Ok Ok Eliza's got her own blog..

Kristen is going to try blogging again and gave Eliza her own blog. Seems like this was Crystal's idea...:) So please check it out but don't forget the original...... www.elizamaesday.blogspot.com

Me and Eliza...

Today Eliza and I hung out a bunch as Kristen was doing some PRN work at the nursing home. We had a lot of fun. Not too much happening on my employment front yet but that is to be expected. I hope that I get a job at the VA. Going back into social work will be different but I am sure that I will like it. I did once before. I love teaching but right now the economy has forced most colleges to implement a hiring freeze. Although if one certain college hires another full time coach I may croak. I guess we all have money for the things we want.

Had my birthday yesterday, not too traumatic. Spent time with friends, it was fun. Tonight helping to celebrate my mom's bday by going out to the Riverfront restaurant in Kingsport. Truly we could not take care of our child without my mom and dad. They help us out a ton. I have only seen Eliza act excited to see someone like she really knew them--Kristen of course, me, and my mom. She is a good judge of character...

today

Well today I went to the social work career fair at ETSU and got 5 continuing education hours. The workshops were okay. It is interesting to be getting back into the mindset of a social worker. I think I made some good contacts though. The supervisor and a few others from the VA were there and I got to put a face on my name. I think it went well. I got to talk to the lady who will do the hiring about my experience and passion and hopefully did well. I am kind of excited about this as the academic market is very slim picking these days. We shall see.

Now it's official

Well as of today I have officially reactivated my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) for all you people who don't know. I have applied for two jobs at the VA as well. I really want to be a teacher but there are attractive things about social work--I like the people interaction, I like the helping people, and I like the better pay and benefits. I still want to finish my Ph.D. in history and hopefully in the next year or so. I am trying to trust God to open some doors and see where I might end up. It feels at least exciting to have possibilities of places that actually want you.

Eliza's first real food...

So here are some pics and a video of our little angel eating her first taste of rice cereal. We think she is so funny. How do you like her "Diva" bib?

New horizons...

Well on Friday I attended a 6 hour training on TBI (traumatic brain injury). What's a medieval historian doing in a place like that? Well I needed 6 more hours to reactivate my LCSW (licensed clincial social worker) in Tennessee. SInce I can't find a teaching job I have started to look in the area of social work, my first career. I am still working on the Ph.D. but it does me no good to just stand around and pretend to have a teaching job. I have applied for tons of them but most schools just aren't hiring. I hope this economy gets better soon. I mailed off my reactivation forms and proof of continuing ed today so I hopefully I will be Ted Booth, LCSW again by the end of the week. I actually found my LCSW certificate framed in a closet and brought it out and dusted it off.

A little bit of Eliza....

Here's a bit of Eliza and Daddy at Target. Eliza felt like she had something to say.

Eliza, friends, and stuff

Well no real big update on jobs yet. I get a paycheck till August at Milligan. I am a bit saddened by the idea of leaving the place I love, but I am encouraged by the job possibilities that await out in the realm of social work. So I am busy working on applications. I plan to still finish the Ph.D. and to hopefully teach when I can, but I need a job to pay the bills.

In other news here's my little princess, with another princess on her shirt that I admire. The shirt says "Well behaved women rarely make history." That is so true.


Here's a picture from our trip to Nashville. I got the flu down there but did have a little fun. This was Eliza's first ever swimming experience. She did so well.


Picture of Eliza laughing at momma.


I love that kid.

Two of my favorite people.

Eliza and her best bud Callie Faith.

God is good.