This past weekend I was able to head down South and visit my friends in Nashville. It’s always so good to see them. I can’t believe a few months have already passed since they came up here to visit. Time really flies. I hadn’t seen Babykins since the middle of May. Poor thing barely recognized me. Only after I spent two days with him did he finally not immediately start crying when he saw me! I guess that’s what you get when you move 600 miles away.
After a great flight (my row was the life of the party on Southwest!), I got to spend Friday night with the girls having a fabulous dinner at La Paz and ice cream at Sweet CiCis. So yummy. Then I went back to Stacia’s to “help” her bake a cake (she does it professionally). By “help” I mean, sit there, play DJ and look at things online. I’m not allowed to touch anything. It makes sense if you’ve ever seen me bake (which you probably haven’t, because I don’t…for good reason.)
The next morning, after running around their neighborhood in the blazing heat (um, hello Nashville? It’s FALL. Get the memo.), I had a delicious chocolate croissant, got ready and headed to Jen’s. I had grand plans for going out…but it turned into movie night with a few beers. I was exhausted. Jen & I got to have lunch with Carrie - a former co-worker - at Cheesecake Factory and did a little retail therapy in the Green Hills area. Sunday night Jen & Matt made yummy fajitas, Charlie & Stacia came over and we watched a movie (Date Night = hilarious!). It was good just to have time to catch up. I watched Babykins on Monday. We went to the park to run around in the 90 degree heat. Seriously, Nashville…summer has ended! By the time he woke up from his nap, it was time for me to head to the airport. Sort of sad, but I got a lot of cute pictures of him over the weekend…and none of anything else. So not cool.
As much fun as I had this weekend, I was actually ready to get back to Chicago. For months, I’ve been referring to Nashville as “home.” It still seemed that a lot of my life was there and I was just trying Chicago on for size. I was talking to my mom on the way to the airport when she asked if I was ready to leave. She fully expected me to say “no” and start bawling because I had to leave my friends. I surprised her, and myself, when I said “Yeah, I’m ready to get back home.” Neither of us saw it coming.
It was great to see my friends. I hate that I don’t get to do so more often. Yes, it makes me sad that I don’t get to be Babykin’s primary babysitter anymore and it hurts that he doesn’t recognize me. Yep, it absolutely sucks that I don’t get to hang out with Jen, Matt, Stacia, Charlie, Rebecca, Carrie and everyone else all the time. I gave up a life in Nashville with the hopes of a better one in Chicago. While it will be hard to top the amazing friends I made there, this life - my Chicago life - is perfect for me at this point. I’m sure I’ll go through many ups and downs just like I did in Nashville, but this is where I know I’m meant to be. As I curled up in my messy, hot room last night, I was just happy to finally be home.
Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Changes
I moved to Chicago almost exactly five months ago. It's crazy how much things can change in five months. For example, I went from a ghetto apartment that flooded regularly in Nashville, to living in a 10x11 room in my uncle's house to an adorable duplex in a fabulous neighborhood. Also, I moved to Chicago completely single...now, I'm definitely not single. And even more than that, the relationship is going shockingly well. But the biggest change of all was my job. I went from working for a major corportation in a fabulous department full of my best friends to working in a tiny basement office with 5 guys and a crazy lady. Seriously. I tried not to write a lot about how awful things were at that job because it's not something I want to remember in detail.
I had convinced myself that I was going to give new-crappy-job at least a year before I started looking elsewhere. Then things really started to go downhill quickly. The management wasn't there, the upper-level management had a thing for writing one-off emails full of degrading comments and exclamation points, and no one was actively doing anything to help the situation. So, being the good Sales Manager that I was, I was researching one of my clients one day and noticed that she worked for "XYZ Meetings & Incentives." I said, "hmmm...never heard of that" and typed it into Google. After learning a little more about the company, I looked at open positions. Turns out, they had one of my dream jobs listed on their site...and I was qualified for it. But I didn't apply. I had said I was going to stick it out for a year. I casually mentioned it to my mom and Jason. Both of them knowing how miserable I was, they told me to apply THIS SECOND.
I updated my resume and applied two days later (a Wednesday.) On Friday, I had a half day and had just gotten home to let Lex out and my phone started ringing with an unfamiliar number. "Hi! This is Oliva with XYZ Meetings & Incentives...we'd like to set up an interview on Tuesday." I'm pretty sure I did a dance in the middle of the street with Lex, I was SO excited. But I didn't want to get my hopes up because I didn't want to be let down if I didn't get it.
