Ready to move again

So I've been in Colorado since last Thursday. I have been staying at mom and dad's. Before I came I was thinking that I would probably stay here for at least a month or two and find work, etc. Well, I've found that after being out of the house (except for short stays) for the last seven or eight years makes you feel differently about home. Don't get me wrong. I love my parents and they aren't getting in my way or leaving me no privacy. It's just that I want my own space to set up and decorate. I want to be able to put my things in their places, and be able to find everything. I love this house, and part of it will always feel like home. I'm just already ready to move out. That's all. :)

My going away get-together

Work friends together at our favorite Mexican resturant in South Hutch Mi Terria!

Don't tell me its too soon to fall in love!

I have a new friend. He's loving and so sweet, soft and cuddly! I got him yesterday. He doesn't have a name yet...any ideas?

Please hope for an uneventful and happy trip to Colorado tomorrow! He didn't care for the car ride between Newton and Hutchinson, but maybe tomorrow will be better. :)

Leaving Kansas

There are probably several things I did not do while living in Kansas; but there was a short list of things that I had never done in Hutchinson. So, I just did them.
1. I had never been in the 4th St. Dillons...now I have been.

2. I didn't even know where the Hutchinson Zoo was located...now I do.

3. I had never driven South of Adams on 4th...now I have and there is a whole world of Hutchinson that I never knew was there.

4. I had never seen the historic salt marker in South Hutchinson...I still haven't. Allan and I tried, but couldn't find it. I guess spending the money on new signs is probably worth it. At least I tried.

5. I had never been to the Underground Salt Museum...now I have been!

So my list was a little silly, but I had really wondered about these things and now I know what I was missing!

Last Sunday I went to the Salt Museum with my friend Philip and his son Zane. It was pretty cool and I'm glad we took the time to go. I have my camera packed away somewhere, so I had to use my cell phone for pictures. Here are some shots from the visit.

Preparing to go underground. Everyone had to wear hardhats and oxygen things (in case of a fire.)

Old machinery left behind. On the tour we learned "What goes in the mine, stays in the mine."

Halfway through the tour we stopped and collected chunks of salt for souvenirs.

Huge chunk of salt.

How did they do it?

Somehow I've been suckered into staying at the Manor two weeks longer than I had intended. There is something appealing about two more weeks of pay, especially since I don't have a job to go to in CO. They wanted me to stay around and fill the week long gap there would have been between me leaving and the new guy starting. The next week we can work together and do some training. I am fine with it really, because I am very comfortable with "the new guy." In fact I've known him since I was about 3 years old or so. Allan Bartel will be taking over my job when I leave. It's crazy how the world works isn't it? I got to spend some time with him this past week on Thursday afternoon. It was nice to be able to feel like I could answer all of his questions with complete honesty and feel comfortable that he would know my intentions. I also feel very good about leaving my beloved residents in his hands. I know they will love him and he will take good care of them.

Unacceptable

It's been almost one whole month since I have updated my blog. That is unacceptable! I have been pretty busy, still I should make more time for at least a little update.

I am finishing my last month at Mennonite Manor. I feel like I should already be done and just taking some time to sleep in before I start another job. I have been back and forth to Colorado a couple of times now each time bringing a load of things I feel I can do without for a while. I am AMAZED at the amount of clothing that has come out of my apartment. I make myself sick, but I love it. :) I am headed out again this weekend. I am borrowing a large trailer and moving my bigger furniture. My co-worker Amy is going to loan me her air mattress to sleep on until I'm done with my apartment. (Thanks Amy!)

I have had very little contact as far as job are concerned, but did get one offer. Due to timing and other issues, I didn't take the offer. It just didn't feel right. I know there is a job out there for me somewhere. Hopefully it doesn't take too long for me to find it.

I am also looking at my options and strongly considering buying a house in COS. I have looked at 17 different properties now between the two weekends trips I have made recently. I want to say that I found the perfect place, but I have to be able to afford the payments for it to really be perfect. Lets just say I found a beautiful home or two that I wouldn't mind living in.

I am looking forward to moving forward in my life. I think it will be a good thing to be near family. I am looking forward to renewing relationships and connections with so many people who are so lovely and dear to me. I feel like this new chapter in my life will give me the opportunity to do so.

I QUIT MY JOB!

I gave my resignation for February 27. That means I am moving to Colorado in March! Anyone want to give me a job?