We're sitting on the fence

MOST of you know quite a bit about our job offer already (I'm such a blabbermouth I guess) but I am still going to post about it . . .
There is a reason I have been shy on all the details - mostly because - it is still a tentative offer. So let me explain.

We have indeed been (tentatively) offered a Firearms and Toolmarks position with the Army Crime Lab at Ft. Gillem (Forest Park) Georgia. The reason it is tentative is the offer is contingent upon Bill passing the background check and receiving his security clearance (really tough for a former Marine I know). This in itself has been hard because we have no "official" dates. Sometime is September is the likely start (Nice eh? Move all the way across the country-oh-sometime in September). We've negotiated salary and turned in his fingerprints and other forms. Now we wait.
The job is a two year term position, they would like more funding and to keep him on, but there is no guarantee. The job also includes something Bill and I already experienced in 2005. However I am not into discussing it on the blog at the moment, we'll discuss it again when I feel like it or in 2009/2010. We feel mediocre about it, so that should be good enough for the rest of you that know what I am talking about.
We fully intend to take the position. We have not had any other offers and notwithstanding a few things(dude-Georgia), this job is perfect, it's Firearms, it's federal, it's a decent salary . . . he can get trained and leave if he wants.

We are moving out of our apartment at the end of this month. We have reserved a PODS and I am trying to pack up and clean out and - WOW-it is a big job. We plan on staying with friends/family in Airway Heights/Spokane Valley in the beginning of September until we leave. PRAY we get something official soon so I can firm up housing and buy our plane tickets.

Thanks so much all of you the have been able to offer to help. (Probably be calling on Toot here shortly for some help).

Wish us luck!

Firsts

Let's start here: I refuse to give up my body to pregnancy until I get it back again . . . which is in about 20 pounds. Not that I haven't considered it . . . but then I get no sleep and have a day where I want to lay down for a month (okay, overexaggerating a little). But my weight adventures are a WHOLE OTHER POST. Sorry if I've disappointed you but pregnancy is not the news.

Here's whats been going on:
Miriam got her first tooth on July 15th!
Miriam learned to army crawl.
We went to Tri-Cities for another weekend of SCA stuff, and got to see the new Baron and Baroness put in, very fun.
Jenna got married on Friday - like, it's already over and I couldn't even BE THERE!

Those first two totally could have been our BIG news right? . . . .
No that isn't it.

We've been offered a job! Any guesses as to location? For possible locations look at this post.

Diary of a Job Hunt

Applications in process:

Washington State Patrol Status: passed FS1 test. No word beyond that.
Texas Status: Offered interview. Was planning on going until discovered cost to get there would be 700+ dollars. They have no travel reimbursement and refused to telephone interview. Wasn't an area Bill wants to really work so we felt okay about turning down.
Ohio Status: Never heard
Forensic Immunochemist (Where? I don't remember) Status: Never heard
US Lab (Georgia) Status: Telephone interview on July 3rd. Waiting to hear back.
ATF Chemist (California) Status: apparently not qualified
Special Agent NCIS Status: Just applied yesterday (July 9th)

Applications to complete:

Oregon: Still have to fill out skill questionaire (hello? wasn't that the point of that stinking application form??!!)
FS Trainee - Drug Chemistry (Illinois), not started yet, due July 18th

Maybe this doesn't look like a lot to you, but DANG some of these are quite a bit of work!

Family Update

I am happy to report that Bill started working for Pacific Northwest Medical Supply this week. He's driving/delivering supplies (I think) and it is full-time! After so long of only having money going out out out regularly, it will be nice to be able to pay bills without seeing our "extra" money always depleting. The Forensic Science job search continues. He will be taking an exam for the Washington State Patrol on June 13th. And we have a couple of places to apply for still that all that is really left is to order his official transcripts. No sightings of a nice fat package from EWU yet (the one with a DIPLOMA and two FREE transcripts) although I am thinking this should arrive anytime. Whether or not it comes here or to the Tri-Cities remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, I've been home for two days realizing this is what life will be with a Daddy at work and a Mommy at home (if that continues to be possible). I still have help around here so I can work at Weight Watchers if I want, although both calls this week I was unable to take the work - darn! I made a new *tentative* budget, paid bills, went grocery shopping, did chores, cooked meals, and tried to keep Miriam on a regular schedule.

Miriam and I went into the Doctor on Wednesday and found out that she's gained 6oz in the last week! I took her in because she's been spitting up more since I starting supplementing (a decision made at her 6 month appointment because she wasn't gaining weight very quickly, although keeping up on the height front). But Dr. Balek thinks she is fine. We are going in at the beginning on July to check on her progress, but the formula seems to be helping. She's just as happy as ever. Continues to roll and scoot around the livingroom and ever more tolerant on being on her tummy. I think she gets frustrated without going anywhere though. She has a great love for her fingers, talking, and the TV remote (it must taste good).

I hope you have a nice memorial day weekend - we sure will. What a time to start a job right? With a three day weekend to start off.