Tid-Bits #2

Random comment heard today as I perused dresses at JCPenny's:

Woman to her Friend: "You gotta hold 'em like you hold an Ox".

My eyes got THIS BIG and I thought, WOW! I heard that all wrong. Then she said it again and it was exactly what I heard. I had to leave the area for fear of demonstration and I was starting to laugh...nervously.
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Why didn't any of you remind me to shop for dresses for the honeymoon? Huh? I completely forgot about clothes for the honeymoon with all the last minute wedding stuff going on. I'll have to raid Sarah's closet or she will be forced to go frantic shopping with me a few days before the wedding.

Yes, I know I'm leaving for Italy a full week after the wedding. You have obviously not taken into account that I am coming back to Virginia to work my 4 over night shifts then flying back to Florida 1 day before we leave for Italy.

Yes. I will be a very tired little wifey, probably cranky and all bossy too. (Consider yourself warned, Honey!)
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On the clothing note, I've tried on a few jeans/pants that wouldn't button - well not even remotely comfortably anyway - and they FIT! COMFORTABLY!! Somehow, against all odds, I've actually found a diet that is healthy and working. WOOT! I just wish I had found it sooner! O-well, I'll take what I can get!

Now lets just hope Mom has time to take in my dress this much. Last time I tried it on --um two weeks ago -- it was already loose, I know it's even more so now.
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I've noticed that walking the local park trails is fantastic for the ol' back-end. The hills aren't steep but they are a steady looooong incline. By the time I get to the top, my gluteus maximus is begging for a break. I've never had this experience in Florida - it's so flat there.

(SEE! I told you I would try to say something positive about Virginia!)
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I'm packing up to move in to Sarah's house for the next couple of months and I've decided I've brought entirely too many clothes. I normally don't pack this much but how do you decide what/what not to bring when you 1) are going to be living in two different states for several months, 2) are starting a new job and have no idea what to wear 3) don't understand the weather in the new state and 4) have this wedding/honeymoon thing going on.

I don't think I thought this out very well. No, I know I didn't. I was way to frantic trying to get wedding things done and pack.

I'd take some of it back with me, just to be rid of it and not have to drag it around, but it's already here and it's got to be here sooner or later. Right? The bad thing, by the time we come back from Italy, it should be much warmer here (hope, pray, crossing fingers) and I'll have to bring up some Summer clothes.
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The final countdown has started. I get married in 10 days. Those of you who have known me for years are probably as confused as I am. I swore, absolutely SWORE, I'd never do this. And here I am - getting hitched.

Actually, I remember a conversation in my high school parking lot with Sarah, Jill and Dana (I think). We always knew Dana would be the first to get married, but Sarah said I'd be next since I was so set against it. HA! Out of the 4 of us - I AM the last one standing!
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The job is still going well and I'm still liking the night shifts. Yes, I am a freak!

Morning! or Evening!....Afternoon?

Hello world!

I'm awake. I'm even functioning.

The night shifts aren't as bad as I thought they'd be. Actually, they've turned out to be a good thing. Nights are slower and the techs that I am working with have time to train me on the machines that will eventually be 'mine'. They call me their engineer - which I think is funny - but it is exactly what I am. I will be (after they finish stuffing my brain with stuff) their engineer.

The worst part about the night shift is not feeling like there is a break between the times that I have to go back to work. I work 12 hours, go home and go directly to bed, then I get up with just enough time to eat dinner, shower, dress and get out the door for another shift. The upside, 3 or 4 days off (depending on the week) in a row. Which is why I'm in Florida, dethawing, right now.

I shouldn't complain so much about Virginia. I know, without a doubt, that this was the right decision and we will adjust to the differences between the two states. I'm just so home sick. It would be so much easier if Matt was able to come up with me, but again, him staying here was also the right decision. Actually, it was the only decision - this is the way it has to be right now. I promise, once I and we get settled, I won't be so fussy.

Actually, I'm going to do my very best to be more positive about this whole thing from this moment on. Not only for your sakes, but for my peace of mind - and for Matt. Poor thing - he has to put up with me more than you guys do!

