Changes,  Communication,  Family,  Florida,  Friendship,  Husbands,  Jobs and Careers,  Marriage Confessions,  Moving,  Suburbia

On the Sunny Side of the Street (Freaking Finally!)

August 23, 2010 /

Well, ain’t it nice to see you all again!  I have missed you!  But I had a much needed little time-out with the fam and we are all in a much better place today.  I guess I should bring you all up to speed because there has been a LOT going on ’round these here parts.

After the break in last weekend, we packed up basically our entire house except for the furniture and went to stay with my parents.  It has been so nice to be here and to feel safe and secure while we make some decisions, instead of making them out of fear or in haste.  The only part that is a little tricky is that it is about an hour and a half drive into Orlando every day for Chris to work and last week, Bean Man and I had lots to take care of, so we were making the trip almost every day, too.  That part is no fun at all, but it’s just part of the arrangement right now and it could be much worse.

The first thing we had to do was figure out the living situation.  We had been holding off on moving because we really couldn’t afford anywhere that was much better than where we were without me having a job.  Which is why we hadn’t moved before.  But, we decided that job or no job, we had to move so we started looking around right away for somewhere else.  Turns out there were some options, but not great ones and though it was frustrating, we were just happy that we had other places to go.

And then, lo and behold, my oldest friend in the whole wide world, Sarah, called me last Tuesday.  She and her husband are both teachers and she told me that her school was looking for someone to teach a class.  Like the Saint that she is, she got me an interview on Wednesday.  After the interview, of course, I headed up to Sarah’s classroom to tell her all about it and as I’m sitting there gushing about some of my answers, in walks the person who interviewed me and she offered me the job.  Right there.  On the spot.

Prayer.  Answered.

I can’t be positive, but I may have started crying when she told me.  But I’m not sure because I was screaming so loudly I wasn’t able to concentrate on my tear ducts.  I can’t tell you where or what I’m teaching because of all that internet-psycho-mumbo-jumbo-safety-stuff, but I can tell you that I am so excited about it.  I’ve never taught before, but I really think I might be good at it.  School starts today, but there is a sub in my class until my temporary teaching certificate comes through.  And actually, that in itself is another blessing because I’ll probably start teaching in a couple weeks which would give us time to move in to our new place.  Commuting every day from two hours away would be really difficult since I have to be there so early in the morning and this way I have time to move before I actually start.

The next task we had to tackle last week was a daycare for Bean Man because he would be really irritated if I hid him under my desk all day.  And – wowza! – did we luck out!  We found a daycare very close to my school that is WONDERFUL!  I want to go there.  It is so clean and bright and all the kids looked happy and healthy and like they were having a really good time.  In Bean’s class, there were 6 other children and they were all his size!  It was a class of kids just like him!  And they were all sitting in little bitty chairs having a snack when we toured the facility, just like little people!  As we stood there, the two teachers helped them CLEAN UP THEIR OWN SNACK (can you imagine Bean cleaning up after himself?  I cannot.) and then move over to circle time where they all sat like little gems in a circle on the floor and watched as the teacher read a book to them.  All I could think was, “Bean is going to have MANNERS!!!!”  Seriously, I thought I had died and gone to daycare heaven.

Prayer.  Answered.

The cost of this daycare is about what we paid in Connecticut, which is a little pricey for this area.  But with my new job, we are able to pay it and we think it is totally worth the extra cost.  I really think Bean is going to love it there and it will be easier for me to go back to work knowing he’s in such a friendly place.

The last piece of the whole puzzle is a house.  With our income more than doubling since I now have a job, we were finally able to look in neighborhoods and at homes that we had imagined us living in all along.  Nothing huge, but nice, clean houses in safe, family-friendly neighborhoods.  And boy did we luck out!  We found a really great house in an older suburb of Orlando that is absolutely perfect.  It isn’t too big, but is comparable to the size of our house in Connecticut which means that – holy moly – we’ll be able to unpack completely for the first time in six months!  And the best part is that the neighborhood is full of families with kids playing outside, people walking dogs, and mothers strolling down sidewalks with their babies.

That’s right.

I said sidewalks.

Prayer.  Answered.

Now, I realize that these things might not be that big of a deal to anyone, but to our family who has lived in the ghetto for the past six months, sidewalks and kids playing outside are HUGE.  We put in our application to rent the house last week and we are hoping to hear this week if we got the house.  If so, we would move in Labor Day weekend and, hopefully, I’d start teaching the week after.