Monday rolled around and it was one of the worst days yet at my crappy job. Seriously, a new low had been reached and I was so over it. I believe I texted Jason "Can I quit my job?" I spent Monday night with my family in town celebrating my uncle's 50th birthday. I told them all about the interview the next day and about how nervous I was because I really wanted it. They assured me they'd all be praying for me. Jason typed up a massive email about interview questions and prep stuff that scared me and helped me out at the same time.
So, Tuesday, I call in "sick" to current crappy job. Can I just tell you how awful I felt about lying to current crappy employer? Seriously. I've never called in fake sick...EVER. At any rate, mom dropped me off at the building to interview. Two hours later, I walked out. I fielded about 50 phone calls saying "I think it went well." Then began the waiting game. Wednesday passed with nothing. Thursday came and I got a voicemail from XYZ Meetings & Incentives asking me to call them back. I called them immediately and left a message. Didn't hear from them.
Jason came over that night to hang out and literally, as I was playing the voicemail for him to get his read on it, they called. And offered me a job. Holy crap. I wish I could describe how good that felt. Relief flooded through me. I didn't have to go back to crappy current job. Seriously?
So, now, as of Wednesday, I'll be working for XYZ Meetings & Incentives as a Purchasing Manager. Basically, I'll be sourcing meetings and negotiating meeting contracts for a large corporation exclusively. That's it. ONLY NEGOTIATION. No planning. No On-Site. No Cell Phones. Thank you, Lord!!
There are obviously MAJOR benefits to this:
1. No more current crappy job.
2. Something I'm actually really good at and enjoy doing.
3. Word for word from my benefits info: "Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30a-5:30p" HECK YES!
4. Business Casual. Goodbye Suits.
5. New job is downtown Chicago. I mean DOWN.TOWN. No more suburbs
6. I now get to take the Metra literally INTO my new building. If you've never experienced a Chicago winter, this is HUGE.
7. No more crappy current job.
To say that I'm excited is way off base. I'm thrilled and so relieved at this opportunity. So many people would look at this and say it was a "happy accident" that I was researching a client that day...but I know better. This is another instance in my life where God just makes Himself so obvious. I don't know how someone could look at this series of events and NOT see God's hand all over it. Some days, I don't know what I did to be so truly blessed...but I know that I am and that I'm thankful.
I had convinced myself that I was going to give new-crappy-job at least a year before I started looking elsewhere. Then things really started to go downhill quickly. The management wasn't there, the upper-level management had a thing for writing one-off emails full of degrading comments and exclamation points, and no one was actively doing anything to help the situation. So, being the good Sales Manager that I was, I was researching one of my clients one day and noticed that she worked for "XYZ Meetings & Incentives." I said, "hmmm...never heard of that" and typed it into Google. After learning a little more about the company, I looked at open positions. Turns out, they had one of my dream jobs listed on their site...and I was qualified for it. But I didn't apply. I had said I was going to stick it out for a year. I casually mentioned it to my mom and Jason. Both of them knowing how miserable I was, they told me to apply THIS SECOND.
I updated my resume and applied two days later (a Wednesday.) On Friday, I had a half day and had just gotten home to let Lex out and my phone started ringing with an unfamiliar number. "Hi! This is Oliva with XYZ Meetings & Incentives...we'd like to set up an interview on Tuesday." I'm pretty sure I did a dance in the middle of the street with Lex, I was SO excited. But I didn't want to get my hopes up because I didn't want to be let down if I didn't get it.
Monday rolled around and it was one of the worst days yet at my crappy job. Seriously, a new low had been reached and I was so over it. I believe I texted Jason "Can I quit my job?" I spent Monday night with my family in town celebrating my uncle's 50th birthday. I told them all about the interview the next day and about how nervous I was because I really wanted it. They assured me they'd all be praying for me. Jason typed up a massive email about interview questions and prep stuff that scared me and helped me out at the same time.
