Wednesday, March 3, 2010

New Beginnings


The song says "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" (Closing Time by Semisonic). With a new beginning on the horizon, I find myself spending time reflecting on my journey thus far.

I moved to Florida, started a new job and got married all in a three month period. Makes you tired just thinking about it doesn't it? You should have lived it! Florida was wonderful. I met some great people, made a few friends and gained a new best friend in the process. The beaches and weather were amazing and I still miss a couple of the restaurants. There are days I still struggle with our decision to leave Florida, but the Lord had a bigger plan for us.

Alabama didn't quite welcome us with open arms. It was more of a barely cracked open door and a sideways glance. It took a while for us to find our place here. We were both promoted and worked crazy hours. The stay in Alabama has been right at 2 ½ years…I think the hours we worked are what have made it seem longer! I've definitely made friends here with folks who genuinely care and look forward to hopefully continuing those relationships on as I leave for Indiana.

Alabama brought about some challenges I wasn't ready to face, but have seemed to survive. Besides being in an overly stressful environment due to the nature of the grocery business and being in charge of the transportation of food to 100 stores (and sometimes more depending on if other DC's needed help),major health issues arose. Ray and I both gained a lot of weight during our stay here. We both ended up on high blood pressure medications and my anxiety kicked in again (something I've had under control for a few years). For a couple who aren't fond of doctors, we've gotten on a first name basis with ours.

As I look back over the last 2 years here, I am saddened by the fact that I am once again leaving a group of folks of which I have grown fond. I know the person taking my place will take care of them and continue to move forward, but it doesn't make it any easier to leave. I know my folks know that this was more than just a job for me. I know they knew I made it personal and honestly wanted not only what was best for our company, but for them as well. I know it sounds like a cliché, but it really is the people that make the work worth doing and my work was worth doing every day.

Friday will be my last day in my current position. Next week will be my move week to Indiana and I will start my new position at our optical facility the following week. I visited the facility a few weeks ago and I'm excited to join my new team. I believe this will be a great experience.


While I am downhearted about coming upon another end, I am excited for a new beginning.

Above all, I am thankful for Ray and I to be under the same roof again. It's been three long months and I do miss my husband. I've missed the support that comes from a face to face conversation, the comfort that comes from using him as my pillow on the couch, my personal heater under the covers and the relief I get when he hugs me at the end of a stressful day.

The chorus of the song says "I know who I want to take me home."

Ray, will you take me home?

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes. Yes, I will. How about Friday? :)

"Heater under the covers"? Thought you ran a family blog.

Unknown said...

HA! Very funny mister. You know I didn't mean it that way! ;o)

Amber said...

Ray, I'm with you. I guess Ben will stop having to read this blog immediately.
Yeah for tomorrow!

Unknown said...

Both of you need to get your heads out of the gutter!