Ch-ch-ch-changes

So, new house, new daycare, new commute, why not just go ahead change everything? That must be what my boss (well, former boss) is thinking, because I just found out that I will be switching creative groups and brands at work.

This is kind of a big deal (to me, at least) since I've been writing on the same account for 4 years and working with the same art director for 3. For all of you who watch Mad Men, imagine if Peggy all of a sudden had to work on a different team than Don and Stan. Same company, same office space, but now, next to no interaction.

On the one hand, it might be nice to do something new, work with some new people, and have some new stuff to put in my portfolio. On the other hand...fear of the unknown!! My current team knows me, knows my capabilities, knows my style, knows my schedule. The new team doesn't know me from Adam :(

I'm sure it will be fine. And I hear that the new people I will be working with are all very nice and very talented. Apparently the account is a little difficult -- this being the primary reason for the switcheroo -- but maybe that just means I'll have a chance to shine and wow them with my fabulous writing and people-pleasing skills. Maybe I'll be happier. Maybe I'll love it. 

I guess all I can really do is follow my daughter's example and embrace the change with open arms. 

New daycare, no problem

One of my biggest worries about the move was having to switch Molly to a new daycare. We loved our old daycare - it was convenient, the teachers seemed great, they served organic food, and diapers were included. Perfect, right?

Molly wasn't always happy to be dropped off, and she didn't seem to want to play much with the other kids, but everyone at the school led me to believe that was just part of her personality. I assumed whatever drop off drama we had at the old school would be even worse at the new.

WELL, enter daycare number two. The one Jason and I were all worried about. The one we basically selected by default because none of the other schools had room. Today was the first day and we had no tears at drop off. In fact, we had no drama at all. Molly jumped up and down when she saw the new classroom, went straight into the new teacher's arms, and waved goodbye like she'd been going there for weeks. I'm not making this up!

The school called in the afternoon and said that Molly had a great day playing with all the kids and a long nap in the afternoon. No crying at all.

Hmmmm. This really makes me wonder if Molly wasn't having a difficult time at her old daycare because she had a hard time playing with other kids, but because she had a hard time playing with those specific kids. Or maybe because the teachers didn't know how to handle things.

Whatever. She's only had one day at the new school, so things could change. But I feel like I didn't give my girl enough credit. If she wasn't happy at the old daycare, why did I assume the problem was hers? Poor kid! I think she may have just needed some nicer friends!

The great outdoors

We're up and running! The Comcast guy came today and set up our Internet, phone, and cable, so I can finally put together a real blog post.

We've been back from California for a week now, but since I never wrote about the trip, I'll start by including a few pics:

Muir Woods

Redwoods!

Ah, the beauty that is California Wine Country

It was a wonderful trip and a great way to unwind after the stress of the move. We started out with a little side trip to Muir Woods to see the redwoods and then spent the rest of the weekend sipping wine and enjoying California cuisine with our friends. Heaven. By the end of the trip though, I was ready to get back to our new home to start settling in and unpacking our stuff. 

I think Jason and I were both a little overwhelmed the first week back at work. We both had to play catch up after taking days off for the move and CA. I had a hard time getting out at 5 and then also got hit with a couple of train delays. And then Jason had to reverse commute back and forth to our old neighborhood to get Molly to daycare. Not to mention, we were living out of suitcases and boxes at home! But we managed to get our kitchen and bedroom organized, and Molly starts her new school on Monday, so things should be a little more convenient from here on out.

Did I mention that we absolutely love our new house and neighborhood? It probably helps that we moved right at the beginning of summer. Everything is green and pretty and everyone in the neighborhood is out enjoying the weather. Our yard is nice and shady, so Molly spent most of the day on Saturday splashing around in her new pool. Today, we took a long walk by the lake and through Northwestern's campus. I just can't believe this is our new life! 

Jason and Molly by the lake. Happy Father's Day!

Enjoying the scenery at Northwestern's campus

 

Molly having fun running from pool to sprinkler

We definitely have a lot of work in front of us -- there are still a million boxes to unpack and now we also have to make time for yard work. But we'll get there! With plenty of breaks in between to enjoy everything that Evanston in the summer has to offer :)

New beginnings

We're in! The move went pretty well. It was more expensive than we thought, but isn't everything with a move?

Molly's room is all set up and the beds are made. The rest of our belongings are still in boxes, but we don't care. We're off to California!

So far, we love the house, love the neighborhood. Hate the drive back and forth to the city, but I guess we won't be doing that as much once we settle into a routine. And of course, there's the train to get us where we need to go.

Our neighbors couldn't be nicer. We have older couples on both sides, 4 babysitting-aged teens on the block, and at least 1 Northwestern professor. Almost everyone has a dog.

I'll write more about the house (and post pictures!) after the break. Hopefully by then we'll have cable and internet :)

Ready to move!

The movers come Sunday, but there's not even that much more to do. I can't believe it.

Jason left this morning for his brother Jake's bachelor party in Nashville, so it's just me, Marsha, and the Molls, holding down the fort.

We're having a girls' night tonight with B and Sus, and I'm sending them both home with odds and ends. Susie gets lamps and breakables and B gets fridge and freezer stuff since she doesn't cook and has the most room.

I don't know if I'll do another blog post before the move, so if this is the last, then, "Farewell condo! We'll miss you!"