State College- Here we come! After living in Buffalo NY for the past 10 years, it is time for the Ashead's to move on. Richard has been offered a great opportunity working for Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Don't let the word Hershey confuse you, although the main medical center is in Hershey, Richard will be working for the medical centers in State College. His official title is "Lead Support Specialist" I was so excited for him to have this opportunity. He hasn't been happy in his job for awhile here, and has looked elsewhere for a while, but nothing ever came together. This job however seemed to be looking for just what Richard had to offer- and what he would like! Throughout the waiting process- I believe I had my own personal confirmations that this was the right situation for us. (which keeps me sane when I worry about how everything is going to fall into place)
The first day or two I tried to encourage my husband and myself to just be excited and happy and thankful for this opportunity! It is so easy to rush onto all the things we have to worry about and figure out. Anyhow, in the past week or two we have been able to accomplish a lot. Our house is listed to sell and has had a couple of showings; we rented a storage unit to put some of excess stuff in; we did painting and lots and lots of cleaning! Soon we will be going to look at houses in the State College area. Richard is suppose to start work there June 21-I would like the rest of us to be able to join him by mid July or early August.
Lots more to say, but I'm leaving it at this for now.
And so it goes...
Sue
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Speculation
Well- for now we are still living in a world of speculation. Are we staying or are we moving? And what's this all about anyhow?
If this was years ago I don't think I would share much info., I would have thought that it would be embarrassing to say we might do something and then not get the job or what not- but here and now- I KNOW MY HUSBAND is AWESOME- and whether he gets this job ( or if we take it or not) does not change the fact that he is AWESOME at all. Anyhow Richard has interviewed for a position working for an out of state university medical center. It seems like it would be a step up from his current job- at least in enjoyment and be a bit more of a challenge for him (which he needs) He has another interview on May 6th- they had told him before that they usually only call one person in for this interview- unless it is very close. So I'm guessing he's top choice- but maybe still has someone he is in contention with. So we still wait. And we don't know what it pays yet- and if we would choose to go if he is offered it.
While we wait- we speculate! Of course! Richard and I have gone to the area and had a quick look at several communities. We had considered taking the kids with us- but decided against it. I didn't want to ruin their perception of the area, by being stuck in a car driving around to areas we may or may not live in. (when we moved to NY- I think I destroyed their appreciation of Niagara Falls by taking them on a freeezy snowy day in Nov. when I needed to get out of the house) Anyhow-at this point I'm not even sure if we hit the area we're most likely to live in, we were able to at least cross a few areas of our list though. So much to consider. Last time we moved, our oldest child would have been starting first grade. This is a whole new ball game with 3 kids aged 9,14, and 16. The area is different too- more rural- I probaly shouldn't have mentioned it to my son that he could join a fly fishing club at school? I have been wanting more space around- but also need a place for everyone to do things.
Well- I still remain so antsy, while I wait- probably another 2 1/2 weeks I'm guessing.
Happy Easter everyone! We were able to do some visiting of family over this weekend and that was good. We continued the egg hunt with the cousins on my side of the family and had one with their little cousins on Richard's side. We had one at my parents on rainy Friday- hiding over 400 eggs for 8 kids aged 8-16! It's kind of fun and funny! When they all go to college we'll probably still have to do this but put gift card prizes in them or something! Although we were visiting family, I did go to church today ( just the first meeting/sacrament) I'm glad I did- I needed it. I love the meaning of Easter.
And so it goes...
If this was years ago I don't think I would share much info., I would have thought that it would be embarrassing to say we might do something and then not get the job or what not- but here and now- I KNOW MY HUSBAND is AWESOME- and whether he gets this job ( or if we take it or not) does not change the fact that he is AWESOME at all. Anyhow Richard has interviewed for a position working for an out of state university medical center. It seems like it would be a step up from his current job- at least in enjoyment and be a bit more of a challenge for him (which he needs) He has another interview on May 6th- they had told him before that they usually only call one person in for this interview- unless it is very close. So I'm guessing he's top choice- but maybe still has someone he is in contention with. So we still wait. And we don't know what it pays yet- and if we would choose to go if he is offered it.
