Update as of April 1st - Susan got the job!!!!!!!! No foolin'!
Today we met with our real estate agent, and the reality is certainly beginning to set in. We are DOING this! We are moving on... changing our lives... chasing our dreams!
Once we complete our duties for the year at Carroll High School on June 1st, we will be moving to Salt Lake City, UT. Beth has been offered and accepted the position of Senior Writer at Creating Keepsakes Magazine, and yesterday I interviewed (via webcam) for an Associate Creative Editor position at a sister magazine, Paper Crafts, on Friday. The editorial offices are in the same building.
Around the first of the year, we decided to pursue a career change. We both had reached a point where we needed a new challenge, and spurred on by some communications from a couple of unlikely "out of the blue" sources, we felt what we can only describe as a divine nudge to dare to dream. We consulted our pastor (a former high school English teacher), and he also encouraged us forward.
While I steadily worked on my Hall of Fame entry in January, Beth developed her resume and began to research where her skills could be used in a new and challenging career. When Beth asked one of the editors from Creating Keepsakes to be a reference, she indicated that the editor of the magazine would be someone to ask as well. Beth casually joked about whether there was "an opening at a magazine near her?" Well, lo and behold they were finishing interviewing candidates for this Senior Writer position. Move to Utah? No, we couldn't possibly, right? Or could we? She continued the process just because the job was so enticing, and it truly seemed to be the dream job - exactly what she was looking for. They sent her two applicant tests which she completed with flair (in my opinion!), and later she had an hour and a half phone interview with two of the editors
In the midst of the interview, they asked about me and mentioned the other opening! The doors were just opening too conveniently for it to be anything but God-driven! So, I got the info and submitted my resume. As I read through the job listing, I was blown away by how it was all that I would love to do - writing, editing, tracking trends, teaching, presenting, traveling to trade shows. I became seriously giddy considering how utterly FUN it all sounded.
There was a lull for a time - nearly three weeks passed, and we thought that they had passed on us, but then Beth got an e-mail telling her that things were taking a little longer than expected and not to give up on them! And then a day or so later there was a request for a formal application. Meanwhile, I got an e-mail to complete some tests for my application process, and once I completed them, they immediately asked to set up an interview.
Beth received the actual job offer about a week ago, and she begins officially on June 9. Even though I don't know about my job yet (they said I should know in a week or two), we feel that a move of this magnitude would be easier to manage as a team. We have both lived out West separately, but we've never done it TOGETHER!
My interview yesterday was very exciting. I was asked to make a seven minute presentation sharing the most prominent trends of popular culture in color, style, design, and motif that I am seeing, and then tell what I feel are the 8-10 hottest scrapbooking supplies that are on the market. How fun is THAT? I dove right into that and came up with some really great ideas after paging through Lucky, In Style, and Domino. I added more magazines to the mix - Cookie, Modern Dog, Cosmo Girl, and Blueprint to gain a broader scope. In the end, I connected all of the trends to five different personality types - The Romantic, The Minimalist, The Explorer, The Naturalist, and The Diva. Not only did I use the personality types for the trend, I also connected them to the hot scrapbooking tools which I felt included lace, felt flowers, The Big Bite, scallops, chipboard swirls, journaling spots, large pattern patterned papers with saturated colors, and metallic papers and accents. In the end, I asked them which personality type fit me best. I must be an open book. They got it without trying. Which one do YOU think I am? Below are the visuals that I used in the presentation. I think that they turned out pretty cool. Please pray that they call back with a job offer for me, and if I get a call to be a 2008 Hall of Famer, too, that would be pretty cool!
It is very difficult to think of moving so far away from loved ones. We have really grown attached to Fort Wayne and many of the people who surround us, and our incredibly close-knit family is so dear to our hearts. We want to know that our parents will have people to turn to. We will miss jaunts to Chicago and Detroit and Indianapolis and Buffalo and Cincinnati. Our road trips will more likely be to places like Pocatello, Idaho, or Zion National Park. We are sad to leave our little home, but we look forward to what lies ahead. We feel compelled to heed the motto on our refrigerator..."Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."
