Minnesota Update

We have now been in Minnesota about a month and a half. The difference in the weather has been amazing. Many changes have come about, while other parts of our life are very similar to what they were before. As usual, our timing for such things as moving was exquisite. Minnesota just had a government shut down as the political parties couldn't reach a budget agreement because they were too busy politicizing to govern the state and do their jobs, it is expected to end by the beginning of August.

We have been exploring our new home. The Girl and I walked over to her new school just a few days after we got here, the Husband and I have been walking on the nature trails and getting some exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery. There is a Farmer's Market/Craft Show right across the river every Friday. Driving places is a little strange, as you can't go anywhere directly. All the roads are very curvy to get around lakes and the wetlands, which are protected from development, so you can't just pick a road that looks like it's going the right way. You actually have to know where you are going, and getting places takes longer than expected. I'm having to learn the roads around this little town. Though when I hit certain stretches of highway it's very easy to get around, because I am familiar with them from when we lived here before.

I think the most stressful thing about the move has been looking for work, I still haven't found a job. I can honestly say, that finding a job was much easier 7 years ago than it is now. I don't know if it's because I'm over qualified for the part-time jobs or because they are afraid I'll jump ship in the fall when I get a teaching position. I do have an interview for substitute teaching, which tells me that they have a plethora of substitutes rather than a shortage. This translates into a lot of teachers looking for positions, meaning that it's likely that I won't get back into teaching for a couple of years at least. I am fine with this, I think a temporary change in careers would do me good.

Mostly the changes have been good. My husband now has three writing gigs, which is great! He is is exercising and has lost quite a bit of weight. I've very proud of him. He seems much more relaxed and comfortable. The Girl has learned to ride a bike finally, and is taking full advantage of her new found freedom. She rides her bike to play practice with a friend unless the weather is bad. She got her first serious bike riding injury and rode her bike home, something that wouldn't have happened a month ago. I see my daughter and husband blossoming in this new environment, and this brings me much joy.

We had a big party at the beginning of July to celebrate my husband's and nephew's birthdays, and reunite with old friends. It was a good start. I've joined some local meet-up groups to meet people and explore the area, though I haven't gone to a meeting yet. We signed up for The Big Gay Race in October to help support marriage equality for all, going to meet up with some friends before the race and hopefully make some new ones too.

I am going to try making and selling cross-stitch bookmarks and greeting cards at the Farmer's Market here in town. We are also considering setting up an Etsy store to sell the father-in-law's carvings and walking sticks. So much potential in our new life. I'm looking forward to all the new experiences that are coming our way.