Spring is almost here. In Seattle that means cherry blossoms are blooming, temperatures are creeping up into the 60s, and the sun is out more. All of which are very good things.
The onset of this spring also means that Jon and I have a huge decision to make: whether or not to stay in Seattle for another three years or move back to Phoenix this summer. Neither of us feel like we could ever call Seattle home long term, but moving back to Phoenix this year means I could keep my senority in Scottsdale, we wouldn't have to deal with our house being occupied by renters as we are 1,500 miles away, and being closer to family and many friends. Unfortunately the job market is as bleak for Jon in Phoenix as we left it. Moving to Phoenix without a job for Jon would probably not be the best situation.
Speaking of jobs...I recently found out my contract was not renewed for next year. Being a first year teacher in Seattle equals zero senority, although the district encouraged me to apply for new positions as they are posted this summer. How sweet of them! My principal didn't even know this occurred until I went to talk to her as "this was the first time in my five years with the district that a person I recommended for rehire wasn't rehired."
This news came on the heels of me beginning my final course for WA endorsement to teach in the library. As many of you recall, even though I have this endorsement in AZ, the state of WA has chosen not to recognize it. Since last March I have been taking courses to be certified here. My final course, which I began a few weeks ago, is similar to student teaching. I have to create an extensive portfolio, get a "mentor teacher," and have someone from SPU come in to observe me teach two different times. Ugh. It's not that I can't do it, it's mainly I don't want to. With so much up in the air it can be difficult to be motivated to say the least. But I'm trying! :)
It has been a challenging few months for us in regards to my/our fertility. There have been a few let downs since the beginning of 2010, and unfortunately my doctor's appointment last Saturday was filled with more of the same. Ugh. I told Jon earlier this week that the first 18 months of this journey were so much easier than the past six. I think there are multiple reasons for this which I can readily identify. I told Jon that not a day goes by that I don't think about "it." He was a bit concerned over this revelation because I tend to get down in the dumps when I dwell on sad things (funny, huh?). But I was quick to reply that I actually have been praying more these past six months than my entire life. This is definitely a GOOD THING! I mean I know that God uses the bad and He alone can make it into good, but it is nice that I can see this happening. Please continue to pray that this would be the case, and I wouldn't be afraid to go to God with all my burdens as He is more than capable of carrying them for me. Also, we have a follow up appointment with my doctor on April 2nd. If you could please pray for that meeting (we will be deciding where to go from here) I would greatly appreciate it.
I have been slowly learning to play the guitar lately, too. I have started with a few praise songs, know a handful of chords, and am having a fun time doing it. My fingers are getting calloused, which Jon assures me won't last forever. This is a good thing.
Ok, this post served as a good diversion from doing the aforementioned course work. Thanks for letting me "waste" some time.
