Family Time

I've noticed that the older Nick gets, the more time he spends in his room or with his friends.  The days of hanging out with mom all the time are all over.  As much as this saddens me, I know that it is a normal part of growing up.  Maybe it's because I only have on child, or perhaps it wouldn't matter if I had 19 (like a certain family in northern Arkansas), but when I take a minute to think about all the ways Nick is growing up and changing it makes me a bit melancholy and nostalgic for the days when he was little and I was the most important person in his world.

Whew, that sounded sappy, huh.  Well, I was having one of those previously mentioned moments the other day and started looking through some old photos.  I thought I'd share some of my favorites.  Don't be fooled though...this blog may be written for an audience, but these photos are strictly for my benefit!  (It gives me a chance to show off my handsome son!!)

This first photo was taken when Nick was only 2.  I can't get over how blonde he was at this age when his hair is so dark now.

Nick on Tucky - Pipe Creek, TX, age 2

 I took Nick to California to go to Disneyland for his 8th birthday.  We stayed with my cousin's family and had a blast!  Coincidently, her son's birthday is the day after Nick's (4 years older), so the boys celebrated together

The Job Search

As you may or may not be aware, my job of late has become increasingly difficult and unpleasant.  A few months ago, our (former) V.P. changed policies so that anyone who worked offsite could not be promoted to position in which he or she might have direct reports (manager positions).  Unfortunately, that was the next position I was in line for and there were, in fact, three positions for manager for which I was not allowed to apply unless I wanted to move back to Illinois.  Since that was not happening, I now find myself answering to one of my former colleagues.  She was promoted to manager and two other colleagues, whom I actually outranked, filled the other two positions.  As you can imagine, I have very strong feelings about this change in policy and although I like and respect my new manager, it is very hard to report to someone who held the same job position just a couple of months ago.

The V.P. who made all these changes has since resigned but the havoc she wreaked is still in effect.  Most of the senior staff have resigned and moved on to other companies and I find myself the lone standout.  ALL of the other people with whom I work have been at the company for less than a year, so to say I have seniority would be a great understatement.  I keep hearing that the managers are trying to get the two directors (who are also new) to make some changes back because I know they are worried that I'll leave too.  Which leads me to my topic...

I have an incredible opportunity with a company that for now shall remain nameless.  They want me to be an "Item Development Manager."  For anyone reading this who doesn't know anything about assessment, this is a great job!!  The money is fantastic, the benefits are better, they want to fly me out for an interview...wait, yes, I did say fly.  This fantastic, wonderful, amazing job opportunity is based in Washington, D.C.  If I am offered the job, Nick and I will have to relocate to the D.C. area. I've already interviewed over the phone with one of the directors, so although I don't have an offer yet, it looks promising1

I am kind of excited about the prospect of moving back to the east coast.  I lived in Maryland for several years when I was in my late teens/early twenties.  Some of my immediate family are there and I still have friends in the area.  However...my mom and step-dad are in Arkansas!!  I hate the idea of leaving them.  I love that Nick and I get to see them every week; I would really miss that.  Nick, of course, being an almost 13-year old boy, doesn't want to move at all, but he knows that I'll do what I think best for our family, but I am really torn right now.

I don't even have the job yet, but I kind of get the feeling that it is my job to lose, so unless I totally screw up the final interviews in D.C., I have some big decisions to make.

1. Can I afford to live there?  There is a huge difference in the cost of living in D.C. compared to Arkansas.  I found some wonderful houses on line that are in my price range, so housing seems to be ok.  I know there are other costs I haven't factored in, but with the huge difference in salary I'd be making, it seems doable (did I mention that I would be making a TON more money with this new job?!?!)

2. Do we want to leave a town we've lived in for six years?  I don't really know very many people here. Since I work from home, I don't have the normal opportunites to meet people that I'd have in an office setting. So aside from my family, that wouldn't really be an issue.

3. Do I want to pull Nick out of school?  He is about to go into junior high, so he'd be changing schools next year anyway.  The only difference is that Nick won't know anyone if we move and chances are good, if we stay here, that some of his friends will still be in his classes next year.

4. Do I want to move out of my house?  I love this house and was actually considering buying it before all of this came up.  Leaving it behind for the unknown is kind of scary.  I am sure we can find another house we like as much, but still...

5. Do I want to leave my mom and step-dad?  This is the worst one for me.  My mom and I are extremely close.  We talk everyday and although that wouldn't have to change, not being able to see each other all the time like we do now, would suck!!  Plus, I help them out around their place a lot with the horses, etc.  My brother is still here, so they wouldn't be alone, but I'd really miss them a lot!!

6. Do I want to leave a job I've had for almost 8 years for a new job in a new city?  It is always a scary proposition changing jobs, but the dissatisfaction I've felt for my current employer makes this one of the easier questions to answer.

I am sure there are many more questions I need to ask myself.  I am waiting to hear from the company in D.C. to see when they want me to come out to interview with them.  We'll see what happens...

Please post your comments!  I'd love to hear what you think.