A Job at Last!!!

After 4 intensive months of applications, literally hundreds of resumes sent, dozens of phone interviews, 4 in-person interviews (3 of which involved flying out of state), we have finally found a job! I guess that isn't entirely true, I was offered a few positions between 21 and 24K, which was slightly discouraging since 1. I made that much with a high school diploma and 2. I currently make that much as a graduate student. Matt was pretty disappointed and wondered, "Why are you making me go to school again???" I understand that sometimes you just have to get your foot in the door, but seriously?
Despite the "incident" at MD Anderson, they did offer me the position. I would have been honored to have worked there; however, Epic offered literally twice as much. So for the sake of supporting our family while Matt finishes school, it would be completely illogical to move to Houston. Especially since Epic covers all moving expenses and housing while you find a place to live. So Madison here we come.
A few things to note about Madison, WI. First, they serve fried cheese curds. I haven't yet partook of these delicious sounding treats, but look forward to anything fried. In fact, one of the things I miss about Texas is the fried pickles you can get at BlackEyed Pea. Second, you must, MUST be a Packers fan. If not, you may end up in restraints as this kid did. And finally, be careful or you may end up talking like Drop Dead Gorgeous or the mom from Bobby's World. Dontcha know?

Samoa

We are excited to announce that baby Andrew Salt will be reporting for missionary duty to....SAMOA!! I guess I didn't have to put the "..." since the title of the blog gave it away. In any case, we are very excited for him, but mostly we are excited to go pick him up in 2010.
Now for the job situation, I had a second interview at MD Anderson yesterday. Overall, I feel that it went well. They said they were interested in me, and hopefully they weren't just blowing smoke up my skirt because I was sitting right in front of them. There was a slightly uncomfortable moment, however. Leave it to me to do the most clumsy and/or awkward thing at a potentially life changing interview. When the Dr. I interviewed with came down to the lobby to pick me up, she stuck her hand out as most people do. But the level of the hand was higher than normal. I panicked. She approached. I didn't want to hesitate because that makes the moment even more awkward and before I knew it, there was a hug involved. As soon as it happened, I thought, "Oh crap. That was probably the wrong thing to do. You don't hug at a job interview. I'm not even a huggy person. What just happened! Oh no. I just blew it. Ahhhhh..." After all that praying that I wouldn't make an idiot of myself, and then I go and do that. But she didn't act like it was an awkward thing to do. She didn't pause or make a surprised comment or even an "Uuhh, OK," just said it was good to see me again, so maybe she did mean to give a hug. I don't know if I'll ever know, but hopefully this won't affect my job status. "Well, she has the dedication and drive for the position, but she's a hugger and that's just weird."

Wisconsin

I just got back from an interview in Madison, WI. I thought I would hate the weather, but the area was actually really nice. I kept having visions of Ally playing in the snow and having family snowball fights. Matt would be able to break out the old snowboard again. I don't want to jinx it by elaborating tooooo much, but the company has an amazing facility and some very interesting perks. I should know more in a week and I also have another interview in Houston on Tuesday. Seems like things are progressing finally. Here's to growing up and getting a real job!