Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Buckle Up and Hang on Tight

This is what my life feels like right now. Terrifying and exciting. Thrilling and nauseauting. After 11.5 years of stability in his current job, my husband's career is suddenly in transition. An unexpected curve in the track.


Luckily, he's got some options. They just might take us on a different ride than we had planned.


All I can say is that after almost 19 years in the same cart, I don't mind the loop-de-loops as long as I can hold his hand.


And really, when you've survived basement apartments, infertility, multiple fractures, adoption, autism, cross-country moves, minimum wage jobs, crazy co-workers, extended family drama, surgeries, premature twins, car accidents, bike accidents and potty accidents, what's one measly little mid-life career change? You can only say, Go ahead, Life. Bring it on. After all, you gave up trying to steer a LONG time ago.


Then, you keep your arms and legs in the cart at all times. You enjoy the wind in your hair. And you try not to throw up.

42 comments:

Annie said...

Wow...there's a new year's surprise for you! Hang in there, Gabi. I love your analogy--what a great attitude--just remember that everything will work out. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

p.s. the Boston area is always good for a new change...come be my bff :)

the wrath of khandrea said...

wihle i'm sure you're not looking for a literary critique, and probably would prefer a cyber hug, can i just interject by saying this was a really great read? you should submit it somewhere. so well written! loved it.

and now, lean in, i go left, you go right, wrap arms around, pat-pat-pat on back...
hugged.

Lorena said...

You have such a great outlook on it all. And, you're right, look at all you have survived, this new adventure will be nothing!

Lindsey said...

Wow Gab, I have a LOT to learn from you. I have endured our latest challenge with nothing but kicking and screaming... Can you rub off on me a little bit?

Amanda D said...

What a good attitude you have! I'm impressed. Good luck with the transition!

al + sar said...

Really though, I couldnt have said it better myself--and Ive only been married for 2 1/2 years! I have a long road ahead of me but I cant wait for the ride! I love reading your blog Gabi...Ive always wanted to be like my oldest cousin, hopefully one day I'll get there!

Annemarie said...

I love the part about "as long as I can hold his hand." I swear, at trying times it makes me even more grateful that I have a great husband to hold on to. That is just what you guys will do & while it may be bumpy, it will all be alright!

al + sar said...

Oh and I think we're going to plan a New York trip for August so we'll have to come visit!

queenieweenie said...

that is scary but very, VERY cool! I say-why not? Do what you love with the people you love.

that roller coaster picture made me throw up a little.

Robin said...

There are a lot of people in the same cart with you. But you get the prize for best attitude!

Colorado Springs has been fairly insulated from the economic downfall. Check out jobs here. I will be your personal Welcome Wagon Lady.

Lauralee said...

hang on.. love the comment about as long as I can hold his hand. sweet! great attitude.. you should be a motivational speaker... I bet a lot of people in our country would love to hear you and your positiveness!

Clair said...

Change is scary and exciting, huh? Go ahead and scream if you need to. I think you'll end up with a big smile when it's all over. Good things are in store- i feel it in my middle aged bones.

Lauren in GA said...

I agree with Andrea 100%...this was so amazingly written, Gabi!

We had to move from Virginia to Georgia unexpectedly 3 years ago for a new job...looking at that picture of the roller coaster brought it all back for a second there. I will be thinking of you and will send some prayers your way. You are a great example to me.

Seriously, this was amazingly written.

Travelin'Oma said...

Some people pay a therapist for insights like this. What lucky friends we are to get your wisdom for free! Thanks for writing so that we all are uplifted.

cami said...

Hey there,

I just heard today from Mom about all this craziness! WOW! I'm glad there are some good job options for Brad - hopefully you'll end up much closer to Phoenix!

You're positive attitude is amazing. YOU are amazing!

Best of luck!

Anonymous said...

I love your take on things. Always so positive. I loved the analogy, especially the part about holding hands. Best of luck in the new adventures.

Christie said...

No! No! No! All these people trying to lure you to their state. Come to MINE! Don't you remember all the fun Thanksgivings we've had? We could do that all the time. Come here. I'll start looking for your house...please??!?!!

P.S. I second all the 'well-writtens' above. Love it.

Marla said...

Hang in there! And hold on tight to that hand next you. It will be ok!

kara jayne said...

Seriously Gab...you have an amazing way with words...and an amazing attitude. Make sure AZ is on your list of places to check out. It really is great here.

kara jayne said...

I should have read the other comments first! Do I see that you have a sister in Phoenix?!! More reasons to make the southwest home!

