HER: Hello everyone! So between today and tomorrow I must come up with a decision to sign up with a restaurant to end my stay at home mom / shop / lay out at the pool / hang out... period. I have enjoyed it all! But is time for me to put on my "PROFESSIONAL APRON" and "CHEF'S HAT" and start a new experience.
I must confess I have enjoyed staying at home. I was able to play tag with Sebastian, going to the library, keeping up with the house, preparing dinner, baking, among other activities.
I have also met quite a few people in the restaurant business willing to share their ideas as well as being future employers / coworkers once my schedule becomes more available. Even an invitation open for Bistro AIX!!!
Anyway... Wine Cellar, (privately owned business / upscale) has decided to offer me a position as their Day Chef. Before we moved down to Jacksonville that was one of my favorite ones. Their wine menu was very impressive, as well as the opportunity they were offering.
Maggiano's, (corporate restaurant / upscale) decided to call me on Friday to offer me the position of Pastry Chef. Besides the fact that I have never worked for a corporate business, the benefits offered were very beneficiary not only for my schedule but to build up my career as well. The job begins at 6:30 to 2:30. SO, I could be done before 3 and have some free time for me before picking Sebastian up at 5 or 6 (6:30 the latest) to lay out, shop and keep up with a delicious menu for the family at the end of the day! So that idea has been going in circles in my head.
Well, I will see what I come up with. Both job opportunities seem pretty interesting to me. If you have any opinions about the topic within the next few hours, feel free to txt. I will keep you posted!
Until then... All of you take care and we will keep you posted!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Week 1 -- Loads of Fun
HIM: So, as we've stated, we arrived in Jacksonville and are now busy with our activities.
We found Sebastian a great school to attend. He's adapting really well to the change in scenery and schedule. He loves school and having a pool near the apartment. Last weekend was his first visit to the beach. He was somewhat overwhelmed by the possible activities (ie. swimming, finding seashells, drawing in the sand, chasing seagulls...), but managed to enjoy himself all the same.
Vanessa has been searching for a restaurant job during the week with good success. She conducts herself in such a way that inspires possible employers. She should be making a decision about her options later this week. She's gotten a tour of the law school already, and I'm looking forward to dining at whichever place she chooses.
Aidan (our cat) seems to be doing really well at his temporary home in Salem. Sarah and Mindy were so nice to take him in while we raised the funds to pay his apartment "pet deposit". Mindy's kids have been giving him due attention in our absence, whereas, had he stayed outside at my parents' house he would have gone feral... again. Unfortunately, it will be a while before anyone can bring him down to us. In fact, if any of you happen to be coming this way by car, he is a really good traveler (not-so-subtle HINT). Sebastian has actually been talking about playing with him lately, so it'll be good to get him back under our roof.
As to my activities, I survived orientation and the first week of classes. The last chance to drop/add classes was Friday, so I'm in it for the long haul now. :) Regardless, orientation was a great time! They introduced law and law school in a very user-friendly way, making sure we knew what resources were available to us and how tough the whole thing would be. They went over procedures and gave us a few mini-lectures so we were ready for the real deal on Monday. The mental health counselor gave a presentation, letting us know that there were alternatives to insanity (or at least options to reduce the negative impact of prolonged craziness... ; ). As well, they had the security chief, who looked like a primary character from the Sopranos, stop in and remind us that there was no corner of campus not being recorded on camera. Oddly unnerving and comforting at the same time... I got my books and had my last weekend before the madness began.
In discussing classes, it is first important to outline the class structure. For those of you exposed to some grad-level schooling or the Harry Potter books, this may seem familiar... All the first-years were divided up in to sections (or "houses"... ;) and I was assigned to Section F (yup, as in "Frank"!). All my classes would be with other "effers". We would share the same schedule each day, except for one which we were further divided into. My two sections: F, U. Fun stuff. =)
So, my schedule is as follows:
Tort Law
Lawyering Process (Section U)
Property Law
Contract Law
Criminal Law
I've met so many awesome people since school started! Some of us got together on Friday to play cards and cope en masse. I hope to have some photos from that event as soon as Seth (Our gracious host, to whom much thanks are in order!) can deliver them to my eager hands/computer.
