katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,404 
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Post by katybee on Jun 27, 2022 22:48:50 GMT
Some of you might remember that I had decided to move to Santa Barbara, CA from Austin, TX. I have second-guessed this decision at least every other day. I have not been able to find a full-time teaching job—it is a small area and there are VERY FEW openings. That was really hard for me, teaching is part of my identity and I don’t know who I am if I’m not teaching. Housing is also VERY competitive, and without a job, I knew I was going to have to live with one of my brothers. I love my home, I love decorating and having my own space. So that has also been hard. I cried the day I turned in my keys at the school I’ve been at for 10 years, and I’ve cried at every goodbye lunch and dinner I’ve been to in the last few weeks. I sold almost all of my furniture and got rid of probably 60-70% of what I own.
And packing has been very difficult. Packing what I’m taking has been easy. Getting rid of what I’m leaving has been a major PITA. But I’m almost done and the movers come Wednesday. My dog and I are taking off on Friday.
My brother, his wife and I will be sharing a Craftsman style house that is about 100 years old—squeaky floors and all. It is absolutely adorable, has a large, fenced yard, huge deck, rose garden, raised beds for veggies, hot tub, gas grill and shed! It’s small, but has 3 bedrooms, so we’re going to turn the 3rd into an office that we can all share. That will give us a little more room and privacy—plus the very large outdoor living area. It’s literally a block or two away from the hospital (for my brother) and his doctor’s office where he gets his treatment. It really is a good situation.
As far as working goes, we’ve all decided that subbing is probably the best option right now. My brother is getting sicker every day. We don’t know how much time he has left. Subbing will give me the flexibility to help him with appointments, help take care of him and spend time with him. He can’t drive, and we really don’t even like him walking on his own anymore. So I will be able to get him out of the house while my SIL is at work.
So all in all I’m feeling pretty optimistic at this point (except about my brother, but at least I’ll be with him and my SIL and my other brother, as well). I can’t wait to take my dog to the beach and let her play in her new back yard. If I can just get this move over with.
So that’s the update—just in case it’s been keeping you up at night!
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,836
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Jun 27, 2022 22:53:25 GMT
It seems crazy to me that an experienced teacher can’t get a job but perhaps it really for the best right now- it sounds really good for you to have the flexibility to care for your brother and spend time with him. Maybe subbing will allow you to know where you may want to end up (or not end up!) in the future. I’ll send happy moving vibes that everything left to be done goes smoothly.
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Post by destined2bmom on Jun 27, 2022 22:55:19 GMT
Moving out of state is always hard. Especially when you don’t have a job starting when you arrive there. But I think that you will get offered a full-time job by way of subbing. And I am glad that you can be there for your brother. It’s going to be okay. Just breathe.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Jun 27, 2022 22:56:56 GMT
You are sounding good. I am glad you becoming happier about your move. You have done so much to get ready, I think you are amazing.
Glad you have gotten some plans in order to make everyone thrive as best as you can in your new home!!
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Post by ntsf on Jun 27, 2022 23:00:21 GMT
I am happy you will be able to support your brother!!. subbing is a good way to get yourself known to the school people.
Glad to hear such a good update.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,680
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jun 27, 2022 23:00:29 GMT
The house sounds absolutely adorable!
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Post by monklady123 on Jun 27, 2022 23:12:00 GMT
I was thinking about you just the other day, so I'm glad for the update!
Moving sucks no matter what the circumstances are. ugh
I'm sure it's stressful not to have found a regular job but with your brother's health it seems like it's for the best. You will be snapped up in a second as a substitute teacher, and the first school you go into the word will get out...you'll have teachers following you down the hall to get your contact info. lol. You'll be able to work as much as you want. But, you'll also have the flexibility to say no to jobs if you need to be with your brother. And if his wife is working full time...well just think what a relief it will be for her to know that you are there to help.
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Post by AussieMeg on Jun 27, 2022 23:12:03 GMT
I can understand how difficult it must be to move away, and why you have been second guessing yourself. If it's any consolation, I think that you have definitely made the right decision. I'm sure it will all fall into place for you there. And even if it takes you a little while to find a permanent teaching position, at least you will have been able to spend time with your brother and help him out. The house sounds fabulous!
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,521
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Jun 27, 2022 23:15:30 GMT
That area is always a hard place to find a job. Highly desirable but not enough infrastructure/commerce to support the number of people who want to live there with jobs.
I'm glad it seems to be all working out and I wish you and your family to best as you embark on this new journey.
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Post by malibou on Jun 27, 2022 23:18:59 GMT
Moving is hard on so many levels, and you have quite a few extra levels to contend with. It sounds like it is turning out quite well given current circumstances. An advantage to subbing is it gives you a chance to check out a lot of different schools, and there are a fair number of private schools up there to check out as well.