All in all, it’s been a pretty exciting time for our family this past week.  We went from the worst possible situation to the best possible situation in about three days.  I can’t even begin to tell you the roller coaster of emotions we’ve been through.  But through it all, Chris and I have continued to stay positive and have kept talking to each other.  Usually during the day, so much was going on that we wouldn’t really have time to talk too much.  Mostly just checking in with each other and updating the other on things that were happening.  But at night before we went to bed, we’d talk through things.  We’d plan, we’d worry, we’d squeal, but mostly, we’d laugh.  And it was just a reaffirmation to me that I had married the right person.  There’s no one else that could go through something like this with me more perfectly that Chris and I’ve never been more happy to have married my best friend.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go drag my best friend out of bed so he can go to work and bring me home a paycheck.

Best friends are really awesome when they bring home paychecks.

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87 Comments

  • Mindee@ourfrontdoor

    August 23, 2010 at 7:40 am Reply

    You sound . . . pepppy? Yes, peppy. Peppy and positive and all things good. Wouldn’t it be weird if the break in was the best thing to happen to you since you moved?

    I’m so glad that things are falling into place. Enjoy!

  • Kristin B

    August 23, 2010 at 7:43 am Reply

    Oh that’s wonderful news! Congrats!

    I’m just going to put this out there: I’m a high school English teacher. If we match up in grade level or subject, please feel free to email me at any time! I’d be more than happy to share lesson plan ideas or even teaching tricks! Good luck–you’re going to be amazing!

  • Corinn

    August 23, 2010 at 7:49 am Reply

    Congrats! I am so happy for you! I am a teacher, and I love it! You will be great at it. And one of the best parts, you will still get summers off with Bean! Good luck moving & getting settled in the next few weeks!

  • Beth

    August 23, 2010 at 8:11 am Reply

    Hi Katie! I am so happy for you, I have this big stupid grin on my face right now just for you!

    Former, elementary and middle school social studies teacher. Any questions, just ask!

  • Ashley

    August 23, 2010 at 8:25 am Reply

    That is so phenomenal! Congratulations to the whole family. I think sometimes we have to go through the trial to truly appreciate the blessings God has given us, and these blessings could not have happened to a better family.

  • Catherine

    August 23, 2010 at 8:26 am Reply

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You are going to make an amazing teacher. Those kids will fawn over you! I’m so glad things are turning around (and quickly)! xoxoxo from CD&N

  • Isabel

    August 23, 2010 at 8:38 am Reply

    Congratulations on the new job! I am so happy to hear that everything has worked out for the best. Nobody should have to go through what you and Chris did but at least it has had a very happy ending. Crossing my fingers that the impending move goes just as smoothly.

  • Lee Ann

    August 23, 2010 at 8:41 am Reply

    Yippee! Good things do come to those who wait … and who rightfully deserve them … and who work hard for them! And you fit all those bills. Can’t wait to hear the teaching and moving and daycare stories to come!

  • Jenny J.

    August 23, 2010 at 8:42 am Reply

    That is so amazing for you!!!! This house, is it rent to own or are you still going to look for another house to buy? It’s wonderful to see this turn around for you guys, hope the move goes smoothly!

  • Ashley

    August 23, 2010 at 8:42 am Reply

    Congratulations to you and your amazing family! I’m so happy for you guys and thrilled that things are falling into place in such a timely fashion. =) can’t wait to start reading about your teaching adventures.

  • Laurie

    August 23, 2010 at 9:23 am Reply

    I am so happy for you guys that things are falling into place. Congratualations on your new job too! Best of luck with all the new transitions!!

  • Christina

    August 23, 2010 at 9:32 am Reply

    Congrats, I’m so happy for you and your family!
    I’m also in the Orlando area (grew up here), so if you ever have any questions dealing with things in the area, feel free to ask!

  • Lisa

    August 23, 2010 at 10:21 am Reply

    Very happy to hear that things are falling into place for you guys. Congrats on the new job, I hope it goes really well and Bean loves his new daycare!