As well, there has been some discussion about a Section F softball team. At first, I was a bit wary of engaging in an extra-curricular activity like that. After thinking about it, though, I can see the benefit of institutionalized socialization with my fellow "effers". Exercise, fun and sun are nearly guaranteed with this crew! Regardless, I'll keep you posted on further group activities, as I hope there will be many more!
We found Sebastian a great school to attend. He's adapting really well to the change in scenery and schedule. He loves school and having a pool near the apartment. Last weekend was his first visit to the beach. He was somewhat overwhelmed by the possible activities (ie. swimming, finding seashells, drawing in the sand, chasing seagulls...), but managed to enjoy himself all the same.
Vanessa has been searching for a restaurant job during the week with good success. She conducts herself in such a way that inspires possible employers. She should be making a decision about her options later this week. She's gotten a tour of the law school already, and I'm looking forward to dining at whichever place she chooses.
Aidan (our cat) seems to be doing really well at his temporary home in Salem. Sarah and Mindy were so nice to take him in while we raised the funds to pay his apartment "pet deposit". Mindy's kids have been giving him due attention in our absence, whereas, had he stayed outside at my parents' house he would have gone feral... again. Unfortunately, it will be a while before anyone can bring him down to us. In fact, if any of you happen to be coming this way by car, he is a really good traveler (not-so-subtle HINT). Sebastian has actually been talking about playing with him lately, so it'll be good to get him back under our roof.
As to my activities, I survived orientation and the first week of classes. The last chance to drop/add classes was Friday, so I'm in it for the long haul now. :) Regardless, orientation was a great time! They introduced law and law school in a very user-friendly way, making sure we knew what resources were available to us and how tough the whole thing would be. They went over procedures and gave us a few mini-lectures so we were ready for the real deal on Monday. The mental health counselor gave a presentation, letting us know that there were alternatives to insanity (or at least options to reduce the negative impact of prolonged craziness... ; ). As well, they had the security chief, who looked like a primary character from the Sopranos, stop in and remind us that there was no corner of campus not being recorded on camera. Oddly unnerving and comforting at the same time... I got my books and had my last weekend before the madness began.
In discussing classes, it is first important to outline the class structure. For those of you exposed to some grad-level schooling or the Harry Potter books, this may seem familiar... All the first-years were divided up in to sections (or "houses"... ;) and I was assigned to Section F (yup, as in "Frank"!). All my classes would be with other "effers". We would share the same schedule each day, except for one which we were further divided into. My two sections: F, U. Fun stuff. =)
So, my schedule is as follows:
Tort Law
Lawyering Process (Section U)
Property Law
Contract Law
Criminal Law
I've met so many awesome people since school started! Some of us got together on Friday to play cards and cope en masse. I hope to have some photos from that event as soon as Seth (Our gracious host, to whom much thanks are in order!) can deliver them to my eager hands/computer.
As well, there has been some discussion about a Section F softball team. At first, I was a bit wary of engaging in an extra-curricular activity like that. After thinking about it, though, I can see the benefit of institutionalized socialization with my fellow "effers". Exercise, fun and sun are nearly guaranteed with this crew! Regardless, I'll keep you posted on further group activities, as I hope there will be many more!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Life in Jacksonville!
HER: Hello everyone! Hope all of you are doing well. Thanks for staying posted! Just a brief note... I am using the school's computer. We don't have Internet at home yet.
Things are staying pretty exciting for all of us!
Sebastian started pre-school on Monday. He loves it and his teacher loves him. They moved him up to the 4 year old class, because they were so impressed with him. With the things he learned while in Peru, including writing his own name and good manners!
Frank, loves it... You can tell how excited he is, but busy as well; spending long hours at school and Starbucks; reading and keeping up with projects and papers; making several friends and study buddies.
