I believe it was John Lennon who first penned this quote and I think it perfectly outlines the past few months for us. Last July, my husband and I decided to take a leap of faith and move back to Pittsburgh after living in what sometimes seemed like a foreign country.  Finding jobs in this economy is no small task, especially in the fields of teaching and engineering but we were determined to make it work.  To that end, I started writing this blog about the trials and tribulations of our quest to return to the City of Champions.  I used the nom de plume, West End Girl, and fully intended to file biweekly updates on our progress.  Things went well for a while and I found the writing very therapeutic and relaxing.  And then someone new came into our lives – someone who we had given up hope of ever meeting.  Here is one of our first sightings . . .

Speck's first photo op

Discovering that Speck was on the way was a joyous occasion for our family, but also proved to be a bit of an obstacle in keeping up with my new writing hobby.  Morning sickness, well, actually it was all day sickness plagued my days and insomnia haunted me at night for several months.  As you can imagine, neither of these conditions are conducive to running a family and household while working full time.  I also thought cleaning vomit off of a computer keyboard was a skill at which I did not want to become a pioneer so I hung up my mouse for a while.

These minor setbacks did not deter us from our primary goal: Moving back to the Burgh.  You may have read this article from Wednesday’s Post-Gazette.  If you didn’t read it yet, go a head and read it now – (Seriously, the rest of this posting will not make sense if you do not read it so just go ahead and click – just make sure you come back 🙂 )

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10104/1050136-294.stm

So, now you know where we have been and where we still plan to go as soon as possible.  The job hunt is more intense than ever with positive prospects bringing very high highs and disappointments bringing very low lows.  I was just in town this week working on making connections and pursuing as many leads as possible.   Though I have not found a job just yet, I remain very optimistic about the possibilities for upcoming school year.  Mike is following up on several leads, too, and has the advantage of being in a field that does not use an academic calendar.

As for TBFKAS (The Baby Formerly Known As Speck) he or she is as healthy and perfect as can be and will be arriving soon.  We have Magee Women’s hospital programed into the GPS . . .

Since my cover is blown now, I’ll just sign off with my real name.  If you have any great ideas for our quest to move back to the Burgh – please let me know.

Jenn  – Forever Your (West End) Girl

(’80’s song references, will I ever get tired of them?)

I knew this day was coming but I didn’t know it would bother me so much.

I had a professional meeting today and it was uncharacteristically positive and productive.   I was discussing the future and vision of my subject and it was . . . how else to explain it?? Amazing.  Finally, someone else seems to see the big picture and acknowledge my ideas as valid and useful and in the best interests of students.  The idea that I could be a part of the solution and not the problem and discussing the possibilities with someone who my mother-in-law would affectionately refer to as a “BIG, Big-Wig!”  I prattled on and on about improvements over the past few years and looking toward the next few to help build this Camelot-esque community.  I could see myself being a resident of that very office someday (or frankly a better one with a better view and I would talk to little people like me about big plans for the future .  .  .

It didn’t  hit me until I signed on to a few sites to check on the status of my applications and security clearances.  I may not be here to see any of that happen.  The sorrow washed over me and and I had to physically catch my breath. I,  or rather my husband and I,  have committed ourselves to moving back home.  Of course this never came up in conversation because . . . well . . . I forgot for a few minutes.  I was blinded by the light or science or something.

We were never leaving to get away from this city – just to get back to our city – Pittsburgh.  He would be starting a new job in the same field but I would really be starting over professionally.  Will giving up the professional successes I’ve had be worth the personal comfort and joy I hoped to gain by going home?

So, I still heart PGH, but I’m torn . . .

July, 2009 – About 4 months ago, my husband asked me to update his resume and cover letter.  After being assured that he was not being laid off (ALLEGEDLY!) I agreed.   NOTE: Remember in The Full Monty when Tom Wilkinson was laid off but he kept getting dressed and leaving for work as if nothing happened so he would not disappoint his wife?  It could happen . . . you never know.

Anyhoo, I said, “Sure, I’d be happy to do that.”  After all, it was just the busiest time of year at my job AND 15 years since I wrote his first and only resume for the first and only job he has ever had post college.  I also have no earthly idea what he actually DOES all day except ignore the well worded, and might I say, HILARIOUS emails write to him during the day.  I mean I know what his degree is in and I know what his job title is but beyond that – actually, I most likely just said ”OK, I’ll be off of crack, I mean, Facebook in a second.”

I’m starting on that resume today.

UPDATE:  This part of the story was written about 2 months ago when we decided to move back to Pittsburgh.  About 2 days later, he was offered a job WITHOUT a resume or interview or job search.  I don’t want to jinx it but if it all works out it will be perfect for moving home.

I, on the other hand, am right in the middle of all of trying to jump through all of the hoops necessary to even submit an application for a teaching job in PA.  Don’t get me wrong – I think any and all  screenings necessary for students to be safe are completely warranted in this day and age.

Add to that, the question of when to send an application for next school year – is it too late? too early?  Will they really keep it on file for a year or will it get lost among the zillions of apps they get every month?? How do I even choose the right districts when I haven’t lived there in so long??

It all just makes me anxious to know that there is only so much I can do while still living in exile.  Maybe I’ll check out some updates on Facebook to relax for a minute . . .