So, Tuesday, I call in "sick" to current crappy job. Can I just tell you how awful I felt about lying to current crappy employer? Seriously. I've never called in fake sick...EVER. At any rate, mom dropped me off at the building to interview. Two hours later, I walked out. I fielded about 50 phone calls saying "I think it went well." Then began the waiting game. Wednesday passed with nothing. Thursday came and I got a voicemail from XYZ Meetings & Incentives asking me to call them back. I called them immediately and left a message. Didn't hear from them.
Jason came over that night to hang out and literally, as I was playing the voicemail for him to get his read on it, they called. And offered me a job. Holy crap. I wish I could describe how good that felt. Relief flooded through me. I didn't have to go back to crappy current job. Seriously?
So, now, as of Wednesday, I'll be working for XYZ Meetings & Incentives as a Purchasing Manager. Basically, I'll be sourcing meetings and negotiating meeting contracts for a large corporation exclusively. That's it. ONLY NEGOTIATION. No planning. No On-Site. No Cell Phones. Thank you, Lord!!
There are obviously MAJOR benefits to this:
1. No more current crappy job.
2. Something I'm actually really good at and enjoy doing.
3. Word for word from my benefits info: "Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30a-5:30p" HECK YES!
4. Business Casual. Goodbye Suits.
5. New job is downtown Chicago. I mean DOWN.TOWN. No more suburbs
6. I now get to take the Metra literally INTO my new building. If you've never experienced a Chicago winter, this is HUGE.
7. No more crappy current job.
To say that I'm excited is way off base. I'm thrilled and so relieved at this opportunity. So many people would look at this and say it was a "happy accident" that I was researching a client that day...but I know better. This is another instance in my life where God just makes Himself so obvious. I don't know how someone could look at this series of events and NOT see God's hand all over it. Some days, I don't know what I did to be so truly blessed...but I know that I am and that I'm thankful.
~I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13~
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Where did the summer go!?
So more than a few people have informed me that I suck at keeping up with my blog...and they're correct. I absolutely cannot believe that it will be August in a few days! I feel like summer was just beginning and now they're putting out back-to-school stuff!? What?? At any rate, it has been an interesting time this summer! I have literally gone non-stop since the end of June!
In June, Jason and I had the pleasure a true Chicago experience! Neither of us had ever been to a Cubs game at Wrigley field, so he and a bunch of his work friends arranged awesome tickets for everyone! It involved drinking before noon, spending way too much money on souvineers, a really hot summer day and a lot of laughs! We had such a great time and even though we were literally in the highest seats in the stadium, I think they were the best!
Then in July, I decided it was a good time to become a total blonde again. More importantly, we were able to spend Fourth of July weekend at Jason's lake house in Southern Indiana with Brett & Megan! It was so good to catch up with them and spend the weekend just relaxing and hanging out in the boat with Jason's family and our friends. I may have pushed it a little too hard while tubing and couldn't put on jackets for about four days. No one tells you how much it sucks getting older! I don't have many pictures from the Fourth becuase my camera sucks and we may have broken Jase's while in Miami, but a few were taken!
Then the weekend after the Fourth, I finally got to move into my new place!!! Holy crap did it take a lot of work to get it ready to be lived in, but I couldn't be happier with it! I'll do a separate post with the total tour at some point, but this is a picture of the outside. Amanda (my roommate) and I have the third and fourth floor. It's absolutely adorable! I must say that Jason was absolutely an amazing help. He stayed up half the night painting with me for the entire weekend. Seriously. It looks a million times better and I'm so thankful for all of his help!
So then the weekend after I moved in, my friends from Nashville came to visit!! We'd been planning that trip for a while and I was about to jump out of my skin I was so excited to see them! Stacia, Charlie, Jen and Matt made the 8 hour drive all the way from Tennessee to spend a semi-long weekend trucking around in Chicago! It was super interesting with the Transformers 3 movie closing down Michigan Avenue, me having to work and them staying out by the airport (boo suburbs), but it didn't matter! I was just glad I got to see them! They were my life in Nashville and my life here just doesn't feel complete without them!
We ate at some of the best restaurants EVER. Fronterra and Table Fifty-Two come HIGHLY reccomended by this crowd of foodies! After dinner on Sunday, before they all left, we went to the beach to take some pictures of all of us (STACIA - Put your dang pictures on FACEBOOK!!!)