  • Margaret

    August 23, 2010 at 10:36 am Reply

    Congrats on everything. It’s such a great feeling to see things really working out in our lives. I wanted to say one thing, and I know it won’t be a popular opinion here. However, I’ll forge ahead because I feel pretty strongly about this. As I’ve read this whole story of your move and this house that you rented where you had such a violation of your space, the way that you talk about this house/neighborhood has been crawling around in the back of my mind. I understand that it isn’t where you want to raise your family or even felt safe, but for some people, this home/neighborhood is all they’ll ever have the ability to live in. Some families may even hope to live there and finally have a backyard for their kids to play in. When you talk about it, it seems inhumane and unfit and maybe it is. But, for some, it is all they have. I think it is the responsibility of the privileged to acknowledge all those factors and show respect for families who will never be able to pull themselves to a higher socioeconomic status and the places in which they are forced to reside. I do understand that it didn’t feel safe for you or Bean and I imagine there are other mothers who live there and feel the same way. They just may not be fortunate enough to ever get themselves out of there. I know this whole move and this horrible break-in (which has reminded me to be more aware of my own home and my safety here) has been a real stress on you and your family. I don’t want to discount that. By profession, I’m an advocate for social justice so those things really caught my eye and I wanted to speak out for those who often aren’t given a voice.
    Best of luck to you in your new job.

  • Nikki

    August 23, 2010 at 10:45 am Reply

    Whoohoo I am so excited for you guys. For someone who has a degree in education ( I didn’t have enough guts after school to actually go into the field) I commend you. I know you will be great at it, and I look forward to hearing your great stories. Glad to see everyting is finally going your way!

  • Kattrina

    August 23, 2010 at 10:50 am Reply

    Isn’t it the most wonderful feeling when things work out the way you want them too? What great news you’ve had all week – a new job, a new daycare, and a new house (hopefully). Good luck with it all!

  • Melissa

    August 23, 2010 at 10:51 am Reply

    Congratulations! You have been through a lot this past 6 months, and I am so happy for you that it has all worked out. You and your family have been in my prayers. Thanks for sharing this journey with us!

  • Katie

    August 23, 2010 at 11:06 am Reply

    I’m glad your family’s prayers are being answered… to God be the Glory!

    “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22

  • Candice

    August 23, 2010 at 11:12 am Reply

    Congratulations! I think after the unfortunate events you’ve had, you will all appreciate everything you do have just so much more than you did before. Life really is to be treasured.

  • Jennifer

    August 23, 2010 at 11:58 am Reply

    Oh Katie, I am so happy for you guys! Perhaps you could send some of those good vibes up to MA that I can find a job closer to home?? (i’m kidding…mostly). I’m currently doing a 2.5 hr commute each way and i hate it. While i’m thankful to have a job that does provide for us and provides a roof over our heads, i’d like to be home in it more during the week. There is so much more I would like to do during the week beside commute home.

    I hope you guys get the rental house, it sounds like it’s going to be perfect location not only for your family but for your jobs. Despite what you said, yes it is very exciting to be moving into a nice neighborhood full of life and kids :-). Could you buy there someday as well?

  • Amy

    August 23, 2010 at 12:19 pm Reply

    So happy for you & your family 🙂 Yay for answered prayers! Rest assured that I’ll be keeping all of you in my thoughts over the next several weeks as all this ‘good stuff’ unfolds 🙂

  • Casper

    August 23, 2010 at 12:38 pm Reply

    I am so glad to hear that things are turning around and those are big things. Good job, wonderful! Safe house in a good place, wonderful! Got to appreciate the small things in life because they are usually the things that make a big difference!

  • Katie

    August 23, 2010 at 1:25 pm Reply

    I am so thrilled for you all!! Sometimes the best endings come out of the worst situations, and I’m praying that that’s how this break in will work out for y’all! Good luck!

  • Jennifer

    August 23, 2010 at 1:42 pm Reply

    That’s AWESOME!!! Its crazy how sometimes horrible things happen and it turns into something unimaginably positive!!! Just think about what it’d be like it those turds hadn’t broken into yalls house (not that it was right or ok). I’m so happy for yall!! YEA for happy places!

  • Jen C

    August 23, 2010 at 3:02 pm Reply

    Wow! what an amazing amount of blessings for someone who definitely deserves them. so incredibly happy for your family on all accounts!! the job (wow! you are going to make a great teacher), the daycare, and the house…how perfectly things work out sometimes.

  • Tracy B

    August 23, 2010 at 3:41 pm Reply

    Congratulations! I’ve been teaching for more than 15 years – it can be a challenge – but it’s so fun and exciting!!!
    If you need advice, help, just a boost of confidence from a veteran teacher don’t hesitate to email me!

  • Alicia

    August 23, 2010 at 3:42 pm Reply

    Awesome!!! So happy for you guys! I know what your job journey feels like. I was laid off from my job in January 2009 and I’ve been looking daily. I know how frustrating it is for you. I can’t wait to feel my own elation and joy upon getting a new job.

  • Katie D

    August 23, 2010 at 5:20 pm Reply

    good luck with all the new changes! Remember to be patient with yourself and give yourself lots of love. Teaching can be a shock when you’re confronted with all the responsibilities you’d never thought were part of the job, but the students’ trust and love are the best rewards!

