Change of Plans

 Remember on my last post how I mentioned there was basically no reason NOT to move to OC? Funny things really happen sometimes.

After we made that decision, we prayed together we would receive confirmation this was the correct choice- and that we'd receive a sign. Well, that week, a school district in Pasadena had contacted me, asking if I'd be interested in a personal interview. I didn't get back to them right away because I didn't know what to think. But I decided I'd see what would happen and went ahead with the interview.

Here's the back story: several weeks ago, or months I'd say, I applied for a position within a school district in Pasadena. Every now and then I'd miss working for the schools and would see what was available. That's when I came across this specific one. It seemed out of my reach, considering the salary, the benefits, and qualifications- more money than I've ever made, and the qualifications were more strict. But I thought, "why not?" and applied anyway. This happened shortly after I had been suddenly removed from a case I had been working on for almost a year- and I was seeking stability within normal school hours. 

Some weeks later, the district contacted me via e-mail, inviting me to take the written exam at the district building. So, I went. My appointment was the earliest available, which was around 9 am. There were tons of people in the exam room. Not only that, the instructor said we were only the first group- there were going to be several more groups throughout the day and the next. A couple of girls at my table mentioned this was their 2nd or 3rd attempt taking the exam over the course of months/years for the position. The instructor also mentioned that only the top scorers would move on.

So, I took the exam and went on my way. Another few weeks passed and I received another e-mail from the district, inviting me to an oral exam. They would tape record me answering random questions about my qualifications. So, I went. Then I discovered once again there were many other people who were there for that exam. I got it over with and moved on.

Many more weeks passed, and I moved on. Since I hadn't heard anything, I assumed they had made their selection and had basically forgotten about it.

Then the phone call came, that very week Gary and I had prayed for a sign about where to move. I didn't know if I wanted to go through with the interview since I had my heart set on OC. I prayed, then decided just to see what would happen. So, I went with the personal interview. The interviewer said I would hear back in a few weeks on whether I got the position or not, then I went along my way.

The next day was the call. I contacted Gary to tell him the news, then immediately prayed about it. I was still feeling hesitant. Not only that, they wanted me to start in a month- meaning I'd have to give notice to my current job about leaving my cases. But, after receiving comfort, I contacted my employers, my families I work with, and the district about moving on to do the fingerprinting, medical stuff, etc. Everyone was thrilled for me and that made me feel a little better. Now, I'm not leaving my current company. The school position is 9 months, so I'll have backup during the summer if necessary.

Now? Still nervous about the decision in ways, but mostly because of where we're going to move. I wasn't ever sure about Pasadena, but I was told if we stay south of the 210, we'd find really beautiful, safe neighborhoods and places to live. The school districts worry me, but when we have kids, we'll worry about that. In honesty, you really can't beat Santa Clarita. So, now it looks like we'll be moving to South Pasadena or somewhere around that area. It's really close to Gary's job, and we'll be next to my new job.

Now about the job. The position title is Behavioral Interventionist. It's a salaried, 6-hour per day position, Mon-Fri. Just like any school position, I get paid holidays and vacations including 2 weeks off for winter, spring break, etc. I will basically be having DTT  (Discrete Trial Training-Google it) sessions with students throughout a regular day. They send me a student, I give them a session, and move on to the next. There's much more in the job description, so I'll figure it all out as I go. I'm not certain yet which school I will be sent to- I haven't received the site information just yet. It could be a high school, Jr. high, or elementary school. I'll figure that out today.

Anyway, that's the news and that's the update! The more we pray, the more comfortable we feel. I received a fortune on Saturday from a fortune cookie: "You will move to a wonderful new home within the year." Let's hope it's wonderful.

Moving Away

 Hey, everyone. Yes, a blog post!

 Gary and I have been attempting to escape the heat on the weekends. Last weekend, we hit the outlets in Camarillo- which was nice! The weather was in the 80's, which was way better than the 105 degree weather going on back home. We did some shopping where I purchased some jeans (name brand size 6 Levi's- awesome), some chocolate and candies (yum!), and some shirts at Aero for $5 a piece. Love their stuff!

After our shopping trip, we hit Ventura where we did more shopping, then stopped at the harbor for some delicious lunch overlooking the ocean. I had a delicious shrimp and avocado salad while Gary had fish and chips. Then we added on some ice cream at the end while strolling around. I was pretty stuffed. But it was good! Parking was crazy! We got lucky though when someone up front was pulling out- we made it there first and got the spot. But good grief was it busy! But good. 

Fourth of July was fun as well- relaxing, too! We pigged out- like a lot, on ribs, cookies, and other deliciousness. Then we watched the Town Center fireworks show from our complex- great view.

And then this past weekend- let's just say it may have made an impact on our future.

As you know, Gary works in downtown LA. He leaves at 6:30am and gets home close to 9pm. This includes "his" time at the gym for a couple-few hours. It wears the poor guy out. We've had our eyes on places closer to his job, but haven't fallen in love with anything yet. Everything's so- LA and apartment city, know what I mean? Nothing very family-oriented.

Well, his birthday was on Saturday and we went to Medieval Times in Buena Park, something we had been planning for awhile. It was a lot of fun! It was my first time there and although it's something super awesome for kids- I still enjoyed myself. And our team won. :)

Anyway, we were driving around Buena Park/Orange/Anaheim area and doing shopping at their massive outlet center in Orange. I mean big! And gorgeous. We noticed how clean the air was, how family-oriented it was, and how beautiful the homes and neighborhoods were. Then I said, "Too bad we can't move here." Then it hit me- how far were we from his job? I pulled out the map app on my phone and noticed we were only 20 miles away from his work. Valencia is 40 miles away. I told him, "Hey, we're actually pretty close! You'd only have to take the 5."

It gave us something to think about, so we did some research. Here are the perks:

• It's out of Los Angeles County and in Orange County
• Only 20 miles from his job
• 15 miles from the ocean
• Cleaner air
• Cleaner environment/city- just beautiful- the sky is so clear and blue
• It has tons of shopping and things to do, including some of our favorite places we have to travel out of town to visit
• It's next to Knotts Berry Farm and Disneyland
• The apartments are way more affordable, mainly because it's a family oriented city and not a young couple/apartment city where the demand is high
• The homes are about the same price as the homes in Santa Clarita/Valencia- which is more affordable than homes in LA.
• The crime is way low
• My brother lived in OC for a couple of years and is absolutely in love with the area, highly recommending it

In the end, we couldn't find any reasons NOT to move there. So, we decided. That is going to be our next place to live. We're excited!

Sometime next month we're going to spend a weekend there and get to know the areas more. Now, of course the downside would be my job- I'd have to leave my current cases and pick up new ones over there (my company provides services all through Southern Cali, including San Diego, so I'm good).  But it's a bummer because I LOVE the families I work for- well, 2 of them at least ;).

Anyway, that's the update! Things to do today- bye!