transition.

'life' can be so confusing and exhausting sometimes that i just don't have the energy to write about it...

incase you are new or new-ish here, or incase i have never actually mentioned this before - we have been living in a state of limbo for the past 18 months or so with mick's work. tara thinks my life is like a crazy soap opera with dramas left-right-&-centre, and i have to admit there have been some fiascoes so great this past year they are worthy of such a title.

5 years ago mick finished up his PhD in cognitive science and we packed 6 cubic metres of our belongings and took our little family of three across the world, to live in los angeles while mick did some post doctoral research there for a few years. then, we made a much less traumatic move down the freeway to san diego for another couple of years of research at a different university. when funding was coming to a close - the job hunt began. when no job or more funding came knocking at our door (and a baby about to be born!) we put all our stuff in storage (and lisa's house, i love you lisa!) and trekked ourselves and our 8 suitcases back home to western australia to have the baby and wait for the universe to show us which direction to take next. we planned to head back to california after christmas...but still with no prospects for work we postponed our flights for the latest possible date which is, um, 2.5 weeks from now.

DEEP BREATHS!

the last few months have been 'interesting' - are we going? are we not going? is this job going to work out? this one? surely THIS ONE? how are we going to get all our stuff back? where is home? (insert regular crying and stress-fits where you see appropriate)

i've tried to focus this year on living in the present. (and i am so so grateful for what i have, what we have had here, for this time with our family and our favourite places in the world) not always easy - but much less likely to cause stomach ulcers as is the case when constantly worrying about the future (or longing for the past).

this year has been amazing, stressful, crazy, happy, sad, blessed, confusing and more...

mick is now attempting a career change which is exciting and hopeful for our little family, and we are waiting to hear the results of some interviews this week. not sure where this will lead us but i like to believe there is a path for each of us...and we are trying to find our path :)

*due to above-mentioned craziness (and crying and stress-fits), blogging may be sparse in the next few weeks as we figure out what the heck we are doing and act upon it.

i promise to keep you posted!

Comments

[Ruby Sugar]

Oh Em - I can certainly relate! I recently was laid off after 18 years and I have 2 years before I can retire. I have some severance so all is fine financially for a few months but I found myself continually worrying about the future..bad ecomony here is the states, unemployment at 14% in Florida who is going to hire a silver-haired lady? However, I realized that God is large and in charge and has my back. Hang in there.
"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." 1 Peter 5: 7

[Heather Topich]

I pray you find your direction, Em!

[Georgia]

Oh EM! I hear you SISTA!!!! Totally there, totally with you, totally feel your pain.

[MichelleG]

Sending prayers and positive thoughts!!

[Mary Jo]

Sending prayers, wishing you all peace and answers for you soon!

[Virginia]

Crikey hun your life sounds as crazy as mine at the minute and I've not moved anywhere! Keep a calm head and a calm mind and believe that what needs to happen will happen at the right time! Sending you much love and hugs from a bright Yorkshire sky!

[Christine]

I can totally relate.

[Sherri P eh]

Love, prayers and fingers crossed. XO

[RachelM]

I hope things go in the direction you want them to! XxX

[jill]

sending big hugs your way em.

finding and applying for jobs is the most stressful thing ever. at least it was for us last year when jim was laid off for nearly a year before finding new work!

hoping + praying that something works out perfectly for you!

xx
jll

[Jackie@Lilolu]

I completely understand what you are going through. It's tough to stay focused when there is so much chaos in the mind. I hope things work out for you and your family. Hugs from Upstate, NY.

P.S. Whenever I start feeling down I think about this quote by Dolly Parton:

"If you're feeling low, don't despair. The sun has a sinking spell every night, but it comes back up every morning. The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

You're rainbow will glimmer above you before you know.

[Sara]

What a wonderful quote above! My husband and I are going through similar drama/decisions all brought on by the economy and academia. I'm a calm person but I've been a wreck and can't concentrate on finishing my dissertation proposal. But, we don't have kids yet, and our decisions don't involve two continents, so you definitely have every right to have stress fits and some crying spells! Somehow, someway things will land where they may. Hang in there!

[hanna mae]

Lots of love and prayers headed your way. Have faith that the door you seek will present its self at precisely the right moment. Hope the transition goes smoothly. <3

[Claire]

Oh honey hang on in there and I am sure you will find that everything works out for the best. I know just how hard it is to have things like this hanging over you, but keep the faith that all will be well and try not to get too upset over things that you have no control over. Sending you masses of good energy and a big cyber-hug.

[Sara R.]

I KNOW how you are feeling...we are 9 months into the career change portion of a similar story. (although we only moved across the US twice and are just now expecting our second child) Hang in there! Academics are uncertain to say the least. HUGE and mighty hugs from here...and prayers.

[~Colette~]

Sending lots of prayers and good vibes your way!!

[Carla]

lots of positive thoughts coming your way from my little space in Utah.

good luck!

[Amy B]

Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything works out in a positive way for you all.

[Dawn]

just think, we are only HALF way through this year! how exciting is THAT!! You will make it with all the love and support you have bound up in your super family. Only good this are to come because that is the kind of Universe I believe in. Hugs from the States.
Peace~
Dawn

[Dawn]

Okay, that is suppose to be GOOD THINGS not good this. Now I sound like a dork.
;)
Dawn

[Christina C]

Sending positive thoughts your way! Everything has a way of working out, just keep your head up.

[tara pollard pakosta]

I can't wait to see where you end up!
it's exciting! Love how you live life in the present too emilY!
tara

[Gloria King]

Ill keep your family in prayers...Your a great momma..its in your eyes..

[christine]

this is certainly an incredibly stressful time for you guys - keep breathing! I'll send positive thoughts your way for a smooth transition, what ever it my be.
Cheers..........
Christine

[Christine]

oh waiting in limbo is the hardest thing!!! But things do have a way of sorting themselves out for the most part. Sending you calm-ness to carry you thru this time, and may your transitions be smooth. Y

and yay for SoCal!! I'll be there in July!