Crazy week

Last week was absolutely nuts!
Devry got a call on Monday from Ryder (trucking company in Michigan). He has heard from them about a diesel mechanic position a few times. Well they called to let him know they wanted an interview...on Friday! He had already asked for a phone interview, but the secretary said they wouldn't do a phone interview. Devry and I talked about it and decided he'd better go. After looking at plane tickets, we decided we could afford for both of us to go. So I traded a shift, we asked some wonderful family members to watch Payton for us for 3 days, and we booked the flights, hotel and rental car.
I spent all day Tuesday packing and cleaning, then worked tuesday night. We left as soon as I got home Wednesday morning. We dropped Payton off and headed to Salt Lake. We were so glad we had family to watch Payton. It would have been so hard to take him, since we wouldn't get into Detroit until late at night, and we had 2 1/2 days of craziness. So we flew out at 2pm, and arrived in Detroit at midnight. We got our rental and drove to Livonia (where the Ryder place is..about 30 minutes outside of Detroit). We found our hotel and crashed. I had maybe slept 3 hours off and on while driving and flying since 7am on Tuesday morning, and it was 1:30 am Thursday morning.
I had made a few phone calls on our drive to Salt Lake to some hospitals. Some nurse recruiters had gotten back to me and set up interviews. My first meeting was at 8 am on Thursday morning. It went well, except they didn't have any Labor and Delivery positions open. But they said if any open up I will most likely get it since I have experience.
Then we drove to Ann Arbor. We went and saw University of Michigan, and a bit of the area. Then I had another interview at 3:30. I met with the Nurse recruiter, who told me a bit about the hospital. Then I met with the nurse manager over L&D. She asked me a bit about my experience, then gave me an "unofficial" offer. She said I should expect to hear from the HR person this week with the official offer. The hospital was SO nice. Brand new L&D unit, with 6 high risk rooms, 14 LDR's, 6 Antepartum rooms, and 8 triage rooms. It is a teaching hospital, so there would be residents, and 24/7 EVERYTHING. Pay is really good, and the people seemed very nice. I was impressed with it, and think I would enjoy working there.
Then we did a bit of shopping, and saw more of the area. We were starting to get a bit more oriented to the area and could start to pick out areas we would want to live.
We returned to the hotel and crashed again.
Friday morning Devry went to his interview. It went really well, except for a couple of things. The hiring manager asked why they didn't just do a phone interview. When Devry told him the secretary said he wouldn't do it, the guy was like "oh i'll need to talk to her, there is no reason you needed to come out for this." ugh. frustrating. It was more of a preliminary interview anyways. There are 2 more people who will have to interview him (but the guy said they will make sure to do that over the phone). AND he found out what the shift is (which was posted nowhere, and noone said anything about it before this). It is a 3pm to 11pm shift. That would be VERY hard for us, since my shifts would be 7pm to 7am. That would leave at least 4 hours where we would have to find someone to watch payton, and we don't know anyone there.
The hiring manager did mention a job that is going to be opening up at a different shop, in Ann Arbor (way closer to my job). He put his application in for that position as well. If he got that one it would work much better.
On Friday afternoon we drove around and saw a few houses available to rent, and continued to get a better idea of what area we liked best. I heard from a few more nurse recruiters and managers from other hospitals. I am starting to get the feeling that experienced labor nurses are in hard to find, because every person I talked to was VERY interested in hiring me.
Then we flew back to SLC friday night, and drove to Rexburg. We pulled in around 4am, slept for 2 hours, and went to pick up Payton at 6:30. I slept a bit more that day, then went to work.
It was a very exhausting, but fun week. We enjoyed going and seeing the area, and enjoyed some time alone together.
Our problem now is that we have NO CLUE what to do next. If we both get job offers it would probably mean moving before selling our house, which is scary. It will mean moving to an area that we don't know anyone, or have the help and support with Payton that we do here. But there are just no opportunities here for Devry.
Devry also interviewed for a Diesel Mechanic position in North Dakota, working in the Oil Fields. That went GREAT, except that he has a bachelor's degree. Apparently being a high school drop out is just fine, but if you have an education you have to go through this huge process to be considered. The guy who interviewed him was really impressed and wanted to hire him, but he had to go through the Senior recruiter since Devry has a degree. He got a call today to go for an interview tomorrow with the Sr. Recruiter. That job definitely has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• LOTS of money. He will get paid VERY well, and I can cut back to part time (or maybe even less). We will be able to save alot of money, and pay off our car.
• Training - They want to hire people that they can train. They are impressed with his experience working on a farm, but are glad he hasn't been trained by another shop/company. I guess they like to do it their way.
  
