How things are going
It's been a while since we've posted. That's not to say there hasn't been anything going on, it's just that most of our news has been in relation to our baby girl, due October 23. Consequently, we've been making posts on the kids site.
Things have been really challenging for Joe and I this summer. We're both very thankful, however, that we've been able to find work, at least for the time being. I'm working as a receptionist and he's working as a shipping clerk for Randstad (a temp agency). The work environments for both of us are pretty good, and like I said, we're just thrilled to be working. Joe has continued his search for work in his field of study, applying for both laboratory and teaching positions. I think he'd really enjoy teaching, because he's so detail and people oriented. I haven't been on the job search, because I plan to stay home with the baby (as long as we can afford to). I will, however, try to do some tutoring.
We've still been attending St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church, despite having some difficulty there the past few months. Overall, we just like going to a church in our community. It's been very nice getting to know some of the parishioners there and of course it's a joy attending Orthodox services.
As far as social things go, we've enjoyed hanging out with Wendy a lot, as well as Lisa and Jordan. Wendy just went back to college, so we'll be in Wendo-withdrawl for a while. Also, Lisa and Jordan recently moved from Marietta to Roswell, and are now about 30-40 minutes away, rather than 15. That'll make it much harder for us to get together. Joe spent some time a month or so ago with Philip and Justin and learned how to play Texas hold'em. We enjoyed playing a few rounds with friends after he taught me. Aileen and Jay seem to be doing well, but we haven't hung out with them hardly at all this summer, mostly because we live so far away and haven't wanted to spend a bunch of money on gasoline. We've talked by phone a good bit though, and were very happy to learn of their engagement. They're setting the date for sometime in October of 2007. Meanwhile, Philip and Kelly were recently engaged too. I think they'll be getting married next summer.
My parents seem to be doing alright. Dad just started working for American General and mom's been working harder than ever for Lockheed. I'm not sure how either of them are doing because they don't really talk to me about these things, but it seems like they're both somewhat content. Their spouses seem to be doing ok too.
I haven't talked to my brothers or sister much lately, but from what dad tells me, they're doing well. Katelyn was tested and got into the gifted program at her school. That makes me very proud and encouraged for her. It sounds like the boys are still very much enjoying sports. It's been really hard waiting so long to see that side of my family. I miss them a lot. Hopefully we'll/I'll be able to go visit them more often once the baby is born.
Joe has still been keeping up with his cooking skills. He learned several weeks ago how to make some excellent fried and sauted chicken recipes. He also learned how to make a drink we had at Megan's wedding, a whiskey sour. That's the favorite drink of summer. I've even had a few virgin sours…Mmmmm good. Yesterday for lunch he made homemade taco salad fixings for Jordan, Lisa and I: guacamole, pico de gallo, seasoned beef, refried beans, sour cream, chopped olives, mixed greens, shredded cheese, and chips. I think taco salad is one of my favorite meals.