Two Down...One to Go!!

I haven't really been able to post lately, mostly because I've been waiting...waiting...waiting for any kind of real news.  When your life is in limbo, or should I say when my life is in limbo, I get sort of paralyzed!  I've been busy in my paralysis, though.  I had two interviews in the last six days and I'm thrilled to announce that I found a job in Maine!!  Yes, indeedy!  I'm starting in September teaching 3rd grade!  I couldn't be more thrilled...or relieved.  I teach 5th grade now, so this will be a lovely change of pace.  I used to teach 3rd grade when I first began my teaching career, so it's nice to be going back. 

So, the house inspection went well and things are chugging away--signed P&S, new job on the horizon, and the only thing left to do...find a place to live.  We have our eye on a place, but we'll see.  I'm sure that there will be houses coming on the market in the next few weeks still, so I'm hopeful.

I'm actually reeling from the rapid pace of these changes...but what's a life without change?  I often think that I'd like to have a steady and predictable life, with solid traditions and the comfort of the totally familiar, but that's obviously just not me!  My youngest son, Ben, once told me that he admired the fact that I've reinvented myself many times--and that is certainly true.  So, now I will become a teacher of third graders in a new school, a new state, in a new community and hopefully grow and expand in many exciting ways! 

There are no pictures of my new life though, so I'll share some of my rainy garden while I still enjoy the old house, in the old life!

Kind of green, huh?  I think it's the rain!  I really can't wait to get going and start the new garden!
Courtney

On the Runaway Train

Today, we listed the house and Sunday will be our first open house.  The realtor took some amazing pictures and we've priced it very reasonably, so I'm hoping that someone will pounce on it this weekend.  I know that's optimistic, but when I compare it to other properties in the same town, this house blows away the competition. 

I've spent the last few days gathering papers for applying to three different school districts up in Maine.  As I've said before, it's like running for President.  I now have a folder that is 1.5 inches thick.  They want transcripts forwarded, three letters of reference, applications filled out, copies of resume, cover letter, sample lesson that demonstrates your philosophy of education, and in that state, fingerprinting.  Now I know how my poor students feel when I assign a large project with a big checklist! LOL

Everyone at my school has been supportive.  And you wonderful blogging buddies have been very supportive as well.  I really appreciate all the well wishes and cheering to go for the dream.  It's funny, a friend mentioned that if it were all about the money savings, could I make it up by working in the summer, or selling things on the side.  But, after I thought about it, I still wanted the country and chickens and to be in a simpler area.  So, I do know I am moving in the right direction and the details will work themselves out!  One tiny step at a time!

My rug is finished. 

I didn't end up whip stitiching it.  With everything I'm trying to do, that was just too much!  I've bound it with black rug tape, and I still need to attach a label, but it's steamed and ready to go on Saturday. 

It's about 18" by 24".  Bigger than I really thought it would be!  I'm pleased with the result!
Have a great evening!
Courtney