• Experience - So many jobs require experience, and Devry really doesn't have much as a mechanic. He has TONS on a farm, which includes fixing everything, but not technically as a technician. This will give him a lot of experience, and qualify him for more jobs in the future.
  

Disadvantages:

• It is in North Dakota. Or maybe Wyoming, depends on where they need him. If it were in ND, they fly him back and forth. He would would 15 days on, then have 6 days off. WY would be the same, except it is closer (4 hrs away), so he would drive back and forth. It would be very hard to be here without him the majority of the time. We would only do it for a year (max).....but still it would be SO hard.
• We would have to get a babysitter for Payton the nights I work. I would probably just hire a student (who I trust) to come over, put him to bed and stay the night here. It would be an easy job, but still hard to leave him that often with someone else.
  

I hate hard decisions. For now we are just waiting to see what opens up. We had our house appraised last week. That was VERY discouraging. It appraised for 7000 less then what we bought it for...and we have put 15000 into it. So basically if we move out or sell it before February we are going to take a major hit. What we sell it for should be enough to cover what we owe on it, but it won't cover any of the 8000 government stimulus we will have to pay back. So we have to decide if it is worth taking a hit to move for better job opportunities, and better pay. That is really why the job in the oil fields is so tempting. We would make more money then if we moved, but not have to loose any money on the house. Then in February we could drop the price of the house a bit and hopefully sell it and owe nothing. Then look to move. It sounds so ideal...but then I think about how Devry will be so far away the majority of the time. I don't really want to be a single mom.
We don't really know what we will do. We are trying to be positive and look at all of our options. We know something will work out, but its just hard to see what. We are trying to be prayerful about our decisions, and have faith that it will work out.

Week 2 & 3

The past two weeks have been a bit more difficult with running.

Week 2 wasnt the greatest. I ran 2 miles monday, then I was supposed to run 3 on tuesday. Well It was pouring, and freezing cold. So I did 1.5 miles, wussed out and came home. Then I worked tuesday, wednesday and thursday. 3 in a row= no running. I went for a quick run on friday, about a mile. Then I planned on doing my long run on Saturday. And I didn't. A few reasons. I wasn't feeling very good, and My mom came to visit, so wanted to spend as much time as I could with her. I felt like a slacker at the end of the week. But. I ran 3 times, so its better then none.

Week 3 was much better. We were in Boise Monday and Tuesday visiting, so I didn't run those days. Then I ran 2 miles Wednesday, 2.5 intervals thursday, and my "long run" of 4.7 miles Friday. I am working Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights so I am done for this week. My 4.7 mile run went well. I didn't get very tired, and felt like I really am making progress.

This week I am planning on 3 miles monday, 2 mile intervals tuesday, 2 mile run thursday, and a 5 mile run Saturday.

I'm excited I am seeing progress. Running is easier, and actually enjoyable sometimes. I look forward to it, and feel good after. A half marathon still seems like alot, but I think I can make it there over the next 2 months.

If and when?

