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.
