Hello, World! Yes, we are still alive--albeit, very, very busy! "Doing what?" you might ask. Well, let me tell you!
Several months ago, Mike and I evaluated what would make us happier and better parents, spouses, etc. We decided the stress of our day jobs wasn't contributing to that goal...and really, the jobs in and of themselves, wasn't really contributing either. We started talking about going back to school. Regardless of which of us went back, the other would have to work. We looked into colleges and universities in Oklahoma, and Kansas. We started looking at other jobs, in the Tulsa area and the Wichita area. I landed an interview with LPS (Lender Processing Services); Mike thought things were going really well here. Long story short, I turned down the job with the intent of staying in OK and considering taking a few classes starting in January.
That all changed when Mike lost his job at the end of September. Suddenly, we had the freedom to truly move back to Wichita so Mike could continue his Education degree. I just needed a job. I contacted LPS back to see if the home-based-position located in Wichita was still available. And it was, but they had just renewed the search. So from September and all through October, I waited on pins and needles to see if I would make the cut. I got the news a week and a half ago--they wanted to make me an offer!
Lots of prayer and thought went into this, as we have great friendships in Tulsa, not to mention all of Mike's family is pretty much in the immediate area. God truly opened the doors I was to go through; and He continues to open them. The timing could not have been any better. My last day at my current job will be this Friday, 11/11. It is bittersweet, as I have loved that company for over 5 years. I'm also leaving right before the holidays--my favorite time of the year there, as everyone gets giddy with excitement over the annual Christmas party. Maybe they'll still let me come?? :)
We secured a house in Bel Aire; Skyler will be going to Resurrection Catholic School, where myself and my brothers all attended K-8th grade. My parents will be about 10 minutes away. Our house...oh the house!! It has 4 bedrooms PLUS an office and three living areas. Houses there have basements so we literally double the square footage on the main level. Skyler hasn't seen it yet but I think it will meet with his two requirements: stairs and a "bat" cave. The basement has dark brown carpet and has limited daylight like most basements, so it kind of has a "bat" feel. I think he will love it!
The plan is to load up the UHaul Saturday morning and make it to Wichita by 4pm to unload. We will unpack for the next three days. Then, Skyler and I are flying out to San Diego for Tadd's graduation from the Marine Corps. I'm so proud of him! Skyler is really excited about flying out there. I will post stories and photos once we are back! We get home Sunday late and then I start my new job on Monday. Mike is still looking for a job up in Wichita and is focused on finding something where he can contribute with a wrestling team. So far, doors keep opening in that direction--we just haven't gotten through them fast enough. I have a feeling it will be the right timing once we are settled in.
So wish us luck, Tulsan's! Welcome us back, Wichitan's! We are sad and excited, but mostly happy about these new changes. Less stress (hopefully). No office drama or politics. The ability to go back to school fulltime. And lots, lots more!
Lots of Love!
-The Copeland's