And did I tell you? We get married in 3 weeks. 3! Three! Tres!
HOLY FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, BATMAN!!!
It seems like just yesterday we were talking about cakes and such.

Lately, a lot of people are asking both of us if we're getting nervous and no, we're not. We feel the same about this now as we did 9 months ago. It's time and it's right. If we were nervous about this, we wouldn't be doing it. We've been together for so long - I can't imagine any real change. And yes, I know, everyone says it's SO different. I'll let you know what I think about the differences when we get there!

That's it for now. I'm going out to enjoy the warm, sunny Florida weather while I'm here.

Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight

Tonight, I will do my best to stay up as late as I possibly can. Tomorrow evening I start my first 12 hour night shift. I'm looking forward to it and a bit hesitant at the same time. I'm finally going to start learning my job and getting my "hands dirty", but HOLY! 12 hours over night. I start my shift at 6:30pm and get off at 7am - hopefully I won't fall asleep on the job.

On the upside, I leave Saturday morning (immediately after my 12 hour shift) for HOME! Warm, toasty, humid, air not so thin home. I'm so looking forward to being warm again. I have never hurt so bad for so long in all my life. My hands stay cold and blue and just barely bending my knuckles is extremely painful - stupid Raynauds. And my lower back is stiff and cranky. Sigh. I really hope I like this job, I'm not digging the weather so far.

Of course, I can't wait to see Matt. I miss him so much - and the Critter Crew. I never realized how much I'd miss just having him around to pester, pick on and giggle with. The plan is to pick up my dress from the cleaners on Saturday afternoon and drive straight to Ft. Myers so my Mother can finish working on it (just minor touch ups). We will stay overnight and leave Sunday afternoon for an evening meeting with the wedding coordinator and owner of the wedding site. We will have dinner with Matts parents on Monday and I will be back on a plan Tuesday evening. Yes, it will be a very busy few days, but I'll be home and warm.

Virginia isn't all bad, I've enjoyed my early evening walks through the parks here. It's a change of scenary and a bit more challenging with the hills. I've learned to bundle up with gloves and a hat, especially when the wind is whipping around (with the sole intention of making me miserable) and I'm even becoming accustomed to the strange looks I get from the natives. Apparently, they think this is Spring-time and are out running the trails in shorts and short-sleeve shirts. Nutcases! This morning, the weather man said 30 degrees - that does NOT feel very Springy to me.

Anyway, I have no idea when I'll be coherent again, so if you don't hear from me for a while, I'll either be sleeping or wandering around in a zombie like state. Just prop me in a corner if you find me fallen over someplace.

Feelin' the Love

You guys should go visit Sarah's post here and see some really funny pictures of us through the years, including some high school photos. It verifies that we are really this old. Although, I'll never admit it and I will always refuse to act my age - whatever "acting my age" is supposed to be!

As for the job, everything is moving right along. Nothing really exciting to report. The first three days are orientation and seem to last forever - as every orientation does. I have a lot of training classes to take and a lot of catching up and learning to do. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. Or maybe this is over excitment. I'm not sure.

The first month, beginning next Wednesday, I will be pulling 12 hour shifts over night with a senior team in order to help me get up to speed as soon as possible. I'm not sure how I'll do on an over night shift, but I'll do whatever it takes to get where I need to be for this job. With any luck, I will learn quickly and be able to start my normal 8 hour "1st shift" (8a-5p) when I come back from our honeymoon.
(Mmmmm...Hon-ey-moooooooonn...Squeek!)

Don't laugh too hard at the pictures - we were only whipper-snappers!

Situated

Just checking in with a few tid-bits for everyone.

I arrived in Northern Virginia at 8:30am Saturday morning. The train ride up was uneventful and it didn't take long to get my car off the train and be on my way. I settled into my new apartment, found a place for breakfast and set off exploring, staying fairly close to the area between work and my apartment. Today I ventured much farther out and had a good time discovering new little towns and sites. (between the state road map I bought and my GPS unit, I never felt lost or worried). I found a few beautiful parks with breathtaking views and as I walked around, I had a feeling come over me that I couldn't ignore.

