Right before Thanksgiving, I accepted my dream job at the University of Phoenix. Part of the deal was moving to Phoenix to work out of their offices in Tempe, AZ. I never would have thought that I would ever pursue something like this. I am a homebody who likes to be close to family. I couldn't imagine moving across the country and being a plane ride away. But then the gentleman from the search firm called and told me that three people had given him my name and recommended that he talk to me. In September. A month after our lives were turned upside down by my brother's suicide and my father-in-law's passing. Right when I was thinking that a change would do me good. I talked to Trent about it and as usual, he was supportive and encouraging, if not a bit insistent that I pursue this. He's always been a bit more adventurous than me and knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
So, I pursued the position. I had two great phone interviews and then a day long interview here in Phoenix in November. It was quite a trip to have a driver pick you up at the airport, take you to and from your interview and then drive you back to the airport. He told me that he regularly drove celebrities and athletes and here he was driving me around. It totally cracked me up.
Luckily, it all went well and they offered me the position. I am now the Vice President of accessibility and disability strategy. It's an exciting job and I am really enjoying it so far. The salary is amazing and the relocation package is fantastic. For instance, I am writing this now from my furnished apartment that I am in for two months courtesy of the university. And when we're ready for Trent and the kids to move out here after the school year ends, I will have movers at my house to pack everything up and ship it out. Pretty cool, huh?
The last three weeks have been a whirl wind. It has been crazy to start a new job, learn new policies and procedures, meet new people, and explore a new area. It's been really weird to live in an apartment all by myself. I haven't lived by myself since I was an RA in college almost 20 years ago! And don't even get me started on how weird it is to cook and do laundry for myself only. Most days, I really don't know what to do with myself after work because I am not getting someone to or from dance or swimming. Of course, Trent is doing all of that and has been a rock star holding down the fort at home. I am so grateful for his support and encouragement. I miss him and the kids like crazy - this is the longest I've ever been apart from them. Thank goodness for modern technology as we text every day and can also see each other through FaceTime. That makes a big difference.
I have to say that I am really loving Arizona weather. I know the summer will be awful but 76 degree days in early February is pretty awesome. The scenery out here is so beautiful. I am constantly in awe of how beautiful the mountains are out here. So different than what you see in NY. I've had fun looking for houses to rent - another blog post on that later, I'm sure. :-)
This was a big, scary move for me and there were many times when I wondered what I was thinking. But it has been such an awesome move so far. I'm looking forward to what's next to come!
By the way, check out the seat I snagged on the way to Phoenix - extra leg room, baby!! Woo hoo!
The view outside of my office window. The highway is a bit loud but the mountain is beautiful. It will be neat to see the action when spring training starts, too. ;-)
This was taken last week when it was only 55 degrees out. But it was January so I didn't mind!