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| Jase&Matt bonding over espresso machines. |
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| My favorite people and my favorite city! (Only missing my favorite Babykins!) |
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| Jase and I in our city! |
Then this past weekend, Ann had her first shower for her wedding coming up in October! It was absolutely gorgeous and I couldn't be happier for her! I am SO blessed to have her in my life...especially given the way we met! Who would have thought my pot-luck freshman year roommate would be one of my best friends more than 8 years later! I'm super excited for her October wedding, especially after seeing her in her dress! I'm still in shock that we're old enough to be getting married! What happened to college??
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| Ann and her Bridesmaids! |
Finally, after all the dust settled from the craziness, my mom brought my puppy back up to me (after almost a month) and also put together my entire apartment in one week. She also decorated Jason's as well...because, why not!? Both places look about a million times better than before. I really don't know what I'd do without my momma :) It was sad to have her leave, but I'll see her this weekend! We're headed back to Indy tomorrow! It seriously just never stops. My little brother's best friend (and my secondary little brother) Zacky, will be getting married to a wonderful girl - Jessica - tomorrow night! Then Saturday night, Jason's friends from B-School are getting married at IU. So we'll be down there to celebrate that! It's such a crazy life, but right now, I'm just glad that I get to live in my city, see my friends & family and have my puppy around! I promise to put more pictures of the apartment up once I get them! Hopefully I'll average more than once a month for this thing! :) But for now, check out this cuteness:
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Commuting
I hear the following songs at least once a day, if not more, on the radio stations in Chicago:
Also, I've learned through some serious commuting that it helps to have some up-beat music to rock-out to. And since I've developed a serious addiction to Ally McBeal on DVD, it's nearly impossible for me not to dance/drive. It just helps start your day off a little better. So you'd better believe that I was attempting to do the following when I heard "My First, My Last, My Everything" by Barry White on the radio this morning. (Note to Self: It's NOT easy to do while driving.)
- "Cuts Like a Knife" - Bryan Adams
- "Grease" - Frankie Valli
- "The Way I Am" - Ingrid Michaelson
- "Haven't Met You Yet" - Michael Buble
- "PYT" - Michael Jackson
- "Tainted Love" - Soft Cell
- "Unwell" - Matchbox 20
- At least three Taylor Swift songs
Also, I've learned through some serious commuting that it helps to have some up-beat music to rock-out to. And since I've developed a serious addiction to Ally McBeal on DVD, it's nearly impossible for me not to dance/drive. It just helps start your day off a little better. So you'd better believe that I was attempting to do the following when I heard "My First, My Last, My Everything" by Barry White on the radio this morning. (Note to Self: It's NOT easy to do while driving.)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Life Lately
Last weekend, I went back to Nashville because a certain Babykins was turning one! It was so good to see my friends again. Babykins is getting to be a little boy, not a baby anymore. He changed so much in the month I was gone! We had a talk and agreed that he can't get any bigger while Aunt Linny's gone. It's just not cool.
I don't think it had hit me that I didn't live in Nashville anymore. It felt like I was on an extended vacation or just trying out someone else's life in Chicago. The day after I got back, I had my first breakdown about it all. I was on the phone with my mom and she was asking me seemingly innocent questions that all just added up at once. I was exhausted, depressed from leaving my friends/being alone again and everything just came pouring out. Not pretty of course, but it had to happen eventually.
I thought because I was moving to a place where I already knew people that my life/friends situation would just fall into place. Turns out, I'm wrong. All of my friends here have their own lives already, which is awesome for them. It's just hard meeting people at work because they all live in the suburbs (yuck.) It'll be ok eventually...just might take some time :)
The Girls (plus Matt)
Babykins first taste of cake (made by Stacia!)
During our "do not grow up" discussion. It didn't end well.
One of my favorite pictures...ever.
I don't think it had hit me that I didn't live in Nashville anymore. It felt like I was on an extended vacation or just trying out someone else's life in Chicago. The day after I got back, I had my first breakdown about it all. I was on the phone with my mom and she was asking me seemingly innocent questions that all just added up at once. I was exhausted, depressed from leaving my friends/being alone again and everything just came pouring out. Not pretty of course, but it had to happen eventually.
I thought because I was moving to a place where I already knew people that my life/friends situation would just fall into place. Turns out, I'm wrong. All of my friends here have their own lives already, which is awesome for them. It's just hard meeting people at work because they all live in the suburbs (yuck.) It'll be ok eventually...just might take some time :)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
My Brain Hurts.
