When one door closes.....look for the open window

The beginning of 2009 certainly did not go as planned for the Shades. Doug was laid off from his company (residential home builder) at the beginning of December. We weren't too worried and were looking at this as an opportunity for him to do something he really loves. Maybe go back to school? Well, the Monday after New Years, I was told that I was being laid off as well. We knew our department was not in the best of shape but I was not expecting it to affect me. So, here we are, both unemployed and trying REALLY hard not to freak out! The first 2 weeks was really hard. Lots of tears and wondering how we were going to accomplish our goals. And then....it hit me. When your only door is closed (our closed twice in our case), you have to look at other ways of getting in. Maybe the path you are currently pursuing is not the path you are meant to go down. As I was talking with my Mom and Doug, I started thinking about College and my degree. Why wasn't I teaching? Obviously, it's not as easy as just walking in and taking the teaching job of your choice. There is much more that goes into it. Like....waiting for someone to retire. Which is exactly what I was doing. Waiting. But....what if I need to go after it a bit more? That's where the oh-so-lovely Substitute Teaching comes into play. The dreaded Sub. First, it's not much money AT ALL! Second, KARMA!!! I was HORRIBLE to my subs in HS...I can only imagine that I will get it back just as bad as I gave it. But, the positive aspect is that it will get my foot into the door and give me the exposure that I need. It's competitive out there and doing something I do not enjoy and just waiting for a teaching job to magically open is not ideal. I have to go after the things that I want in life! (Do you like my little motivational speech?) ;)
So....I am learning that sometimes it takes a MAJOR life change in order for you to realize that the path you are on is not the best one for you.
I just finished up the last of my teaching clearances and am in the process of putting together my substitute packets for the local school districts. I do not doubt that I will have steady work. Will I love it everyday...probably not. But, at least it will lead me towards something I am truly passionate about.
As for Doug---He's still looking. He has had several job offers, but nothing he could see himself doing forever. Nothing he has a genuine passion for.
Through all of these hard times, we are learning to be so grateful for all that we do have in life. There are so many families out there losing their homes and not knowing how they are going to pay their bills. We are very fortunate and even though life will not be as glamorous for us for a little while, we still have our family, health and each other! And....life is good!

Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year

With the holidays being so crazy, I have not had the time to update my blog like I should be. It's funny...when I was little, I can remember my parents and grandparents always saying how quickly time goes by. I never understood what they meant. Now, I find myself not only understanding, but also echoing their wise words.

So, the holidays were great. Hectic and crazy, but fun. With my parents being divorced, it always makes it somewhat challenging to see everyone and make everyone happy. Add in a husband with family and that challenge becomes even bigger.

Thanksgiving: This is and always has been my favorite holiday! Tradition is having brunch with my family at the same restaurant we have been going to since I was a baby. It's a very fun tradition and I don't think it would feel like Thanksgiving if we didn't do this. After brunch, we spent some time with my Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop. Just relaxing by the fire and, of course, eating. So much for that diet. Guess I'll start it up again after the holiday? Dinner we spend with Doug's family. His Dad is an AMAZING cook and always comes up with amazing dishes. This year, I decided to contribute to the menu and I made an apple pie (recipe from Southern Living) that had so many steps, it ended up taking me about 4 hours to bake! I think it was worth it. I also made stuffed sweet potatoes. YUUUUUM! They were stuffed with pecans and marshmallows with some brown sugar topping. They really were as good as they sound! My little sister, Hillary, has an awful idea that we get up on Black Friday at 3:00 am and go shopping. UGH! Obviously, I am not good at saying no, so we went. It was an experience and I don't think we'll ever do it again.

Christmas: Christmas Eve we always go to my Dad's house. His parents are there and it's a nice Christmas Eve tradition. This year, the only difference was that we were up there at 2:00 pm. Marci, my step-mother, decided to do a progressive dinner. It was really nice and her cooking is always very yummy. We played pool and watched movies and opened gifts. Typical Christmas Eve. Christmas morning, Doug and I decided to start a new tradition and have some time for ourselves in the morning. We usually wake up and go right to his parents house. But, we figured, we would have some "us" time before the craziness of running back and forth started. It was really nice having Christmas morning to ourselves. We sipped coffee and exchanged gifts and enjoyed truly being in love! After our little session, we headed over to Doug's parents house for brunch and gifts. We stayed there most of the afternoon and then headed back to my Mom-Mom's house for Christmas with my family. It was so nice and relaxing. Sitting in front of the fire, warm and cozy, with family and full hearts (and bellys...again)---it's the best feeling in the world!

New Years: Doug and I went back and forth on what we were going to do this year for New Years Eve. We had several invites to different locations and in the end, we decided to just stay in. My Mom and sister and friend ended up coming over shortly before midnight. It was definitely a different New Years for us. We are used to the loud, crowded New Years. It's crazy to think that we are in a New Year. 2009. Hopefully this year brings happiness and health!