I can't even keep up with myself anymore!

"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance"

One of the things in life I find most difficult is change. Whether it is positive or negative. I have a hard time coping. It's one of my anxiety triggers and while I have learned ways to deal with my anxiety, anyone who suffers from it knows that it will always be there. 

2014 has sent my anxiety into a tailspin, but in a very positive way. 

First, my sister and her family have left for the season, and it's always tough to see them go. Last year I got a taste of what single mom's go through while Nicole was in the hospital and I was the keeper of my 4 year old nephew (seriously single moms, you all deserve an all expense paid vacation for what you do!). I also had weekly date nights with Blake to give Nicole and her husband a little break, and me some time with him.Nicole's family lives about a mile and a half from my apartment. It's always nice to be able to call her up when I'm bored and just hang out, hold one of my twin nieces, entertain Blake, and have one of my best friends to chat with. Them leaving is in no way new, but it's always an adjustment. Everyone likes to have family around, so I miss that when they're gone. Of course, they leave for good reason, and if anyone can relate to the ever changing life- it's definitely them.

I've also immersed myself into this relationship I'm in. Again, a very positive change, but one I've had to work around. I've met his family, I've had to learn to compromise (sometimes....but I usually get my way), and I've had to learn to share the bed (no, that's a real struggle....not even joking). This June, Spencer and I have decided to move in together*, and I am beyond excited to live with my best friend, but also nervous because I've never really lived with someone before. We went yesterday and looked at a townhome to rent, and I realized how real it is. It's going to be an adjustment for sure, but one I'm excited to make. Thankfully, he's pretty good about my OCD and stubbornness, so I think he'll be a good roommate. 

This past Monday I was also offered a new job at a CRO company in Raleigh. I've been trying to get into this company for 3 years. It's seriously a great opportunity. I'll be working in HR, which is the direction I want to go in. It's an administrative role, however I will learn all the different parts of HR, all the policies, all of the people, and be making quite a bit more than I'm currently making. I put a lot of thought into it, and it's a great opportunity. I worked closely with a recruiter I formed a working-relationship with back in the fall and I'll actually get to work near her too. The company is full of young professionals, and they tend to promote from within - which leaves me a lot of room for advancement. Special thanks to my friend, Jillian, who not only put in a reference for me, but who has been such a great friend during my job search over the past year or so. She's one of the most career-minded people I know, and shes given me so much advice and listened to me vent, I honestly owe her so much for this (we'll start with dinner and wine on me!). 

So while I'm so excited to start that chapter, I'm ending one at Duke, and also leaving my part-time job at Massage Envy. Duke has been good to me over the past 4 years, but I'm definitely ready for a change. Massage Envy has also been good to me over the past 4 years. They gave me a full time job when I moved here and was interviewing with Duke, and have let me work as a contract employee through the years, and also gave me the part time job last year when money was tight. I love the people there. I have seriously made some of my closest friends by working there. I told my friend/manager, Leah, that it's so bittersweet because I love the people there, but I also love my weekends. You'll likely still find me helping out any chance I get. There's more to that company than a free massage now and then (not a bad perk!), those are seriously some of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing! 

I'm not going to know what to do with having weekends off. I'll probably get so bored. When I'm bored I tend to shop. I'll be living with Spencer shortly after I leave Massage Envy.....he better keep me occupied unless he wants me bringing home random things from Target that I insist we "need". 

I'm looking forward to what else 2014 brings me. I am enjoying my streak of good fortune right now, but as always, I know the thing about luck is that it always changes. I'm taking the time to be grateful to God for what he's given me this year, and always remembering His plan and that everything happens for a reason.

*Yes, I know what you're all thinking "wow, they move fast!". We are. I know. If you had told me a year ago I'd be doing this, I'd probably have thought you were on crack. But, hey, when you find a keeper you do what you have to do to keep him. I don't think I'll be looking back at this as one of the biggest mistakes of my life- don't worry, I'm a smart girl