Things I learned this week

• Apparently, this is lizard birthing season here in FL. I have seen hundreds of teeny lizards darting around the sidewalks and plantings around the house. I mean teeny--like an inch or so long. They are still creepy. And I wonder if all the grown lizards have died because I haven't seen any of them. (Note to self: research lizard life expectancy in spare time.)
• I love thunderstorms in the evenings.
• Unless it rains the night before, the pool water is bath temperature this time of year.
• Because this place is a ghost town until the fall, the pool is pretty much empty all day.
• If you go to the pool around 4pm, however, the pool is still empty but there is a 'man club' in full force sitting on the porch at the clubhouse. 
• If you use the pool during 'man club' hours, be prepared to hear lots of bullsh*t, witness lots of alcohol consumption and hear the eff word and other vulgar terms on a regular basis. I am not sure if I am breaking some unspoken rule in using the pool at this time, but I do go in the late afternoon. I may look into wireless waterproof headphones so I can stream my music. The profanity does not bother me, it's the bullsh*t I have a hard time with.
• Although in my mind, I am still kinda young, my real self has reminded me that I am not. I rearranged the furniture in my office/guest room today. Somehow, I've injured my thigh? WTH? 
• Speaking of aging, my real self gave me another wake-up call with the persistent ache in my left arm, diagnosed as tendonitis. I've had 2 cortisone shots and they don't help, so I ordered capsaicin cream and an arm brace. The brace just goes on your arm and when you tighten it, per the reviews, you get relief from the pain. I'm not sure it's working but I kinda feel like an athlete when I am out and about with it on. And as we all know, athlete is not a word someone would ever use to describe me. (This is the girl that flunked gym class--not performance related really, I just skipped that class)    Click HERE if you want a picture.
• Booze is really cheap here. 
• Back to the capsaicin cream, never rub it on your arm and forget to wash your hands and then eat a sandwich. My mouth and lips were burny for hours.
• I bought a blood pressure machine because I had a reaction to the drug the doctor told me to take every day after the cortisone shot that caused my BP to be sky high.  (meloxicam in case you are interested) Another real self-affirmation on aging--I have been taking my BP every day even though it's returned to normal ranges. My real self apparently likes to know those numbers. 
• The sky here is such a gorgeous blue, it can only be called "Florida blue".  I never saw this color in PA--there always seemed to be a thin cloud cover muting the color of the sky.
• I haven't had a decent tomato since I left PA. I miss BLTs and BLATs. sigh. I'm going to investigate farmer's markets to see if I can find better produce. I am also going to research growing my own tomatoes in this climate. 
• Gas is about 20 - 25 cents a gallon cheaper here than in PA.
• One of the non-sexual, vular topics of the man club today was generators. Hmmmm. Thinking about doing some research on those too. Consumer Reports was discussed and of course, which man had the biggest one.. of course.  (Whatever) 

That's my education for the week. I'm sure I'll learn many new things in the coming weeks, months and years. Stay tuned!!!

jilly

And so it begins!

 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 6^th 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 10^th 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 16^th, 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 27^th 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!