While we wait- we speculate! Of course! Richard and I have gone to the area and had a quick look at several communities. We had considered taking the kids with us- but decided against it. I didn't want to ruin their perception of the area, by being stuck in a car driving around to areas we may or may not live in. (when we moved to NY- I think I destroyed their appreciation of Niagara Falls by taking them on a freeezy snowy day in Nov. when I needed to get out of the house) Anyhow-at this point I'm not even sure if we hit the area we're most likely to live in, we were able to at least cross a few areas of our list though. So much to consider. Last time we moved, our oldest child would have been starting first grade. This is a whole new ball game with 3 kids aged 9,14, and 16. The area is different too- more rural- I probaly shouldn't have mentioned it to my son that he could join a fly fishing club at school? I have been wanting more space around- but also need a place for everyone to do things.
Well- I still remain so antsy, while I wait- probably another 2 1/2 weeks I'm guessing.
Happy Easter everyone! We were able to do some visiting of family over this weekend and that was good. We continued the egg hunt with the cousins on my side of the family and had one with their little cousins on Richard's side. We had one at my parents on rainy Friday- hiding over 400 eggs for 8 kids aged 8-16! It's kind of fun and funny! When they all go to college we'll probably still have to do this but put gift card prizes in them or something! Although we were visiting family, I did go to church today ( just the first meeting/sacrament) I'm glad I did- I needed it. I love the meaning of Easter.
And so it goes...
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Before my head explodes!
I think a lot- sometimes too much, I'm sure. I'm afraid my son has the same tendency- sorry Andrew. I hope through all the negatives my kids get from me- there is something positive too! Anyhow- there is lots on my mind right now- so I'm just going to start writing. Sometimes- poor Richard, I think hears my thoughts over and over as I'm trying to process things. He tends to internalize things,where I like to talk everything out- over and over again. See- like I said lots of thoughts and we haven't even started with the thoughts I was thinking of!
Being in limbo- I don't like it. I'm a planner (sort of.) So right now I find myself in that place of limbo- not knowing exactly what the near future holds. I don't want to give too many details- but here are the basics: my husband interviewed out of state last week. And so now we wait- I'm hoping it's not long- but my understanding is it could be weeks. I've decided that I'm not nervous really- there are good things about staying and good things about moving, but what I am is ANTSY! I've been spending time looking at real estate in our potentially new area, jobs for me in the area, schools...., but I know I could just be wasting time. I want to know and move forward. The good things about staying- not moving 3 kids, including 2 teenagers, things are okay here, and no routine would have to be horribly interrupted. The good things about moving- new opportunity for my husband, benefits that could be really nice to have, and the excitement I get about starting over somewhere new. Oh- and to be honest- it would include a house with at LEAST
1 1/2 baths! This situation with one bathroom in our house is ridiculous! The kids have been told the possibility of moving and they have met it okay for the most part- Whitney has shed a lot of tears. And at this point it is just an idea.
Work- I'm a bit conflicted here- maybe a lot- and as the above paragraph states-maybe I shouldn't even be worrying about it since I might be moving. Since August I've been working two part-time jobs. My intent was to work both of them for a year- or at least until the end of the school year- and then reevaluate. It's been on my mind a lot- and one of my employers said he would like to know my intentions.
Job A- I work as a COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant) in an alternative school. ( the kids here have behavior, or emotional or psychological issues that don't allow them to attend a "regular" school) I work there 3 days a week. I have around 15 kids ranging from kindergarten through high school. I prepare activities for each of these kids to help meet their goals. I see most kids 2 days a week. Their goals range from visual motor/visual perceptual activities, to handwriting and scissor skills, social skills, safety awareness, and self regulation abilities.
Job A's Pros:
1. It can be fulfilling to see one of your kids "get" it or to provide a positive example to some of these kids who don't have many.
2. The pay is decent.
3. I am using the degree I went to school for.
Job A's Cons:
1. It can be overwhelming- the schedule is tight, and there is a lot to do besides just treat the kids- documentation, working with teachers, finding activities and getting supplies. I find I do more on my own time than I would like.
2. I still feel "new" at this job- and sometimes wish I knew so much more! I want my time with these kids to be as productive as possible.
