will be good.  

a short hike along the Neuse River

a book exchange in Fuquay Varina

at the Fuquay Varina park where the mineral spring use to be

Draft Line Brewing Co.

Point of view

When I would tell people that I was moving to NC, I got a range of responses and they were usually to the extreme... either very negative heavy or positive.  To each their own, and I appreciate all points of views and concerns.  It is very possible by moving here I will have a delay in my career but it's not going to stop it.  I just heard today from a possible work connection that getting jobs with supervision here in NC is hard to do :( Well, guess I will focus my searching to USAjobs then :P  There HAS to be jobs with supervision in this state! Just saying.... so that could be my first job hurdle here but I'm not stressing... yet.

I will continue to look for jobs and enjoy my new surrounding.  I have yet to pick up the southern ear, and find myself saying "what" a lot due to them using words in different ways OR words I've never heard before :P  I did graduate high school in VA but that was eons ago and well, things change :P

The joys of country living comes with country driving.  I'm not new to the random tracker on the road that slows up traffic until you get to a spot that you can pass them.  They got some high tech looking farm equipment on the road here.  I snapped a pic but got a new phone so I'll get another one later so you'll know what I'm talking about :P

Monday I got to catch up with a friend from back in the day.  We were friends in the P.I. and we had no issues picking up where we left off :)  Good peeps!  We may be able to meet up at a beach house with her and her family this summer!  I need to find a picture of us back in the day for a comparison :D

Being a self proclaimed city girl, those that know me were concerned with this move to NC and to the country.  Although I am a city girl, I can totally appreciate the wonders of the country and being on the east coast with all of it's rich history.  I see the history everywhere, in the houses and in the "feel" of the place.  No, I'm not going to plant my roots here but I will enjoy the experience.  For example, this past Sunday Joe and I were sitting on the back porch sharing a bottle of wine while he tried out a couple of cigars from his cigar fest that weekend.  Nothing beats not being tied to electronics, sitting in the country air, sharing a good conversation, and when the sun sets watching the show that nature provides via the fireflies.  Yep, that's a great evening.

This pic is of course not of our back yard but we do have a row of tall trees behind our fence and I was amazed that the fireflies go all the way to the top of the trees!  I love the beauty of nature!  You can't capture that or buy that feeling or view!

This quote was from the natural science museum in Raleigh.  :D

We are not t.v. people.  We will watch movies, but we have no cable so we actually spend time with one another and we talk and share things with each other and listen.  It's truly amazing and I'm blessed to have this.  Just last night after Joe and I had dinner, one of his friends came by and it was porch sitting and talking.  I feel that living life is embracing one's environment and the people around it, not being sucked into technology.  It's so sad to me to see people, to see couples, glued to their phones in public :(  I don't want to be that couple and I won't be!

Tonight we're off to see Mumford & Sons in an outdoor amphitheatre :D  It's going to be awesome!

West meet East

See you later SLC, UT!

I'm a west coast girl by nature but on 20 May, my car was loaded with the bare necessities along with Tux, Sami, and my new co-pilot in life, Joe, and we headed off to North Carolina.   It took us about three days.  We didn't rush it and I got to see some parts of the U.S. I haven't seen before...very beautiful country!  
We got to Pikeville NC Saturday early evening.  Sami and Tux were awesome traveling!  Sami, I knew, would be but I wasn't sure about Tux.  I heard horror stories about cats in cars and was praying that Tux would go off of Sami's chill vibe and be cool and he was.  We had a small litter box for him in the car but he didn't use it until the last day of driving.  He would get brave and check things out every once in awhile but for the most part he found a cave behind one of our seats and slept.

Needless to say by the time we got home we were spent!  

Sunday was a lazy day but one of Joe's friend's, Chris, invited us over for drinks and BBQ.  Two lazy people who just drove three days had no problem taking him up on his offer!  Chris, well...everyone out here, lives on some land and it's country out here.  He has a beautiful house and it's right next to a wheat field and the sunsets are truly something to take pause and admire!  Chris's wife is currently deployed and he's a single parent of two girls right now, poor guy needs some adult interaction :P  

Monday my stuff was delivered.  Steve, the bad ass driver, and Mesa moving were AWESOME! I had no problems and would recommend them in a heart beat!

