So Friday was the last day of work and I didn't really know what to expect. I had been there since Labor Day weekend of 2009, so after a year and a half you really get to know the employees and regular customers. I had never been late, called off (except for the week I had walking pneumonia) or caused any problems with anyone. I would like to think that I benefited the company and that they were gracious for my time and energy there. My last day however was wished farewell by a few people and that was it for the main store area. It just showed me how much I needed to get out of there and what a thankless job it was.
In August of last year, I was transferred over to the pharmacy to begin training as a tech a few days a week. As each month passed, my hours increased in that department until I was working all of my shifts over there and essentially was there 5 days a week. The goodbyes I received from the pharmacy staff however was much better. We had a big cookie cake, balloons, hugs, etc. etc. They are the people I am going to miss and they were the ones who showed their appreciation for me. To Marianne, Amy, Brad, Brandy, Tiff, and Camille (and my old friend Katie who moved to Cali before I left), I will miss you all and love you dearly. You made me laugh, laugh until I cried, and helped me deal with the those frustrating customers. You will be the ones that I come and visit!!!
Yesterday I had a going away party at my Dad's for that side of the family. It was nice and relaxing just eating and hanging out by the fire. The weather was great and it was good just to be around everyone. We had tacos and cabbage and noodles, an interesting combination but delicious! I think I received enough money for the gas to drive out there which will help sooooo much. Though my feet got eaten up by the mosquito's, I had a blast burning all of my work clothes in the fire. Yes, ALL of them! Thank you Dad and Kim for putting it all together!
Today is my going away party for my mom's side of the family, so the fun will begin all over again. While I understand the loneliness that may come once I'm over there, I do not feel any shred of doubt, fear or uneasiness about this move. Everything is just falling into place. I have a place to rest my head when I get there, and a commercial space lined up to start my business. I have some plans, and some things where i am just flying by the seat of my pants. I only have 5 days left until I travel across the country and settle into my new home. I haven't cried yet, and if I do it won't be because I'm sad, but because I know there are people who are sad that I am leaving. Remember everyone....I have two bedrooms so you can come visit me!!!! Oh, and I'll come back too :)
Views from the town
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Racing Mind
So I have been making lists of things I need to do before I move and once I'm in Colorado. I have over 20 things to do, big things like close accounts and sign contracts, in the next two weeks. AHHHHHHHH!!!!! So that was my freak-out moment....but don't worry I attached my head once again and will try to move forward. I started to pack last night and pretty much everything of mine is out of the living room, dining room and kitchen, besides food and picture frames on the walls. Still positive my roommate has 10 times the amount of stuff I do as the place (besides walls of boxes) still looks warm and cozy. Things are moving forward with both an apartment and commercial space to lease. Not doing a bakery anymore, but more excited to do my other idea. A website will be created also so you can actually see what my plans are....just you wait! Other than that, only a few more shifts of work to get through and then I can attack the packing with a vengeance and begin saying my good-byes. Some of which I'm not looking forward to, and others which I am glad to leave behind. Hoping I get a good nights rest of sleep tonight, as this whole week has been filled with weird and crazy dream plots.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Change to Plans
So I could hardly wait anymore to move, so I decided to just forget everything and do it. Yes, that's right. I'm moving early!!!! The only reason I was waiting until July was to take my summer classes. I cannot tell you how stressed I have been this past week before classes start, already starting assignments when my heart and mind is in a different place. I was thinking and praying about all of the stress and internal discomfort I was feeling about staying for school. I felt that my vacation in May should have been my move and I should have not come back. I realized then that when God calls you to do something, YOU SHOULD DO IT THEN! So I withdrew from my in-person classes (still taking my online one) and am making the change earlier.
I will admit that turning in my two weeks notice is a thing I thought would never happen, mostly because I felt I would be stuck in my position forever and never leave. But now, knowing that the end of work is coming...in ten short days....time is slipping away from me. I have so much to do in the next few weeks that my mind is still spinning just as fast as when I was waiting. My plan is to leave the first weekend in June and make the long, long, long drive across the US with whatever I can fit into my car. At this point, I don't really have a formal plan, so many think I am crazy, but I think its adventurous. I'm throwing caution to the wind for perhaps the first time in my life and doing what I want when I want to.