Job B- I work as a Program Assistant at an Adult Day Care Center. Several of the clients here have dementia. We help them with breakfast and lunch, plan activities/games for them. Occassionally help with personal care. I am hired per diem here. I originally was working one day a week, which was good. Then I was asked to cover for someone once and from them on it's been the two days a week. Just recently I asked to go back to one day a week- in the end I said at least give me a day off here and there.
Job B Pros
1. I feel passionate about the service this is providing- we allow caregivers the ability to carry on with their daily needs or gain some respite AND provide positive socialization and activities for their loved ones. I know this is meaningful to me since I have a Dad with alzheimers, but I think I would feel this way anyway.
2. Although I'm just per diem and can't really take advantage of most of the benefits- the company is one of the best to work for in the area ( through Kaleida Health)
3. If I ever wanted to work as a COTA with a different population- this would be a good way to keep my foot in the door.
4. No stress- I show up, do my thing and go home!
Job B. Cons
1. The pay is lousy ( just a little more than 1/2 of what I make at my other job)
2. I'm not using my official degree
3. I work short hours- usually 4 hour shifts and it's fine- but I think if I worked more there would be times I would find it a bit mind-numbing.
So anyhow- that's what I end up with. There are times I would really like to consider just being a program assistant ( or something similar), no stress- show up, go home, do something good, help others. I really feel like all this working and stress on my mind has made me not the Mom and wife I want to be. But I have a hard time justifying working for so much less- if the reason one works is to make $. The other option is maybe there is a job C that I have discovered yet. I don't know- I come up with a plan then change it....
Vitamin D- Oh it was a nice sunny day! Did some yard work, cleaned out the car and am getting ready to go start a fire in our fire pit.
And so it goes...
Reading now : To Kill A Mockingbird . It was choosen for book club- I have a friend that LOVES it, but I have to say I haven't fallen in love with it. It was kind of fun when I opened up our old copy. Inside, around page 20 I found a hall pass from my husband from when he was in high school- truthfully that was probably as far as he ever got with it. (He's not a fan either!)
Being in limbo- I don't like it. I'm a planner (sort of.) So right now I find myself in that place of limbo- not knowing exactly what the near future holds. I don't want to give too many details- but here are the basics: my husband interviewed out of state last week. And so now we wait- I'm hoping it's not long- but my understanding is it could be weeks. I've decided that I'm not nervous really- there are good things about staying and good things about moving, but what I am is ANTSY! I've been spending time looking at real estate in our potentially new area, jobs for me in the area, schools...., but I know I could just be wasting time. I want to know and move forward. The good things about staying- not moving 3 kids, including 2 teenagers, things are okay here, and no routine would have to be horribly interrupted. The good things about moving- new opportunity for my husband, benefits that could be really nice to have, and the excitement I get about starting over somewhere new. Oh- and to be honest- it would include a house with at LEAST
1 1/2 baths! This situation with one bathroom in our house is ridiculous! The kids have been told the possibility of moving and they have met it okay for the most part- Whitney has shed a lot of tears. And at this point it is just an idea.
Work- I'm a bit conflicted here- maybe a lot- and as the above paragraph states-maybe I shouldn't even be worrying about it since I might be moving. Since August I've been working two part-time jobs. My intent was to work both of them for a year- or at least until the end of the school year- and then reevaluate. It's been on my mind a lot- and one of my employers said he would like to know my intentions.
Job A- I work as a COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant) in an alternative school. ( the kids here have behavior, or emotional or psychological issues that don't allow them to attend a "regular" school) I work there 3 days a week. I have around 15 kids ranging from kindergarten through high school. I prepare activities for each of these kids to help meet their goals. I see most kids 2 days a week. Their goals range from visual motor/visual perceptual activities, to handwriting and scissor skills, social skills, safety awareness, and self regulation abilities.
Job A's Pros:
1. It can be fulfilling to see one of your kids "get" it or to provide a positive example to some of these kids who don't have many.
2. The pay is decent.
3. I am using the degree I went to school for.
Job A's Cons:
1. It can be overwhelming- the schedule is tight, and there is a lot to do besides just treat the kids- documentation, working with teachers, finding activities and getting supplies. I find I do more on my own time than I would like.
