It has been a surreal past couple weeks, and I am pretty sure that is the feeling I am going to have for awhile. I was reminded how blessed I am with friends and no matter where I am, those people will always be in my life.
Besides the few couple of mishaps (and we all have them in moving), it was pretty smooth and everything was falling into place. The last week became hectic as I began shipping my essentials and then my mail forwarding started too early sending my new apartment keys back to NY. The week was filled with friends and some of my family and I did pretty good with not crying too much. I know this is what I have wanted for a long time, and I know this is a good move for me to get out of my comfort zone and go somewhere else and I understand that. I just wish I could take some people with me. You can't always have your cake and eat it too.
Last night I felt the stress from being stuck in Ventura 101 traffic for over 3-hours. It was a little frustrating... luckily we made it in good time with that mishap and then found that I am too good of a packer in bringing too much in my luggage and got a nice "Weight Overage" charge for one of my check-ins. I got through security very easily and quick and made my way to one of the way too overpriced restaurants to have a drink and something to eat since I couldn't eat on the way down. There was a lot more waiting and gate changes and delays due to another plane breaking down and needing our intended jet... so we had to wait for another one to become available. An hour and a half past scheduled time... we took off. Due to the late landing I had 20 minutes to make my way across the airport in Boston to get my connecting flight. It definitely beats the 2 hours I was going to have to wait. On time... landed at JFK and I really lucked out with a good driver into the city.
Driving through Brooklyn toward the city the driver let me know the areas I could not be in EVER. But I did get confirmation that Brooklyn Heights is okay and saw the construction of the new stadium underway. Crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and there I was.... in the city. The driver gave me great tips to where to grocery stops and the areas of the city to avoid at night... and reaffirmed how bad of an idea it is to run in Central Park at night (I can't believe there are women who think this is a good idea). Made it to my apartment and the first thing I did---- SLEEP. Got a good little nap in and went for a good walk.... I like to know what is in my immediate vicinity... located Fairway, Duane Reades, and Trader Joes pretty quick and saw some cute shops that could be dangerous to my wallet :)
It seems like a long day and I am pretty sure I am going to sleep more than well tonight
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Preparing to go...
Time is ticking.... at this time two weeks from now (time I write this, probably not the moment in time you are reading this) I will be flying probably over Ohio or even Pennsylvania on my way to the next chapter in my life.... New York. 10 Years ago today (well technically yesterday, but since I have not gone to bed yet... it's today).... I moved from small town Frazier Park to San Luis Obispo with goals to reach.... college and be on my own. I accomplished both of those things-- and learned many lessons along the way.
Fast forward 10 years and I am doing the same again. I am packing, sorting, getting rid of things.... and I have accumulated quite a lot in the years I have lived here from furniture to more clothes than I need to trinkets and projects from Cal Poly, pictures.... the list goes on. I work now on condensing and simplifying and really trying to downsize from having a large room the past 4 years to a room almost half the size and going to an apartment after living in houses for the past 5+ years... and it is something that I will definitely have to re-adjust to. I finish my last week in AG this week working, and not a bunch is setting in. I feel like I am just cleaning.... not moving. I sold my car yesterday and praise God really for how it worked out, and the timing may not be ideal but my needs were met in it. The car was paid off, and I was able to walk away with some too which is nice. I have packed a few boxes, separated what is going to my Mom's, and space bagged a lot of things as well. My goal is to ship everything I need out there mid week next week so it will arrive the day of or after I do. The lease for my new place is reportedly being drafted... so I would assume based on that my app was approved. God really provided the living situation very similar to what I have now.
In praying I realize God has been orchestrating. I don't feel much yet except overwhelmed and in task mode. Just gotta get things done, and ready, and trying to be smart about it and really let things go. I don't think it will set in until I am working in my new store and building a routine. Maybe it won't set in until I find a church out in the city. Who knows really?! God does. Prayers this week as things start moving quickly as I clean, pack, prepare... that I would depend on God for strength when I am feeling a lack of energy, and take moments to enjoy the time I have with the dear friends I have here.
Fast forward 10 years and I am doing the same again. I am packing, sorting, getting rid of things.... and I have accumulated quite a lot in the years I have lived here from furniture to more clothes than I need to trinkets and projects from Cal Poly, pictures.... the list goes on. I work now on condensing and simplifying and really trying to downsize from having a large room the past 4 years to a room almost half the size and going to an apartment after living in houses for the past 5+ years... and it is something that I will definitely have to re-adjust to. I finish my last week in AG this week working, and not a bunch is setting in. I feel like I am just cleaning.... not moving. I sold my car yesterday and praise God really for how it worked out, and the timing may not be ideal but my needs were met in it. The car was paid off, and I was able to walk away with some too which is nice. I have packed a few boxes, separated what is going to my Mom's, and space bagged a lot of things as well. My goal is to ship everything I need out there mid week next week so it will arrive the day of or after I do. The lease for my new place is reportedly being drafted... so I would assume based on that my app was approved. God really provided the living situation very similar to what I have now.
