Nashville Update

I started my job today. I’m not sure exactly what to think yet. There are so many aspects that I don’t really know or understand that I’m feeling pretty dumb right now. Of course this is expected when starting anything new, especially a new job. But there’s not even a way for me to really jump in and start learning. I’m going through old files to see what’s been done in the past, but there’s only so much information you can glean from that. And how long should I expect to be doing this? I’m not someone to sit idly by when there’s work to be done. I’m not trying to sound negative already- I’m just bored. I know that will change soon; that I just need to be patient, but…

The people I work with all seem nice. I’m a bit concerned though about my position, because I’m a bone of contention (me being hired, not me personally) between my boss and two other people in the office. I guess that means only showing my sweet side for now…(yes I really do have one!)

On another note: I love IKEA, but I’m not sure how much I like Atlanta, GA (sorry Catherine, but I did say hi to the city for you). I drove to Atlanta on Saturday with the sole purpose of going to Ikea. First of all, the internet directions I got from their website were wrong. I didn’t get too far lost and eventually did find the store without even stopping to ask for directions. I was pretty pleased with myself. But then, just trying to drive through Atlanta, around the downtown area, was absolutely insane! I’ve driven through major cities before and dealt with bad traffic, but this was ridiculous. I will say this though, Ikea is right next to this cute little shopping area that might be worth visiting someitme, if I have someone to shop with. I did buy a lovely coffee table and a dresser while there. I also scouted some other pieces, but they are too much for me to handle on my own. The pieces I got were almost too much as it was. Part of it is still in my car, I couldn’t get all of it up to my apartment at once.- at the risk of sounding like a wimp.

One other quick note before I have to go: I MISS Y’ALL VERY MUCH!!! Hugs to everyone!

New Beginnings...

Well, I'm here in Nashville. I've been here for almost a week. I haven't really met anyone, other than salesmen at the various stores I've shopped. But so far, things are going well. New things I've done (or mostly bought):
- Custom ordered a couch, charcoal gray microfiber with a merlot finish for the wooden legs.
- Purchased a new mattress/box spring, but haven't decided upon a head board/foot board yet.
- Bought a brand new washer and dryer, delivered yesterday
- Spent a lot of money on a Macbook computer
- Drove to the outer regions of Nashville to get a driver's license, then to another part to get the emissions checked on my car, then to another spot to get my new license plates
- Dealing with new apartment management, who is offended over any small problem I find with the apartment. There's not been much wrong, only typical things that you see in any apartment, but management's been touchy about anything I find, like they can't believe that I'd find anything wrong at all!
I'm only about half un-packed, as my apartment is smaller than I expected and I'm struggling to find space for everything.

I start my job on Monday. I'm glad I'll have something to do other than unpacking and shopping. I've stayed busy enough that I haven't had to deal with lonliness yet, at least until last night. Last night was my first Thursday night away from my Survivor family. Though I couldn't miss the shows, they were still hard to watch and even harder to laugh at without everyone around. I started to say something once and actually stopped myself so I wouldn't break the rules of no talking, even though no one was there to shush me.

I still feel this is where God wants me, but I think there are some bumps in the road headed my way...

My Special Friend

I have a very special friend. Her name is Tracy. Tracy spoils me like no friend I've ever had before. She buys me special gifts and takes me out to fancy dinners (Thanks for Saturday Night!). She cancels her plans with her husband to have one last night on the town with me before I leave (Thanks Tyler, by the way). But the best things about Tracy- we have MANY, MANY shared memories (most of which I have not revealed to anyone else ever) and she understands me a little too well! (Just for an example: at my senior recital, she bought the exact same bouquet of flowers for me that my mom and I had picked out as the centerpiece for the reception table.)

Tracy, I'm not trying to make you cry (though I'm tearing up right now), but I will miss you VERY much! Your friendship has and always will mean so much to me. I hope you can visit soon. (And no, you cannot share those stories with anyone else!)

Countdown

Well, the countdown until my move has officially begun. I say goodbye to DM one week from today. Today is the last Friday I will work at my current job. Tonight is the last dinner I will have with all my DM girlfriends. It will be a week of lasts and goodbyes. How can someone be so sad and so excited all at the same time? 'Cause that's how I'm feeling. I know I'm going to probably cry a lot this week (tears well just thinking about it). I know I'm going to terribly miss so many loved ones- people who have shared their hearts, souls and lives with me (see previous blog). But I'm also excited for the new adventure that lays before me, despite the uncertainty it holds.

I want to give a big shout of THANKS to all the people that helped to make my birthday extra special. Between the gifts, the cards filled with laughter and tears and of course all the cheesecake, this will not be a day easily forgotten. Big Hugs to y'all!