2. I still feel "new" at this job- and sometimes wish I knew so much more! I want my time with these kids to be as productive as possible.
Job B- I work as a Program Assistant at an Adult Day Care Center. Several of the clients here have dementia. We help them with breakfast and lunch, plan activities/games for them. Occassionally help with personal care. I am hired per diem here. I originally was working one day a week, which was good. Then I was asked to cover for someone once and from them on it's been the two days a week. Just recently I asked to go back to one day a week- in the end I said at least give me a day off here and there.
Job B Pros
1. I feel passionate about the service this is providing- we allow caregivers the ability to carry on with their daily needs or gain some respite AND provide positive socialization and activities for their loved ones. I know this is meaningful to me since I have a Dad with alzheimers, but I think I would feel this way anyway.
2. Although I'm just per diem and can't really take advantage of most of the benefits- the company is one of the best to work for in the area ( through Kaleida Health)
3. If I ever wanted to work as a COTA with a different population- this would be a good way to keep my foot in the door.
4. No stress- I show up, do my thing and go home!
Job B. Cons
1. The pay is lousy ( just a little more than 1/2 of what I make at my other job)
2. I'm not using my official degree
3. I work short hours- usually 4 hour shifts and it's fine- but I think if I worked more there would be times I would find it a bit mind-numbing.
So anyhow- that's what I end up with. There are times I would really like to consider just being a program assistant ( or something similar), no stress- show up, go home, do something good, help others. I really feel like all this working and stress on my mind has made me not the Mom and wife I want to be. But I have a hard time justifying working for so much less- if the reason one works is to make $. The other option is maybe there is a job C that I have discovered yet. I don't know- I come up with a plan then change it....
Vitamin D- Oh it was a nice sunny day! Did some yard work, cleaned out the car and am getting ready to go start a fire in our fire pit.
And so it goes...
Reading now : To Kill A Mockingbird . It was choosen for book club- I have a friend that LOVES it, but I have to say I haven't fallen in love with it. It was kind of fun when I opened up our old copy. Inside, around page 20 I found a hall pass from my husband from when he was in high school- truthfully that was probably as far as he ever got with it. (He's not a fan either!)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Hooray for Technology
This kind of goes with my last post about Richard being gone. I was thinking how thankful I am for technology and how it lets us communicate when he's away. Growing up my Dad was away for work a lot - I think the general schedule was gone two weeks, home one. I grew up knowing I didn't want a husband that was away a lot. I felt like with my Dad being gone so much, he didn't really know me well and wasn't as involved as I would have liked or as I wanted for my future children. Thus- probably one reason Richard is not the over the road truck driver that he had shown interst in at times! Anyhow- with all the advances in technology- it really lets us communicate even when he's away. Certainly he calls us, but he also does a daily blog while he's away. I have to say I'm pretty impressed with it! And it lets us see a little more into his day. Sometimes if I'm missing him I'll go back and read one of his posts. There is also texting- a quick easy way to say "hey", or communicate when you don't want the kids to hear what you are saying! Facebook- we have been keeping a scrabble game going while we are apart. It's just nice having so many ways to keep in touch so we can still feel close while we are apart. I think it certainly makes things easier for me.
Watched Moulin Rouge with Andrew last night- good story. A bit more risque than I liked a the beginning, but a great story!
Taking Jayna and a friend to Bounce Magic today. It's been spring break week and I've only worked one day. It is nice to rejuvenate and feel refreshed. ( I've even been sleeping in until 8!)I got some supplies for work and feel more ready to tackle next week. When I first started working at this school (it's an alternative school for kids with behavior or emotional/ mental health issues that don't allow them to attend a "regular" school)people did things like wish me luck, said they wouldn't want to start there... Anyhow, the kids have been good- sure some days are hard- but the things a lot of these kids have to deal with are hard. I have become quite fond of several of them.
And so it goes...
Watched Moulin Rouge with Andrew last night- good story. A bit more risque than I liked a the beginning, but a great story!