"This is right. As hard as it was to leave, this is where we are supposed to be right now and we will be happy here."

I know Matt will love it here. He's been talking about moving out of Florida for quite a while now. He's been ready for this change. I will be much happier when he finally makes the journey up so we can start settling in and planting roots.

On with the tid-bits:

1. I start work tomorrow at 7:30am. What? I have to get up to an alarm clock? Who says? Why?

2. I must really want this job, I ironed my pants. (remind to hire a presonal ironer when I get rich and yes, that is a word, I checked.)

3. Road names are hysterical here; Frying Pan, Pohick, Popes Head.... tee hehehehehehe

4. There are at least 3 other people from Florida living in my apartment building according to their license plates. Weird.

5. You thought I was joking when I said I was "buying 6 gallons of Publix diet Sweet Tea" didn't you? Silly internets, you don't know me very well, do you? Never under-estimate an addict. (I only bought 4 because that's all they had. I will be bringing up more when I come back from my visit).

6. I woke up at 6am last night freezing and very upset that I didn't have my toe warmer with me (aka: Matt). Thank goodness he talked me into bringing "Boyfriend" along.

(Matt bought me this space heater a couple of years ago for Christmas because I am perpetually cold. I told Matt that I didn't need him any longer since I had a new boyfriend that would keep me warm, hence the name, "Boyfriend.")

7. The mall here has a Target and a Wal-mart IN it. The mall has just become my favorite place.
8. I am SPOILED! I miss my big TV and Tivo/DVR. I had to watch TV on this itty-bitty thing that is the size of my (home) microwave and I couldn't rewind or fast-forward through commercials. My head almost exploded last night.

That's it for now. I'll try to remember to bring my camera the next time I go exploring and put up some pretty pictures (as pretty as they can get with my point and shoot). Wish me luck tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll probably be all squirrelly in the head seeing as I haven't had to be up at that hour in a very long time. I see some adjusting in my future. You think?

And Away I Go

I leave in the morning for Orlando where my car and I will board a train bound for Northern Virginia. I will be arriving Saturday morning, bright and early. I start my new job on Monday. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit apprehensive.

No. That statement is a complete lie. I'm scared out of my wits.

I'm moving away from everyone I know, the place I grew up in and I'm doing it without my soon-to-be husband. It's just kind of depressing. This would be much more exciting if Matt was coming with me.

There is one person who is waaaay too excited about this move. Sarah. From the email she sent me today, she's been house hunting for me. She found a very very nice house for us and yet, it seems she's forgotten one thing - we need to find Matt employment first.

So, Sarah, if you're bored, (HA!) I suggest starting with possible job opportunities for my man. Then we'll talk houses.

I'll update everyone as soon as I get situated. In the meantime, could everyone work on sending some warmer air to Virginia? Please. Don't make me beg!

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

Ok, maybe not. I'm driving. I will be leaving the 14th of March for Virginia. I officially start my new job on the 17th. I had originally planned to stay at least another week, but it just wasn't going to work with their orientation schedule. So, off I go. I will be leaving before Matt gets back from his Vegas Bachelor party so he will not be driving up with me and I will not get a chance to say good-bye. I plan on stopping in S.C. to stay overnight before venturing on as I've never driven this distance by myself and don't want to try it all at once the first time. I've bought a portable GPS, which I should be getting tomorrow, for the drive up and to help me learn the area.

I'm just a wee-bit frazzled. I have tons to do. Cleaning out closets and dressers, packing clothes that I will be taking with me and making sure I have what I need for the weather and the job. Not to mention cleaning out things we don't need any longer or packing the things that can be packed now (books & cds, etc). I still have some wedding stuff to do - really, it's just making sure that some things are solidly in place. Although, I still haven't heard from the caterer (after several calls) or the DJ - HUFF! Oh! And we have to get our marriage license before I leave (forgetting that would baaaaaaaaaaad). Whatever else pops up, Matt is perfectly capable of handling and I trust him.