The months ahead will be filled with sorting, packing, boxes, and planning. We've already begun to take some steps toward our new life. It is both exhilarating and terrifying, but as a team rooted in faith we are confident that it will all work out for us! While we know that no job is perfect, we are thrilled with the prospect of the new challenges ahead for us. We will miss teaching - the kids, the colleagues, the curriculum, but I have to be honest, I'm pretty pumped about never having to grade another research paper ever again! :)
We ask that you pray for us. Pray that Paper Crafts wants me to be a part of their staff. Pray that our house sells so that we can begin the search for a new place to live in Utah. Pray for our parents who will have children in Syracuse, Salt Lake, and Istanbul. Pray that God keeps opening those doors for us. We are so thankful to have such amazing people in our lives who will keep the prayers coming.
In other news, we enjoyed having our cousin SPC Andrew Harbison spend some time with us last week. He spoke to our English 12 classes about his time in Iraq. We are so proud of him!
And we celebrated a wonderful and Happy Easter with our parents in Amelith. Mom was in the hospital from Palm Sunday until Maundy Thursday due to blockage of a minor artery that left her feeling a little off, so we were glad to help Dad get things back in order at the house and to give Mom the TLC that she needed. By Sunday morning, she was able to make it to the Easter celebration service. I just love this picture that Beth took of Mom with the lily that she and Dad placed on the altar in honor of their 50th anniversary year.
I am so excited for you two! What an awesome adventure awaits you. Susan, love your presentatiohatn materials and concepts - I am sure they will want someone as creative, vivacious, motivated and hard-working as you :)
Can't wait to hear all about this next phase of life for the Opel sisters!!!
Posted by: Julia | March 29, 2008 at 08:02 PM
uh, excuse the typo in my comment! the risk of typing w/ only my left hand while the little bubster is nursing LOL
Posted by: Julia | March 29, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Congratulations again. I am very excited that you both decided a career move was in your future. Life is too short not to do something you absolutely love. You are both very talented and I have no doubt that Susan will get a call for a job. I am glad that your mom is feeling better. She certainly does not look like a woman who just spent almost a week in the hospital. The picture of her is beautiful. Email me when you get the news. I will be waiting.
P.S. I am guessing Susan's style is Bold and Beth's style is adventurous. Am I right?
Posted by: Mary | March 29, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Many congrats (again) to Beth and prayers to Susan that PC will come through. God is definitely watching out for you two! Now I'll have two more people to visit whenever I go to the Beehive State. I hope to see you in August when I'm there for a few days!
Posted by: Lanna | March 29, 2008 at 09:12 PM
This is so exciting!! Congratulations and good luck! From what I've seen of Utah (ok, so I've only been to Zion so far but I am going back in April!), it is one of the most beautiful places on earth!
Ingunn
Posted by: Ingunn | March 29, 2008 at 09:47 PM
that is so awesome!!! congrats beth and susan they would be crazy not to want you!
Posted by: Amy Nabors | March 30, 2008 at 07:10 AM
Susan, your presentation is FAB! I bet they hire you (and your BOLD sense of style). So glad that the cat is out of the bag and I can say Yay, Wahoo, Congratulations! (And I'm glad that Mama Opel is feeling better.)
I am sure that the two of you will take on this move the way you do everything: with gusto, style and enthusiasm! Indiana's loss is Utah's gain. And I'm sure I will be able to visit you sooner or later!
P.S. Did you know that Salt Lake has an IKEA store? Not sure if you've shopped IKEA before or not, but it is a store that basically SCREAMS Beth and Susan...
Posted by: Joni | March 30, 2008 at 07:13 AM
I've lurked on your blog for a very long time... and just have to finally post and say WOW! That is some big, exciting news! Wonderful, fantastic, enjoy the ride and best of luck to you both!!
Tracey P.
Posted by: Tracey P. | March 30, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Congratulations ladies. It couldn't have happened to a nicer two.
Posted by: DisneyCyndi | March 30, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Never got a chance to say it on PotD, so I will here. CONGRATULATIONS! How exciting for you both! I've never been to Utah, maybe I will come for a visit?!
