a rare update

So I've been in Knoxville for two weeks now.. staying with Dennis & Susan Thompson who were kind enough to let me in while I got my life figured out here. After one week here with no job or apartment leads to speak of (I found out I couldn't substitute til October), I was convinced that if nothing worked out within a few days I would send a few boxes home, pack up the car again, take a month or two for a road trip and hit all the last 19 states I need to finish the lower 48.. then head back home to substitute teach for awhile. Sounded like fun but I really wanted to stick it out here at least through the spring.

So the next morning I call about a part-time sales job listing on Craigslist, get in for an interview that day, and got the job! That was enough to know things were beginning to turn in the right direction. I should be able to start subbing in Oak Ridge next week sometime and I'll find out Friday whether or not I got another part-time job in Sevierville. (Not pronounced 'ville' mind you, but more like 'vle'.. it's a southern thing.)

I had looked at a few apartments and had made up my mind I didn't want to sign a lease since I have no idea how long I'll stick around, but after considering my options I decided I would for a nice house close to downtown Knoxville. It's only a 9-month with the option to extend it.. so I'll be here at least through the end of May and then see how things go from there! I'll be living with two other girls, and there's an extra bedroom for visitors, too:)

It's quite beautiful down here with the Appalachians close by and being so green and hilly.. I highly recommend it! Although the heat and humidity can become an obnoxious combination. When Merra was here we did some hiking in the Smokies, and then last weekend I went up to visit a friend in Johnson City and we went four-wheeling and blackberry/huckleberry picking in the mountains.. made for a delicious pie!

I'll try to put some pictures on smugmug soonish...