the next Crabtree Chapter

Well as most of our family and friends know, about 4 and a half years ago Mike took the plunge and went back to school. As tough as it was, it was just as easy. It was truly meant to be, things just worked out. I think we became a happier family as we traveled this road. Mike graduated back in December with a degree in Public Administration. Wha??

What some people don't know about my husband is that he is very concerned with our government and follows all the information that he can get his hands on. Always, he is politically correct. He will never share who or what he votes for and finds it to be a very private matter. He loves to debate the issues and just when you think you know where he stands he throws you for a loop.

Anywhoo with the state of our country these days, finding a job has been quite difficult, particularly within city, state, county or federal government, which is the area he studied for. Cutbacks-Cutbacks-Cutbacks.. We had a glimmer of hope about 4 months back when he was able to take a federal test, but as the weeks passed that glimmer began to fade, then 2 months after the testing he was given a "tentative" job offer. Well it was something since he was over qualified to mow lawns for the city. So finally after FBI background checks (thank you to our friends who cooperated with Special Agent McCoy showing up on their doorsteps), drug tests, acceptance letters etc. it has become official "MIKE HAS A JOB"
There is a catch tho... its in Laguna Niguel California!! Now this could be the most expensive place to live in the Los Angeles area. So rather than uproot our family from B.C. we've decided he will commute. Ugh!! I know... but whats a little more sacrifice.. we hope and pray it will be worth it.
In an effort to have a little family vacation time before he departs we sped off to San Diego and also hunted for a reasonable place to stay not too far from where he will be working. Literally impossible I tell you. Rent in the Laguna Niguel area is about as much as his entire salary. We've been searching online for weeks and anything that was too good to be true...WAS. Lots of places in Anaheim, but too close to Disneyland for Mike's comfort. So as we were combing the area without a place to go, I was inspired to stop and get a newspaper, even though I'd looked at it online the night before. There was an ad that again seemed too good to be true. We followed up on it and it looks as if it is going to work out. Not counting the chickens though, the incubation period isn't quite over. .... I'll keep you posted...

UDATE: We signed the lease!! Who would ever think one would be excited to rent a studio without a kitchen for less than $800 a month! California thinking can be soooo warped!