Almost a year has gone by since I last wrote... so much has happened, where do I begin. Well the beginning is always a decent spot. After finishing my volunteer stint with the United Way I literally prayed every night for an employment opportunity to come my way. Well folks, be careful what you pray for, especially when you pray in "general" terms. You may get exactly what you asked for - in general. My prayers were answered and I was offered a position with a small global insurer. It was an adventure, working with folks that did not want assistance or change and didn't want to pay for expertise but wanted to drain my brain. So, for the first time in 40 years of working I quit a job. I actually quit. No job in the wings, no solid prospects I quit... talk about embracing change. In the past I would have stressed and stayed. Retiring however has brought about a new liberation; the ability to walk away from what does not make me happy or satisfied. During the same time period I learned a lesson when it comes to working with "quasi" family. Apparently some "quasi" family are of the opinion that they can stiff you when it comes to honoring their obligations. I have always felt that chasing people down to get paid is such an unattractive effort. But it is definetly an effort worth pursuing especially if you provided a service in earnest that your business associate benefited from and, also worth pursuing in order to ensure they honored their agreement. Needless to say that association ended (after payment was received of course).
Then a call from a former boss saying "have I got an opportunity for you". And, it turned out to be a great opportunity consulting in my area of expertise. A new adventure working almost 3000 miles from home. I went from having no frequent flyer miles to being an "A List" member in just weeks and from having no hotel points to being a Platinum Card holder. The consulting resulted in a lot of miles and, a lot of hotel meals. I liked the company, enjoyed the challenge and the folks I worked with were and are truly genuine. A position became available and I opted to stay on as an executive with the company. More change to embrace. For the first time in my adult life I am living on my own, my husband and family remain at home and we commute. I married young at 18 and moved from my parent's home to an apartment with my husband and from the point forward - 2 marriages and 3 children I have always lived with other people. So imagine the change going from always being surrounded by folks and cooking for several people to coming home to solitude and cooking for one. Believe me it is a change to embrace... and everyone should experience it.
I live in an area of the country where the scenary is the main attraction, beautiful mountains, great trails, and the most expansive sky I have ever seen. The pace is slower but the experience very sweet.
So at 56 I am still chasing adventure and embracing change. I am buying a road bike in the spring. I bought a jeep upon relocation and am preparing for "jeeping" and off-roading on the designated trails. My plan is to get back into running or at least walking on a regular basis.
2011 was a pretty good year. It was the year I decided to do things that were good for me. Embracing the change and enjoying it!