Posted by: Lauren S | March 30, 2008 at 04:16 PM
How EXCITING for you both! I am still reading your blog faithfully and you can count on my prayers.
Noel
Yuma,AZ
:-)
Posted by: Noel | March 30, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Yahoooo!
Congrats again!
I'm excited for your new adventures! I will keep you in my prayers. It seems that you are being blessed along the way!
Yea for a huge career change and never having to grade papers!!!!
Posted by: carolyn mcafee | March 30, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Oh, my dear friends, I could not be more proud! Hey, I have always wanted to visit ID! -LOL Who knows maybe God has some hot guys ready for you to meet there as well!
Posted by: KathyK | March 30, 2008 at 04:36 PM
I was waiting for you to spill the beans!!! You girls know how excited I am for the both of you. I am so proud of you for taking such a huge step in a different direction!!!!
Posted by: Tina Albertson | March 30, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Congratulations and God Bless Guys !
Norma Kennedy
Posted by: Norma Kennedy | March 30, 2008 at 05:04 PM
wonderful news! fantastic journey you two are about to venture into. you are both in my thoughts as you head out. {hugs}
Posted by: Amy W. | March 30, 2008 at 05:19 PM
How totally exciting!!!!!! Best of luck on your new ventures!!!!!
Posted by: Anabelle O'Malley | March 30, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I'm like Tina...I was waiting for you to reveal your great news!!!
Follow those dreams girls - I admire that so darn much!!!
The Fort won't be the same without you but I'm so, so happy for you! Amazing, amazing, amazing!!!!
Posted by: Carrie | March 30, 2008 at 07:33 PM
I am so excited for you both! As amazing as you both are I'm not at all surprised! I was just wondering the other day when you two wound make the leap into the scrapping biz full time!
Take care of yourselves and keep in touch!
Garsy
Posted by: Garsy | March 30, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Ok, hello, I meant UT not ID:( Maybe next spring you may find me on your doorstep-LOL
Posted by: KathyK | March 30, 2008 at 08:51 PM
So, uhm, I guess this means you told Carroll, huh? I'm so happy for you two--yes, you two, because I know good things are coming Susan's way also. Like I said, it only makes me sad to think of how far away you're moving, but honestly, where am I going with 4 little kids in a minivan? Certainly not on any 3 hour car ride, right? So, it won't be so bad. And maybe you two will jet-set your way back to Chicago once in a while b/c it may be a while before we do the Americana Road Trip. :)
I'm glad your mom's doing better. That's some scary stuff.
Susan, I'm guessing BOLD. Totally. Personally, I think you ACED that "audition."
Posted by: gabriella biancofiore | March 31, 2008 at 12:20 AM
I couldn't be prouder, my rockin' sisters. I'm thrilled that you are getting the chance to live out the dream and experience even more of what life has to offer.
Can't wait to come visit you in the mountains!
Love ya tons,
Paul
Posted by: Paul Opel | March 31, 2008 at 08:46 AM
I sure hope you two blog your way through the upcoming changes! I really am thrilled for both of you (feeling very positive for you getting the position & CK hall of fame, Susan)and I'm sure you will be both blessed and successful. Best wishes and you will LOVE Utah, it is a beautiful place, as you know.
Posted by: Kelly C. | March 31, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Congrats! My prayers are with you two! Congrats on following your dreams! It makes for a happier person and a happier time in life!! Good Luck! You two are awesome!! God be with you!Lena
Posted by: Lena | March 31, 2008 at 10:53 AM
YAY YAY YAY...congrats once again! And Susan, I want you to know I've been praying for you and the job you are seeking! How thrilling...I hope everything goes well through all of the transitions!
Posted by: Leah LaMontagne | March 31, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Congratulations Girls!!! I am so happy for you. It's amazing what doors God opens huh? He is GOOD!
Posted by: Marcee | March 31, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Congratulations! :)
I think it's wonderful that you're following your dreams!
Best of luck in SLC!
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel | March 31, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Blessings as you take on this new challenge.