First weeks at new jobs are exhausting. There are millions of people to meet, thousands of terms to learn and hundreds of questions to ask. Makes me want a few drinks. I started my new job as Director of Sales on Monday. Monday night, everyone was calling and asking me how it went (naturally). By the time I talked to everyone and explained, my uncle got home and asked "how was it!?" My response was "my brain hurts." And it did. It continued to hurt all week. There's just so much to learn!
Coming from one of the largest hotels/convention centers in the world to a smaller property has been hilarious. People keep making coments:
- "Oh, you'll be lost for a few months...don't worry!" Um nope...can already tell you where all the meeting rooms are and how to get there in the back halls. Thanks though.
- "Things are really complex at this property...there's always a lot going on." You know nothing of busy. Trust me.
- "There's just SO much space!" Right...all of the space in your hotel could fit into 6 meeting rooms of my old one.
- "This is a really big producation/group." Really? It's 250 people for lunch? I could do that in my sleep.
Obviously, I'm not saying this to people, but it's quite funny. They think that just because I came from Nashville that I was at a small hotel. Totally false. There is probably going to be a large adjustment period for me, which is totally to be expected. The hardest thing for me so far has been letting go of CS/Catering and focusing on AV. Before, I'd be in a ballroom throwing tables/chairs and focusing on banquets while the AV Techs took care of everything else. Now...I AM one of the AV people. It's so funny how perceptions change.
Also, I went from working with 95% women to working with 100% men. Talk about a change of pace. For the first few days, they didn't really know how to take me because I'd help where I could and ask questions, but wouldn't really say anything else. For some reason, it seemed like they were afraid of me. I evenutally told them to quit treating me like a china doll and get over it. After that, things were much better. It's been fun getting to know them and all of their personalities. Other than all of that, I really like the job. I learned in my last few months in Nashville to start a new job with a huge dose of humility...and I'm doing just that.
Personally, I love living in Chicago. It's perfect. Last weekend, I packed up Lexie and took her to Ann's place to have a sleepover. The dogs played while we watched Ally McBeal on DVD and drank wine. It was wonderful to catch up with her without having to fly 600 miles with a dog.
Before my mom left, we got to check out the Wicker Park area. I was dead set against living there because it's supposed to be super artzy...and well, I'm not. But after getting yelled at by my brother to check it out, we did. Of course, I fell in love. It's SUCH a great area! Plus, the Blue Line goes directly to Rosemont...two blocks from my hotel. Perfection. I drove down there Wednesday night to have dinner with Jason - a great friend from college. We ate some fantastic Italian food and had a great time catching up. We got to hang out again last night to watch the Boilers lose to Duke. He loves Wicker Park and takes the El into the city for work.
It's funny how things change over the years. In the past five years, I've literally see Jason do a 180 degree turn. He just graduated with his MBA last year and now works for United Airlines. He's insanely smart and kicking ass/taking names at his job. He even ate couscous for dinner last night. I was in shock. It's always great to have a connection to someone who knew you in the past. Both of us have changed so much, but we always have a great time laughing and talking.
At any rate, that's all that's going on for now! I've got to go pack up Lex and I for another sleepover with Ann. We're going out in Lincoln Park to celebrate Tarrah's birthday. Hopefully, I'll get to meet up with KK as well! I <3 this city!!
Coming from one of the largest hotels/convention centers in the world to a smaller property has been hilarious. People keep making coments:
- "Oh, you'll be lost for a few months...don't worry!" Um nope...can already tell you where all the meeting rooms are and how to get there in the back halls. Thanks though.
- "Things are really complex at this property...there's always a lot going on." You know nothing of busy. Trust me.
- "There's just SO much space!" Right...all of the space in your hotel could fit into 6 meeting rooms of my old one.
- "This is a really big producation/group." Really? It's 250 people for lunch? I could do that in my sleep.
Obviously, I'm not saying this to people, but it's quite funny. They think that just because I came from Nashville that I was at a small hotel. Totally false. There is probably going to be a large adjustment period for me, which is totally to be expected. The hardest thing for me so far has been letting go of CS/Catering and focusing on AV. Before, I'd be in a ballroom throwing tables/chairs and focusing on banquets while the AV Techs took care of everything else. Now...I AM one of the AV people. It's so funny how perceptions change.