Joe had all that following week off of work so we got busy unpacking, hanging things on the wall, and just getting settled.  Sami and Tux were helpful as is their norm :P  Sami will be 11 this August and her back legs are getting weaker.  Stairs give her problems, although she tries her best, and she gets tired rather quickly.  We have a nice back porch but some decent stairs that go to the yard.  Joe quickly made Sami girl an old lady ramp so she has access to the yard AND I don't have to carry her up and down stairs.  It's taken her about a week and a half but now she goes up and down the ramp completely on her own with no coaxing!  She's such a smart girl :D

That Thursday since we had pretty much finished unpacking we headed to the beach!  :D  I love being driving distance to the beach.  We spent a good afternoon there, got some food and headed back.  It was an overcast day with a nice breeze so THAT is what I blame our sunburns on, NOT that we failed to utilize sunscreen :(

It's been a week and I'm still peeling off my skin! ugh

Last week Joe was back to work :( But I had things to do. NC driver's license, NC license plates CHECK!  Looked into getting my interim social work license here and found out I need some paperwork from some good folks in UT :( ugh.  So that's on the docket for completion next week. I'm also getting my bearings around here.  I'm so use to having a big mountain range to gauge where I'm at, and what direction I'm going in.  Here.... not so much.  I'm seeing tobacco fields right and left but they don't help me with a sense of direction :P

This is the first move in my life where the military wasn't a part of it somehow.  Yes, Joe is active duty Air Force but that has no real impact on me.  Even when I moved to Utah I transferred to the Utah Air National Guard and I was still part of something, I had work responsibilities, something while I searched for another job.  Now, I don't have that anymore and it's weird but nice at the same time.  Granted, being a military brat and then serving for 20 years I will never ever be completely away from the military!  Yesterday I went with Joe to a retirement on base, followed by a house party and yep.... military everywhere I look.  It's fine, it's kinda nice being the "civilian" girlfriend although he's told everyone that I just retired so I can't play like I don't know anything about military stuff LOL

Today I did some venturing on my own and while people watching realized how "white" Utah is.  I knew it was but being here and seeing so much more diversity is a nice change of pace for me.  Also, the history here, I think, can be felt.  Just driving around some of these small towns you see some amazing old houses, plantation houses, Victorian looking.... I can't wait to explore more of the East coast and all the history in the area.  

On Monday I'm meeting up with a friend I had in middle school/high school!  We were in the P.I. together and the last time I saw her I was a freshman in high school!  She lives about 2 hours away with her family so we are going to meet in either Raleigh or Chapel Hill!  I have another close friend that is about 3 hours away, and then another one about 6 hours away!  I have NO excuse not to travel up and down the eastern seaboard!

Since I've been here I've slacked on photos.  Mainly it's because I usually use my phone but T Mobile SUCKS out here and I have been having phone issues :(  That's something else on my "to do" list!  I'll probably blog more now since I have some free time with the job hunt and all.... 

We will see how that goes :P  

I HAVE A JOB!

I start on Monday, after a weekend of work but whatever :P  My second interview that I mentioned in my last post never took place.  My interviewer called my references and called me on Monday saying "with talking with your references, we decided that we just want to hire you!" 

AWESOME!

I'll be working at a clinic doing a mix of medical admin and medical assisting.  The clinic specializes in MS patients and the head doc is a leader in MS research and treatment.  He travels a lot.  So, I may be able to help out and do stuff in the the research avenue :D  The job is a hog podge of things which is good for me!  I get so bored with the same ol stuff day in and day out.  The pay is above average for others doing this work BUT they even said I was over qualified so I'm thinking after my probation period (3 months) and after they see my work ethic we can revisit the pay.  The pay is livable, I can get my own place BUT it doesn't leave much for savings and trip planning :P

I'm still keeping my eye open for work possibilities.  I still have a job application out for up at the base, but I can't sit around to see if that pans out.  I just saw another posting for a position at the VA so I'll probably check that out and apply for that one. 

Where did October go?!

First a job update for the month of October:

Applied: 16
Interview: 1 w/ a follow up interview next week :D
No's: 1 cuz I didn't have a medical assisting certificate :P which I am working on... with some money, the right signature and passing a test I have the convented "certificate"

So yep, I have a follow up interview in a week and it's from the interview that I had this afternoon!  I feel good about it but I am also nervous.  I'm nervous cuz right now I have all these balls up in the air, a handful of possible opportunities.  So if this job pans out and they want to hire me...  I'll have to see what else will happen.  It's usually all or nothing huh?