So my life is now busy packing (probably not until the day before I go ha ha), looking for a possible place to live, wondering what I will do for work when I get there, saying my farewells, still doing homework and working. My days are not long enough and I need a few clones so I have time to go out and have fun. I wish this was the time I could say what was really on my mind to people, but my mother always taught me to not burn my bridges. So in closing, I guess I will say to those that read this I hope you find something worth giving up everything else for and then DO IT!
I will admit that turning in my two weeks notice is a thing I thought would never happen, mostly because I felt I would be stuck in my position forever and never leave. But now, knowing that the end of work is coming...in ten short days....time is slipping away from me. I have so much to do in the next few weeks that my mind is still spinning just as fast as when I was waiting. My plan is to leave the first weekend in June and make the long, long, long drive across the US with whatever I can fit into my car. At this point, I don't really have a formal plan, so many think I am crazy, but I think its adventurous. I'm throwing caution to the wind for perhaps the first time in my life and doing what I want when I want to.
So my life is now busy packing (probably not until the day before I go ha ha), looking for a possible place to live, wondering what I will do for work when I get there, saying my farewells, still doing homework and working. My days are not long enough and I need a few clones so I have time to go out and have fun. I wish this was the time I could say what was really on my mind to people, but my mother always taught me to not burn my bridges. So in closing, I guess I will say to those that read this I hope you find something worth giving up everything else for and then DO IT!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The Longest Week's Vacation Ever
So my vacation was spectacular, even if it did feel as if I was gone for 3 weeks instead of one! This trip solidified my decision to move and I have total peace inside about everything, with some excitement thrown in. The following is a quick glance of my week there with pictures to follow!
Apr 28 ~ Looks like a full shift of work, then home to pack, eat, get ready! Leaving by 1:00am to the train station in Cleveland. Don't plan on any shut eye until the train is speeding towards Chicago. The extended forecast shows snow, but looks like plenty of sunshine for our days there!
Apr 29 ~ Left Akron at 12:30am, giving us plenty of time to find the train in Cleveland (departing 2:59am). We just about missed it, but circled around the Cleve Stadium and got to our destination. After my stepdad said good-bye, my mom and I settled in to wait ... and boy, did we wait. I'm a people watcher, so that always keeps me occupied. After being up and working, I was now extremely tired. Sleep? naw, amazingly, lots of kids take the train too. There was an amish family speaking yiddish. The train was delayed until 4:15am. They say it happens a lot since freighters have priority. At least that is what a man, who is a frequent traveler, stated. I talked shop as he is a psychologist.
How funny to walk on a moving train ... like drunks. Remember to put the toilet seat down before flushing ... intense pressure. It was hard to get comfortable to sleep, but we got a few hours shut eye. Once the sun came up and streamed through the windows, you couldn't help but watch the countryside. We decided to have breakfast in the dining car. The carnations on the table were real. Ate cinnamon raisin bread and a granola bar instead of paying $10 for breakfast. We dined with a lady who is a teacher, the second person to have the same education as me.
We arrived in Chicago around 9am. Union Station! After walking from the train into the station with a crowd of people, we found the lockers to rent and unload our belongs. And off we went to explore the city! We asked a native where the best Chicago pizza was and he directed us, but too many turns. So, we ended up getting a slice (huge!) near the train station. It was good. Saw wonderful buildings and experienced the windy city. Drivers are as crazy as New York cab drivers. After a few hours, we headed back to the terminal. Our ears were freezing and we didn't want to pay an arm/leg for the lockers. After finding our gate and waiting area, we settled in to wait. Ever sit, lean over and try to rest on your suitcase? It can be done if you try hard. Remember, only slept a few hours in a 24 hr period. Just closed our eyes and rested .... then, a little girl patted the top of my head and when I looked up she was inches away from my face. I was a bit startled and confused and said hello as her mom was pulling her away. She had no front teeth and big glasses just grinning away. I think my multi-colored pillow attracted her. Anyways it was a weird way to wake up. The amish family from Cleveland was there too, now with more members.
