Tuesday, January 14, 2014

For Inspiration: Assignments for a new year

One of the hardest things for me when I start a new job is remembering all of the new names. I was especially afraid of that this last time because the team is much bigger than at my last job and I'm not great at remembering for

But during a staff meeting today, I was able to go around the table today an mentally check off everyone and match names to faces. So that's a pretty good feeling.

Everyone got their assignments for the year, too, so we can plan out what we'll be spending our time on - which generally appeals to my type-A personality.

Today was also energizing because I found out that some of the people who've been working here for a long time had some of the same questions I do about some of the new projects that are coming up. So that's comforting. It gives me the feeling that I'm on more equal footing with them.

As far as the work itself, I'm pretty comfortable that I'll be able to research and write everything well - it's just a matter of putting everything in the right place and making sure I don't crash the content management system, which is pretty complicated. It's not hard, but there's a different screen for almost every process. I'm sure in a few months it'll be second nature.

All in all though, I feel like my transition is going pretty well. I'm very thankful and feel so lucky.

It's a great environment and the people are funny, smart and helpful. We even cut up a bunch during the team meeting. Everyone obviously works really hard, but they know that at the end of the day, they have done what they can. Of course, there are frustrations like anywhere else, but we work through those, and I'm finding it much easier to just let those things roll off my back.

I feel like I've really gotten into the groove.

Friday, January 10, 2014

A change in the wind: Part 2

December 2013 was a whirlwind.

I left my job at Intelliguide, and sadly, some wonderful people. But I easily shed the things that sent me looking for a new opportunity  in the first place - most of all, hours that were too long and some crazy clients.

When we moved to Central Florida, (and even when we visited on trips), we passed this giant building just off of I-4 with a four-story glass atrium. Now I work there. Kind of crazy.
Atrium of AAA National Building in Heathrow, Fla. at Christmastime.

And really, it's the path of everything that came before now that led me here. I wouldn't have been considered without my travel connections at Northstar. So for that, I am very thankful.

So since November, it's been crazy busy with visits from my parents, Jay's mother and grandmother, leaving a job, starting a job and two holidays.

It's a new future and a chance for a fresh start. I feel sort of like Mary Poppins - there was a change in the wind, and when I let go and let it take me where I needed to go, I ended up with this new job, better hours and a new outlook on the future.

Speaking of letting things go, during some time that we had off, we saw the new Disney movie, "Frozen." So much of the music is wonderful, but the breakout hit, "Let it Go" had a line that just really stuck with me - and I think I'll try to embrace it.
View from the Lakeside Cafe. 

"It's time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through, no right -- no wrong, no rules for me, I'm free."

We only live once and waiting to be rich enough, thin enough, smart enough or successful enough to try other things defeats the purpose of living a full life. I would say let the storm rage on - the cold never bothered me anyway, but I feel like our seas are getting calmer all the time. So, instead, I'll just toast to changing winds.