Come one, come all: an invitation.

Actually Im not sure what I want to write tonight. Although there is lots to say. Today I spent a lot of time uploading three new photo albums to my picasa site. It is my foremost wish, then, to send out an invitation for my friends and family to visit picasa and see what I have put up.

Christin, mom wants you to see the two schools nearby. Im not sure what agenda she could possibly be pushing with that. Perhaps she sees an epic battle of wills where if I am so stubborn as to STAY in Virginia, perhaps it will be just as well for all of you to follow me to such nice schools as can be seen in my web album titled "Shirley wanted some school photos." (Im only kidding mom). Really the photos dont do them justice: they are large, impressive schools, and they look really nice through the windows as well. Both the schools I have photos of are within close (very close) walking distance from me. Im actually really looking forward to when school starts to see all the students come and go down my street. We also get to hear the band practice most weekdays, which many people may find bothersome, but I absolutely love.

I finally posted Jessica's and My photos from our family trip to Pentwater. I have more than what I posted, but still there are lots. I really hope you get to see them. The trip was a perfect way for me to spend time with everyone before leaving for Virginia. I have added a few of my favorites to my screen saver so that I get to see them often, and still others I have printed off for myself. I took the liberty of adding many cheesy captions to the photos. In one way I wasnt up for the task so they are pretty half-hearted, and most notably not funny, but on the other hand I really couldnt help myself from adding them anyway. So there. Youll just have to deal with it.

And lastly, I posted a special, limited-edition "dual-album" titled, "Goodbye Michigan, and Hello Virginia." This album covers my last days in Michigan where we had a "Going-Away Barbecue" hosted graciously by Katy and Eric McGinnis, a Pirate-Themed bon-fire at the house of our "sister from another mister" Tara Sleep, the packing up of our old Kalamazoo apartment and our journey East (not South). Then the album goes on to tell the thrilling tale of when Mom and Dad dropped Jessica off on my doorstep and then proceeded to beg their way into crashing on our bed for the weekend and leech off our food and amenities, in exchange for money and hard labor. Parents these days. If I wasn't such a humanitarian... Well anway, the album ends with the long awaited and anxiously anticipated artistically and aptly composed pictures of our more than ample apartment. Awwww. We have spiders! Check 'em out!

Come one, come all! Tell all your friends! (the link can be found above)

I love and miss all of you. Virginia is great. Cant wait to show you in person.

So it comes to the conclusion of another successful week in Ghent. I just walked down to the postbox (conveniently just around the corner) and sent off two more applications.

BTW, although one of those applications was for a clerical job in Hampton Schools, I am NOT looking forward to getting that job (...here's hoping they don't read this). The reason Im not looking forward to getting the job is because every time I want to apply for a job I have to re-submit ALL of the materials. Obviously, except for the letter of interest and the line that says "Position applying for:", these papers are all completely identical. Plus, Im pretty sure of all the "Seven Cities" school districts, theirs is the only application that is not available to be submitted online. To me, that sounds like a hell of a system to work in. The very definition of inefficient and outdated. Who wins in that kind of system? It may be more work in the short term to develop an online application process, or at the very least to create files for applicants, but I would much rather do that then re-process the same paperwork for each job posting. Ive seen their filing room. They do not need any more papers in there. Its packed! Okay, anyway...

Ive found a cool venue within walking distance of my apartment. Its called The Boot and Wednesday I saw couple bands I enjoyed. The Never, Deleted Scenes, and Seamonster. Seamonster seemed a lot like a one man The Decemberists, with just as much poetic talent, just not as broad a vocabulary (and who can compete with The Decemberists on vocabulary anyway?), The Deleted Scenes had a good sense of humor, fun sing-a-long-able tunes. And The Never impressed me really well. Three guys who look completely different but have really similar (great) singing voices. They sing three-part harmony most of the time, and rock out. Good balance of fun and humor with intelligence and sentimentality. I got the accoustic version of The Never because their van apparently broke down in Arkansas with their drum kit and amplifiers. Im not sure I minded. They did a great set!

And heres a coincidence: Halfway through the set one of the guys from The Never starts talking about he spilled Hooka coals on some girls couch in where? Kalamazoo. Thats right. Hes telling stories of Kalamazoo to the guy who just moved from there two weeks ago. Pretty sweet, eh? I thought so. Of course, I stuck around afterwards to tell him I thought so and found myself privy to a conversation regarding alternative fuel sources (since The Never's van runs off of vegitable oil). Also, I learned that algea can be harvested as a source of energy. It grows hella fast, especially with the addition of fish. Imagine pools of farmed fish combined with farmed algae scooped off at regular intervals as an energy source. I was interested. Never would have expected my post jam-out experience to head in that direction, but hey, people surprise you.

