WOO HOO!

Have you ever quit your job, packed up your life and moved from, oh, let's say somewhere like Ohio to somewhere like Alaska? Have you done it without another job lined up, just hoping for the best?

Well, my bloggy BFF did just that a month or so ago when she left the teaching/coaching position she adored to move to where her hubby matched and would begin his residency.

It wasn't a culture shock for this couple, as both grew up in Alaska, but for Ashley it was, in my opinion, an admirable, ballsy move. Leaving a job you enjoy and an environment in which you are respected is tough, particularly when you have nothing lined up but hope; I know, I did it a decade ago when I left Pennsylvania and moved to Staten Island. I got very lucky when, after scouring the Internet for positions and sending out many, many resumes, I was offered my current position at the first interview.

Yesterday I found out that I'm not the only one with a lil bit o'luck on my side -Ashley got lucky, too! Now, let me make this clear: the only reason this gal needed any luck at all is because of the job market. Apparently, all of Anchorage is umbrellaed under one giant district and English positions were severely limited.

But I wasn't worried because this girl is a peach: she's smart, engaging, enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated. Obviously, the interview committee recognized a prize when it saw one because yesterday she was offered a position teaching 8th grade English.

I'm so happy for her! As a gal who is about to experience a pregnant pause in my teaching career, I'm thrilled that my bloggy BFF will be able to keep me current on our discipline.

Alaska may be quite a trek from Hoboken, but my gal Ash is only an email away!

Congratulations, Ashley! I'm so happy for you!