Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes ...

Since Spring Break I have been busy applying for teaching jobs, mostly in Oregon, but a couple in Wyoming.  Geographically and topographically I don't want to be where I am.  I don't mind small town.  I don't mind the high desert climate.  I do mind the flat land for miles and miles with nothing much to do but walk along the polluted beaches of the Columbia River.  My job is not in jeopardy as many others in Oregon are.  But, it is time for a change. 

Against all odds I faced the daunting economic state of affairs as an Oregon educator.  I applied for about 15 jobs across the state.  Juggling late nights with my evening part time job and Kim's Speech Language Pathology Assistant program with Chemeketa Community College online turned me into a zombie many days and has left the bedroom looking like the ones you see on those reality TV shows ... before the cleaning and make-over.  Most emails from districts state how I am 1 of the one-hundred-some-odd highly qualified applicants and to continue trying.  A week ago I was finally selected for an interview by South Wasco County in Maupin, Oregon ... right by Mt. Hood with the Deschutes River raging through it.  AAAAAWESOME!  She told me I was 1 of 8 out of the 125 applicants selected to be interviewed for their 2 positions.  I told her I would write that in my journal.  We had a good conversation and found out that there was a round about personal connection between us.  She has a niece who is the wife of a vice principal at a high school in my district.  I made an appointment to visit and interview the following week.  This was done the day before I was to leave on a job seeking adventure to Rock Springs, Wyoming in response to a job offer at an elementary school.  I had some cards to play and things were exciting.  In addition, my principal asked if I would be interested in an idea she had, if being part of her idea would keep me.  I was feeling wanted and it felt great. 

Long story short, the visit to Rock Springs was great.  The administration spent a lot of time with me and made sure my family felt welcome.  We went to a 6th grade culmination of a themed study presentation/event at the community college.  I took the kids swimming at the family rec center.  We drove above the city on the White Mountains and saw several groups of wild horses.  One group walked right by the van.  I was given a tour of the city.  And the principal took my family out to breakfast, which is as much of a wine-and-dine experience I have ever heard of in public education.  So, with a few restless nights and much conversation and pondering I accepted the job the night before we left.  I slept much better that night ... until the fire alarm in the hotel went off at 4:45 am. 

Today I called to cancel my interview with Maupin.  It was bittersweet.  My perception of the conversation was that most likely I would have been offered one of the positions.  Even if it had come to pass like a dream come true I would have had to turn it down.  Rock Springs feels right.  It makes sense even though it's a days drive from family and not in my idea of an ideal location. 

So, here's to change.  We are excited for the future. 

Sorry, the camera was left in the hotel so we did not have it on our wild horse scenic drive.  Figures ....