We're Considering a Life Change---

[Kitchen Diva]

And as much as I love NC more than Texas- the one in NC only offers us a room within a group home, so there would be no space for our two large dogs or our kitty... the one in Texas offers us our own home...I know these aren't the only jobs like that out there- but off the bat having our pets is important to us. Besides, they love kids! My niece was playing "doctor" with both of them again today- and they just lay there and let her take their temp, bandage them, check their heart, take their blood pressure...it's too funny!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I echo what Kelly wrote. Seems to me that G-d has cleared the path for you in many ways - no big time job to leave, no kids to uproot. So...walk down the path!

Plus, it takes very special people to work with troubled kids, and the impact is immense. From reading your posts, I can tell that you will be a Godsend to whomever you take under your wing.

That seriously made me cry! I'm touched and even humbled by that (and that's saying something- LOL, DH says I'm a little too confident and could use a shot of humility)

Thank you, Susan!

 

[crystalscookingnow]

I think that God is opening an amazing window for you. Pray & listen for His guidance!

God Bless you for even thinking about taking this leap of faith. Most would tuck tail & run from the thought of change.

Hugs!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I think that God is opening an amazing window for you. Pray & listen for His guidance!

God Bless you for even thinking about taking this leap of faith. Most would tuck tail & run from the thought of change.
Hugs!

I actually hunt for change! LOL I'm like Elmer Fudd I'm wookin' fer chwange" hee-hee

I think this is an open door too- I'm going to pray on this more and let you know as things arise...

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I actually hunt for change!

Here ya go...

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I swear if I didn't know any better, KG- I'd say you were my grandfather's brother! You are such a stinker- but I love ya!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

If I am, I suspect my brother will be far more surprised than anyone.So will my niece. Or nephew.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

If I am, I suspect my brother will be far more surprised than anyone.

So will my niece. Or nephew.

Well even the best of us have surprises in our closets. Or in the case of our dear friend Burt, his surprise was cut off with your excellent cropping skills!

You just remind me of my grandfather in many ways. No- I'm not saying I think you are 86 years old. But you are sassy, sarcastic, clever and trouble! All endearing qualities of my grandfather!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

You forgot "curmudgeon."

 

[Kitchen Diva]

You forgot "curmudgeon."

Nah, my grandpa is just a grouch... he used to be anyway- he's softened up quite a bit so there's still hope for you! (teasing)

 

[PamperedTre]

I think it is unwise to stay where you are for fear of leaving your comfort zone.

Follow your heART.

<3

 

[vwpamperedchef]

Kacey...

I didnt get to read all the other replies, but for you and DH you have to go where your heart tells you.

Right now, neither of you are tied to a job (unfortunately) but I truely believe "everything happens for a reason".

It takes a good soul to consider doing what you'd be doing, and I am sure the outcome is very rewarding. But that doesnt mean your task is an easy one. I am sure it is very difficult to deal with.

I will keep you in my prayers, as always, for God to help both of you in your decision making process.

I hope you will be able to start fresh...and get back on your feet again!

Love Vanessa

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

There is a difference between a curmudgeon and a grouch. A grouch is just PO'ed at the world. A curmudgeon points out the absurdities of life and, if you pay attention to him/her, you might be able to fix something you didn't even know was broken.

A guy named Jon Winokur posted this definition of a curmudgeon on a web page and I think he has it down pretty well:

A curmudgeon's reputation for malevolence is undeserved. They're neither warped nor evil at heart. They don't hate mankind, just mankind's absurdities. They're just as sensitive and soft-hearted as the next guy, but they hide their vulnerability beneath a crust of misanthropy. They ease the pain by turning hurt into humor. . . . . . They attack maudlinism[sic] because it devalues genuine sentiment. . . . . . Nature, having failed to equip them with a servicable[sic] denial mechanism, has endowed them with astute perception and sly wit.

Curmudgeons are mockers and debunkers whose bitterness is a symptom rather than a disease. They can't compromise their standards and can't manage the suspension of disbelief necessary for feigned cheerfulness. Their awareness is a curse.

Perhaps curmudgeons have gotten a bad rap in the same way that the messenger is blamed for the message: They have the temerity to comment on the human condition without apology. They not only refuse to applaud mediocrity, they howl it down with morose glee. Their versions of the truth unsettle us, and we hold it against them, even though they soften it with humor.

You can see the original page here: http://www.concentric.net/~marlowe/curdef.shtml

Two of the best examples ever of curmudgeons were named Statler and Waldorf, the old men in the box seat of the Muppet Theater in the old The Muppet Show.

 

[janetupnorth]

Oh, those two were among my FAVORITE muppets!!!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

There is a difference between a curmudgeon and a grouch. A grouch is just PO'ed at the world. A curmudgeon points out the absurdities of life and, if you pay attention to him/her, you might be able to fix something you didn't even know was broken.

