The Journey Continues



December, 2006

Nearly all of my memories regarding momentous occasions in my life have included my mother. Signing the 'letter of intent' to play Division One basketball,was captured on film by my mother. Getting my first radio job, included a joyous call to my mom. Break-ups, surgeries, loss of jobs, moves, Broadway musicals, high-profile interviews with legendary sports figures......the list goes on and on and on.

The unifying common denominator in all of these precious and not-so-precious memories included my mother.

Selling my condo, was no different. My mom was by my side as I shut the front door for the last time. She sat next to me at the closing and held my hand as I deposited the check the next day.

2006 was a long year for me both personally and professionally. 2006 included additional challenges for various members of my family. Most notably, my wonderful father. However, at some point, I became very conscious that something MUCH LARGER THAN ME was 'at work' in my life.

Because I was out of a job, I was able to be on hand and be a support for both my mom and dad during their challenges of 2006. I spent long hours of quality time with both of them and became increasingly aware that I should be counting my blessings for each one of those lovely moments.

Which made leaving Wisconsin such an agonizing decision. I was convinced that I'd maximised my time in Wisconsin and felt certain that more opportunities were waiting for me in North Carolina.....however, I still struggled with the decision to leave my NUMBER ONE fans - a.k.a my parents, behind.

My personal belongings were on a massive moving truck and I was planning to drive my Honda the nearly 1,000 miles by myself. I intended to do the drive in one day. I was leaving on a Monday and the moving truck was scheduled to arrive bright and early on Tuesday. So, I was hell-bent on getting there, meeting the truck and moving in to the rented apartment as fast as possible.

Monday, December 18th at 4:00 am CST, I pulled away from my parents home. Through my rear view mirror, I could see both of them in their bathrobe and slippers waving good bye. I wasn't even to the end of the driveway before the floodgates opened and I was crying like a baby.

God bless the toll booth attendants at all the stops in Chicago. Each one of them had a look of "Ma'am, are you okay?" as I handed over the money while blowing my nose with tears streaming down my face. I finally stopped crying somewhere near the Smokey Mountains.

Nearly 16 hours later - I arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina. I pulled up to the gates of the apartment complex that would now serve as my dwelling. I was a zombie as the Manager handed over the keys. Once inside, it didn't take me long to realize....My bed would be arriving the next morning, so I'd be sleeping on the floor that night and more importantly....I'd forgotten to pack a roll of toilet paper.

I'd gone to the bathroom only twice during the 16 hour journey yet drank nearly a gallon of liquids along the way. You do the math.

So, it was back into the car to find toilet paper. Thank goodness for the 24 hour Walmart. Which, normally would make me cringe rather than cheer - but, this was a desperate situation and Walmart was my toilet paper supplier. Once back at the apartment, I prepared to settle in for the night. I slept on the floor, covered only by my shower curtain.

Why did I have a shower curtain yet no blankets or toilet paper you ask? Good heavens, who knows...............I'm a single, unemployed woman who just moved across the country - cut me some slack! The next morning the movers arrived right on time. I was hoping that was a good sign of things to come.

The moving truck was by far the largest thing on wheels ever made...and, getting it into the complex was challenging enough. Getting it to my front door was impossible. So, I was told the guys would be doing a 'long haul' or, something like that. Which meant nothing to me...but, meant more work for the guys carrying my stuff. Lovely.

Other than the apartment manager and the check-out person at Walmart, I hadn't interacted with anyone in my new town yet. The truck driver introduced me to the two guys that would be doing the unloading and they seemed pleasant enough. Until only moments later, when they began bickering with one another. Although, I wasn't quite sure at first - the southern accents were throwing me off a bit.

Southern accents have a way of making everything being said sound like its in 'sing-song', you know? "Screw you", said the Southern Way, actually sounds like an endearing term. So, it took me awhile to figure out that the two guys handling my personal belongings were fighting with each other. I overlooked it as best I could as I directed them where to put the boxes.

Several hours later, it was time to bring in my prized sofa that I'd purchased in New York during my 'dot com' period of life. As the two southern movers heaved, wheezed and panted up the stairs with my sofa perched precariously on their shoulders....one muttered something like, "maybe next time you move, you should consider living on the first floor".

To which, I responded something about, "yea, I've been told that before by folks who've carried that sofa - I suppose the fact that its a Queen size sleeper sofa, doesn't help either".

Wow, I thought the SOUTH WAS GONNA RISE AGAIN....it was the first time the two southern movers stopped arguing. They stopped just long enough to PLOT MY DEATH. Apparently, they weren't thrilled that there was a bed inside that piece of furniture.

