Head ache. Sore throat. Rosy cheeks. Long commute.
This past month has been a whirlwind. And it was exactly what I needed to move forward. Coming to a new city I’ve not been to before and figuring things out couldn’t have been planned at a better time. St. Louis had too many memories and Cincinnati is too close to home. Where I am now is a nice compromise. I’m away from all those memories and that entwined life and yet I’m not too far from home.
One of the best pieces of advice I got recently was once I’ve made a decision, to stick to it and not look back. I think often times, I’ve been prone to play the “what if” game and it can undermine my confidence and determination. I’ve shut the door on the “what if I had gone another route” game and am focusing on the path that I’m on now.
There have been some bumps on the road I’m on now, things I’m working on ironing out. Housing has been a bit more difficult than I thought it would be in this new city. The commute is quickly wearing me down. I’ve seemed to have caught a bug from a little friend (the one that likes to pinch you until you bleed). Though, by far, I think my biggest challenge will be the political quagmire my new position is nestled in here.
I have several exciting travel plans coming up in the near future. Next month, I am going to D.C. to meet the project funders. In February, I am going to San Diego for a personal trip and in March I am off to Atlanta for another personal trip. I hope to go to the seaside in May or June for a family trip.
Another bonus to this new position is one of my colleagues is Scottish (!). And the first thing he said to me upon meeting me is “Ye Irish are ye?” I laughed and he said “Ye must be with that surname and that wild red hair.” I didn't tell him that it's often my short temper that betrays my Irish roots.
