Today was my very last day being a park ranger. It was bittersweet. I’m glad that it was a good day with pleasant visitors. I even got to enjoy giving one last program to some kiddos.
I’m going to miss this job. I lost count of the amount of people who asked me how I got it. Being a park ranger is a pretty neat thing, and it’s an honor to become one. Job openings receive hundreds of applicants, and I feel lucky that for a full year I got to teach thousands of people about history in what I hope was a fun and exciting way. It truly has been a privilege.
As many as you know, my contract was up, and I made some pretty major decisions to move home to Louisiana this summer. It was extremely difficult living here in Virginia alone without any family members and with the hubs long distance attending school in Grenada.
To be honest, I surprised myself this year. I’m glad I got to stretch out my wings and know what it felt like to be 100% independent. I learned how to do a lot of things on my own that I never would have done before. And I relied on my own salary not the hubs’ and budgeted and managed a lot of bills that used to be paid with two incomes. It wasn’t easy. I would be lying if I said it was.
So what will happen after the summer? Well I have a big announcement: I have purchased a one way ticket to Grenada!
It seems that when this door closed, another flew open. Hubs and I made the decision together pretty recently that we simply could not live without each other. That’s why we got married after all. We’re sick of the long distance thing. So, I will be working at a camp in Louisiana this summer and saving up some moolah. Then, on August 9, the hubs, Julep, and I will board a plane to Grenada, and I will be living there for 2.5 years! Budget Blonde will definitely still be in full swing. There are no Michael’s or Hobby Lobby in Grenada, so it will be an exercise in true creativity. But, I’m up for the challenge. 🙂 It should be a pretty fun adventure.
That being said, I do have a question. I would like for this blog to remain about projects and artsy crafty stuff-ola. Should I start another to document our time in Grenada since I’m sure it’ll be quite the adventure? Or, should I just have a day a week devoted to more personal posts on Budget Blonde (aka a “Whats Up in Grenada Wednesday” type thing)? What you do you think? It seems like I get the most feedback when I write about crafts and not personal things, but I’d love to have your input. You are my dear friends and my readers after all.
xoxo.
EEEK! SO exciting. I’m so happy for you – I know this is what feels right.
What an adventure you’re about to embark on!!! I say you combine a little of both. 🙂 I’m sure living there will present a lot of potential to tell a story along with a craft you’ve come up with.
So happy for y’all but who will take your holiday family photo?! 🙂 And whether you separate the blogs or not, I will def be interested in hearing about your new adventures! So jealous!
Wow, that is so incredibly exciting! What a wonderful announcement. Congratulations!
Yay!!! This is exciting! I can’t wait to meet you there in January! Lots of fun adventures ahead of us!
I can’t wait!! All my friends are 5th term and leaving me in May, so I’ll be so excited for new arrivals, even if it’s only for a few months.
And I’m sure you’ll find lots of random things to be crafty about!
Good luck making all of these transitions! I know it will come with tough moments, but I’m sure it will all be worth it so you guys can be together!
Definitely share the personal stuff, too. That’s what makes a blog a blog, and not just a crafts magazine. 🙂 And I’ll be so curious if you find different ways to save money in Granada versus what one does in the states. And I can’t wait to see all of the beautiful pictures I’m sure you’ll quickly be amassing.
xoxo,
tanja
I would love to see all of your experiences right here on this blog!
My favorite blogs are personal ones, so you know I’ll be tuning in whether it’s here or in a separate blog. Love you!
I would say two, so that you could keep the content straight, but at the same time- it’s hard to manage two blogs and you are going to be busy exploring and enjoying your husband…I say dedicate a day or two a week to Grenada and then if you feel compelled-start another one when you feel it is needed/right!
How wonderful!!!!
Keep your one blog…two is too hard, I keep trying it and it never works out.
Oh wow! Just read this … and I’m so excited for you guys! What a great adventure :). I would love to still read BB as is, but I’d also love to hear about your adventures. So, I guess I’m not a huge help!
I will be happy to take your holiday photo when I come to scuba dive at Christmas. And, even more, I cannot wait to have you here for the summer. Give my big brother a hug!
I had no idea you were a park ranger. . . or that you lived in Richmond before! Small world.
Very cool you were a park ranger!
Were you based in Richmond, VA? I spend some good time in Williamsburg, VA myself!
Yes! I was in Richmond rocking out on the battlefields. It was a fun time!
Hi! I got to your blog in the most round-about way, but I just have to say that I am super-jealous that you up and moved to Grenada. That is my dream. My husband’s family is from Carriacou and I’d love to move our family there. Unfortunately, we have no way of generating income while there, and immigration issues seem so daunting.
Enjoy! I love St. George. Man, so jealous.
Hi Sarah! Thanks for the kind words. Anything is possible. Try to find a remote job so you get paid in US funds but get to live on the island. 🙂