We boarded the California Z at 2pm. Our seats were much better and they lounged further back. Awww, yes, watched a bit out the window and drifted to sleep. Woke up around 5:30pm ~ Dinner was $14 on up, so I got a sandwich which was horrible and another granola bar. Can't wait for real food. We settled in the panoramic view car and watched the countryside. Enjoyed the sunset in Iowa.
Apr 30 ~ Watched the sun rise in Nebraska. Got some sleep during the night. Getting anxious now to arrive in Denver. The Amtrak station in Denver is at a temporary location. Upon arrival 7:15am, the sun is bright and deceives as it is shockingly cold outside. Folks meeting and hugging. Pleasing to the eye. We called for our shuttle to take us to Hertz in downtown Denver. Rented a red Corolla and navigated out of the city on our way to Salida. My mom drove while I tried to take pictures. Amazingly, I can read in a car, but trying to take pictures was making me carsick. The roads were dry and the sun was bright. We arrived in Salida (Suh-lye-duh) by 12:30. The lodge is so picture perfect. The owners are a husband and wife team. They are proud of their place. Nice view of the mountains on all sides of us.
SO tired, unpacked and took a nap. Got up for dinner and ate a burger and fries at Country Bounty. Our server told us that Salida means "open doorway" and the locals call Buena Vista "buennie" and it means "beautiful".
May 1 ~ Awake at 5am ~ it snowed during the night. WOW! So much of it! As long as we can get back out of the mountains when it is time to go home ...
Went to the breakfast area and then walked around the grounds a bit to snap a few photos. Decided to do a little grocery shopping since we have a fridge and microwave in the room. Yes, Wal-mart is here too, lol (and SO clean). Then, we drove downtown to see what's what. Sunday, not too much open. Looks like most businesses is for tourist season (of course). Amazing how much snow has fallen, yet the roads are just wet. Wonder if it is from the constant sun shining warmth on the concrete....
I made a snow man and got a few friendly car honks!
We went to dinner at Quincy's. The waitress said "are you familiar with our menu?"...duh .... "we are serving sirloin 7 oz or 9 oz"... that's it? ... "yep". So, sirloin it is!
May 2 ~ Woke up bright and early to see the sunrise over the Rockies. My first stop at 9am is with Chaffee County Offices for a volunteer position with possible hire. The job includes being in the front lines, riding with the police, patting down and handcuffing (fun), arriving at the scene of a death (not much crime in these parts). Death usually means rafting accidents down the river. I want this position really bad! Then went to the Workforce Center to see if I could apply for jobs but what I had done on the internet was all I could do until I move.
Even though it was 24 outside, the bright sun kept us warm. But, after 2 hours, time to come inside and warm up a bit, lol. By the time we ventured out again in the afternoon, the majority of the snow was gone. More tolerable to be out and walk around.
We walked down to the visitor's center and passed my melting snowman. Then, we decided to take a drive to the town's cemetery. We counted 20 deer (at least) just roaming around. Never saw so many in one place. While we were there, the clouds got darker and the air very cold. Little pebbles of snow came down and we ran to the car. As we left the cemetery, we drove out from under the cloud.
For dinner, we went to a mexican restaurant. The vivid colors and decor inside were absolutely beautiful!
May 3 ~ We drove west thru Poncha Springs to Maysville. In Maysville, an old schoolhouse stood pristine against the Rockies. We took a leisurely drive and saw deer everywhere. They blend into the landscape and can be difficult to see. Then, we went downtown Salida again since it is warmer. 54 and (believe it or not) didn't need a coat. The sun truly keeps you warm. We met shopkeepers who wanted to know where we were from. They are gearing up for the summer tourists ... folks have been hit hard from the economy like all of us. They said 90 degrees is the average in the summer. A nice lady said that there are two seasons ... July and winter.
Walked the residential neighborhood downtown and photographed cute homes. Plus, of course, deer roaming from yard to yard. Usually 3 in a pack. Today, many more folks were out and we finally saw kids and teens. Skate boarding, hanging out. Many folks walked dogs in their outdoor gear, but what we saw most was bikers with their dogs running beside them. Here, pedestrians first! Love it! By the afternoon, it got to 65, no coat needed. We ate dinner at Country Bounty again, this time I had country fried steak and it was very good.
