Thursday, the beginning of a new adventure

Thursday morning Larry and I board a plane and head to Phoenix to buy a house.  We hope to put an offer in and sign the papers over the weekend (pending house inspection).  The City of Big Rapids is probably going to offer early retirement to anyone with 20 years and over 50 years of age and I am going to take it as soon as it's announced.  When I first found out about the offer, I contacted the fleet management software we use and found out they had a couple of openings.  One was in sales and one was a brand new job called cusomer retention manager.  I am thisclose to getting the CRM job.  They do a lot of hiring from their users because we know the program and believe in it and what it can do to save money for fleet maintenance.  The owner of the company wants me and almost everyone else does to.  The problem is that he doesn't do the hiring so I will interview and "sell" myself to the vice president who has the final decision.  He had already made the decision that I wouldn't be a good fit without even talking to me but after I sent a long email explaining how I thought I would be a very good fit plus a word from the owner, he has decided that maybe I'd work out ok but we need to talk.   I would have never considered leaving the city before having this surgery.  I knew I wouldn't be able to find another job out there since people always look at the size of the person, not what they have accomplished or how confident they are in themselves.  Well, that all is gone now.  Everyone now sees the confidence and understands how I enjoy challenging myself to try something new and it's growing by leaps and bounds.  I know I can do a good job for this company and I'm sure I'll be able to "sell" myself to them. Now, if the city council decided against offering the early retirement, I will move to Phoenix if I have a job to go to.  If I don't have a job, we'll find a good management company and rent the house out until I do retire in 3 1/2 years.  Either way, we'll be set. If the early retirement is offered, my last day will be October 31st.  My house will go up for sale on August 21st and hopefully sell before we go.  I can afford to leave it empty because it's paid for so I'm not out any money if we don't sell it quickly.   One little note on the side, the new person who would take over my job would start at a little over $22,000 per year and I now make over $37,000.  It actually pays the city to let me retire because they save money on salaries plus I have a defined benefit (pension) and the new person would have a defined contribution (401K) type plan.  Everyone tells me it's a slam dunk but I'm holding off until I know definitely about the job. I'll keep you all posted while I'm out there.  Keep your fingers crossed that I get the job and find a house.  Actually, I've found one via the internet, I just hope it's still available when we get there.

That is so awesome.    I'm happy you are moving on and really enjoying your new life.    I'm also thinking of leaving michigan and going to california next summer to see how much i like it and hopefully find a house.    I hope it all works out for you Linda

Thanks Linda.  What surprises me is that there have been 29 views and only your response.  I guess no one here really cares about me or anything else here.  I was hoping for some well wishes or some "glad you can do this" but nothing.  I'm a little bummed here.

Don't be bummed.   a lot of ppl lurk and don't post, remember that.   I'm sure everyone here is just as excited for you as i am.   It's amazing how much our life changes post op.   Good for you for taking charge! Linda

Hey Ann i was checking out your pictures.    The face lift turned out great!   How was the pain?   How long in the hospital?     I also noticed you have pics from the oh convention, did you get one with the whole group?   I really want to see it. Linda

Linda, it was outpatient.  They did the surgery starting at 7:30 a.m. and by 12:30 we were on our way to the hotel to spend the night.  The pain wasn't bad (I have more now that the stitches are pulling).  My face is numb though and the doctor said it'll be like that for a couple of months.  This is a very weird feeling.  I keep telling my boss my ears hurt because the stitches behind are bothered by my glasses temples so I am constantly adjusting them.  I also have to wear a facial sling at night to help put the skin and muscle grow back to the bone.  I am so pleased with my facelift.  I look 30 years younger (skinnier though).  I didn't get a picture of the whole group.  If you email [email protected], he might be able to email you a copy.

Ann, Sending all my best to you and Larry as you embark on your latest adventure!  You're a brave gal and I'm sure whatever the outcome is you'll keep living life to the fullest.