A guy named Jon Winokur posted this definition of a curmudgeon on a web page and I think he has it down pretty well:



You can see the original page here: http://www.concentric.net/~marlowe/curdef.shtml

Two of the best examples ever of curmudgeons were named Statler and Waldorf, the old men in the box seat of the Muppet Theater in the old The Muppet Show.

You know, based on that definition, give me a few years, and I could become a curmudgeon....

I actually LIKE that description.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Kasey, I don't know where in TX those towns are (and I know that TX is huge) but if they are anywhere near Houston or Waco I have some great director friends that I could connect you with - My TX team is in Houston and their hospitality director is awesome! My director (Exec Dir) lives in Waco and she is SUPER awesome!

It's so awesome that you not only have exciting opportunities but that you also have choices! You are blessed!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Kasey, I don't know where in TX those towns are (and I know that TX is huge) but if they are anywhere near Houston or Waco I have some great director friends that I could connect you with - My TX team is in Houston and their hospitality director is awesome! My director (Exec Dir) lives in Waco and she is SUPER awesome!

It's so awesome that you not only have exciting opportunities but that you also have choices! You are blessed!

Thanks for the director info. Amarillo is in the pan handle, and Lubbock is directly south about 100+ miles. No where near the exciting parts of the state, that's for sure.

I remember driving through the pan handle of Texas as a child on the way to New Mexico to visit my grandparents- I remember tumble weeds and oil wells, that's it! OH, and dirt. I pray it's changed a little- like maybe a tree or two.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Maybe Utah would give up their tree from the Great Salt Desert for the Texas Panhandle?http://www.utah.com/art/photos/utah_tree.jpg

 

[raebates]

Keeping in mind the excellent definition posted here, I'd have to say that KG is my favorite curmudgeon. Statler and Waldorf would tie for a close second.

 

[CookingwithMary]

This would be a huge change, something you need to really need God's wisom and blessings about.

Some random thoughts...not in any special order:

Who pays moving costs? Any assistance there?

Will you both have medical insurance? Dental? These days, that would be a huge part of my evaluation of a new life style.

Also, dealing with the emotionally disturbed is very draining, emotionally (and sometimes physically--the mind/body connection). :cry: Speaking from over a decade of experience working with the mentally ill...the rewards can be VAST.

Have you raised children? (Don't know your background).

Are there trained professionals available 24/7 for help?

Read the job description with a fine toothed comb (I know you will). Also, if the job does not work out, for any reason, how long do you have to move from the apt? I'd choose the apartment to have a place of our own. YMMV (Your mileage may vary).

From your posts, I like your style and asking God to guide your choice.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

This would be a huge change, something you need to really need God's wisom and blessings about.

Some random thoughts...not in any special order:

Who pays moving costs? Any assistance there?

Will you both have medical insurance? Dental? These days, that would be a huge part of my evaluation of a new life style.

Also, dealing with the emotionally disturbed is very draining, emotionally (and sometimes physically--the mind/body connection). :cry: Speaking from over a decade of experience working with the mentally ill...the rewards can be VAST.

Have you raised children? (Don't know your background).

Are there trained professionals available 24/7 for help?

Read the job description with a fine toothed comb (I know you will). Also, if the job does not work out, for any reason, how long do you have to move from the apt? I'd choose the apartment to have a place of our own. YMMV (Your mileage may vary).

From your posts, I like your style and asking God to guide your choice.

The one we are seriously looking into provides extensive training and the house parents do not have to have children of their own. DH has two grown children, I helped raise one, and was a nanny and a teacher and worked for Lutheran Family Services helping families with mentally and physcially challenged kids. The place that we are looking into does not accept children with mental disabilities or physical ones.

Exceptional benefits including matched 401K- paid time off, long and short term disability and life and dental, and medical insurance are included.
They have transitional housing on site for those moving in and moving out. We are not sure about the moving costs- but having moved 4 times with the Air Force, we are pro's at doing it ourselves and having help from the Military. All of this has been taken into consideration- and if it was placed on our hearts then there is a reason...

They give us a 3 bedroom apartment attached to the large rambler/ranch style home. There are 2 bathrooms, a large eat-in kitchen and living room. I saw pictures. Very nice.

On a more personal note, DH and I come from painful childhood experiences that make us qualified candidates to help,love and guide these children. And, yes- there is help available 24/7 should we need it. This ranch has been around since 1939- so I'm sure that they have things running like a well oiled ship.

Also, with DH and my management background we are trained in how to manage and organize a household

They said that they have house parents from all walks of life, and some of their best ones were couples that did not have children of their own. DH and I do not have children together, but I have raised other people's children, and DH raised 2 of his own. I'm not too concerned about this, as the children have very structured days- wake up, eat a good breakfast, wash up, go to school, eat lunch at school, come home, eat snack, do homework, eat dinner, do chores, clean up, go to bed... the ranch pretty much tells you when and for how long you are doing something- and down time is for us to decide what to do with the kids that are in our home. Movies, horserides, hair cuts, shopping, picnics, hikes...whatever!

