Probably since last August. We were fresh back from our last carefree summer and a lovely road trip to see family in Washington and embarking on the final year. It was time to get serious about real life and where that real life was going to be lived.
Most people getting out of graduate school have a plan. Even students a couple of years behind Brent will tell me where they are planning on settling and why.
And here we are. Pretty much in the same stage we were when we started. No clue. I guess we aren't like other people that plan and execute. It seems like our eyes and hearts are focused on adventure not on settling. Sometimes I think we are looking at our future like a vacation. Brent will look up a practice opportunity and get all excited. It's in the middle of nowhere, we could live on a lake, go snowmobiling all 8 months of winter, hot tub when we need a break and enjoy our cabin on the lake that we would be getting for a steal. Never mind that it is an hour from the nearest ward, 3 hours from Target and so far into Maine that we would be in a New Brunswick, Canada Stake. But we get all excited about the house on the lake though.
After further research we find a little snag that causes us to move on. By the next day we have bounced over to a new spot on the map. And I'm not talking about one area of the country. I am talking from Maine to Yakima, Washington to the southern tip of Texas.
Basically we are pretty sure that we could be happy anywhere. So our job search is far and wide.
But time is running out. One of these days. . . very soon. . . Brent needs to commit to a job and then I will be making a big announcement. And we will be getting lot more sleep around here, I hope.
But by then it will be too late to comment on our choice. So if you have anything to say that you think will help. . .
Say it now.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
A small town with very few dentists would be ideal.
I like humidity. I have occasional bouts of psoriasis. It's been pretty much a non issue since I left the deserts of Washington.
I like green hills and trees, with mountains in the distance.
I like swimming in lakes.
I like a white winter.
I like Target.
Oh and Kennon wants to live by her cousin Katie. She lives in the deserts of Washington along with about 100 other people we are related to, that we love and miss.
How is my list? Does it ring any bells?
I can't decide how important the last one needs to be. Do we make it a priority above all else? It makes things really hard to figure out.
So we are still hovering on the bridge. Not sure if we are going to cross and find a new adventure or head back to the safety of the side we came from.
14 comments:
Priest Lake?????? You would see all the family!
We don't know where we will settle after Jay's SIX more years of residency!!
You are not alone. I admire your pioneering spirit! I'll keep you in our prayers.
I also had not been sleeping well until I found out where we would be MATCHed...what an anxious time!
I hope you guys are doing all the groundwork for us. Take notes of the pros and cons of each place and then pass it on to us. It might help us to get more sleep next year. I can't even get Thayne to decide whether or not he's going to specialize.
Well the humidity thing rules out Laramie. :) Although it is a small town with a need for dentists. The closest Target is 40 minutes away. Not too many trees outside of the town, but there are mountains in the distance. And we would be your family close by. I know. I am reaching here. Laramie is not a paradise, but it would be fun to have you close.
You guys have something that a lot of people don't, in that you are both from the same area, both of your families live near one another. You have a feasible career option to live near both families. Make sure you give that factor the weight it deserves. (all near trees, Hills, and mts) La Grande, Walla Walla, Cheney, Spokane, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Cle Elum. You can make tri-cities work.. Good Luck in your decision!
There's a site you need to go to. Seriously. www.findyourspot.com I'd be interested to see what your results are. This is actually a really accurate quiz and can tell you a lot about the different areas. It will tell you where you should move. Creed and I have different results. It's quite funny, but in all seriousness, it's not a joke.
And what's the matter with Washington state? That's where Creed and I are going. Wouldn't you like to be friends forever? That's the place to go for dentistry. That's where the money's at if you ask us.
This is fun. Keep it up guys. Chelsea, as far as priest lake, I wish! If that was my cabin I would be living there year round.
Sarah good job on the match. You're here for 6 more, right?
Natalie, I will give you my well worn notebooks I have kept. Hopefully, I won't need it soon.
Looking in Wyoming, Jen. Even though it is dry it is attractive to go to a place where we are needed. Still trying to determine if that is true though. Love to be your neighbor, seriously.
And Phil, when are you going to find your way back to the Columbia Basin?
Tiffany, I think that is awesome that you are going to WA. Maybe we can figure out a way to join you and we can continue your awesome sleepovers.
I researched jobs all day. Just another typical day of being a dental student housewife.
I appreciate all comments!
I think Ryan and I are going to be in a similar place as you guys are--we love adventure. We just don't know where to "settle." I am so interested to see what you guys decide!
Kashan I just got off the phone with devon and his office is looking for someone this spring/summer to start. I KNOW El Paso may appear like the armpit of Texas. It doesn't meet all your criteria, but it's a good place to be, a good place to raise a family, it has very strong wards, and it pays better than any other place with maybe exception of Alaska. A lot of people tend to be afraid of El Paso because of Juarez. But the fact is that El Paso is the second safest city with a population over 500,000. It doesn't feel like a big city at all. It feels rural and small a lot of the time. And housing out here is inexpensive. AND no state income tax! I think there usually is a strong desire to want to settle on THE place when you first start out- I know Devon likes adventure too, but sometimes it's ok to give a place just a year and then see how it goes. You can always request a year contract. Anyhow we can't find your number other wise we'd call you tonight. Give us a call at 915-533-8985 or dev's 915 449-2354
I like what Phil and Holly said...pick a remote part of Washington!!!!!!!!! You won't regret it.
That's the problem, right now we live near Holly's side, even though we wish we could live near my side as well. If and when there is a feasible career option in Columbia basin, it won't take us long to make that decision. (move to the land of all the wonderful fruit and produce)
phil
you should join the navy with us. you'll be on the coast, with humidity & have a chance to travel the world & not have to worry about settling down for sure. that's our plan for now - the navy will move us where they will...
BRENT, CALL MY DAD.
We have talked about your Dad so many times. One of these times we will pick up the phone. . and hopefully reach him.
I think the No worry Navy option sounds great, as does N. Carolina. Very excited for you.
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