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Jun 27, 2022 23:22:14 GMT
I am very impressed with you and all you’ve done to make this happen. I think you’re doing the best thing.
May what lies in front of you be 1000x better than what you leave behind.
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moodyblue
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Posts: 6,200
Location: Western Illinois
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Jun 27, 2022 23:53:51 GMT
Given your brother's health situation, subbing really does seem like the best option. And as difficult as it is to be living with other people, you will get to be with your brother more, and be able to support your sister-in-law too.
The house sounds great.
I’ll be sending good vibes for the actual move!
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jun 28, 2022 0:01:39 GMT
I admire you for making this move so I appreciate the update. I’ve never moved out of state, it feels a bit overwhelming, but even as challenging as it has been you’re still moving forward. Family is important and I think in the end you’ll discover this was the right move to be able to spend more time with your brother and help him and his wife. And…you get to live in Santa Barbara! I just love it there.
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Post by freecharlie on Jun 28, 2022 0:02:16 GMT
I'm glad you updated.
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Post by ~summer~ on Jun 28, 2022 0:04:34 GMT
When do you leave?
I’m excited for you - will be looking forward to updates once you are there!
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leeny
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,671
Location: Northern California
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on Jun 28, 2022 0:13:03 GMT
(((Hugs))) and well wishes for your trip to California. Sounds like your new plan is going to work for all of you at this critical time for your brother and his family.
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Post by papersilly on Jun 28, 2022 0:18:05 GMT
Sounds like everything is falling into a good place for you guys! Good update.
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Post by magoosangel on Jun 28, 2022 0:19:36 GMT
Glad you’ll be there to help your brother. I’m sure you’ll find your place in time.
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scrappinwithoutpeas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,945
Location: Northern Virginia
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Post by scrappinwithoutpeas on Jun 28, 2022 0:20:13 GMT
Best of luck to you with the move! I hope it all goes smoothly, including your transition to subbing. It sounds like you've done a lot to capitalize on the best possible options in order to be there for/with your brother and SIL. ((Hugs))
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teddyw
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,912
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Post by teddyw on Jun 28, 2022 0:25:23 GMT
You will never regret spending that time with your brother.
Subbing for now sounds like a perfect plan.
Thanks for updating.
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Post by quinlove on Jun 28, 2022 0:34:51 GMT
((( katybee ))) If I had relatives in California, I’d leave Texas in a second ! It’s always scariest in the very beginning. Always. And, don’t forget - you are taking ALL of us with you. 💚
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jun 28, 2022 0:41:03 GMT
So many changes but it sounds like it's all falling into place for the best. You'll be able to be there for your brother and then hopefully have a wonderful job and home waiting just for you when the time comes.
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Post by stormsts on Jun 28, 2022 0:45:41 GMT
Good luck with your move! The house sounds adorable. The time spent helping your brother will be so worth it. Subbing sounds like the perfect solution at this time. Keep us updated!
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jun 28, 2022 0:52:01 GMT
This is not helpful but moving is crazy stressful and once you are settled things will be great. I was with my sister until the end and I know how priceless an experience that is. |
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Post by flanz on Jun 28, 2022 1:51:08 GMT
I'm so happy that things are working out for you and you sound like you're in a good place, Katy.
I'm sorry that your brother is so ill. I know you'll be an enormous blessing to him.
I hope we can meet one day once I'm back from summer travels and you've settled in a bit.
Good luck with the actual move.
xo
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,404
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Post by katybee on Jun 28, 2022 1:56:56 GMT
I'm so happy that things are working out for you and you sound like you're in a good place, Katy. I'm sorry that your brother is so ill. I know you'll be an enormous blessing to him. I hope we can meet one day once I'm back from summer travels and you've settled in a bit. Good luck with the actual move. xo Yes, for sure! |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jun 28, 2022 2:04:32 GMT
Do you need to get a teaching credential for CA? IIRC you used to live in CA so you might already have one. In our area they are begging teachers who recently retired to come back. Subbing sounds like a good plan for now which might get your foot in the door for a permanent position in the future. Good luck on the drive out here and be safe!!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jul 1, 2024 17:58:41 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2022 2:08:41 GMT
I think you will come to realize that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be
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Post by mom on Jun 28, 2022 2:10:43 GMT
Change is always so hard but I have no doubt you will come to thrive in Ca. and the time with your brother will be something you treasure forever.
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quiltz
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Posts: 6,757
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Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Jun 28, 2022 2:14:25 GMT
Thanks katybee for this update. The love for your brother is shining thru your post. However difficult this move will be, you will always know that you did all that you could to be there for your brother during this difficult time in his (and your) life. Hoping for the perfect job that will suit the situation that you are in. |
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