Our lucky day

It turns out that Jim and my lucky day just happens to be Friday the 13th. Lucky for me, him and all who know him, he was born on a Friday the 13th in 1973. And as recent events have unfolded, Friday the 13th turned out to be an exceptionally lucky day for us.

Let me explain:

On Friday, Oct. 13th, five days before he was to start as an executive chef for a retirement community in North Raleigh, Jim interviewed for a chef manager position at a corporate dining facility in Research Triangle Park. From there, things moved exceptionally quickly (especially considering it took more than two weeks for the North Raleigh job to come through.) On Saturday, the man he met Friday called to set up an interview with a few more people. On Monday, he interviewed with some higher ups. By the end of that meeting, they told him they wanted to offer him the job. On Tuesday, one day before he was to start his job in North Raleigh, they offered him the job. So now, he had two jobs. Boy, the quality of our "problems" just keeps getting better! He called the man he was to start work for the very next morning and declined the job.

Now, this is the job that he and I have been hoping and praying would come along for quite some time. Great hours, better pay, fantastic company (Aramark), little to no weekend work and when he leaves for the day, the kitchen is closed (read: NO PHONE CALLS TO COME IN AND COVER SHIFTS). The company is investing a lot of time and training in him before the account opens in mid to late November.

With the baby coming, this is a big relief for both of us. Not only is this a big pay raise and an excellent career move, the schedule and location is very compatible with family life. The hours are compatible with my work schedule so we don't have to pay for or worry about child care, and he will be working about 6 miles from home. He may even be able to ride his bike to work.

Another benefit of this turn of events? Jim got an unexpected and much needed week off from work. It was great to have him home. He spent a lot of time in the kitchen practice cooking and was able to put a bunch of meals in the freezer for when the baby comes. Ah, the benefits of being married to a chef! I love it!

I can't wait until the next Friday the 13th rolls around.