Jobs... Kids... I guess that is life...

So where do I begin on my first post... I guess I will give a brief history of what has been going on in our lives that leads up to not so great news we heard last night...

As most of you know Marc was laid off of his job the day I went into the hospital last November. Borgata was laying people off to save in salary & benefits as the economy took a huge nose dive, especially down here in Atlantic City. He made a very good living working there as a casino dealer. Something he has done for 14 years. November was a very dark time for us- he got laid off and I was stuck in the hospital on bed rest for 2 1/2 weeks waiting for our dear, sweet, precious Abigail to be born. She was the light at the end of the tunnel for sure. But quickly Marc had to learn to be a stay at home Dad (SAHD) and I had to give up control. The 6 weeks that followed are a huge blur. It was a big adjustment with two kids and us trying to see that it was all in God's plan. We were definitely both depressed- him for his lack of a job and me for having to go back after only 6 short weeks. 

We managed to get through the winter and into spring- I guess it all went quickly, maybe too quickly. But a few good things happened in the spring- Marc going to bartending school (as a back-up), me realizing I could take 6 more weeks off in the summer for FMLA, and then Marc finally getting a job. He was offered the job with the promise that he would get in the door as a part-time dealer but they would soon promote him to management (still waiting for that). He was happy with that- at least he was working. Then he got a call from the previous casino asking him to come and work part-time for the summer- just the summer. He was fine with that- it would be a LOT of extra money. So he has been working 3-4 shifts at each place- averaging about 50-60 hours per week. So we have been totally fine this summer. 

I enjoyed my 6 weeks off (while getting paid through NJ FMLA) and Marc picked up the slack. We didn't see each other a lot but I did have some much needed time with the kids. During my time off I put together my resume and cover letters. I am trying to find another job- I am an accountant but I don't make a lot of money at the casino. I knew this going in but at the time Marc was still working at Borgata. So I sent it out to about 40 CPA firms- I got a few replies saying they were fully staffed but would keep my resume on file. Then came a phone call that I thought was "it". I went in for a great interview and they said they were very interested and would put together a salary package and get back to me ASAP. That would 2 1/2 weeks ago. I saw a couple of days later that they were advertising in the local paper. At that point I knew I asked for too much money but they could have gotten back to me... I was very disappointed but realized it isn't in God's plan. 

So I went back to work. It hasn't been so bad but I miss the kids and they MISS me! I can't even say that without breaking down crying. My heart aches- I so badly want to stay home with my kids but obviously that is not an option. Abby and Chase are both in daycare 2-3 mornings a week so Marc can sleep (he works 10pm-6am). Abby's first day was on Monday- she did okay that day but the other 2 she didn't sleep at all. It kills me b/c she usually sleeps 2 hours in the morning. I guess she will adjust- we really have no choice.

So this week was a little rough but we had a light spot yesterday- my good friend Jackie got married yesterday. The ceremony was so lovely. :) There was a few hours between the ceremony and reception, so a group of us went to a local restaurant and sat at the bar. Then the local news came on... 

The "new" casino Marc is working just announced they are turning over the casino to their lender b/c they haven't been able to make a mortgage payment in over a year. That may mean the casino could close temporarily or permantly- now I don't think that is going to happen. Anyone who owns a casino in NJ has to be licensed by the CCC and it is not an easy process- but it is in everyone's best interest to keep the casino open. But either way Marc is worried. On top of that, my casino already went through the same kind of thing and will have new owners in December. But that doesn't mean my job is secure either- the new owner could replace us...

I am trying to stay positive and optimistic b/c that is what I do. Marc goes the other way- he automatically thinks the worst. I am trying to do my best and put it in God's hands. He always seems to provide for us. I just don't know what the next step is. I just need some sort of a sign... But until I get that sign I will just continue to pray and work my hardest...

***Three reasons I want a new job:

1- See above- my job is not secure.

2- I eventually want to work from home- to be able to do bookkeeping for a few small companies out of my house. It will give me great flexibility with the kids and to be able to work for myself. The casino will not get me to my goal- it does not give me the right experience. A CPA firm will though.

3- More money...