For me, things are also staying very exciting. THERE ARE MALLS AT EVERY STOP LIGHT!!!
Don't have to drive too far to go grocery shopping either. There are several places really close.
I have really enjoyed spending time at home. Playing with Sebastian and cooking...
This week my interviews started. They have all gone well. I have already had to turn some jobs down. Trying to work around a specific schedule, most have offered night shifts and that is impossible. There isn't child care after 6:30pm here. Today I had one that is willing to work on a schedule to fit mine and full time! It is a Bistro downtown called Biscottis.
I am working next week one night at a Bistro called Bisto AIX and, well... taking advantage of the little challenges.
I have also mastered my way around this city! So, if you are on your way to the Jacksonville area, I am the one to contact and take you around for a drive. It has been fun and scary exploring. There are definitely places you don't want to go.
All of you have a great week. We will keep you updated. I apologize for any grammar errors. I am an alien at the school right now...
Things are staying pretty exciting for all of us!
Sebastian started pre-school on Monday. He loves it and his teacher loves him. They moved him up to the 4 year old class, because they were so impressed with him. With the things he learned while in Peru, including writing his own name and good manners!
Frank, loves it... You can tell how excited he is, but busy as well; spending long hours at school and Starbucks; reading and keeping up with projects and papers; making several friends and study buddies.
For me, things are also staying very exciting. THERE ARE MALLS AT EVERY STOP LIGHT!!!
Don't have to drive too far to go grocery shopping either. There are several places really close.
I have really enjoyed spending time at home. Playing with Sebastian and cooking...
This week my interviews started. They have all gone well. I have already had to turn some jobs down. Trying to work around a specific schedule, most have offered night shifts and that is impossible. There isn't child care after 6:30pm here. Today I had one that is willing to work on a schedule to fit mine and full time! It is a Bistro downtown called Biscottis.
I am working next week one night at a Bistro called Bisto AIX and, well... taking advantage of the little challenges.
I have also mastered my way around this city! So, if you are on your way to the Jacksonville area, I am the one to contact and take you around for a drive. It has been fun and scary exploring. There are definitely places you don't want to go.
All of you have a great week. We will keep you updated. I apologize for any grammar errors. I am an alien at the school right now...
Friday, August 17, 2007
We Made It
HIM: Jacksonville Travel and Arrival Log
Sunday, August 12
Vanessa and I finally had our stuff packed and loaded into our two cars. We took to the road mid-afternoon. Several hours later, my parents took Vanessa's to the airport for their return flight to Peru (they had been visiting...). We drove through Chattenooga and right into Georgia until we couldn't truck along anymore.
Monday, August 13
I crept out of bed early to call the Financial Aid office at Florida Coastal School of Law (FCSL) and our residence hopeful, Bay Pointe Apartments. For anyone keeping score, these two businesses are incredibly well-run. Despite my best efforts to unnerve the staff with questions and requesting assurances (having not yet secured either with 100% certainty), they were extremely polite, helpful and tolerant of my incessant phoning. THANK YOU!
Having "checked in" (read: "met annoyance quota") with the Jacksonville peeps, we got up, got ready and got going. I won't trouble you with a drawn-out poem of our mythical journey to the new home, but I do have some statistics on the number of thumbs-up, honks and waves (or innumerable nods and smiles...) you can get while making an multi-state convertible ride wearing a Burger King crown. *notes the clear tan line on my forehead where most got sun, but royal shade covered the rest* Thanks Sebastian. =)
We eventually made it into Jacksonville in the evening. The main strip (Baymeadows Road) has EVERYTHING. It's like all the best parts of Indianapolis and Louisville (and everything inbetween) crammed into an 8 mile developer's dream. Scouting out the area, we found that FCSL was only 4 miles from our apartment (later, we discovered that Sebastian's pre-school was only 6 miles from the apartment and 2 from law school!). It was getting late. We were getting hungry.