This is how I feel my whole life is right now.
If and when Devry finds a job
If and when I don't have to work full time
If and when we sell our house
If and when we move
If and when I do more school
If and when we will get pregnant
If and when we don't have to struggle so much financially

Can I just say it is exhausting!
I hate not having a plan. Not being able to know where we will be or what we will be doing in a year, in 6 months, even in 1 month.
Devry has applied for probably 50-60 jobs.
Tons around Rexburg and Idaho Falls.
Tons in Michigan.
He has heard about a couple...that he didn't get them.
He heard about one that they are interested. That was 2 weeks ago. Nothing since
I applied to a perfect job in the same town as the one that was interested in him.
It seemed perfect. Full time nights L&D.
I got an email today saying it had already been filled.

I'm so sick of being full time.
But there is no alternative right now. My income necessary. And my benefits.
Until Devry finds a better job, it just the way it has to be.

Our next option.
Devry is going for an open interview next week.
For a job in the Oil fields as a Diesel mechanic.
In North Dakota.
He would work 2 weeks there, then come home for 6 days.
They would fly him back and forth.
It is really good money. I could cut back at work.
But we would only see him 1/3 weeks.maybe
And like every other job he has applied for...
they will probably fill it with someone who has "experience."

I am having a hard time staying positive.
I just wish we knew something.
I am discouraged.

I am finally feeling a little hopeful about getting pregnant.
I saw a Dr. in Idaho falls about it. And he immediately started treatment.
Maybe it will work.
But then it stresses me out.
If I do get pregnant, and Devry doesn't find another job...money will be even tighter.
And if he does find a job, will we have to move in the middle of a pregnancy?Or will he be in North Dakota? Will I have to switch Dr's (something that STRESSES me out...I know the Dr's I work with very well). Will we have insurance soon enough? Will I have a lapse in coverage and risk some things not being covered. Will I have to deliver at a hospital I don't know? With a staff I don't know? What a headache.
I guess I am really over thinking everything.
Because It is giving me a lot of stress and anxiety.
But how do I not over think everything.
And hope it just works out?

Nanny's visit!

My Mom came to visit for a few days last week! We miss her So much and love when we get to see her. She flew in Friday afternoon, then we drove her over to Boise on Monday. It was a short visit, but wonderful!

Payton hasn't seen "nanny" since last August, so he has changed a ton since then! They had SO much fun together.

They Planted some flowers.


And Baked some pies.

And Enjoyed time together.

We loved having Nanny here. Especially Payton. He made sure he showed her every toy he owns, took her everywhere, and played every game with her. When we came home from Boise yesterday, he kept asking "where'd nanny go??" and running around the house looking for her. Such a silly boy. We are excited to go to Nova Scotia for a visit in July.

Kitchen Remodel!

Well, its been a while, but we are FINALLY finished remodeling our kitchen!! It has been a long process, and it feels so good to be done. I am excited how it turned out, and even more so about how little I spent! I did the ENTIRE kitchen for under $850!

Onto the pictures! First I will show some "before" pictures. The kitchen had been updated a few years ago, but I was excited to make it "mine."

So here is my kitchen about a month ago.

Onto the pictures of the process. First I had to recruit some helpers. This one was quick to volunteer :)
Next, I started my countertops. We were on a tight budget and couldn't afford new ones, so I decided to experiment. I used a product called giani to paint them. Click Here to go to their website. So far I have been VERY happy with the results. We had a bit of a glitch along the way with a defect in one of their products, but they were quick to fix the problem, and refund my money, so I did my countertops for free. Even if I did pay, it would have only been $50. So the paint really looks like granite, and lasts as long as regular countertops.

First, I primed with the included black primer.

Next, I sponged on the color like the instructions said.

Then I put the sealer on.

After the counter tops were finished , we covered them with plastic and began working on a tile back splash. It took a bit to get the hang of it, but it was pretty easy!

Devry was in charge of cutting the tiles. He did a GREAT job!
And of course Payton continued to help out tons :)

I really am happy with our choice of back splash. Best part, the entire thing only cost $100!