May 4~ Today we finally went to Buena Vista. It is about 30 min from Salida and is definitely different. Salida is more tourist, B.V. is more community. At the end of the main street, turn right into a new "green" community being built. Turn left, it is the river, soccer field and trails.
This is where I want to rent and start a bakery selling cakes and other goodies. There is a building with a clock tower that is for rent. At the edge of the community is the river. Very beautiful. We saw 3 teens and a teacher come from the tennis courts, to the rocks and pull out their books, lounge back and read ... I think it was reading class. Then, they got back into the mini bus to go back to the school. Later, ate dinner at Sonic and took a stroll in downtown Salida.
May 5 ~ We had a very productive day in Buena Vista. Met the owner of the commercial space I would like to rent and the apartment that is behind it. The apartment is not listed but they are going to ask if I can rent it also (I HOPE!!!). I met locals that will definitely be helpful for my transition. We spent the day there and took more pictures of the new community they are building. Lots of excitement in the air!
May 6 ~ Denver
We checked out of the lodge by 9:15am and made the 3 hour drive to Denver. My mom hates driving through the mountains, but I talked her through it and we made it alive. The same with the city too haha. We drove passed the Capitol Building ... wanted to take the tour but couldn't find any parking. So, we headed for 16th Mall Street. A mile of shops and restaurants and SO many people. Got a few souvenirs, ate, then tried to find our car. (we got a little twisted around). Once found, paid $18 frigging dollars for parking and decided it was time to turn it into Hertz. Early, but getting tired. Spent 4 hours in the terminal waiting on the train. Thank goodness for WiFi! It came on time and we boarded making friends with our train "neighbors". Ended up sitting there for another hour because they had to empty the bathrooms. It was so gross I almost was gagging but it finally aired out and we left. Again it was too dark to see anything in Nebraska.
May 7
I woke up around 8 or nine, got ready and went to the observation car to watch the Iowa scenery for an hour. Not much to watch and it made me sleepy to I went back to my seat. My mom was up and we switched places. I ended up falling asleep again. We arrived in Chicago around 3:45pm and tried to figure out what we wanted to do for food. Ended up eating at the deli in the station to save money by not getting lockers for our luggage. I did want more pizza! The grilled Reuben I had though was delicious so I was content. Our train went to Washington DC, with our stop to Cleveland about 6 hours in. The train was actually on time, though the boarding area was jam-packed with people. We were going to watch a movie on my computer but it didn't play Blu-ray DVDs so I just listened to music and played games. Ended up snoozing again.
May 8
Woke up about an hour before our destination and got our stuff together. I was soooo tired at this point but luckily our train was only 10 minutes behind. My step-dad was there to pick us up at 1:45 am and we headed home. I fell into bed about 3am thinking of how good it was to be in my own bed!
This is based off my mom's itinerary and will be updated soon to include more of my thoughts.
Apr 28 ~ Looks like a full shift of work, then home to pack, eat, get ready! Leaving by 1:00am to the train station in Cleveland. Don't plan on any shut eye until the train is speeding towards Chicago. The extended forecast shows snow, but looks like plenty of sunshine for our days there!
Apr 29 ~ Left Akron at 12:30am, giving us plenty of time to find the train in Cleveland (departing 2:59am). We just about missed it, but circled around the Cleve Stadium and got to our destination. After my stepdad said good-bye, my mom and I settled in to wait ... and boy, did we wait. I'm a people watcher, so that always keeps me occupied. After being up and working, I was now extremely tired. Sleep? naw, amazingly, lots of kids take the train too. There was an amish family speaking yiddish. The train was delayed until 4:15am. They say it happens a lot since freighters have priority. At least that is what a man, who is a frequent traveler, stated. I talked shop as he is a psychologist.
How funny to walk on a moving train ... like drunks. Remember to put the toilet seat down before flushing ... intense pressure. It was hard to get comfortable to sleep, but we got a few hours shut eye. Once the sun came up and streamed through the windows, you couldn't help but watch the countryside. We decided to have breakfast in the dining car. The carnations on the table were real. Ate cinnamon raisin bread and a granola bar instead of paying $10 for breakfast. We dined with a lady who is a teacher, the second person to have the same education as me.
