The long awaited and often dreamed about, move to Florida! I’m taking the auto train, my car is loaded with my remaining possessions. It feels sort of unreal—as have the past few weeks since I accepted a new job.
Since I have nothing but time until I get to Florida tomorrow morning, I thought I would fill you in on what’s been happening in my life!!!
I applied for a job months ago and it sat in the “Hiring Manager Review” status on the company website. Then, surprise, surprise, a received a call, late afternoon, on July 6th from the director asking me if I was interested in interviewing for the job. I assured him I was. So, an interview was set up for the following Tuesday, July 10th at 3:30.
Tuesday rolled around and to be honest, I was not expecting much. Although I was very jazzed about the job description—it sounded as though it was written just for me—I’d learned not to get too excited as the jobs I applied for were for remote work, meaning I was not just competing against ‘local talent’, but talent all over the country and beyond.
Anyway, Tuesday rolled around, the interview lasted about 45 minutes and they told me they would have a decision early the following week. Wednesday night after work, I checked my email from the HR department asking for a phone call meeting the next day. I replied immediately and thought this is either really good or really bad as the hiring director stated they had just begun interviews.
Thursday finally arrived and I dialed into the call at noon. They wanted to offer me the job!!!!! Pay and PTO rates almost exactly what I had. I accepted. The woman asked if I wanted until Monday to provide an answer---------Ummmmmmm NO, I will accept right now.
Monday, the 16th, I emailed my resignation to my manager. And then the next two weeks dragged by as I finished up some tasks I was assigned and prepared to leave my job and my temporary home in Hooterville.
Finally, finally, finally, July 27th arrived and I was FREE!!!!! Everyone I worked with regularly at HMHS called, pinged or texted me to wish me well except the person I reported to directly. I believe that is a direct reflection of the kind of person he is.
A little get-together was planned at my friend’s house and I invited some former co-workers from CBC. It was a lovely little party and I was elated to get to see my friends before I left. Each of them is so special to me. I don’t have a lot of close friends, but these women remained in my life even after I no longer worked at CBC. They brought lovely gifts and reminders of our friendship that I will treasure. Most of all though, I will cherish their friendship and hope it will stand the test of distance!
Saturday was spent trying to complete the mermaid shadow boxes I hope to sell at a large craft show this fall. I plan on posting them to my Facebook on both my personal page and my House of Krause page. If you see something you like, let me know!!! The photos are not great but you get the idea.
Saturday night was capped off with an evening spent around the fire pit enjoying a wonderful fire, great wine, and great company! A fitting ending to my time in PA. (
Sunday was all about packing and visiting my parents, where I was given the family silverware that I’ve always loved. It wasn’t easy to say goodbye, but thanks to Facetime and Skype, I can see them when I want! I also have a quick trip planned for Thanksgiving. Because we all know that is the best food of the year!!!!! I am also hoping my family will visit me in FL from time to time.
So, now we are up to today and I’ve been sitting in my comfy chair on the auto train for quite some time now. We moved a bit but I guess they are adding the car carriers to the back of the train now. We are scheduled to leave at 4 and it’s about 3:55. The train is not crowded. I was put in the ‘no kids’ car and it is very sparsely populated so everyone has their own row of 2. It will be much easier to relax after dinner and hopefully actually get some sleep.
Dinner is at 5 and I anticipate the menu being exactly the same as it’s been every other time I’ve traveled.
Back from dinner and it is exactly the same menu—edible but not great. After dinner, I decided to pay the bar car a visit and purchase a few adult beverages to drink at my seat. Wonderful idea as I was able to sleep for a few hours!
Made the drive home in about 2 hours or so—completely uneventful. A quick stop at the grocery store and the rest of the day was spent unpacking the car and trying to find new homes for the rest of my belongings. I quickly discovered the closet in my bedroom could in no way accommodate all the clothes. So I began the big purge! Goodwill is going to be the recipient of some very nice clothes and other items!
Thursday I was determined to get everything organized but, it was not to be. I didn’t think I had that much stuff in PA but all the closets, pantry etc. had to be reorganized. I had more stuff than I thought.
Another purge will be in order very soon.
Today, Friday, I spent the morning waiting for the cable guy to show up and move my internet to what will soon be my home office. J I also reorganized the storage areas in the bathroom and linen closet.
As soon as the cable guy is done, I think I deserve a reward! Pool time for this girl!
I wake up in the morning and I’m so happy that I’m finally here!
You go Jill! So thrilled to read about the new job and the official move and I’m very very proud of you! Love the mermaid shadowboxes! They will be prefect to sell in Florida. Don’t work too hard with the unpacking and settling in and good luck with the new job. It sounds perfect!
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