Also, I went from working with 95% women to working with 100% men. Talk about a change of pace. For the first few days, they didn't really know how to take me because I'd help where I could and ask questions, but wouldn't really say anything else. For some reason, it seemed like they were afraid of me. I evenutally told them to quit treating me like a china doll and get over it. After that, things were much better. It's been fun getting to know them and all of their personalities. Other than all of that, I really like the job. I learned in my last few months in Nashville to start a new job with a huge dose of humility...and I'm doing just that.
Personally, I love living in Chicago. It's perfect. Last weekend, I packed up Lexie and took her to Ann's place to have a sleepover. The dogs played while we watched Ally McBeal on DVD and drank wine. It was wonderful to catch up with her without having to fly 600 miles with a dog.
Before my mom left, we got to check out the Wicker Park area. I was dead set against living there because it's supposed to be super artzy...and well, I'm not. But after getting yelled at by my brother to check it out, we did. Of course, I fell in love. It's SUCH a great area! Plus, the Blue Line goes directly to Rosemont...two blocks from my hotel. Perfection. I drove down there Wednesday night to have dinner with Jason - a great friend from college. We ate some fantastic Italian food and had a great time catching up. We got to hang out again last night to watch the Boilers lose to Duke. He loves Wicker Park and takes the El into the city for work.
It's funny how things change over the years. In the past five years, I've literally see Jason do a 180 degree turn. He just graduated with his MBA last year and now works for United Airlines. He's insanely smart and kicking ass/taking names at his job. He even ate couscous for dinner last night. I was in shock. It's always great to have a connection to someone who knew you in the past. Both of us have changed so much, but we always have a great time laughing and talking.
At any rate, that's all that's going on for now! I've got to go pack up Lex and I for another sleepover with Ann. We're going out in Lincoln Park to celebrate Tarrah's birthday. Hopefully, I'll get to meet up with KK as well! I <3 this city!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sweet Home Chicago!
Yep. I'm moving to Chicago. I figure if I keep saying it to myself, it'll eventually sink in. I was offered a position a little over a week ago as the Director of Sales for an AV company at a large airport hotel just outside of Chicago. Holy crap...someone thinks I'm qualified to be a Director of something.
This, of course, thrilled me to no end and it took everything in me not to scream "YES!!!" when I got the email. Actually, the offer could not have come at a better time. I was having a horrible day with a horrible group in house and just wanted to walk right out the door and say "screw it." Then I got the email...and I'm not ashamed to say that I cried. And then, I called Stacia. I think she made me deaf she was screaming so loud!
After a little bartering, I signed the offer letter (I think they get my first born) and told my current employer that my last day will be March 5th! Of course, it's impossible to keep a secret when working in a hotel, so everyone knew about it by the time it was announced. I really couldn't have asked for better responses from my leaders and co-workers. I was really nervous about how they'd react, but I got big hugs and "I'm so happy for you!" Thank God for that.
So the game plan became this:
- Last Day of Current Work: March 5th
- Leave for Chile to be in cousin's wedding: March 6th
- Return from Chile: March 15th
- Pack up all my clothes/needed stuff & going away dinner with my faves: March 16th
- Drive to Indy: March 17th
- Move in with my Uncle (who lives in Chicago): March 18th
- Start new job: March 22nd
Schnikes. That's a lot to do. I'm going to be living with Drew & Mark for a few months because it's cheaper for my roommate and I to ride out our lease than to break it (don't get me started). All of my furniture will stay in our current apartment and I'll just take clothes and valuables (I live in the 'hood) to Chicago and fly back and forth as needed to pack/move around July.
So my parents came down this weekend to celebrate my 26th birthday and take some of my stuff back to Indy. My mom gets here and immediately the next morning gets to work tearing my apartment into pieces and freaking out about how much there is to do! I said "welcome to my party" and started throwing crap in boxes. Then we turned on the TV. Oh? What's that on CNN? An 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile? Aren't I supposed to leave here to fly there in A WEEK!? Are you freakin' kidding me!?
After we found out my cousin, her fiance and his family were all ok (thank you Lord!), we started looking at options. I'm a bridesmaid for Sarah in Chile and want to be there for her. However, I think the force majure (Act of God) clause would come into play for this. As of right now, it looks like wedding plans are continuing and Santiago wasn't entirely affected. I have mixed emotions about this and will possibly change my flights to be there for less time. Who knows.