We had our first snow this past week.  The night prior David asked if I wanted to pull into the garage (very nice of him) but we got side tracked and never  did.  Well, much to my dismay there was almost 6 inches on my car the next morning!  Marcia got up and gave me her scrapper so it wasn't that bad.  It's weird that when there is that much snow on the ground and the air is clear that it doesn't seem so cold.  It was beautiful but by the time I made it home a majority of the snow had melted away and days later, the mountains seemed to have cleared up some.  New reports reported that some die-hards were trying out the slopes already. We got this snow on Wednesday, by Friday my car was reading 72 degrees! And that is how Utah rolls :P  I still need to buy my own ice scrapper!

I've been on a handful of dates and they have been enjoyable, even a couple of times with one guy.  It always amuses me when life is going smooth, or I start talking to other guys, that I get some random email from an ex.  Really?! What is that all about?  Is there some sort of "this is the time" radar in hopes to getting me all spun up/re-evaluating the past/questioning why we are no longer together?!  I had to laugh.  I was nice when I wrote this one back but I called him out on his lie of "sorry I haven't written but I just really missed you....".  Note: if I'm still friends with you on FB I can see a change in status thus you getting into a relationship and then recently getting out of one will show up on my news feed (unless I blocked you :P ) so trying to intrigue with "I missed you so much" constitutes a BS flag being waved.  I was nice about it, but needless to say he's never wrote me back. LMFAO

On Thursday we carved pumpkins.  I don't recall doing it before.  It was fun yet gross when getting all the guts out of the pumpkin.  We did keep the seeds and yesterday we seasoned and roasted them YUM.  Last night we watched scary movies and I was up till about 3.  We had the air mattress in the living room.  I was pinned between Joe and the couch and a certain someone was snoring in happy dream land.  I finished Friday the 13th (yep we did the oldies) and then caught up on my Glees before rolling backward off of the airmattress and braving the basement to go to bed.  Nothing attached me and I slept in till about 10 :D Very nice.  Tonight I look forward to checking out trick or treaters but tomorrow I'm working so it will be an early night :(

Job update

For the month of September (this way the numbers don't look too crappy :P )

Applied: 12

No's:  2

Interviews: 1

That's correct ladies and gents I had a job interview :)  I'm hoping it works out.  The interview went well, from what I could tell.

I stopped cubicle hell because I can do extra days with the UTANG to get ready for an upcoming inspection, and the pay is better.  So, I'm not totally desolate.  

Temp Job

Welcome to my view at work for the next 2-3 months.  It's a big room of cubicles.  To some, this is normal.  To me.... not so much.  How did I get here? How did I get this temp job of data entry, of working bankruptcies for a major hospital in the area?  If you know me, then you know I hate math and repetitive work.  SO HOW DID I GET HERE AND WHY AM I STAYING?!

The economy sucks, not working is depressing, and I could possible get something from this stint.

So here's the update as of today

Applied :  35

No's :       9

Job was canceled:  2

Interviews/call backs:  0

Applications got stagnate for a few weeks due to a dead laptop, me getting sick, working 12 days straight... I know... excuses excuses!  But it's back in the game!

As for this temp job, I got it through AppleOne which is an employment agency that Marcia mentioned.  We figured it wouldn't hurt to have extra people looking for jobs for me :)  So I went and a week later they call me "We have a temp job for you".  I went in and did some preliminary stuff and before leaving I asked if it was the medical admin job that we discussed when I did my first interview with them.  It wasn't, it was with a hospital but it was doing data entry, banking, and it was for less money.  I told them "no thank you".  By the time I got home the agent had called me 3 times.  I called her back and she tried to convince me.  I explained to her that I understand the concept of getting a foot in the door, but that's not a job that I want to be doing, no where on my resume does data entry and banking get mentioned.  She then said she made a mistake, her boss wasn't there, and it is a medical admin job.  O.k. that's different and she said for me to think it over the weekend.  So I talked to folks, thought about it and figured I'd do it.  I went in and touched base with the boss lady and I asked again about the job description, she was vague and said there is some banking type stuff.  LIER!  I am at the administration office doing data entry and updated bankruptcy claims!  UGH

BUT I'm meeting people, and I plan to get a reference letter from these folks.  I'm still going to apply for jobs and get back to my one a day minimum.  

The days are long with little interaction from others.  I'm on the computer all day so I don't feel like spending a lot of time on the computer when I get home but I need to keep applying for jobs.  

There are reasons for everything, even if we don't get it at the time.