The last day of 2012

I woke up early this morning, made my coffee and built a fire in the wood burning stove to warm the house up. The last few weeks literally had put me in a tail spin. I had to leave my job of seven years, because my husband got a job in Washington State that would give him a better opportunities for the future. It's one of those things you really have to think about. I asked him when this job offer came up, 'Years from now are you going to kick yourself for not taking the opportunities that could lead potentially into a better life, or do you think you'll be happy staying somewhere you already know you've reached your potential?'

We both knew that if he didn't take the opportunity, we'd always wonder if we had made a mistake. Our friends thought he'd be crazy to not take this chance, so we did.

He left for Washington State, rented a house and started training for his new job. I gave my notice at my job then Nicole and I waited until the semester ended, so that she could finish her classes and not leave mid year. The day finally came and the movers arrived. They packed everything up. I said my last goodbyes to a life I sincerely thought I'd never leave and we were off. (I am going to miss a number of people I worked with, my friends, bosses and co-workers. They were my working family, where we worked, laughed, cried and supported each other through all the ups and downs. Yes, I'll miss that closeness we had.)

In the whirlwind of moving and trying to get settled during Christmas and New Years, I really hadn't put much thought behind what I'm going to do for a job. I have to work, so there is no choice in me staying home. The only thing I know, is that there is more opportunity for jobs here, so I believe I'll find one that I will be happy with very soon.

I sit here now and think of what last year has brought us and am pleased to say that we had a great year. We took jaunts to Vegas once in a while to get away on weekends,and went on drives to see the beautiful country of Utah.

I will miss being able to photograph one of the most beautiful states I have ever seen. Zion is spectacular, the high desert landscape and the eye catching skies with it's openness and beautiful colors of the morning dawn and evening sunsets will always be etched in my memories.

Who knew that clouds with the right lighting could be so awesome. Many times there are no words to describe what you see, you are in the moment and you just have to take a deep breath and just take it in. It's a force of power to be reckoned with as it fills your being with something akin to hope and inspiration. Many times I turned completely around in the midst of a those moments and took joy that I was part of those settings. I felt like I was in a painting forever imprinted in those moments in time.

Going on the cruise to Alaska was an experience all of us enjoyed. Joining my sisters was not only special, it was an opportunity to spend quality time doing something together that all of us could take memories from and re-tell the stories to our children and grandchildren.

I especially loved taking photos on the cruise of everything, seeing some of the most beautiful rugged country in the world took my breath away and I am still in awe of the memories I possess from the experience.

Now, I am here in Washington State on this quiet morning on the brink of a new year. A new state, a new home and on the verge of meeting new friends and looking for a new job.

I never thought in a million years that I'd come back to Washington State to live. I grew up here and Graduated from High School not far from where we live now. The good thing is, I get to live nearer to my mother and brother. I look forward to spending time with them and getting to know them better, since I only saw them on vacations before and talked to them on the phone. I get to spend time with my nephew and get to know that wonderful boy who still has his whole life in front of him.

Sipping my coffee, enjoying the quiet morning on this last day of 2012 is a blessing. It has been quite a journey and a new chapter is just about to begin. How cool is that?

Big Change and Faith to Move Forward

Seven years ago on Christmas Day, my family moved to Utah from Southern California. The culture shock was welcome, we came from a fast paced life, long commutes to work, and barely any breathing room for a life outside of work, to a small community with a small town feel.

My daughter finally had a chance to play outside without the fear of drugs being dealt, gun shots in the distance and illegals being dropped off on our driveway. I could never allow her to play outside without supervision, heck I felt as if I needed supervision from the crap that was taking place in our town that we once loved when we moved there years before.

Thankfully my husband had a job lined up in Cedar City, Utah, but I had to go out and find one. I finally found a job in February working with people with disabilities. I didn't know at the time that I would stay at the company for as long as I did. As challenging as it was, I used all of the experiences to learn and grow from, even though there were times I would have gladly welcomed change. I started as a regular direct care staff, then was promoted to Manager where I have grown as a person.

I am going to miss my co-workers as we are a network of people who support, listen and understand the unique jobs we all do as we care for and support the individuals we serve. I will miss the individuals who have a place in my heart whose lives I have had the opportunity to be apart of and who has taught me to become a better person.

The Associate Director actually summed it up quite eloquently last night at our annual Christmas Party for the managers, when he addressed us and our families. "We are a family with jobs that are a way of life that includes every member of our family, because without their support and acceptance of the things we are called to do, it would be very difficult. Our job calls for us to deal with, being called out at all hours of the night, have sudden schedule changes and having to deal with emergencies and situations that most people can't even imagine." I can't remember his words verbatim, but this was the message as we gave our families a round of applause for their support.

Now, seven years later, my family is moving once again to start a new chapter of our lives in Washington state. I ask, what our future holds, but as scary as it is, I am looking forward to the opportunity for new experiences, a new job and new friends to add on to the great circle of friends I already have.

Change is difficult, but we have faith that we are doing what it is we are meant to do, going in the direction that will bring us to the place we are meant to be, while giving us the opportunity to grow and learn new things.