A Vacation, A New Job, Easter And Preparing For It All!

Although this is a blog about food and my experiences of learning, laughing and cooking in the kitchen, I should let you know about some changes that are on the horizon for me.  I have a few personal things happening that will affect my life and reflect the direction of this site.

First, I'm going on vacation next week!  HOORAY!  It will be the first trip I take without my daughter.  I'm mostly excited but a little nervous too.  I know Vivian will be in good hands with her grandparents who have kindly agreed to watch her and housesit for us while we're on the Pacific Coastline.  I've just had a rather hectic time writing down instructions, preparing lists and thinking of everything that could happen or need to be explained during my absence.  The fridge and freezer is stocked full of ready-made meals that can be pulled out and heated for them.  I've sent my parents three separate word documents already with details on where they can eat out (if they chose to do that), what they can do to entertain a three-year old and how they can manage the diva's schedule.  (They've successfully raised two kids, including myself, I know.  But since they live in another state and only see us every few months, they don't know our usual routine). 

I'll be spending time in San Diego and Orange County, California.  I'll be visiting with an amazing friend who I can't wait to see!  I'll be taking my first ever train ride!  I have a lot to be thrilled about and I am really looking forward to the time away! 

In other BIG NEWS - I'm returning to the outside workforce!   Provided all the initial screenings and paperwork goes smoothly, I'm starting a new job in May!  I don't want to use the phrase, "I'm going back to work," since I've clearly been working my tail off as a stay at home mom for the past year and a half.   It has been a wonderful experience spending time with my daughter and taking a break from the same work routine all the time.  We've gotten closer and we sure appreciate each other better now.  I've had a lot of fun playing tourist in my community too and spending time with friends and fellow moms.   I also wrote a cookbook which you may remember?  :-)  So I can't say that I've been the typical, often boring "stay at home" mom who sat around for over a year.  Quite the contrary actually! 

Yet I feel the time has come for me to enter into a new phase in my life and career.  I have been very selectively job hunting for the past several months - only looking at places where I really thought I'd fit into or applying for jobs that I feel reflect my personality and culture. 

Recently a phone call from a place I admire then turned into a job interview.... Then not long after that, a job offer was made to me that I happily accepted!  A few of the details are still being worked out but all looks good for me to begin in early May.  I am thrilled at the opportunity presented before me and can't wait to see where it leads me next.  I've enrolled my daughter in a preschool/ day care program that looks amazing, somewhere that I believe (and hope) she will be happy until she starts school.  My girl is so smart and loves being around other children so I think it will be a great move for her, after the initial transition of course. 

So there is lots happening in my life right now!  Big changes that are on the way but things I hope (and trust) will be even better for my family!  :-) 

What will all these changes mean for this Learn, Laugh, Cook blog?  Well, probably not a lot will change here, except that I may be posting a little less and visiting your sites a little less once my new employment begins.  I still plan to keep up with my meal plan and post that here. 

I will need to be organized now, more than ever, with returning to work outside the home!  I'll still be making new dishes and desserts but my creativity may be more limited to weekends instead of the middle of the week. 

Only time will tell how things will really play out.  I only know that I'm looking forward to the new opportunity and the new direction that my life will go!  However, I will happily accept any good wishes, thoughts and prayers that you'd like to send my way in the meantime - just good vibes to help us get through the beginning changes and issues that may arise as we switch to a new schedule. 

I'll still be around and I will continue to share funny, educational culinary stories and more, whenever I can!  Thank you for being with me on this journey and for reading this site!  I created it for me but I sure do love sharing my stories with others!

Now that I'm done blabbing, I want to wish you a Happy Easter! 

May you have a great upcoming holiday and coming days!  I'll be back in over a week to post a recap of my vacation and what I'm doing to help make my life easier when I start the new job.  I already have a lot of prepwork and pre-cooking ideas that should save me time and money in the kitchen!  I look forward to sharing those insights with you! 

Eat well and Stay fabulous!