A New Journey

The waiting is over....I found out early yesterday morning that I was selected for the promotion in Voc Rehab.  I was shocked.  The call came from our HR in Baltimore.  We have caller ID.  I didn't recognize the number and thought someone must have referred another outside call to me.  Almost didn't answer it but figured I should.  It turns out the division chief is out of town.  I'm not sure why it was done this way.  It's been the oddest of odd situations but I have my foot in that door.  It is a very, very good promotion.  I will have to work my butt off to progress to the target which is a wonderful opportunity for me.  Of course, the naysayers, of which I was warned this would happen, started instantly on the cons.

The differences in the divisions are vast.  My division is the elementary school of the Agency.  Everybody knows everybody's business.  Professionalism is lacking.  People come and go pretty much as they please.  There's not a whole lot of accountability.  After working in this type of circus atmosphere for a good many years, you begin to adapt to the environment.  I do my work conscientously but tend to take off when I feel like it and come and go as I please because I do work very hard when I'm there.  LOL...back to the real world of working for me.  My new division is very quiet and organized.  No calling off when you feel like it.  All times off, except emergencies scheduled.  The way it should be.

So, I'm very ecstatic but also scared crapless.  I know the division chief but not extremely well....I've known him for years to say hello.  And so the rumors start about the other division.

I'm hoping to speak to him when he returns on Monday.  I realize most likely they do not have compressed work schedules.  I'm terrified to give my Wednesdays up.  Ok..not terrified but summer is on the way.  Well, I'm not supposed to be in the sun anymore anyway since I've had lesions removed and get checked quarterly since last fall for more.  I can't run out for smoke breaks so I'm buying a patch tomorrow and have decided enough is enough.  It's bothering me to smoke because I'm scared crapless of what it could be doing to my lungs.

I know I'm rambling.  I have a million and one thoughts pounding through this old head of mine.  I've dealt with so many changes with my job the past 7 years.  It's unbelievable that this is sending me through so many loops of emotions.  I feel like my little child inside of me is screaming again.

Now, I'm thinking can I really do this?  Of course, I can.  I've risen far and above what I should be doing and learned so many new things on my own.  My division chief and supervisor were very ashen faced yesteday.  They have no idea who to replace me with.  They are asking my new boss if he will let me stay upstairs two weeks to a month to train a new guy.  I have no idea what the new boss will say.  I am supposed to be starting the day after Memorial Day, and that's fine with me. 

And the final kicker....two people are going to replace me.  My old job is going up on the board and surprise, surprise, it's two grades higher than what I am presently.  The irony made me want to laugh/cry.  Nice that I was so appreciated.  One thing I do know and I do think they realize.....I will be greatly missed when I'm gone.

My new journey beginning...if I don't move forward and take a chance, I'll never know what would have been. 

I love all of you and thank you so much for being here and listening to me, supporting me with your prayers.

Oh, Joey's interview was cancelled at the last minute because of a meeting.  I will explain more about this but he cuts grass for a guy who is a retired exec from the cable company who is also a family friend of my mother and brother.  So, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed because, as you know, it's usually not what you know; it's who you know.  My boy needs a break finally.... He's in Columbus this weekend for the NHRA races so he's having a good time.  Again, thank you all for your continued prayers for my family and me.

CHRIS