Posted by: Melissa | March 31, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Amazing how thingd have a way of coming together is the strangest of ways! a huge congrats to you both!
Posted by: Colleen | April 01, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Michelle | April 01, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Big congratulations. I hope you enjoy the move.
Posted by: niki | April 01, 2008 at 02:48 PM
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW! What an amazing, Godly, turn of events. You two are an amazing team and I will be praying! I can't wait to hear what happened next!
Posted by: Tammy Gray | April 01, 2008 at 03:43 PM
as i was reading through your blog i was cheering you all the way! i could feel the emotion in your writing! good luck and may you be blessed many times over!
Posted by: jo-ann | April 01, 2008 at 04:07 PM
WOW--what a happy, blessed post! Congratulations to both of you on these awesome changes God has brought to your lives...can't wait to hear how much you love it all!
Posted by: Laura Fiore | April 01, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Congrats ladies! I wish you much success!!
Posted by: Ally in Canada | April 01, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Congrats ladies!! What awesome news!! I am so excited for you and know that you will both do so well! Have a blast!!!
Posted by: Korbyn | April 01, 2008 at 04:29 PM
I stumbled upon your blog and see you are graduates of C2A2...what year did you graduate??? I also attended there!
Congrats on the new job!
Posted by: Melissa Raphael | April 01, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Welcome to the team, Susan! I can't wait to get to know you better. We here at Paper Crafts are very excited to have you join us! It's going to be a long wait, but you'll be here before we know it! Good luck wrapping things up in Fort Wayne--it's always hard to make big changes like this--but you're joining a fun, dynamic team here at Paper Crafts and you're going to fit in really well! Wahoo!
Posted by: Cath | April 01, 2008 at 05:20 PM
this is wonderful news!! Congratulations to both of you, couldn't happen to better people!!!
Posted by: stacijo | April 01, 2008 at 06:35 PM
I'm so excited for you both! You are the "dream team"!!! :) Congrats!
Posted by: Andrea D. | April 01, 2008 at 08:07 PM
many, many congrats to you both!!!! God is good, always! :)
Posted by: amy | April 01, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I cannot believe it!!!!!! God is sooooo good! It's so cool that I can say I knew you two way back when! I cannot even begin to tell you two how happy I am for the both of you. Jonel
Posted by: Jonel | April 01, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Huge Congrats to you both for following your dreams!
Posted by: Kath W | April 02, 2008 at 01:22 AM
Congrats to you both on your new and exciting opportunities. May God continue to bless you both as you prepare for the next chapter in your lives.
Posted by: Kim M | April 02, 2008 at 07:16 AM
HUGE, HUGE HUGE congrats to the both of you!!!! That is some very excited news and I am very happy that you both got what you wanted :)
corinnexxx
Posted by: corinne | April 02, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Talk about a leap of faith!! That is fantastic news. I'll be praying you get the job too - although with the way things have gone so far, I think everything will work out the way He has planned!! How exciting to take on such a big thing - moving, changing everything!! Ya'll both are super inspiring in some many ways!!! You have to be the coolest sisters I know - although I don't really KNOW you yet - but in 15 days we'll be meeting, right???
Posted by: lisa tanner | April 02, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Oh my! I am in happy tears for you too at this very moment. Hmmmm, maybe it was the two of you that I felt good things a comin'. ;)
Susan, I would have to say you are two types listed above-Adventure and Bold. Only, you missed one that is definitely you--ROCKSTAR!!!
Love ya girls!
Posted by: mhutch | April 02, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Forgot to add:
That pic of your mom is spectacular!
Posted by: mhutch | April 02, 2008 at 08:24 AM
That is soooo awesome! Congratulations to you both!!! They couldn't have chosen better people for both of those positions!!! =)
Posted by: melita | April 02, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Susan,
Congratulations on the new job! My name is Brandy Jesperson and I am the Senior Editor at Paper Crafts. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with you and to get to know you better in the very near future. Best of luck with the house hunt and I'll talk to you soon.
Posted by: Brandy Jesperson | April 02, 2008 at 10:43 AM