On the move and loving it........

I sat here day after day, not very happy with what was going on in my life and didn't do anything about it for a very long time. Then one day I realized no one was going to change anything for me. I needed to do that myself. Getting this new job has put a new twist on life. Coupled with joining the YMCA and the travel that is required with the job, I can tell you, I've been on the move a lot lately.

It seems like this new job has put a new lease on life.

Actually, that's only partly true. Vacation had nothing to do with the job other than the requested time off before accepting it.

The day trip to King's Domain has much to do with the job. It was a lovely way to get to know my management team members at work without the usual daily stress the job brings. We spent the day playing games and learning how to work together as a team. Then went out for a refreshment and laughed and joked for another hour and a half. Pretty cool.

The trip to Columbus earlier this week for three days did. The business conference was a true learning experience, if only I could process it all. Twelve mini modules in two days is almost too much, but at least you do come away with most of it.

The trip to Put in Bay this past weekend was to die for. The quality family time. Relaxing. Strengthening family relationships. The beauty of the Island. We camped. We cooked out of doors. We even managed to find a park that almost no one else spent any time in to spend our days. The guys dropped a line in the water and fished. The women socialize and kept a keen eye on the munchkins. I like to watch the kids, even when the oldest one gets frustrated because she can't keep up with the men when baiting a hook. The little guy was a treat from start to finish. I love to hear him sing and watch him dance. And in the tent at night, I even got a taste of the funky chicken. You ask, what's that? Believe me, you don't want to know.

Then there is the business trip at the beginning of next week. I will be gone one day short of a week. That's a lot of cloths and stuff to pack! I almost wish it were in a town I was familiar with. And if not that, closer to home. But then again, I may find another new friend or vacation spot.

I get to spend the day mentoring with someone who holds the same job I have. It should be really interesting. The evening will be spent in a hotel, for a week. Who knows, I may need the time to myself. I'm a little worried about flying but I know God will be with me.

What's up after that, I have no idea. Hopeful, more of the same.

Quote: Life is a picnic and we are the ants! Celebrate.

God Bless. Good Night.

Catching up........

Life has been way too busy. It seems like forever since I have been in the blog world (even thought it has only been nine days). With the new job and a vacation all in the past month I have a lot of bloggers and blogging to catch up on.

Before talking the job I told them I already had plans to go out of town over the Memorial Day holiday. All total, I was gone six days. It seemed like a lot longer than that. I visited my dear, dear friends Pam and Frank in South Carolina. Actually, she lives right on the border of North and South Carolina, near Charlotte. I relaxed, swam, shopped, socialized and spent a lot of time on the front porch reading. All the key elements required for a great vacation.

And no matter how long or how great a vacation is, it's interesting how quickly we jump right back into our work and the daily things that make our lives what they are.

The new job is coming along nicely. Makes me wonder why it took me almost a year to make the change. There is always a lot going on, which is the way I like it. If you are a planner and want the day to go just as planned, this is definitely not the job for you. Me, I just go with the flow. Take it as it comes. It's a lot more interesting that way.

The in town training is finished, for now, I continue to learn the ins and outs of the job and continue to become more familiar with the computer programs required for the job. Later this month I have two more trainings scheduled out of town.

My boss continues to be a real sweetheart, as do all the other management staff I have come in contact with. Any thing I need, they try really hard to assist me.

As for my staff of about 22, I think they think I just fell off a pumpkin truck or something. I know they have had the opportunity to pretty much do what the wanted (within reason, of course) for a really long time because the girl in my position was promoted from within and wasn't a very strong leader, which is why she stepped down and they hired me. The team found it hard to respect her in the ways she needed to get the job done. She was relieved to have someone else take the reins.

Don't get me wrong, they are a GREAT team and they work hard and care very much for those residents. But why not try the water with a new manager on board. See how deep it is or what the temperature of the water is. Even the lead person that held the position before me, tried. I love it!

I now look forward to going to work and have been spending way too many hours there, but the residents and staff make it all worth it.

So.... If your having a hard time in your job and you think there isn't a way out, there is. Sometimes change is good. Sometimes we stay in jobs that offer nothing when we could be getting great rewards from our jobs. Besides, we spend the greater part of out waking hours at work. It might as well be something we enjoy doing.

Quote for the day: Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Embrace it.