Taking Jayna and a friend to Bounce Magic today. It's been spring break week and I've only worked one day. It is nice to rejuvenate and feel refreshed. ( I've even been sleeping in until 8!)I got some supplies for work and feel more ready to tackle next week. When I first started working at this school (it's an alternative school for kids with behavior or emotional/ mental health issues that don't allow them to attend a "regular" school)people did things like wish me luck, said they wouldn't want to start there... Anyhow, the kids have been good- sure some days are hard- but the things a lot of these kids have to deal with are hard. I have become quite fond of several of them.
And so it goes...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Feb. 24,2011
So I wrote previously about Richard's trips. He has one more to go. Mentor, OH. So how am I doing at being cheerful while he's been away??? Truthfully- I think it's been one of the better times, so I guess making up your mind ahead of time really does make a difference. Although there have been a few stressful times- but that's just life. Here's the thing though- Richard has really enjoyed this new experience. He's been doing project management- and he really likes it because he gets to do some supervisory/management work, but still gets to do technical work. I'm afraid he'll feel let down when he comes back to his day to day job. It's just not challenging enough. He has missed his family while he was away, and writes a great blog when he's gone. I don't know really what this means for our family in the future concerning his job. I know upper management thinks he's great and said they will keep him in mind for stuff in the future- but... I don't know- I really think it makes a huge difference to have a hubby that is happy in his work. So I hope something changes for him- whether it is with his current company or elsewhere.
Yesterday we celebrated Whitney's birthday- her birthday is today, but Richard will be gone. It is fun to see who she is and who she is becoming- Whitney bursts with personality!!! She may be inspiring me to dye my hair someday! She is currently a strawberry blond- this is the second time she's dyed her hair. Her big present was a new bike- she loves to ride her bike around town- it gives her the freedom that she loves and allows her to go on adventures!
So I've been working about 6 months- it's been a big change. I'm still working 2 part-time jobs, averaging around 28 hours a week. However, those days are spread out working 5 days a week- so I don't generally have a real day off- except weekend days ( which don't feel like days off!) My plan was to work both jobs until summer- then reevaluate. I had a bad week or so awhile ago and ended up sending out my resume elsewhere- I was called in for an interview. It went fine- but even if I'm offered it I'm still not sure it is the best fit. I thought I had a summer plan- then Jayna asked how I was going to take her swimming more. Oh the parent guilt...She is the first one that has had to attend the afterschool program (3 days a week), and who I haven't been able to be a room mom for much. It is discouraging to me. I have found it hard to find the perfect balance. And I know everyone has different ideas of what is right- but I am trying to find what is right for my family- emotionally, financially.... I had thought about quitting one of the jobs- it made "sense", but I really feel I was prompted not too, so I've kept it. One of the jobs pays much less- but is also much easier- basically just show up. The other job pays more- but certainly requires more also. I enjoy different aspects of both of them. Well for now- I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing. We have a week off school this week- I've had to work one day- I feel I should be busy making freezer meals or something. With Richard being gone, home cooked meals have dwindled somewhat.
Trip to the aquarium this week- it was lovely because Everyone had a good time. It is so hard to find activities that 9 and 16 year olds both like! We are lousy at taking pictures, but hopefully I'll post some odd and ends pictures soon.
Just read:The Adoration of Jenna Fox.
And so it goes...
Yesterday we celebrated Whitney's birthday- her birthday is today, but Richard will be gone. It is fun to see who she is and who she is becoming- Whitney bursts with personality!!! She may be inspiring me to dye my hair someday! She is currently a strawberry blond- this is the second time she's dyed her hair. Her big present was a new bike- she loves to ride her bike around town- it gives her the freedom that she loves and allows her to go on adventures!