We arrived in Chicago around 9am. Union Station! After walking from the train into the station with a crowd of people, we found the lockers to rent and unload our belongs. And off we went to explore the city! We asked a native where the best Chicago pizza was and he directed us, but too many turns. So, we ended up getting a slice (huge!) near the train station. It was good. Saw wonderful buildings and experienced the windy city. Drivers are as crazy as New York cab drivers. After a few hours, we headed back to the terminal. Our ears were freezing and we didn't want to pay an arm/leg for the lockers. After finding our gate and waiting area, we settled in to wait. Ever sit, lean over and try to rest on your suitcase? It can be done if you try hard. Remember, only slept a few hours in a 24 hr period. Just closed our eyes and rested .... then, a little girl patted the top of my head and when I looked up she was inches away from my face. I was a bit startled and confused and said hello as her mom was pulling her away. She had no front teeth and big glasses just grinning away. I think my multi-colored pillow attracted her. Anyways it was a weird way to wake up. The amish family from Cleveland was there too, now with more members.
We boarded the California Z at 2pm. Our seats were much better and they lounged further back. Awww, yes, watched a bit out the window and drifted to sleep. Woke up around 5:30pm ~ Dinner was $14 on up, so I got a sandwich which was horrible and another granola bar. Can't wait for real food. We settled in the panoramic view car and watched the countryside. Enjoyed the sunset in Iowa.
Apr 30 ~ Watched the sun rise in Nebraska. Got some sleep during the night. Getting anxious now to arrive in Denver. The Amtrak station in Denver is at a temporary location. Upon arrival 7:15am, the sun is bright and deceives as it is shockingly cold outside. Folks meeting and hugging. Pleasing to the eye. We called for our shuttle to take us to Hertz in downtown Denver. Rented a red Corolla and navigated out of the city on our way to Salida. My mom drove while I tried to take pictures. Amazingly, I can read in a car, but trying to take pictures was making me carsick. The roads were dry and the sun was bright. We arrived in Salida (Suh-lye-duh) by 12:30. The lodge is so picture perfect. The owners are a husband and wife team. They are proud of their place. Nice view of the mountains on all sides of us.
SO tired, unpacked and took a nap. Got up for dinner and ate a burger and fries at Country Bounty. Our server told us that Salida means "open doorway" and the locals call Buena Vista "buennie" and it means "beautiful".
May 1 ~ Awake at 5am ~ it snowed during the night. WOW! So much of it! As long as we can get back out of the mountains when it is time to go home ...
Went to the breakfast area and then walked around the grounds a bit to snap a few photos. Decided to do a little grocery shopping since we have a fridge and microwave in the room. Yes, Wal-mart is here too, lol (and SO clean). Then, we drove downtown to see what's what. Sunday, not too much open. Looks like most businesses is for tourist season (of course). Amazing how much snow has fallen, yet the roads are just wet. Wonder if it is from the constant sun shining warmth on the concrete....
I made a snow man and got a few friendly car honks!
We went to dinner at Quincy's. The waitress said "are you familiar with our menu?"...duh .... "we are serving sirloin 7 oz or 9 oz"... that's it? ... "yep". So, sirloin it is!
May 2 ~ Woke up bright and early to see the sunrise over the Rockies. My first stop at 9am is with Chaffee County Offices for a volunteer position with possible hire. The job includes being in the front lines, riding with the police, patting down and handcuffing (fun), arriving at the scene of a death (not much crime in these parts). Death usually means rafting accidents down the river. I want this position really bad! Then went to the Workforce Center to see if I could apply for jobs but what I had done on the internet was all I could do until I move.
Even though it was 24 outside, the bright sun kept us warm. But, after 2 hours, time to come inside and warm up a bit, lol. By the time we ventured out again in the afternoon, the majority of the snow was gone. More tolerable to be out and walk around.
We walked down to the visitor's center and passed my melting snowman. Then, we decided to take a drive to the town's cemetery. We counted 20 deer (at least) just roaming around. Never saw so many in one place. While we were there, the clouds got darker and the air very cold. Little pebbles of snow came down and we ran to the car. As we left the cemetery, we drove out from under the cloud.