This place has 6 days on and 3 days off- they are a self sustained city with a post office, police station, fire station, and their own zipcode! They are a little more selective in the type of child/teen they will accept into the program, and what they do allow is very mild in comparison to what I've dealt with. I think the worst would be an ADHD or ADD child- both of which I have experience with, as well as autism, and schizophrenia- They do not require that we have a degree or experience at all- they will train the right godly couple for the job- it just so happens that we do have experience and a very deep desire to have a ministry with hurting children.

Also- we get to bounce ideas and get guidance from the other house parents there- so we'll even have new friends on campus.

I know it will be different, but DH and I are prepared to give everything up that we have, and follow Christ if this is where He is leading us. It will be nice to be able to downsize a bit!

Those are all very good and valid points you brought up- thank you!

When I was working for LFS- the hardest thing on me was how physically demanding those children were, but they don't house those types of disabilites/behavioral problems here, so although it will still be more physical than sitting around here being unemployed- I belive through Christ I am up to the task of just about anything!

 

[erinyourpclady]

There is a difference between a curmudgeon and a grouch. A grouch is just PO'ed at the world. A curmudgeon points out the absurdities of life and, if you pay attention to him/her, you might be able to fix something you didn't even know was broken.

A guy named Jon Winokur posted this definition of a curmudgeon on a web page and I think he has it down pretty well:



You can see the original page here: http://www.concentric.net/~marlowe/curdef.shtml

Two of the best examples ever of curmudgeons were named Statler and Waldorf, the old men in the box seat of the Muppet Theater in the old The Muppet Show.

One of my FAVORITE ever songs.....

It's time to play the music
It's time to light the lights
It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight.



It's time to put on makeup
It's time to dress up right
It's time to raise the curtain on the Muppet Show tonight.



Why do we always come here
I guess we'll never know
It's like a kind of torture
To have to watch the show



And now let's get things started
Why don't you get things started
It's time to get things started
On the most sensational inspirational celebrational Muppetational
This is what we call the Muppet Show

 

[BethCooks4U]

Kasey, it sounds like you are becoming very committed to this idea! I know that besides doing your homework on it you are praying constantly. What is your next step in the exploration/application process?

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Mommmmmm they keep hijacking my thread.....

One of my FAVORITE ever songs.....

It's time to play the music
It's time to light the lights
It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight.



It's time to put on makeup
It's time to dress up right
It's time to raise the curtain on the Muppet Show tonight.



Why do we always come here
I guess we'll never know
It's like a kind of torture
To have to watch the show



And now let's get things started
Why don't you get things started
It's time to get things started
On the most sensational inspirational celebrational Muppetational
This is what we call the Muppet Show

♪♫ Some day you'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me lalalalalallaaaalalala♪♫

 

[erinyourpclady]

♪♫ Some day you'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me lalalalalallaaaalalala♪♫

Hey.....DH and the kids says thanks as I was just singing that very LOUD!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Hey.....DH and the kids says thanks as I was just singing that very LOUD!

I'm here to serve! :angel:

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Kasey, it sounds like you are becoming very committed to this idea!

Several of us around here should be committed.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Kasey, it sounds like you are becoming very committed to this idea! I know that besides doing your homework on it you are praying constantly. What is your next step in the exploration/application process?

Well I sent them an email asking for more info, and inquiring into whether or not they'd make an exception to their pet rule. Our apartment would be more than enough room for our 3 pets. They currently only allow one. I'd be willing to give my kitten, Camilla Bean to a loving home with dogs (she loves dogs) but I will not separate my dogs. Camilla loves the dogs and our female dog adores the kitty, but Camilla is young, so although the stress of going to another home would cause her to have another respiratory infection, I'm pretty sure after a month or so, she'd be fine.

At least that's what I tell myself! LOL

So once I hear more about the dogs- I will then go from there. If they won't allow us to have both our dogs, then it isn't an option- at least this place isn't.

The place in NC does not meet all the expectations that we are looking for like the one in Texas does, so for now, we are looking into the one in Texas... Amarillo, Texas that is. Oh, and I forgot to mention in a previous post that they pay for our utilities as well as our home- so we would only have to worry about food and gas and our current consumer debt.

 

[erinyourpclady]

♪♫ Some day you'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me lalalalalallaaaalalala♪♫

BTW...I apologize for my part in hijacking. I think it is wonderful what you and DH are considering. Of course, I do wish it was NC and not TX.....but that just shows ya how selfish I am!!

 

[chefmeg]

me too, Erin! I would love for us all to get together over some Pinot Grigio!