So I've been working about 6 months- it's been a big change. I'm still working 2 part-time jobs, averaging around 28 hours a week. However, those days are spread out working 5 days a week- so I don't generally have a real day off- except weekend days ( which don't feel like days off!) My plan was to work both jobs until summer- then reevaluate. I had a bad week or so awhile ago and ended up sending out my resume elsewhere- I was called in for an interview. It went fine- but even if I'm offered it I'm still not sure it is the best fit. I thought I had a summer plan- then Jayna asked how I was going to take her swimming more. Oh the parent guilt...She is the first one that has had to attend the afterschool program (3 days a week), and who I haven't been able to be a room mom for much. It is discouraging to me. I have found it hard to find the perfect balance. And I know everyone has different ideas of what is right- but I am trying to find what is right for my family- emotionally, financially.... I had thought about quitting one of the jobs- it made "sense", but I really feel I was prompted not too, so I've kept it. One of the jobs pays much less- but is also much easier- basically just show up. The other job pays more- but certainly requires more also. I enjoy different aspects of both of them. Well for now- I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing. We have a week off school this week- I've had to work one day- I feel I should be busy making freezer meals or something. With Richard being gone, home cooked meals have dwindled somewhat.
Trip to the aquarium this week- it was lovely because Everyone had a good time. It is so hard to find activities that 9 and 16 year olds both like! We are lousy at taking pictures, but hopefully I'll post some odd and ends pictures soon.
Just read:The Adoration of Jenna Fox.
And so it goes...
Friday, January 28, 2011
I don't hate...
I don't hate bean burritos, nor do I hate apples- but for some reason I have an aversion to both. I don't know why. Apples- I ate one yesterday, and again it suprised me how much I like them. It's not like we never have them in our house- in fact I usually buy them in 8 lb bags. I slice them up for the kids, pack them in lunches,add them to meals, but for me it really takes something for me to get that first bite in - even though I know I like them. Why- I don't know? Bean burritos- ( I have to say my aversion doesn't include Taco Bell), but for someone who always wants to eat more vegetarian meals- why do I have such a hard time making them- I actually make good ones, and it's one of the few vegetarian meals Richard really likes. Yet it takes a lot for me to make them. Weird.
And so it goes...
And so it goes...
Saturday, January 1, 2011
What a year- 2010!
Well 2011 is here, which makes me reflect back on the past year. It's been one of those "big" years for me-with a lot of major things occuring. In January I had emergency surgery to have my gall bladder removed, in May I graduated from college with an associates degree in occupational therapy assistant, in July our Family took a nice vacation to NYC, in August I started working in my new career field, and in December my oldest child turned 16. All good things - except perhaps the surgery. However, what really makes the year is just the day to day things with my family. We are truly blessed to have one another, to live in this land of freedom, to have the means to provide for our needs. I'm thankful that as we are entering the new year we have jobs and health and one another.
I think the goals for last year were to try more new recipes and to have a vegetarian meal each week. I do think I did a decent job at trying new recipes- and even posting about some of them, however the vegetarian meals kind of slipped away. Not that we didn't have any, but certainly not the quality or quanity I had hoped for. Goals for this year??? I'm not sure, I'm still thinking about that. I want to be reasonable and not set myself up to be disappointed as the year goes on. Maybe something to do with organization?
Richard's going to be travelling more the next few months. I am determined to be a relatively happy wife while he is away! I have a bad habit of taking on the attitude of "if you're not here when I need you, then I don't need you" Oh, the poor man, he really is a good guy. Hopefully the kids, the cars, the weather and everything else will cooperate with me!
Wishing everyone a happy, truly happy New Year.
**Just Finished- The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney ( I think)It was okay, the first half was really good, but unfortunately I felt it went downhill from there.
And so it goes....
I think the goals for last year were to try more new recipes and to have a vegetarian meal each week. I do think I did a decent job at trying new recipes- and even posting about some of them, however the vegetarian meals kind of slipped away. Not that we didn't have any, but certainly not the quality or quanity I had hoped for. Goals for this year??? I'm not sure, I'm still thinking about that. I want to be reasonable and not set myself up to be disappointed as the year goes on. Maybe something to do with organization?
Richard's going to be travelling more the next few months. I am determined to be a relatively happy wife while he is away! I have a bad habit of taking on the attitude of "if you're not here when I need you, then I don't need you" Oh, the poor man, he really is a good guy. Hopefully the kids, the cars, the weather and everything else will cooperate with me!
Wishing everyone a happy, truly happy New Year.
**Just Finished- The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney ( I think)It was okay, the first half was really good, but unfortunately I felt it went downhill from there.
And so it goes....
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