THE News

Well, it is official. I can finally share our news- the reason I have been so distracted for the last few weeks. And before you wonder too much- I am not pregnant.

We are relocating.

It's very overwhelming actually. See, we thought that everything fell into place just perfect with us writing the contract on that BofA short sale, found tenants for our home, and found a short term rental so that we could be free to close on the short sale any time. I have said before and will say it again- I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Apparently the reason behind all of this was not that we would ever get that big house with a basement- but more that we would be free to be able to relocate in order to preserve our jobs.

It all went a little something like this:

In January of this year we went to a big corporate meeting. They told us that they didn't want to centralize our processing centers but that we all needed to work really hard to keep our numbers in line with corporate expectations. Work hard we did! Then about four months ago we heard that they were again considering centralizing the operations but that specifically our district might get a break if we were able to keep our numbers in line and reduce our errors. Work harder we did! Then about a month ago we got word that they were still considering this centralization. I put together reports and this nice little summary about why my branch should be protected. Unfortunately, the decisions had already been made and my branch was idenitifed as one that will be consolidating with a larger branch.

So the last few weeks have been, well, rough to say the least. First of all because even though I had this knowledge I was not permitted to share it with my employees. You try walking around facing your people every day knowing that by December 31st we are all going to be out of a job. Second we have all our eggs in this basket. Both my husband and I work for the same company. The real dilemma was that although the operations department was consolidating- his department was not so he will still have a job here. And lastly- we always said we never wanted to raise our children in this city- but the question of the day is, what city then DO we want to raise them in?

We narrowed it down to Phoenix and Dallas. Both are attractive to us for various reasons, and also both are a little daunting. There is just so much going on in both- and what the heck is with the commute and traffic? We just got back from Phoenix last night and the vote is in- we are moving to Phoenix.

I'm excited. Scared. A little sad to leave Las Vegas as I have been here for twenty years. Tired just thinking about packing up all of our stuff for an interstate move. Distressed at the thought that this is all happening during the holidays. Bummed because it means we are not going to be settled permanently- at least not for another six or eight months- because we are not going to jump in and buy a house immediately until we really get to know the greater Phoenix area.

We can't wait though to get to Phoenix- for all the things it has that Vegas doesn't. Professional sports events. IKEA. Chick Fil A. Lottery tickets. Fruit trees like crazy- can you believe that citrus grows like wild there?

I have been bursting to blog about all of this- it really is too much to keep a secret. Unfortunately I couldn't- because I have no idea which of my friends and family read my blog and also because from a corporate perspective we had not been given permission to tell our employees.

So from a timeline perspective- my branch will be ceasing operations on December 31st. I am in negotiations to relocate to the Phoenix office and it sounds like they want me to start working there by December 1st and commute back to my branch at least two days a week until the end of the year. Looks like we might be moving within the next 30 days- but definitely within the next 45 as I really want to move before Christmas. I will hate living out of boxes but I would hate having my kids open their Christmas gifts only to tell them to pack them in the moving truck as we are pulling out.

I will try to keep you all updated- at least as best as possible. Was this the news you were expecting?

Comments

[Megan]

Congrats Jenn! I hope everything goes smoothly for you over the next few weeks! And mostly I am just glad you have closure on your house delimas! Prayers answered! Will be sending good moving vibes your way :)

[Carla]

Wow, wow, wow!!! So excited for you! I think I would have picked Phoenix too, if for nothing else but to avoid the humidity in Dallas. Sounds like you will be very busy in the upcoming weeks, but try to keep us posted on everything!

[Minnie]

Congratulations!
Actually this is pretty close to the news I was expecting.
I'm glad to hear that you're job is secure, but know the feeling of having to reduce staff. It sucks.
Good luck and keep us posted as your dial-up allows.

[Crys]

An IKEA in a town you're moving too!!! Shopping trip!!! :) Good luck with your move! And congrats on the big news!

[jennifer]

whoa!! this is big news!! i hate that i never made it to vegas while you were there. i know this sounds stupid....but there isnt a chic-fil-a OR an ikea in vegas???? wtf???? we have chic-fil-a's everywhere, and we have one ikea. crazy. so happy for you!! i dont know what you will put on ss/ls now though. maybe you can put an offer on a ss in phoenix!!

[Mrs M]

I knew you would move before I managed to blag a holiday out of you!!!!

Honestly hon,I'm really pleased for you and truly believe that everything hapens for a reason.

[Loren]

I'm sorry, you can't go there, I don't attend any conferences in PHX! :) I wish you all the best of luck, let me know if you need any insider info, have some family in the area. The Chic-fil-A's though you can find online. ;)