Jason's First Post

Since Jenny has posted a couple of times now, I guess it's my turn to update. First and foremost, I can't believe our wedding is now less than 3 months away!! It is already sneaking up on us and we still have a bunch of little things left to do (plus finish with some of the big things). But I can't wait for it. I moved down here on October 3rd and have been making the 5 hour trip home 2-3 times per month. It has been expensive and lonely, but I knew that coming into this move. Jenny and I decided we could do anything for 8 months, including live in separate states and only see each other on weekends. But if I had the choice, I wouldn't do this again. I miss her a lot. And I hope sooner than later we can get back up to NC so we can be closer to our friends and family.

My job is going well, though. I am told all the time that I am doing well and to keep at it and I will go far. Probably the hardest part of my job is every day dealing with tough personalities, sometimes volatile ones. I have had my share of employees yell at me, tell me I'm a bad manager, and just stare at me when I asked them to do something. But I also have a lot of good employees who are more than willing to do anything for us. I finally have a new GM and he seems like a good guy. He seems to like me too, and he has been there already for me to ask questions I need answered where I haven't gotten that before.

As for Savannah, I am looking forward to spending time down here and learning the city I live in. I am currently looking around for apartments for us to live in. It's tough since we are looking so far in advance, but I'm at least trying to get a feel for the areas. Within the next couple of weeks we can start applying for places, but if I know Jenny she won't let me decide until she seen the places for herself. We'll see when that will be...

Wedding Kick Off.... Shower Time!

Well my weekend was full of wedding excitement as I had my wedding shower! It was so much more beautiful than I ever imagined a shower could be! Beth Penley, my long time neighbor and family friend, is so talented and went out of her way to make it perfect! My mom, Julie's mom Catherine, my sister Brooke, bridesmaid Julie, and many others also really helped out all day to make it a fun time! We had such a great turn out from both my family and Jason's and I am truly thankful to all of you who traveled to make an appearance! That really means a lot to me and I thank you for giving up time in your busy lives on a Saturday! Also, thank you to everyone for all of the beautiful gifts that we received to start our new home together and to also enjoy ourselves on our honeymoon.... we can NOT WAIT! I had the best time last night skyping with Jason going through the list of all the presents and telling him about the day and who was there etc. He actually really loves being a part of the wedding activities. I think if he could have been invited yesterday, he would have come! He missed seeing everyone! So far his favorite presents are:

1. Brooke's cooler that comes with a grill and grill tools (he is checking to see if we can grill on Tybee Island today)

2. Food Processor

3. Money (he can't wait for the trip)

A special thank you for Catherine and Julie for housing Jason and I's gifts until we are able to move them again- thank you for understanding the difficulty of my parents still being in a hotel right now and for Jason and I not really having a home of our own either! Soon (for both).

It was an emotional day for my family as it was a hard time for us to decide where to have to shower because I know my mom really wanted to have it in her house, but again I am just thankful that we were able to all be together and celebrate the beginning of the Spring season and really kick off the wedding fun. I was glad that Jason and I's mothers finally met as well as other people in the family. I can't wait to get everyone together at the wedding and I can't wait to see and visit more with some of you next weekend at Easter.

Some Pictures of Savannah

The Adventure Begins....

Well, Jason has been in Savannah since October but I have officially resigned by position as a teacher this week. So we now begin to plan for our new home and life together as a married couple in Savannah, GA in June/July 2010! It is all very exciting and stressful, but mostly both of us can not WAIT to actually live in the same city again. So far we have started hunting for apartments, which has been hard because Savannah has surprisingly high rent rates and pockets of crime that we are trying to avoid. Also, since I am a girl and "slightly" want to be in control, it is hard for me to just let Jason see all the places himself and just take his word on what he sees and likes! I want to see them too! We of course are trying to pick a 2 bedroom place so that people can come visit us and and stay with us, but budget might win this battle.

Our other large adventure is finding me a JOB. Jason has been talking with talent acquisition at his hospital and trying to flirt with all the nurses at work, and I have been revamping my resume, but the question remains.... To Teach, or Not to Teach? Ever since I resigned at work this week, people have been saying negative things about the schools in Savannah, which I had already heard. Also, sadly, after 3 years I sometimes feel that I am not making a difference. I go back and forth most days because I know that I am good at my job, but sometimes it is very disheartening and unrewarding. So I'm weighing my options and I guess I will just apply for many things and see what opens up for me. By June I might just be praying that ANY job is available!

So far here is what Jason has taught me about what I have to look forward to in Savannah:

1. Beautiful Riverfront and houses
2. Warm weather year round
3. Flat roads to run on
4. Publix grocery stores (ice cream especially)
5. Beach 20 min away

Things that Jason has warned me about that I am getting nervous about:
1. Warm weather year round (I will miss my seasons)
2. Smelly marshes
3. Lack of support for ACC sports (guess we will need to pick a SEC team)
4. Tourist traffic
5. High Crime (nothing mace can't handle right? maybe Buckets can move with us?)

Anyhow, here is to preparing for and getting excited for our big move! Thank you in advance to those of you who will be helping us!