Can I just say that I hate not having a plan!!! I plan for a living so it's really hard for me to "just let things go" or "wait and see!" Yeah...that just stresses me out and then I'll either lose my cool or start crying. Either way, it's not pretty. So this whole earthquake, not speaking the language, traveling by myself while uprooting my entire life-business is NOT fun for me. I need to pack and plot and relax. Guessing it's not going to happen. Oh well.
The best part about all of this? I'm moving to Chicago. Where I always wanted to be. Where I'm close to some of my best friends. Where I'm only 2.5 hours from home AND 2.5 hours from my lake. I could cry thinking about it because I'm SO happy. But, it's such a bittersweet time. I'm going to miss my friends here more than anything. I've said it before, but I have the BEST friends here. It's a good thing Jen's birthday is coming up! Hopefully they'll come visit for a long weekend right after I move into my own place!
Anyway, it's late and I'm rambling. I'm just thanking God for answered prayers...and hoping they don't shoot single people in Chicago.
Hello Home!!!
This, of course, thrilled me to no end and it took everything in me not to scream "YES!!!" when I got the email. Actually, the offer could not have come at a better time. I was having a horrible day with a horrible group in house and just wanted to walk right out the door and say "screw it." Then I got the email...and I'm not ashamed to say that I cried. And then, I called Stacia. I think she made me deaf she was screaming so loud!
After a little bartering, I signed the offer letter (I think they get my first born) and told my current employer that my last day will be March 5th! Of course, it's impossible to keep a secret when working in a hotel, so everyone knew about it by the time it was announced. I really couldn't have asked for better responses from my leaders and co-workers. I was really nervous about how they'd react, but I got big hugs and "I'm so happy for you!" Thank God for that.
So the game plan became this:
- Last Day of Current Work: March 5th
- Leave for Chile to be in cousin's wedding: March 6th
- Return from Chile: March 15th
- Pack up all my clothes/needed stuff & going away dinner with my faves: March 16th
- Drive to Indy: March 17th
- Move in with my Uncle (who lives in Chicago): March 18th
- Start new job: March 22nd
Schnikes. That's a lot to do. I'm going to be living with Drew & Mark for a few months because it's cheaper for my roommate and I to ride out our lease than to break it (don't get me started). All of my furniture will stay in our current apartment and I'll just take clothes and valuables (I live in the 'hood) to Chicago and fly back and forth as needed to pack/move around July.
So my parents came down this weekend to celebrate my 26th birthday and take some of my stuff back to Indy. My mom gets here and immediately the next morning gets to work tearing my apartment into pieces and freaking out about how much there is to do! I said "welcome to my party" and started throwing crap in boxes. Then we turned on the TV. Oh? What's that on CNN? An 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile? Aren't I supposed to leave here to fly there in A WEEK!? Are you freakin' kidding me!?
After we found out my cousin, her fiance and his family were all ok (thank you Lord!), we started looking at options. I'm a bridesmaid for Sarah in Chile and want to be there for her. However, I think the force majure (Act of God) clause would come into play for this. As of right now, it looks like wedding plans are continuing and Santiago wasn't entirely affected. I have mixed emotions about this and will possibly change my flights to be there for less time. Who knows.
Can I just say that I hate not having a plan!!! I plan for a living so it's really hard for me to "just let things go" or "wait and see!" Yeah...that just stresses me out and then I'll either lose my cool or start crying. Either way, it's not pretty. So this whole earthquake, not speaking the language, traveling by myself while uprooting my entire life-business is NOT fun for me. I need to pack and plot and relax. Guessing it's not going to happen. Oh well.
The best part about all of this? I'm moving to Chicago. Where I always wanted to be. Where I'm close to some of my best friends. Where I'm only 2.5 hours from home AND 2.5 hours from my lake. I could cry thinking about it because I'm SO happy. But, it's such a bittersweet time. I'm going to miss my friends here more than anything. I've said it before, but I have the BEST friends here. It's a good thing Jen's birthday is coming up! Hopefully they'll come visit for a long weekend right after I move into my own place!
Anyway, it's late and I'm rambling. I'm just thanking God for answered prayers...and hoping they don't shoot single people in Chicago.
"The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them."
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