Shout Out to Hubby

I am going to brag in this post.  Beware.  I am SO very proud of my husband.  Meet Michael James:

This is on our honeymoon- livin the dream!  For those of you who don't know this whole story, I will try my best to sum it up quickly and not make this a marathon post.

M started attending college in the fall of 2002 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (when we first met, I said, "huh?" like I'm sure most of you are).  At first, he thought he wanted to be in the Air Force, but changed his mind upon entering Riddle.  He worked his butt off for four years completing his Aeronautical Science degree, minors in Flight Meteorology and Safety Science, and working as a server at Outback.  Once he graduated, all the airlines were furloughing their pilots (laying them off), so he chose to be a flight instructor.  While this wasn't that bad of a choice, it wasn't what he ultimately wanted to do.  M has been flight instructing at Riddle since 2006.  He has been building his hours, taking leadership opportunities, and working his butt off to bring home a good paycheck for us.  Eventually, explaining to people that he's a flight instructor was bugging him.  He's a pilot- he worked hard to be one and was looking forward to the day that he could respond to the quesiton, "What do you do?" with "I'm a pilot for _____ airline."  Well, folks that day has come!!

CONGRATULATIONS 

MR. BUTTENOB!

Michael went to an interview for American Eagle at the end of August.  It was an interesting process but received a 'conditional' job offer.  He had to pass a background check and a medical in order to be offered a job.  He passed those, as well as, the Captain's board.  His ground school date is October 25th (aka. rigorous job training).  He will be working his butt off again to learn the rules, regulations, and ropes of a whole new airline.  After several tests and being away from home for 7 weeks straight he will officially be a pilot for American Eagle.

What's more exciting is that we will be moving from Prescott, AZ!  I've enjoyed our 3.5 years here thus far, but have been looking forward to a move closer to family.  Turns out M will have a choice between Chicago and New York.  While we know there's a chance he gets based in New York, we will be able to live in Chicago near family (he will just have to commute)!  I was hoping for Dallas, as it's a place we can actually afford to live and it'd be nice to be close to my side of the family for a period of time, but we have family in Chicago as well and ultimately that's where we wanted to end up.  It will be great to get settled and prepare to raise our family there.  I will be looking for a job and hoping to find a good sitter for baby B.  Although, it kills me b/c I'd love to stay at home for a few years...there's just no way we could survive off a first year pilot's salary (it's sad how much they make).

Look out, Chicago.  The Buttenobs are coming  in the spring of '11!!  We are elated...our life is changing in more than one way.  Change is good.  Change is what we wanted (and still do, just now, we have it).  We've just gotta get this prego to tame those emotions :-)  I'm not looking forward to the unknown- that's just not my personality type.  Nor I am looking forward to the 7 weeks straight of no hubby around.  But I couldn't be happier for him.  He's growing up and entering more of a 'real world' lifestyle.  Michael James, I am so very happy for you and all you've accomplished.  You deserve this spot as pilot and I cannot wait to see where this next year takes us.  I love you.  xoxo, Your Proud Wife