For dinner, we went to a mexican restaurant. The vivid colors and decor inside were absolutely beautiful!
May 3 ~ We drove west thru Poncha Springs to Maysville. In Maysville, an old schoolhouse stood pristine against the Rockies. We took a leisurely drive and saw deer everywhere. They blend into the landscape and can be difficult to see. Then, we went downtown Salida again since it is warmer. 54 and (believe it or not) didn't need a coat. The sun truly keeps you warm. We met shopkeepers who wanted to know where we were from. They are gearing up for the summer tourists ... folks have been hit hard from the economy like all of us. They said 90 degrees is the average in the summer. A nice lady said that there are two seasons ... July and winter.
Walked the residential neighborhood downtown and photographed cute homes. Plus, of course, deer roaming from yard to yard. Usually 3 in a pack. Today, many more folks were out and we finally saw kids and teens. Skate boarding, hanging out. Many folks walked dogs in their outdoor gear, but what we saw most was bikers with their dogs running beside them. Here, pedestrians first! Love it! By the afternoon, it got to 65, no coat needed. We ate dinner at Country Bounty again, this time I had country fried steak and it was very good.
May 4~ Today we finally went to Buena Vista. It is about 30 min from Salida and is definitely different. Salida is more tourist, B.V. is more community. At the end of the main street, turn right into a new "green" community being built. Turn left, it is the river, soccer field and trails.
This is where I want to rent and start a bakery selling cakes and other goodies. There is a building with a clock tower that is for rent. At the edge of the community is the river. Very beautiful. We saw 3 teens and a teacher come from the tennis courts, to the rocks and pull out their books, lounge back and read ... I think it was reading class. Then, they got back into the mini bus to go back to the school. Later, ate dinner at Sonic and took a stroll in downtown Salida.
May 5 ~ We had a very productive day in Buena Vista. Met the owner of the commercial space I would like to rent and the apartment that is behind it. The apartment is not listed but they are going to ask if I can rent it also (I HOPE!!!). I met locals that will definitely be helpful for my transition. We spent the day there and took more pictures of the new community they are building. Lots of excitement in the air!
May 6 ~ Denver
We checked out of the lodge by 9:15am and made the 3 hour drive to Denver. My mom hates driving through the mountains, but I talked her through it and we made it alive. The same with the city too haha. We drove passed the Capitol Building ... wanted to take the tour but couldn't find any parking. So, we headed for 16th Mall Street. A mile of shops and restaurants and SO many people. Got a few souvenirs, ate, then tried to find our car. (we got a little twisted around). Once found, paid $18 frigging dollars for parking and decided it was time to turn it into Hertz. Early, but getting tired. Spent 4 hours in the terminal waiting on the train. Thank goodness for WiFi! It came on time and we boarded making friends with our train "neighbors". Ended up sitting there for another hour because they had to empty the bathrooms. It was so gross I almost was gagging but it finally aired out and we left. Again it was too dark to see anything in Nebraska.
May 7
I woke up around 8 or nine, got ready and went to the observation car to watch the Iowa scenery for an hour. Not much to watch and it made me sleepy to I went back to my seat. My mom was up and we switched places. I ended up falling asleep again. We arrived in Chicago around 3:45pm and tried to figure out what we wanted to do for food. Ended up eating at the deli in the station to save money by not getting lockers for our luggage. I did want more pizza! The grilled Reuben I had though was delicious so I was content. Our train went to Washington DC, with our stop to Cleveland about 6 hours in. The train was actually on time, though the boarding area was jam-packed with people. We were going to watch a movie on my computer but it didn't play Blu-ray DVDs so I just listened to music and played games. Ended up snoozing again.
May 8
Woke up about an hour before our destination and got our stuff together. I was soooo tired at this point but luckily our train was only 10 minutes behind. My step-dad was there to pick us up at 1:45 am and we headed home. I fell into bed about 3am thinking of how good it was to be in my own bed!
This is based off my mom's itinerary and will be updated soon to include more of my thoughts.
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