Providence!!!

Finally... I was able to get a job! I am so excited about this... as it was an incredible ordeal that began about six weeks ago... in this case, patience paid off. So, here's the scoop: While still living in Cincinnati, I made incredible efforts at putting myself out there. I applied to jobs on Craigslist, Monster, and Private websites such as Kaiser and OHSU. I had a few phone calls while still in Ohio, and the most encouraging was a call from Providence Health Systems in Portland. I couldn't believe it, but took advantage of the opportunity to set up a phone interview. Much to my disappointment the hiring Manager (Karen) informed me that she would like to hire much sooner than we would be arriving in Portland... but if she was unable to find qualified personnel, then she would call after we made our move. At least it was an encouraging effort. Much to my surprise, Karen called within the week of our arrival and we scheduled a phone interview. The interview itself went very well, but I felt there were many areas in which I was not incredibly qualified. After a second in-house interview, I was sure I would land the job. I was very disappointed when Karen kindly called to let me know that she felt I was overqualified... what?!... overqualified?... for the position. But she was impressed with my paperwork and personality (very encouraging) and referred me to another department that was hiring: Project management. Yes, I was bummed... but how often are you referred by a complete stranger for a job that you never imagined you would be able to swing. After receiving a call from this other department and an initial interview, I was very nervous that I would not be able to get this job. I initially applied for the position online, but the recruiting department overlooked my materials, thus leaving me out of the pool of applicants. Thanks to Karen, I was back in! So... in a nutshell, I had a second interview with the staff and within four hours I received a pleasant phone call inviting me to work for Providence! I was so excited I told everyone in the house! My official title is Project Assistant, and I provide support to the Management with the entire Portland chapter. It is a new position, providing some flexibility and learning on everyone's behalf (phew). I look forward to jumping in. http://www.providence.org/oregon/ This is an incredible move up in my so-called career, leaving me encouraged beyond belief. It's one more confirmation that we are in the right place, at the right time, and everything we need has been and will continue to be provided for.

Julie's cuteness!

I figured I should post some photos of Julie in her cute prego body! Her belly didn't really pop out till her fourth month, but it's only until this past few weeks did she start to look seriously pregnant. Yay for babies!

This is Derek and Julie... Derek's sleepy from a long day's work.

Prego belly! Julie is due September 22nd!



This is Obi... He only has three legs... but he's still super cute!

In Oregon Now

I tried to grab some quality photos of our move from Cincinnati to Portland (actually Salem right now), but it was challenging.Mom & Dad drove the U-Haul for us. It sucked the gas terribly... so they turned the AC. Sweating through the mid-west was not pleasurable for them. What troopers!

Beautiful sky in Iowa. That was the only thing beautiful in Iowa.
:)
The Bison where everywhere... and very hungry! Ha ha. Just kidding. This was a bison at Wall Drug in North Dakota.
A stinky geyser in Yellowstone.
Mom and Dad at dinner one night. It was challenging to find good meals while on the road... and we were SO tired every night... that pizza sounded good every time!
:)