The next part was definitely the most difficult, and time consuming. Painting the cupboards. Once again, we couldn't afford to do anything else, so the long process of priming and painting every inch was our option. We went with White, so it took a few coats to cover the brown.

There are tons of things we did that I didn't post pictures for. Painted the walls, replaced the sink and faucet, new knobs, hinges and handles, new glass in 3 doors, new chair rail, crown molding, baseboards, door frames. It was amazing to me how much time all of the little things took!

And Finally, the finished product!!

I still have some decorating to do, but I am really happy with the results! I picked pretty neutral colors since we are trying to sell our house.
We budgeted $1000 to remodel the kitchen, and I am so excited that I stayed under it!
Did I mention I am SO glad to be done! On to the next project :)

week 1

I officially starting training this week. Although I have been running for a few weeks, I decided to count this week as "week 1" since its when I am starting to keep track and plan out my runs.
On monday I ran 2 miles, pretty easy. Then on tuesday I ran 2 miles in intervals (2 mins fast pace: 1 min jog). That was hard. I don't know why, but I really struggled that day. Then on Wednesday I did a short 1.5 mile run with Payton in my jogger. I took a break on Thursday and Friday since I worked, then did my "long" run today. I did 3.5 miles. And it felt GREAT! I felt like I could have easily kept going. I also did Zumba once this week.
I learned a few things.
1. I hate my jogger. It doesn't have a swivel wheel on front, and is so awkward to run with. I want a BOB really bad. Maybe I can convince Devry it's a necessity :)
2. The interval run is hard for me, but I can tell it really helps with endurance.
3. I love my new running shoes! I bought them about a month ago from Teton Running and am so happy with them! They are brooks Defyance. I normally get shin splints from running, and I haven't yet with these new shoes.
4. I am feeling really good! Especially after running today, I feel like I really CAN do this. I see myself improving each time I run, and I am starting to look forward to running.

Next week my plan is to run 2 miles monday, 2 mile intervals tuesday, rest wednesday and thursday, then 1.5 miles friday, and 4 miles Saturday. I am going to also do Zumba on monday and tuesday.

Running

I am going to run a half marathon this August. I'm scared to death because I am horribly out of shape with running, but I have 15 weeks to train and I WILL do it!
The weather is finally cooperating and I have run 3 times this week. I can run 3-4 miles without getting tired or sore, so I think its an ok place to start. Next week I want to bump it up to 5 miles.
My dilemma is trying to stick to a routine. Shift work makes that impossible. I work 3 nights a week, and they are ALWAYS different. For example, this week I work monday, friday, saturday. Then next week Sunday, wednesday, thursday. Then monday, tuesday thursday. You get the picture. So saying I will run every monday, wednesday, thursday and Saturday (like my training schedule suggests) is not going to work. I know...tons of people work as much as I do and still workout on the days they work. I have learned that the only people who really understand what it is like to work full time nights with a child is those who do it. The only thing I can compare it to is when you pull an all nighter to finish an assignment...but that assignment involves you being on your feet for 10 of the 12 hours you are working on it, and also being responsible in part for the life of another person. Then you have to be semi coherent the next day because you are in charge of taking care of something (in my case, my child). And then repeat that 3 nights a week. Sometimes back to back, which means I work 2 or 3 12 hour shifts on 2-4 hours of sleep in between. So yeah....going running goes to the bottom of my priority list. Functioning is really my only priority.
So I am going to try my best. And my training schedule will be random. Some weeks I will run 4 times, others it may only be 2. I will try to fit in a long run at some point each week.

The half marathon I have decided to run is the Mesa Falls one.
http://mesafallsmarathon.com/

I'm a horrible running partner...because all I really want to do is listen to my i-pod, but if anyone in the Rexburg area wants to train with me, and maybe even run the half with me, let me know! And anyone not in this area, if you want to train with me from a distance I'd love to hear about it! Moral support!

I am going to try to track my progress by blogging. So sorry for the boring "running" posts that you will all get to read over the next 3 1/2 months. Thanks for the support!