I've been in Houston for the past week with a dull headache that just wouldn't give up. I didn't figure out why until I watched "Pitch Perfect 2" on the plane. Why did I watch that movie? Because at almost 40, I am still a sucker for movies that involve singing and dancing.
At the end of the movie, the girls graduate from college and they all go their separate ways. They have all been changed by the friendships they have formed and they promise to keep in touch. I feel like I've had this same conversation over and over again during the last several weeks. I found myself tearing up at the end of the movie. The person sitting next to me on the plane probably thinks I need medication. Lol.
I have taken a new job at my company. I'm staying in the same department, on the same floor, but switching product lines. I've been downplaying the change because it doesn't feel like all that much of a change, but yet the change is significant. It is a promotion, and it involves very little travel. These are both great things in my book. Plus, I will broaden my knowledge base which will only make me more marketable down the road. I will be working with an entirely new set of clients.
I am lying to myself and to my colleagues if I say that I am not leaving behind a whole lot of history and a whole bunch of incredible people. I was telling someone yesterday that I don't think auto will ever hold a candle to the cast of characters I've met in property. I've met so many people that I hope will remain on my journey going forward. I've seen some incredible places. I've found a new favorite city (Nashville), a new favorite desert (bananas foster), and I've learned that people are basically the same every where you go. I've been able to help families devastated by hurricanes, I've helped fight insurance fraud. I've had cases that I am certain I will be telling my great grandchildren about one day.
I've met some people along the way that I consider some of my best friends, LaDonna, Cheryl, and Lesley. Shifts in job titles could never change our past crazy adventures or our future shenanigans (of which I anticipate there will be plenty). I've worked with very talented defense counsel whom I would trust to represent me personally, Becca and Gene. I've even met some mediators and adversaries that I would consider friends under any other context (you know who you are). You have all become my second family, my home away from home.
I am so blessed. I have checked a few sites off my bucket list, drank a few bottles of wine, and laughed until I cried. Time and again we have sat talking at restaurants well past closing time. We have been through marriages, births, and deaths together. You are the people I would take into battle (mostly because I have). Everytime I take a walk down memory lane, I am astonished by how incredibly long and vast that road has become. I have learned so much about insurance coverage, about litigation, and especially about myself. Thank you, thank you, for sharing this journey with me.
I understand there may be a pot going for how long before, as Lesley says, "I get fire under my feet." Lesley has 6 weeks, I think Becca said 4 months. No one seems to think I will be able to sit still very long. Contact Lesley if you want in on the pool :-)
Thank you to all of you that have helped at home while I've had to travel, to Bernie especially, but also to my mother, my mother in law, to Kellee, and to DeeAnne. It hasn't been easy for Bernie or our kids, but you have been there to support us.
I am working with a great new team, with a variety of new challenges. I'm excited about what lies ahead. I'm not happy about being stuck in Connecticut in February, but I will survive. Maybe I will take up skiing or snowshoeing. Stay tuned!
"I've got my ticket for the long way 'round
Two bottle whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I'm leaving tomorrow. What d'you say?"
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I'm leaving tomorrow. What d'you say?"
- Cups by Anna Kendrick
