Guess I can no longer consider myself new here.
Do you recall the trials experienced getting here? My posts of one year ago seem like a lifetime ago. Here are the highlights of the past year:
1. On June 2nd, 2008, we left our big farmhouse in Maine practically empty - with the exception of some bakery cases left in Abbracci.
On that rainy day, we began our trek to Florida with the F150 packed to the hills.
2. We made it to NJ safe & sound & enjoyed a quick visit with my family & three of the SHU-gals.
3. We stopped in NC after NJ, for another great family visit before heading to our final destination. Of course, we had truck trouble, which caused us to stay in GA before completing our journey.
Upon arrival to Ocala, Florida, things were not as we had hoped... including the devasting disaster of our ABF Rental Truck - where nearly all of our belongings were damaged during the move.
And, of course, the shipment of my VW didn't go free-of-issues, either.
But I refuse to digress...
Upon arrival to Ocala, Florida, things were not as we had hoped... including the devasting disaster of our ABF Rental Truck - where nearly all of our belongings were damaged during the move.
And, of course, the shipment of my VW didn't go free-of-issues, either.
But I refuse to digress...
4. After we got settled in, during that first month we did get to site-see a bit, which included Daytona, Clearwater (off of Tampa), & Universal Studios.
5. In between working for the folks we were living with & writing articles for an online paper, I got a job at the local mall, where, fortunately, the people I worked with were absolutely fabulous - making my "shifts" bearable.
All the while I continued interviewing for that much needed full-time job. Dunknow if you all recall but the one I thought that was "in the bag" with my previous employer fell through.
All the while I continued interviewing for that much needed full-time job. Dunknow if you all recall but the one I thought that was "in the bag" with my previous employer fell through.
6. Thankfully, people like to visit Florida, so I had some great visits over the year. My Aunt & Uncle, Cheryl, Josetta & her family, Marcella (my sister) & her family, Anneliese & Laura, & BFF PJ.
7. Luckily, I got re-hired by my prior employer (1995-2005) & began my new career as an Auto Insurance Underwriter in late October.
8. I successfully completed a 5 month training course for this new job, while becoming friends with the wonderful employees I was training with.
Maria, the fashionista I posted about previously who introduced me to delicious Chipotle & pampered me with a pedicure at Christmastime; Lisa, she always makes me laugh, & she can read my thoughts just by looking in my eyes (scary!); Chad, the gregarious singer who will be getting married by year's end; Ben, the best dressed employee - he has the smarts of a future Forbes lister with a girlfriend who is just as smart & sweet; Ashley, the perky one I competed with at the "group" interview, luckily she has been recently placed on the team I am on; Brian, he teases me for all of SHU's failing sports - he drives a Hummer, although he looks more like he should drive a BMW or a Mustang (sorry! That's just what I think!).
And our beloved teachers, Jeanne & Terry. Of course, you can never judge a book by it's cover - Jeanne, at first came across downright mean to me but ended up being just the sweetest woman ever; Terry, who not only helped me with my Underwriting training but has greatly assisted me in my weight loss goals (he aspires to be a Fitness Trainer).
I wish I had a group shot of all of us, as I would include it here (with their permission).
Maria, the fashionista I posted about previously who introduced me to delicious Chipotle & pampered me with a pedicure at Christmastime; Lisa, she always makes me laugh, & she can read my thoughts just by looking in my eyes (scary!); Chad, the gregarious singer who will be getting married by year's end; Ben, the best dressed employee - he has the smarts of a future Forbes lister with a girlfriend who is just as smart & sweet; Ashley, the perky one I competed with at the "group" interview, luckily she has been recently placed on the team I am on; Brian, he teases me for all of SHU's failing sports - he drives a Hummer, although he looks more like he should drive a BMW or a Mustang (sorry! That's just what I think!).
And our beloved teachers, Jeanne & Terry. Of course, you can never judge a book by it's cover - Jeanne, at first came across downright mean to me but ended up being just the sweetest woman ever; Terry, who not only helped me with my Underwriting training but has greatly assisted me in my weight loss goals (he aspires to be a Fitness Trainer).
I wish I had a group shot of all of us, as I would include it here (with their permission).
9. I live in an absolutely beautiful apartment complex with lots of lux, including a gorgeous pool area.
10. I have had some crazy hair-raising issues, to say the least...
11. Recently visited Sandy Key Park Beach off of Tampa & it was just glorious. I adore living close to so many different beach areas...
12. Found two awesome ice cream shops: Bruster's & Cold Stone Creamery (c'mon, you didn't actually think this list would not include food!?). Bruster's has an awesome saying, "It will make your tongue jump out & slap your brains"!!!
13. Looking forward to the year ahead & grateful for all the past year taught me.
13. Looking forward to the year ahead & grateful for all the past year taught me.
Be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. -Buddha
P.S. If you noticed, #10 is missing. It is: "I have had some crazy hair issues, to say the least" - but I've wasted too much time trying to get it to post correctly with the photos & all... For some nutso reason my spacing is all weird on this post & #10 is mysteriously missing... Ugh! Sorry folks! :)
Posts
4 comments:
So its been a very busy year!
The pics of Abbracci's made me
feel really sad and wistful. Sure do miss you and the cafe.
Im really happy to see you are surrounding yourself with new friends. That's so good for you.
BTW I was going to send you cupcakes too but Jules beat me to it! LOL!
PS they make 100 calorie ones that are pretty good.
I can't believe it's been a year. Boy does time fly!
Well, Lady, your recap just proves what a resilient human being you are. After everything you have experienced in 4 years, this past year has brought you even more curve balls --- and you truly can catch! You inspire all of us with your determination and positive attitude. Remember your friends on LI - we still got your back.
A year already? Are you sure?
When are you coming HOME?
Post a Comment