Having just received a generous gift card from Carol at SOAR! for Bob Evans, we made that our first meal in Florida. Checking into a nearby La Quinta, we then rested the best we could in light of still not signing our apartment documents.
Tuesday, August 14
Everything came together! I got my financial aid documents from the school and traded them with the apartment for a lease. We checked out the place, signed on the line, and moved into our new home! After unloading most of the cars in 90+ degree heat, we took a swim in our new pool. It was fun and refreshing. Sebastian was happy to finally get to play. We worked on some swimming and safety practices, then went back into our apartment with more things from our car. We got our beds set up and prepared for the day ahead.
Wednesday, August 15
Law and pre-school orientation! We got up at 9:00am to get ready for the coming activities. I left for FCSL and Vanessa went off to look for pre-schools...
(More to come! Stay tuned for updates! - We don't have internet at the apartment yet and the fam is waiting for me to get home so we can do dinner.)
Sunday, August 12
Vanessa and I finally had our stuff packed and loaded into our two cars. We took to the road mid-afternoon. Several hours later, my parents took Vanessa's to the airport for their return flight to Peru (they had been visiting...). We drove through Chattenooga and right into Georgia until we couldn't truck along anymore.
Monday, August 13
I crept out of bed early to call the Financial Aid office at Florida Coastal School of Law (FCSL) and our residence hopeful, Bay Pointe Apartments. For anyone keeping score, these two businesses are incredibly well-run. Despite my best efforts to unnerve the staff with questions and requesting assurances (having not yet secured either with 100% certainty), they were extremely polite, helpful and tolerant of my incessant phoning. THANK YOU!
Having "checked in" (read: "met annoyance quota") with the Jacksonville peeps, we got up, got ready and got going. I won't trouble you with a drawn-out poem of our mythical journey to the new home, but I do have some statistics on the number of thumbs-up, honks and waves (or innumerable nods and smiles...) you can get while making an multi-state convertible ride wearing a Burger King crown. *notes the clear tan line on my forehead where most got sun, but royal shade covered the rest* Thanks Sebastian. =)
We eventually made it into Jacksonville in the evening. The main strip (Baymeadows Road) has EVERYTHING. It's like all the best parts of Indianapolis and Louisville (and everything inbetween) crammed into an 8 mile developer's dream. Scouting out the area, we found that FCSL was only 4 miles from our apartment (later, we discovered that Sebastian's pre-school was only 6 miles from the apartment and 2 from law school!). It was getting late. We were getting hungry.
Having just received a generous gift card from Carol at SOAR! for Bob Evans, we made that our first meal in Florida. Checking into a nearby La Quinta, we then rested the best we could in light of still not signing our apartment documents.
Tuesday, August 14
Everything came together! I got my financial aid documents from the school and traded them with the apartment for a lease. We checked out the place, signed on the line, and moved into our new home! After unloading most of the cars in 90+ degree heat, we took a swim in our new pool. It was fun and refreshing. Sebastian was happy to finally get to play. We worked on some swimming and safety practices, then went back into our apartment with more things from our car. We got our beds set up and prepared for the day ahead.
Wednesday, August 15
Law and pre-school orientation! We got up at 9:00am to get ready for the coming activities. I left for FCSL and Vanessa went off to look for pre-schools...
(More to come! Stay tuned for updates! - We don't have internet at the apartment yet and the fam is waiting for me to get home so we can do dinner.)
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Make Your Own Blog!
HIM: So, we took the inspiration to create this website from Matt and Misty's. It is incredibly simple and FREE! Just go to www.blogger.com and sign up. The interface is pretty simple and you'll have your first message up in no time. You can add pictures and some pretty neat features with just a few clicks. Scroll down and look at some of our old bloggage. We aren't notorious computer geeks and we were still able to make a presentable website.
Seriously, make a website, so that Vanessa and I can follow the excitement in your lives! We'll even add you under "Other Peeps"! =)
Seriously, make a website, so that Vanessa and I can follow the excitement in your lives! We'll even add you under "Other Peeps"! =)
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