Also, and most importantly, I must go to Publix before I leave and buy at least 6 gallons of their "Diet Sweet Tea." I am addicted to the stuff (not to mention the store) and I am sure I will not survive without it. I will go into a favorite grocery store withdrawl just like Sarah did, I'm sure. I will also need employ someone to occassionally buy me a stash of Publix tea and send it up to me (I will pay, of course). Any takers?

I don't know where I'll be staying yet. Either at Sarah's house or the Corporate Housing. I think the first month will be in the housing they offered me and then I will move into Sarah's for 2-3 months until we find a house and Matt moves up with the Critter Crew. Right now, Matt will probably be coming up sometime in July. It will be a lonely few months without him, but this is what we must do to get where we need to be. I'm glad I have friends already up there though, it makes moving without him easier.

Well, off to work I go...

Dancing In the Streets

Monday morning I was up bright and early talking to myself in my hotel room as I was getting ready for my job interview.

--Yes, talking to myself. You know that practicing we all do in front of the mirror before a speech or presentation or interview - and don't tell me you don't do it. I won't believe you. Anyway... --

I realized in the middle of all this dressing and talking that I hadn't gotten nervous yet. Not one ounce of the jitters. Nothing. I thought ,"Uh-oh. Where did I put the jitters? Did I even remember to pack them? Great! Now, I'm going to have a nervous fit in the middle of this interview and just die."

Well, I'm happy to say the interview went fine. I would daresay great even. I didn't die, there were no last minute jitters or sweating or nausea. I just went in there and talked to a lot of people. I got there at 9:30am and I didn't leave until 2:30pm. I spoke with 6 people and felt pretty good about it all. The recruiter was the first and last person I spoke with and he informed me at the end that he could extend a preliminary offer to me as everybody's interview notes were in my favor. WOOT!

At that, it was time for me to go and after the hand-shaking and thank you formalities, I made my way to the car. Do you want to know what happened next? I got in the car and DIED! Apparently, the jitters had just woken up, hungover and angry, and hit me hard for about 2 minutes. I'm pleased they waited until after the interview but I could have done without them altogether.

That evening, I found my way to Sarah's house for a few hours where she proved to be the greatest friend ever and had a cold beer waiting for me. And that, my internet friends, is why Sarah and I have been friends for so darn long. We know when the other just needs a beer. Oh, and good chinese take-out. (Thanks Sarah!)

The next day proved to be taxing to say the least. I finally made it home after 3 hours of flight delays, 1 missed connection flight and 1 last-minute-run-to-the-gate flight rescheduling. Matt's parents picked me up at the airport and I could not have been happier to see two people. I was even surprised to see that, somehow, my luggage acutally made it home with me as well. I thought for sure it was still in Charlotte or DC.

The call came about 5:00 yesterday evening from the recruiter. I have an official offer on the table which includes a pretty good salary, great bonus, relocation package and benefits. I accepted the offer as Matt and I had already discussed this possibility. Though we are still ironing out the details, we will be moving to Northern Virginia in the very near future.

I'm nervous and excited and a little sad and excited and nervous some more. The funny thing is, I don't think it's really hit me yet.

As a side note, call this Karma or Providence or just dumb luck, but Matt was told yesterday afternoon that his job would not be re-contracting and his last day will be June 30th. Someone or something had this all planned out. This is our sign that it is time to move on up and out.

Let Us Pray...

I'm flying to northern Virginia this Sunday for a job interview in Manassas. Let's all say a small prayer, to whatever deity makes you giggle, that things go well. As much "fun" as it's been being unemployed, I am very much looking forward to getting back to work. I'm bored. Especially since the wedding planning is pretty much done.

While I'm there, I hope to visit with Sarah for a few hours. She's going to think I'm stalking her if I keep showing up on her doorstep like this. Matt and I visited in January and if I get this job, we will only live approximately 30 minutes from her.

I swear I am not stalking her. Well, not too much. The possibilitiy of us moving to northern Virginia just 2 years after she did, is just a coincidence. I promise.

Anyway. I fly back home on Tuesday and will hopefully have a feeling of how the interview went. Ideally, I will have a new job to look forward to. I'll keep you posted.