PEEPS. Where on Earth have I been?
Two words: Leaping accomplished.
I have a new job.
This was me seven years ago, just months into a communications job at one of Indiana's top life science companies. I resigned from Saint Joe to take this position, adding more unwanted distance between me and Chicago to start a new chapter with my battered Cobalt, coveted Prada frames (PRA.DA!) and a handful of subscriptions to girl-power magazines.
During those seven years, I added deeper, more adult layers to my life. Luke joined me in Indianapolis and we quickly became engaged; then we got married; then we had three children and oh, yeah, bought our first house. I swapped Glamour for Runner's World. I took up coffee and lost my gallbladder.
I wonder (naively) if I'll ever experience so much growth over such a short period of time.
It took me years to adjust to life in Indy. YEARS. I kept thinking about the family I was missing back home, the friends I was struggling to stay in touch with, the big-city atmosphere that was just as inspiring to me as the ocean. For almost as long as I've been here, and as recently as this spring, I've ugly cried talked to Luke about moving back.
But only at the end of those seven years did it become clear to me (us) that I (we) needed closure with Chicago. I was locked in a Ross-and-Rachel love affair with the city, always with one foot in the door, constantly revisiting the "Will we or won't we?" issue. But no more. For the child-rearing period of our lives, at least, Indianapolis is home. Hoosiers, you're welcome.
And of course, as is the way of life, closing the door on Chicago opened a window in my career.
On my last day with my dear friends and former coworkers Raquel and Jen, two of the best things to come from my first stint in Indy.
My new job came about six weeks ago after almost a year of soul-searching, networking and buying lots of jackets (hashtag: CouponsFromTheLimited). The company is a higher education services provider that helps colleges build online versions of their nursing programs, and I am their first content manager. The fast pace and short learning curve have kept me on my toes, and my commute is a little longer, so I'm still struggling to find a rhythm in my new routine. I may have pulled a Steel Magnolias in a bathroom stall last week at church.
But I continue to be surrounded by wonderful people, and I'm training myself to turn more to God when I'm stressed, and I'm taking better care of myself. It's going to be okay.
And ... that's Day 1 of NaBloPoMo. BOO.YAH.
Well aren't I happy to read this and be your first commenter! And I'm thrilled that you are going to do nablopomo!! Congrats on the new job and on making a Big Adult Life Decision. Your faithful readers will be as stoked as I am for the upcoming month of posts. Good luck!
Posted by: eva | November 02, 2012 at 01:11 AM
I feel so honored to not only have a mention in your blog but to have my picture on there too. I am so happy that I got to be a part of the last 5 years of your adult transformation. You crammed a lot into those years but handled it magnificently (that's a word that doesn't get enough use). :) I also was able to gain a wonderful friend with the greatest family and three of the sweetest kids on the planet. I miss seeing you every day but love that we will be friends forever no matter where our lives take us!
Posted by: Raquel | November 02, 2012 at 06:42 AM
How do you barely look a day older than you did in that picture from 7 yrs ago? Did you not get the memo that 3 children are supposed to AGE you? :)
Congrats on the new job and finding your groove with it. All change is rough, even if it's what you want.
Posted by: StateofKate | November 02, 2012 at 07:49 AM
Congrats on the new gig! So happy that you're participating in NaBloPoMo too this year!! I've missed your blogging.
Posted by: Liz | November 02, 2012 at 10:20 AM
The family of five comes first and that means the job comes first in an operational way. Everyone else knows that and stands by helping and not in the way. Your the best. Peace and Joy.
Posted by: daddyd | November 02, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Glad to see you back in this space! :-)
I'm a Hoosier down in Bloomington and it's nice to read someone so close to home. I'm going to be finishing up my nursing degree in May and will be applying to hospitals in Indy. Don't look forward to a commute but I do look forward to everything the future holds.
Hope to see you here a lot this month!
Posted by: Brandy | November 03, 2012 at 02:10 PM
Congratulations on the new job and to the fine start to a month of blogging.
Posted by: Molly | November 04, 2012 at 01:39 PM