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Some really spontaneously magical and what I could only see as fateful or serendipidous events occured in the last few weeks that have created a snowball that have seen all those plans that we've been dreaming and hoping for (that we thought would take years) actually start to take form. Ocean Man has spent the last year juggling 3+ jobs, even though he's a qualified teacher and has always wanted to specialise in PE and Art the state of teachers and actually obtaining permanent work is almost unheard of, especially if youre just out of uni (unless you go to the counrty). So like so many other new teachers he's been on-call for relief work, while juggling work as an outdoor ed facillitator at two different camps as well as OHSC in the holidays for a couple of schools. Its been fun for him to have a few different jobs and not be tied down to anything, but that fun is starting to draw thin as its hard to know how much work he'll have (and therefore money) from week to week. He's just been hanging out for some stability!! And that wish came through with not only a contract for next year, but one where he can specialise in PE. Woohoo, Im so proud of that boy!! Its not full time, but what an excellent achievement and 3 days stable with paid holidays will make all the difference.
And me, well im pretty excited to announce... nope not pregnant yet! but I got offered 3 jobs in one week!! Just out of the blue I got called up for 3 interviews that I had to somehow fit in between work and end of year stuff and got offered all three. It was incredible, and not just that, but they are all jobs working in a school as a youth worker or counsellor- MY DREAM JOB! I cant tell you the excitement and the much needed self esteem boost I was given. This year took its toll on me physically and mentally and there were many times I thought that I was just not cut out and should go back to retail or secretarial work. I lost all my confidence and really didnt think I was good... at anything really! But to have these schools call me and do almost anything to have me, putting me in the power position to choose was just such a buzz and reminded me that maybe I was doing ok considering my experience level and lack of support this year- that maybe I had something to offer them as well as for them to offer me. So, after a number of interviews and some serious (very confusing and frustrating) nights of writing pro and con lists I chose two of the three to do as part time each. Im so excited for next year I could squeal like a school girl. One of the position is as a school counsellor in partnership with another counsellor, and its going to be so awesome to have my own office that I can decorate with posters, bean bags and funky stuff; to run groups with students and go on camps and to actually get to know the school community. The other is as a case manager where I will have a case load of students with a flexible timetable, but I will also be assisting with sexual health and education, pregnancy and parenting groups for young mums in the area and networking with local agencies like the hospitals and childcare centres. This is exactly what Ive been working toward and trying to combine my social work and midwifery. Birth and sexual education in schools is the journey ive been trying to find! and im on my way. This school is also one that Ive had a bit to do with in my current position, so ill also be able to help continue a girls-group that I started and maintain support with those students.
One thing im finding tough though has been trying to find a replacement for my current position. I told the agency I wanted to be a part of it all as its been a project that has been my baby for the year and I didnt want to see it all just fall into a heap so im in charge of recieving applications and narrowing them down and far out is this harder than I thought. Its one thing to be the nervous applicant, its another to be on the other side of the fence having to essentially judge people on their emails, phone calls and resumes and become part of the power play. It feels very very strange. Plus im trying to find someone to replace me, which in itself is strange. I didnt realise I had so much attachement to the project until now. But its got to be done if im to take on these awesome opportunities.
Another move forward has been a replacement of my beloved Melvin as I had to return my work car after my resignation. Of course I couldnt have any other colour car than Green and after alot of contemplation and a narrowed list of a Toyota Corrolla, Honda Jazz and Subaru Impreza hatch I went for the subaru (which ocean man and my brother also drive). My dad and OM found one on the net for a great price, and had to drive it back from Newcastle (yep that is a long way, but worth it for a good deal). Its so nice to have my own car, all with the mod cons. Just needs a new stereo and im set. The only downfall.... paying for my own petrol :s I have to try to learn the cheap days again!
So now to brace myself for the adrenaline rush of last minute christmas shopping, the continuous emails from applications for my job, dog-sitting OM's mums insulin dependent dogs, and this horrible changing non-summer weather before we can relax at the beach over new years and enjoying the holidays and unpacking some remaining boxes that I never got to... oh and wedding planning! before we get back to these exciting new jobs and starting the new year that will hold a whole lot of new adventures, challenges and fun times.
.... as you can tell ive neglected the wedding planning a bit with all this other stuff going on so hopefully ill get to that in a post very soon.