Last I'd like to report I got to see the results of a recent 48 Hour Film Project out in Virginia Beach. It was a lot of fun. It's surprising what people can do in 48 hours! It was interesting to see where peoples talents lied as well. One film was by FAR the best visually, but the story was a bit confusing and struggled to get to a point. Some had great diologue, others had clever story-lines with complex plot twists I couldnt imagine thinking of in 48 hours. My favorite was a cute office musical about an unlikely romance, complete with at least 3 musical numbers. plus dialogue. Can you imagine coming up with three original songs and THEN filming a 7 minute film in 48 hours? I was impressed. My new friend and City Guide Megan took me, and I would like to send a special thanks to her. Shes done a lot to help me get acquainted with this new city of mine.

Alright. Im going out to The Boot again tonight to see another band - someone associated with The Neutral Milk Hotel, so that sounds promising. Ill let you know how they do.

Until Next!

Something to get off my chest...

As a funny man once said, "I don't want to go on a rant here," but there's a few people who have managed to really piss me off so I'm going to get something off my chest.

When I tell you that I'm looking for a teaching job, its because I got my degree in education. I spent 6 years in college over 7 years time. I floundered, I failed, I fought, and found myself determined to get this degree. Its my vocation. My goal, my passion, my interest. So the proper response is NOT to widen your eyes, drop your jaw and say 'Here? In Virginia? No! You'll go through hell. You should look into something else. You'll hate it. Blah, blah, blah.' Screw you! Teaching is a noble profession. People don't go into education because they want money. People don't go into education because its an easy job. People don't go into education because there is no other work available. MOST people dont go into education saying I'm only going to teach the brightest, richest, most privelaged white kids at the nicest schools. So shut the hell up! YES, I said I want to be a teacher. YES, I know what that means. Do you? Obviously not. So I repeat, shut the hell up.

'Nuff said. Word.

First Virginia Update - Its a doozy!

Okay, so here I am "living" in Ghent. A Small but lively community in Southern Virginia. My friends, family, and girlfriend are all at least 12 hours away. Big things are happening back home: My baby is all but set with her dissertation, gearing up for her defense, a fantastic new job, and big move to a fresh new place. The family is consolidating in A² as Christin seals the deal with a new job in Milan, inevitably leaving her disliked Redford pad in the wake. Grandpa Louis is in town from AZ, bringing with him a contingent of Indiana folk, and spurring quaint little family get-togethers like barbecues and golf outings. And the ninos... well every day is a milestone with them. The boys in Lansing are blossoming out with new friends, girlfriends, and nights on the town. And the Kalamazoo contingent is continuing forward into the next phase of their lives; housebuilding, rising in their careers, and deepening their relationships with each passing day.

Its odd. I think I almost feel closer to them from far away. Maybe because I depend so heavily on news from them to make me feel connected and supported. They've been great, too! I get letters, phonecalls, and constant check-ins on text messengers. Some may tease, but I am SO grateful for an opportunity to game with the guys once a week. Thank god we've found a great community-built program that lets us game online together across the gap.

I've got to admit I feel like a nobody out here. I find myself sitting in bars and coffee shops just waiting for someone to strike up a conversation with me. As if THAT ever happens. Don't get me wrong, people super friendly out here. Absolutely. I get a 'hello' from anybody I cross paths with. I even got a 'goodbye' from some random lady leaving her shift at a coffee shop I was squating at today. You know, it seems to me its not that extraordinary for someone to give a casual 'hey' passing by but something seems much more fantastic about receiving a goodbye.

Well anyway, it may be boring and a bit lonely but things remain hopeful as well. I've started recognizing faces around town and see the recognition on their faces as well. Better yet, I've found an ally not far away. She lived in London the same time I did and now lives about 40 minutes away, up near Williamsburg. Through her, I've met a few of her coworkers; one of which lives just a few blocks away from me. Seems like a great gal; active, friendly, knowledgable about the area. We are heading out to a film festival tomorrow and a can't freaking wait.

The main thing I need right now is a job. Something I can put myself into and most likely form some more relationships. Its never been easy for me to find jobs (as if its easy for anyone to find a job). I just feel so lost in the search, and inadequate. And my patience for the process is SUCH a liability. It actually kindof liberated me finding out that a lot of my teaching opportunities have dried up for the year. I don't feel bad about broadening my search to other things for now. Its my goal, but its on hold for a bit. Wish me luck. I have a few opportunities stewing at the moment, some better than others.

Well obviously I have a lot to say. I havent blogged regularly and I suppose I will have to catch you all up with more posts. But for the sake of brevity (yeah right) Im going to cut this post short (heh, "short").