My husband and I got married almost a year ago, and we were excited to begin a new life together in Philadelphia. Only a few months after we got married, he lost his job. Needless to say, I was worried about how we would pick up the pieces on just a teacher's salary. We made it work. We had the support of our friends and family, which was the most important thing. I told myself I didn't have time to stress about it--that my responsibilities at work would keep my mind off of reality. Truth be told, there is never time to take a breath when you are teaching, so I really was preoccupied by work a lot of the time!
As time went on, I began to realize that it was highly possible that I might not be able to stay at my current school and that we might have to move for his next job. That was a tough pill to swallow. After only two years at this school, it really became my second home, my second family. I have never felt so supported in a school before. I worked with so many amazing teachers and wonderful families. Those kids were my life, just ask anyone who talked to me about my job EVER. I can't shut up about them!
A couple of weeks ago, my husband was offered a job with a great company in California. We are both East Coasters, with both of our families nestled along the Atlantic. Moving to California would mean leaving behind our family and friends. But it would also mean moving to California. Land of sunshine and surf! No snow! Palm trees!
For those of you who don't know me, I have had a dream since I was a little kid to live in California. When I was in elementary school, my father's law firm had asked him if he would be interested in heading up the California branch of their offices. My family went out to Orange County (where, coincidentally, my husband's new job is) and I began my love affair with year-round summertime. And being close to Disneyland. Ultimately, my parents turned it down to remain in D.C. and stay close to grandparents and friends. For years I complained to my parents that my life could have been "so much more awesome" if we had moved out there. I always beamed with joy when someone who I just met told me they "assumed I was from California" because of my personality, clothing, etc. Well, here was our chance to live out my childhood dream, but it would also mean I would have to give up another dream: continuing to work in a great school. It was a tearful goodbye, but I am lucky that my colleagues are supportive and understand what is best for my family at this time.
The sad truth is, teaching is not a lucrative profession. If one of us is going to give up their job, I will be fine with taking the bullet this time. My husband has always been supportive of my teaching career. It is part of the reason we ended up in Philadelphia. So now it is my turn to be supportive...and get a really good tan! As of July, we will be leaving our home on the East Coast and moving to Orange County--for reals this time! I am excited for the adventure ahead, and know that soon I will land on my feet out there. Hey, kids and schools are everywhere, right?
There is a lot to take care of in the next couple of weeks, but now that it is official, I am excited to get behind this adventure full-force! California, here we come!
Now, on a lighter/ridiculous note to get me SUPER PUMPED for my move:
I'm sorry, I had to do it! Especially because Chris Carmack (aka Luke Ward) and I are actually from the D.C.--not the O.C.
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