Really though...this may sound a little weird, but I'm a tad jealous. We have moved every 3-4 years of our 14 year marriage and I miss the excitement and anticipation of living in a new place. If I could have my way (and not traumatize the kids, and be financially stable) I would move every 3-4 years for the rest of my life. I love new adventures.

Okay, I'm done...did I mention you're brilliant?!

brooke said...

So eloquent. Good luck--it will all work out!

Margaret said...

WOW! Big changes are scary sometime but you are handling it very well. Hang on tight.

Rochelleht said...

Oh, I hope everything works out ok. You are so great! I loved this post. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you.

Rochelleht said...

Oh, and if people are trying to lure you to their state, let me throw my hat in the ring.

1. I have Cheryl.
2. 70 degree weather the last two weeks
3. We KNOW how to party down here in Texas
4. My bookclub.

Need I say more?

Jenibelle said...

Are we having a bidding war for Gabi? I bid warm weather, instant friends (me, celia, paige, d-dawg among others), culture, lots of LDS people, skiing only 2 hours, beach only 1 hour, closer to Utah and Idaho (family),lovely homes and 4 golf courses,swim center, little league, football and soccer leagues, temple 1 hour away, great mexican food AND use of a pool, Hanukkah celebrations and lunches as often as possible. Clearly, B-wood should be the destination of choice.

mama jo said...

good luck with everything...i'm sure it will work out perfectly..you've got the greatest attitude, so you'll come out on top...

Melissa-Mc said...

Wonderful post. I like that you said you didn't mind the loop-de-loops as long as you can hold his hand. That makes all the difference. Wishing you a smooth but really fun ride.

wenderful said...

I love the throwing up part. What a tremendous attitude. It will serve you well.
We went through that last year. It was shocking but it turned out alright.
I'd try and lure you here, but I'm not sure if I'm convinced myself yet.
Wherever you end up, please don't stop writing. You are inspiring Gab.

♥Shally said...

I learned a long time ago that life always turns out for the best somehow!

You wrote about it so beautifully.

((hugs))

Ilene said...

We are facing the same exact thing again (just faced one year ago and then the year before that).

The problem is that I HATE roller coasters. I better learn to like them, huh?

Good luck with your ride!

Jeanelle said...

I so appreciate your outlook. A roller coaster is a perfect analogy and the best part? There's always an end to the ride. You will get there, settle in, and make the best of whatever the situation ends up to be. You have lots of people standing on the ground (with our cameras of course, because we ARE bloggers) waiting for you & Brad to sail by, screaming and smiling. P.S. Washington is really lovely (in the spring & summer, anyway.)

Bridget said...

Portland area is the best!! Oh, what I meant to say was, I am so sorry about your stress. Kudos for keeping a good attitude and I hope things work out just splendidly in the end. You know, when you say "why was I ever worried about this?"

Hazen5 said...

Sounds like an adventure! You always have such a great attitude about things. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

You sure know how to deal with the "gifts" of life! We will all be waiting to hear of the outcome! Our prayers and blessings wih you all the way!

J+S said...

Great post, Gabi. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you or Brad. If my company lifts the hiring freeze, I'll let you know. You've done Utah before and you liked it, right?

Emy5 said...

Wow, I hope things are going to work out for the best. You have a great attitude.

Jill said...

I love it. So true. Great post about realism. Good luck though, I hope it's a ride that is fun!!!!!!

Sally said...

Oh Gabi. I hope this ride turns out to be fun and exhilarating and ends in a really great spot. We are here for you if you need some support along the tracks.

calibosmom said...

There are lots of houses for sale in my beautiful NH neighborhood. Boston is only an hour away...
Hang on tight-you can make it!!!I always feel invigorated at the end of a roller coaster ride!

Jessica said...

We've had this happen too many times in 12 years, I think, but it the end (because we pray our guts out), we always end up at a better place (career-wise and location wise).

Good luck!!!

Marci said...

Oh my gosh. What a roller coaster ride for sure!! But if you have to leave your seriously cute house in that gorgeous neighborhood, I think back to Utah is your best option. :) Close to family AND friends - it really would be ideal. And I have no selfish motives at all. Except I went to lunch with Amber today, and it would have been great to have you along!! And to see you more often!

Seriously though, your attitude is inspiring. I can't wait to read all about your journey on my favorite ever blog.

Holly said...

Oh boy--what a jolt! Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way--and fingers crossed for TX too.

Your attitude is so postitive and this post was perfect.

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