For the next few days I feverishly unpacked. I was hell-bent on getting settled in this new place as quickly as possible. My life had been so uncertain for so long, that I felt being unpacked and surrounded by my 'stuff' would give me some sense of normalcy again.

One of the reasons I chose to return to Charlotte was because I'd had professional success there once before. I'd moved to Charlotte in 1996 and worked in radio before being discovered by a station in New York. However, more importantly, I'd also made solid friendships which I'd maintained over the years.

Christmas and New Years came and went and I was surrounded by friends that made the transition easier. In addition, my mom continued to shower me with love and support during our numerous phone conversations.

January 2nd, I arrived for my appointment with the sports team. It felt FANTASTIC to be interviewing again. The meeting went well and I was energized by the process. However, using the previous six months as a guide, I know better than to hold my breath while waiting for the next-best-gig to be offered. Even though, I knew I'd be a perfect fit for their organization, I had to continue the search.

I began networking immediately and creating my professional circle in my new market.

2006 was over! As 2007 begins, I continue to believe that something amazing is waiting just over the horizon. Gosh, I've travelled nearly 1,000 miles....I certainly hope my instincts are right.

Leaving Home - a.k.a. unemployment, seventh month





December, 2006


As November came to a close and December began, my life was an absolute whirlwind of activity. Once I'd accepted the offer on my condo and we'd agreed on a closing date, everything seemed to shift into HIGH gear.


I had to decide on a Moving company, find a place to live in Charlotte, pack up all my belongings.....oh yea, and continue the job hunt (long distance). In addition, I had to jam a million other details into the already crazy schedule. Oil change, dentist appointment, doctor appointment, haircut...the list was endless.


And, although I'd been unemployed for many months....once folks heard I was leaving the state...EVERYONE WANTED TO SEE ME, one last time. I struggled to keep my composure as person after person after person wanted a 'piece' of me. I tried to understand their intentions...but, was so consumed with details of THE MOVE that it was hard for me to be gracious when additional demands were being placed on me.


If you've paid attention at all, you've undoubtedly heard that MOVING is one of LIFE'S LARGEST STRESSES.


I had the great fortune of selling my home and being unemployed while planning a cross country move. Oh yea, and being SINGLE. Good lord, I was going for the record of how many stress's one person could possibly endure simultaneously. Did I mention, I was making this move over the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY?


If you've read any of my other stories...you'll notice a theme of how December/Christmas has notoriously been the worst time of year for me both personally and professionally. Anyone who knows me can attest to my complete DISDAIN of the Christmas season. Historically, I have been kicked in the ass so many times during the Holiday Season, I need to come up with a new term for that time of year.


Instead of Merry Christmas, I should mutter: "Merry Kick-me-in-the-ass". It would be much more appropriate.


My closest friends threw me a going away party and it was lovely. All my favorite people in one place at the same time. Several professional peers of mine came to say goodbye and it was truly heartwarming for me. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.


Here I was saying goodbye to business associates who I had professionally partnered and collaborated with. Their mere presence was proof to me, that I had accomplished something in Milwaukee.... Yet, in six months (nearly seven) I hadn't been able to find work in my hometown. It was painful.


However, on a more upbeat note: the week before my going away party, I had been contacted by a professional sports team in Charlotte. They wanted to meet with me to discuss possible marketing opportunities within their organization. I was elated! I agreed and we set the meeting date for January 2nd, 2007.


Gosh, the potential for a HAPPY NEW YEAR was looming.


My condo selling so quickly and now the potential of a cool gig with a pro sports team was proof to me that I was making the right decision to move. I was hopeful that these were signs of good fortune just over the horizon.


On December 14th, the Movers arrived early in the morning. As they began loading all of my possessions onto the truck, the enormity of what I was doing finally hit me.


My condo had been my 'comforting place' after my surgery and during the hunt for a job. It was my sanctuary. Thanks to good financial management, I was still able to afford my mortgage while collecting unemployment. The condo was a reflection of my taste in design but more importantly it represented the only thing that I could control while everything else around me felt so shattered.


Now, I had sold that sanctuary and I was venturing into the complete unknown. I was leaving my family and my hometown (AGAIN) to follow career opportunities that I was certain were out there. Opportunties outside the four walls of my precious condo and opportunities outside the boundaries of Wisconsin.

As the truck pulled away and I stood in my empty condo, I said a silent prayer...asking for the strength to continue on the journey.......


And, soooooo much more was yet to come.