  • Renee

    August 23, 2010 at 5:21 pm Reply

    I am so happy things are working out so well. And I’m excited about you teaching. It’s pretty much the best job in the world (I’m a teacher, myself). And I’m a little jealous that you found a teaching job without a teaching certificate. Michigan is F.U.L.L. of teachers looking for jobs, and it took me a year to find one.

    • Laura

      August 24, 2010 at 7:32 am Reply

      Beyond thrilled for you! Congrats on all counts. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the house works out for you!!! You will be a great teacher!

  • tessabella76

    August 23, 2010 at 5:42 pm Reply

    Congrats!!!! I am also returning to work after being laid off for almost a year and a half. It’s such a relief and a great feeling. Good luck!!!

  • Hilary

    August 23, 2010 at 6:01 pm Reply

    I think it’s wonderful that everything is finally moving in a better direction for your family. I do have to echo what Renee said above. I am also a teacher with a Master’s in Education and I had to basically beg for my job five years ago. However, it is further proof that the Lord is leading you and your family. This teaching position is an incredible opportunity for you. I can’t imagine doing anything else. In fact, I was just in school today organizing my classroom. Don’t get me wrong, teaching is difficult and demanding but definitely one of the most fulfilling endeavors I have ever had the privilege of undertaking. I absolutely love it and I have a feeling you will too! Best of luck!

  • rebecca

    August 23, 2010 at 6:07 pm Reply

    I would have done the same thing, and could not have continued living somewhere where I did not feel safe. In response to Margaret’s comment, you do come from a place of privilege (as do I). To have the opportunity to move to a different neighborhood or to have supportive parents who will welcome you into your house is a privilege that some people do not have. It does not mean that you and Chris didn’t work hard, you did! In fact, I have no clue how you two manage but we are still lucky to have come from families and educational backgrounds that allow us to live in neighborhood’s with sidewalks, some people don’t. I just think it is important that people recognize this.

  • Sonya

    August 23, 2010 at 7:30 pm Reply

    Great news! You will enjoy teaching! That is one nice thing about FL, it’s easy to get into teaching if you want to! I hope you get the house and I look forward to reading about your new adventures!

  • Ashley @ According to Ashley

    August 23, 2010 at 7:46 pm Reply

    Hooray! I’m so happy to hear all of this good news! I teach kindergarten in NC and I absolutely love it! Just from reading your posts on Bean’s page, I think you’ll be an awesome teacher! Best of luck to you guys in this new adventure! 🙂

  • Lindsay (YoungMarriedMom)

    August 23, 2010 at 8:59 pm Reply

    Alleluia! What wonderful news, Katie! Thank you for sharing these parts of your life with us; it’s always encouraging to me to see someone else’s prayers answered, as a reminder that we are always heard. All the best with the house and with your new job. It’s like Christmas!!!

  • Tabs

    August 24, 2010 at 12:41 am Reply

    So much love and congratulations for you guys! That is so awesome!

    Thanks for sharing all of lifes ups and downs with us and for being so honest. Its quite refreshing and reassuring.

  • Emily Marie

    August 24, 2010 at 10:53 am Reply

    Talk about prayers being answered!! And you know, you wouldn’t have appreciated these things nearly as much if you hadn’t had so much opposition in the last 6 months. Yay for blessings! I’m very very happy for you!

  • Bonnie

    August 25, 2010 at 11:10 am Reply

    Katie I am soo happy for you, Chris, and Bean! What wonderful reaffirmation for your family, and a reward for your patience and obedience to God’s will over the last 6 months! Times like these are great reminders that everything will happen in God’s time, and He has us all in the palm of His hand!

  • Megan @ Red Dirt and Crazy

    August 25, 2010 at 2:40 pm Reply

    Who could have imagined that so many wonderful things could follow so quickly behind something so dreadful?! I guess that is where we get the saying…The Lord works in mysterious ways!! I’m so happy for y’all!! Congrats!!

    Blessings,
    Megan

  • Mallory

    August 27, 2010 at 3:30 pm Reply

    Congrats, Katie! This is all such great news in light of recent events. Can you say what grade you’ll be teaching? Elementary, middle, or high school, at least?

  • Brina

    August 31, 2010 at 6:25 pm Reply

    I am so happy to hear this! Sidewalks in non-ghetto neighborhoods are the best! Sorry for my late post, started graduate classes on the 23rd, but I’m getting caught up now. Please tell me or Tommy if you guys need help moving.

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