Sure, I like technology. I grew up with a dad that worked for IBM—which meant that I could use a computer before I could talk and learned my ABCs on a dot matrix alphabet game.  I spent hours with my brothers and neighbors conquering King’s Quest, Police Quest and MYST (to name a few).

I used AOL instant messenger all the time in high school. And even back then I was aware at how much time could be wasted on the internet. But, it was the thing to do. And pre-facebook it was the way to keep in touch with friends when I went off to college.  

So when the IM phase died down and facebook started sweeping the nation I was hesitant to join. First, I was trying to figure out some life stuff and didn’t want everyone in my business. Second, I didn’t want to be consumed by technology again. But alas, I made a promise to Lucy that when I moved to Ohio, I would join so it would be easier to keep in touch. And it was. It was fun. I loved catching up with people and allowing people to see what I was up to as well.  

But other than computers, I’ve never cared that much about the latest and greatest technology.I just don't like how people get consumed with so much "stuff".  I’ve never had an ianything. Wait… I take that back. I do have an ipod nano from circa 2005 but I have no idea where it is. And last year I was an iphone for Halloween so we’ll count that.

 

Up until 6 months ago, I still had a huge tube tv. We got our first GPS right before we moved to Maine. Last week we set up our first blu-ray player and just this past Tuesday, I got my first real smart phone. Which I call my "B Student" phone because it is not as "smart" as an iphone or droid (the A Students).

So I’ve recently added pinterest and instagram to the repertoire of things that can waste my time. Which on rainy days like today can be very nice.  I still enjoy keeping up on facebook, I’ve gotten a lot of cool ideas off of pinterest, and instagram seems cool so far. But, I just don’t want to become one of those people who is attached to their phone at all times. I don’t want to experience things through instagrams instead of just being  there. A few nights ago Jonathan and I were walking the beach and the sunset was gorgeous. I mean, gorgeous.  At first I was bummed that I had forgotten my camera but then realized that just living in the moment was better anyway (You can never really capture the beauty of a sunset in a photograph, after all).

I want to make sure I am not allowing these things to consume all my time. We moved to have an adventure and we specifically wanted to go to a state with lots to do outdoors.  I want to be intentional with the time I'll have in this beautiful state. 

I’m not swearing off facebook. I’m excited to use instagram and I’ll probably use recipes off pinterest to cook dinner tomorrow. 

I will, however, never get a twitter. Never. Ever. 

"The production of too many useful things results in too many useless people."  --Karl Marx

A Book's Cover

Before we moved many people told us to beware of snobby New Englanders. They told us they were not welcoming to outsiders and we'd never really fit in (to be fair, we might not ever fully fit in because their accent is very distinct and hard to do!). I'm sure there are stereotypes of every region of the United States. I've known people from West Virginia who weren't rednecks or married to their cousins. I had a friend from California who wasn't blond, tan and materialistic.  I can't speak for any of the other New England states because I haven't been to them much, but Mainers have been nothing but kind and welcoming. One shop owner in Kennebunk told us we were locals now and should come in anytime for a discount. Everyone we've talked to has welcomed us and told us all the great things about living here.

I'm sure there are snobby people somewhere out there in Maine. Just like there were snobby people in Ohio.  And probably Pennsylvania too...but you might have to search harder to find them  :)

Red Tape

The boxes are unpacked and we are settling in to real life now. Jonathan started his new job and it is going well so far. He likes his boss, team, etc. Our benefits through his company are really great so that is a huge blessing. Some hobbies we were excited about trying, but weren't sure if we could afford, are included in our wellness package. The company is all about preventative, so we get perks for staying healthy and active.

There have definitely been ups and downs though. Things with my job have been nothing but red tape and waiting. When I applied for my Maine license it seemed that everything would transfer easily since both Maine and Ohio were part of the "interstate agreement". And almost everything did--- except for one lowsy Praxis test. Between Praxis tests in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio and now Maine I think I have more Praxis tests than any teacher ever. I'm not worried about passing it, it is just expensive and time consuming and annoying. I did have an interview with a principal today for subbing and she said that I will be able to stay as busy as I want to be because they need subs. So that is good news. And who knows what subbing will lead to.

At the end of last school year, I printed off a picture of the class I had and on the back I wrote Jeremiah 29:11. And I told myself that whenever I got frustrated or impatient with things, it would serve as a reminder that God's plan for my life is way better and more perfect than any plan of mine. If things last year would have gone MY way I wouldn't have had the best year of my teaching career. Sure, I'd rather be a "real" teacher than a substitute and I'd rather not have to take another test, but it was a sacrafice I was willing to make to have this adventure. I know God's plan for me is the best there is so I will rest in that.

Moving Weekend!

We definitely had our share of labor over Labor Day weekend! We packed up and left Ohio on Thursday, August 30th. I thought that loading the Uhaul would take maybe two hours tops.....uh, not even close. We pulled out almost three hours later than planned, but we finally got on the road.

When we left Ohio on Thursday, we drove six hours to my parent's house in Pennsylvania.... well, it should have taken six hours. It took a whole lot longer with a Uhaul towing a car. We had a lot of furniture and my classroom supplies to drop off in their barn for storage. But because of the way we had to load it, we had to take everything out of the truck to separate the storage boxes from the boxes going to Maine. As if loading a truck once wasn't enough. 

We heading up to Maine at the butt crack of dawn on Saturday. My brother, Chad was coming along to drive the Uhaul and help us unload it. It was nice chatting with him during the ride up, which of course took a lot longer than I expected. Apparently, I am terrible at judging lengths of time. The eight hour drive I was expecting turned into a ten hour drive. Alas, we got there safely but completely exhausted. 

Unloading went better than we anticipated and we finished with time to spare. It was fun having Chad along and I'm glad it worked out for him to come up. Does he count as a visitor if he arrived the same time we did? I think he counts as our first official guest. We dropped him off at the airport in Boston on Sunday night. I think he should have stayed until everything was set up and put away! :) 

I don't think it hit me that we were alone in our new state until we dropped Chad off at the airport. It was a feeling of homesickness even though honestly, I've never considered Ohio to be "home". Chad was the last person I had to say goodbye to so it felt more real once I watched him walk away. Suddenly, it was just us coming back to our apartment with boxes everywhere. I am ready to get everything put away and organized so we can get on with regular life, explore the area,  and hopefully start meeting people!