Catching Up

I mentioned recently that I am timidly cautiously exploring some job opportunities. I'm still working on that... we'll see how it goes. I am working towards working from home, but it will be a slow (and hopefully steady) process. I am far to obsessive and cautious to dive into it too quickly, I want to make sure it is a steady and viable income before I make the move. I had assumed/planned that I would stay at the college until that time, but I am considering otherwise now.

I am increasingly unhappy at the college, for a few different reasons: I really miss Kim being there. Hardly anyone that I knew through her even talks to me anymore - even when I pass them in the hall. I rarely have opportunity to see our mutual friends - most of my contact was on my way to her office b/c they are mostly in her old building, or on the way to it. My boss (not my direct supervisor, but the head boss) is increasingly hostile towards me and difficult to work with... she really makes my job miserable. Add to all that, with the state budget crisis, my hours have been cut. While Kim and I are both enjoying the extra free time that gives us, it makes my income so low as to hardly be worth it. All those together spurred me to start exploring my options a bit. And as I did, a very odd thing happened... I found myself becoming *excited* at the prospect of such a major change and energized by my prospects. That was such a novel thing for me, but the buzz has stayed.

I went on my first interview, and I feel like it went really well. I was on my game, I presented myself well, I felt encouraged at the way I handled it. All in all it was a good thing. I haven't heard back yet - she was still taking interviews through this week. I won't be taking the job, if it is offered, for several reasons; but the interview felt like a success and it was a great start to getting my feet wet.

I have another interview lined up for the first week in November. I am feeling excited about it, but a bit nervous. This job was definitely a reach position for me, so though I feel my chances are slim, I am encouraged that I even managed to pull out an interview. If, by some off chance, I am offered this position, I would definitely take it.

Other than the job front, not much going on lately. We've been traveling quite a bit - day trips mostly - but nothing new there. I love that Kim is as into fun and adventure as I am. I love being on the go. After Kim gets back from her business trip on Friday, I think we may check out a pumpkin fest on Saturday during the day. Saturday night we have another meeting at our church with the Welcoming Congregation group. Our turn to present is coming up in 2.5 weeks. That will be fun. Right after church on Sunday, we will be staying to have pizza lunch with the youth while volunteering on a project they are working on. I'm looking forward to that too.

My biological clock is ticking like a nanosecond alarm clock on speed these days. No, I don't have any real news on that front... just thought I'd share anyway.

I'm thinking of writing a coming out letter to my grandparents. Even typing that sounds drama-filled and bizarre. It also feels slightly redundant, but important to do anyway. *sigh* Maybe I'll go into it more in a future post.

Ok, I think that's it for now!

Rainy Day Rewind

We really had an outstandingly wonderful visit with Anne and Brook last weekend. They are always such gracious hosts and seemingly always up for a visit. Even when I email out of the blue and invite ourselves to come and visit in less than two weeks. Obviously, I have no manners. It isn't my fault - I was homeschooled. Ahem. I really enjoy spending time with them. And I love that Kim gets to meet a part of my family who are loving and supportive of us and our relationship. That is such an awesome thing for me.

We drove up early Saturday morning, after our stay over in Fredericksburg. We actually got up and out as planned that morning (a rarity for us) and were making really good time. Then we missed (what turned out to be a rather critical) step in the mapquest directions, because the margins never fuckin' print right(!!!), and managed to get ourselves lost. We went from being right at the D.C. border (from Virginia) to being in Maryland, nearly to Baltimore. Uh, yeah. Once we managed to get ourselves back into D.C. proper, we were even more lost, b/c we entered the city from a totally different direction. We had to call out the rescue squad (aka Brook) and sound totally stupid. Again. (Yes, we got lost last time we came to visit too.) All told, we arrived about 90 minutes after our planned arrival time. And that doesn't include the extra 30 minutes of *get lost* time that I built into our schedule of when to leave that morning. Fun, fun.

We had time for a bit of visiting before we decided on our plans for the day. We had fabulous Lebanese for lunch, we really enjoy that place. Brook did the ordering for us - we all shared dishes from the mezza menu. After a quick pit stop at home, we were off to the Museum of Natural History. It was my first time, and I could have spent SO MUCH MORE time there. I have an absolute love affair with museums. I could easily spend hours in probably any museum in the world. I find them so fascinating. We checked out about 3 exhibits and then it was time to start for home. I really, really want to go back!

When we got back to their place, Anne tempted us into a light snack before dinner, with the intoxicating aroma of baking bread. Kim and I (Amanda was catching a quick nap.) each had a nice thick slice smothered in real butter. O.M.G. It was orgasm on a plate. Have I mentioned how much I love bread? And it was very good bread. It had great holes. YUM!

After a bit more visiting, we headed to dinner. The three of us got to try Ethiopian for the first time. We all enjoyed it. It made for very interesting eating though! (No dishes/plates and no silverware.) It was a cool experience and great food. Brook did the ordering for us. (Notice a theme here... starring Brook as rescue squad?) We wouldn't have had a clue what to order, and he made great choices.

We took a short walk after dinner, so we could see a bit of the D.C. night life. It's a happenin' place! We finished up the evening back at their place. Great conversations and lots of laughter ensued. Our stuffed selves still managed to find room for a piece of Anne's fabulous homemade pie ala mode. Most of us had blueberry, but Amanda got to try a piece of plum pie - her first time. She approved. :) We decided it was time to call it a night when I could no longer hide that I was falling asleep at the table. I was totally zonked. I think I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Ooooh yeah, they had a great guest bed. We were so comfy and the quilt was gorgeous. Not quite as erotic as the one in Fredericksburg though. ;)

We had a great homemade breakfast before hitting the road the next morning. Handmade chocolate croissants (drool!), excellent french toast from homemade bread (my wife still gets the award for best french toast though!), and BACON. Plenty of delicious bacon. Have I mentioned that I like bacon?

All in all it was a great visit. We can't wait to go back!