In praying I realize God has been orchestrating. I don't feel much yet except overwhelmed and in task mode. Just gotta get things done, and ready, and trying to be smart about it and really let things go. I don't think it will set in until I am working in my new store and building a routine. Maybe it won't set in until I find a church out in the city. Who knows really?! God does. Prayers this week as things start moving quickly as I clean, pack, prepare... that I would depend on God for strength when I am feeling a lack of energy, and take moments to enjoy the time I have with the dear friends I have here.
Monday, July 09, 2012
Whirlwind Week
It is amazing what changes can happen in a week's time. This time last week I was preparing to go back to work after 10 wonderful days in Mexico. I was expecting to hear back from a spot in LA for a transfer. I never did expect to also be offered a position in NY as well. Well a week later, and having accepted the offer for NYC... my prep begins. I am in the middle trying to sell my car and bed... the two things I need to sell and also begin the daunting task of going through the last 10 years of my life... and get rid of a good portion of it. I realize how much I have kept... how much I hold on to.
As.... unpolitically correct as this is going to be: I understand what George Carlin was saying about having too much "stuff". It's all "crap", most of what we have is not necessities, and I am figuring out that now. I am deciding what I value the most and putting in the order of importance. I am blessed for those who will be helping send things out as I need them (since I can figure out what I do need). The plan so far is to take clothes, some pictures (send them out ahead of time). I am lucky to be flying on an airline where the first checked bag is free and the additional is $35 bucks. Not too bad, and an inexpensive was to transport a good portion of my clothing and the whatnot.
Please be praying as I finalize housing over the next few days. I am submitting paperwork tomorrow for a place in the city that is close to everything in a safe area, with a couple of Christian girls... a God-send for sure. Something I truly value; this is something at the top of my price range, but I was reminded that who I live with will have a huge impact on my "experience" or quality of life and this is true. While NYC is more expensive to live in, I also don't part-take in the "bars, clubbing, and eating out every night lifestyle". I know applying Financial Peace University principles back into my every day discipline will also make God the focus in my financial decisions as well, and I am excited about that. I also found out that there is a Trader Joe's close by.... I also found there is no Ross but a T.J. Maxx, Whole Foods Market, No more Albertson's/Lucky, Vons/Safeway... but now it is Fairway, farmers markets, and the other aforementioned places. CVS' aren't every where but a few Walgreens here and there and the city is covered with Duane Reades' where ever you go... there one is... open 24/7. And it never fails... Starbucks will be all over. The apartment that I am going to be moving into (given all the paperwork goes well) is a 4 story walk up (ours is on the 2nd floor) that sits above a Starbucks, 2 blocks to Central Park, and 1 block to Lincoln Center.... so I am near a ton of things, in a well lit area, a block from the trains and will be 4 stops to work. Also excited to have treats such as Dunkin' Donuts (mainly for the coffee), Crumbs, White Castle, real pizza. So it is all slowly coming together. My last day working in my current store is July 20th... and then I have 9 days that are combined days off, personal days, and vacation days... and they will be filled with packing, finalizing, and trying to spend time with those that I can.... and doing some "lasts for awhile" in California including the beach, Avila Barn, Farmers Market, and depending when my sister and mom show up take my sister to the water slides. Might even be able to fit in the fair since it starts that week. Regardless, I will value the time I have and know that I will be back to visit.
It has not all fully set in yet, even the more I talk about it. I think once I am in the city and working it will hit me one day that I am not on vacation or just hanging out, but that it is my life. That might be a tough moment of adjustment, no matter how much I want something. I have been so blessed the past week with the love, encouragement, and support of friends and family that I am so overwhelmed. God reminds me of his love through these amazing people, and I hope they know how much they mean to me and that I love them too. I will look forward to visiting next June and Skyping throughout the year... and having my couch frequently occupied by these people.
So that is where I am now. If you know of anyone needing a car..... I got one for sale :) Please be praying for my stress level and that I would just work steadily on getting things together and give it to God in the moments I feel overwhelmed.
Thank you for your support and prayers to this point, it is such a wild moment in my life and I am so blessed to have you all to share it with.
~Caitlyn
As.... unpolitically correct as this is going to be: I understand what George Carlin was saying about having too much "stuff". It's all "crap", most of what we have is not necessities, and I am figuring out that now. I am deciding what I value the most and putting in the order of importance. I am blessed for those who will be helping send things out as I need them (since I can figure out what I do need). The plan so far is to take clothes, some pictures (send them out ahead of time). I am lucky to be flying on an airline where the first checked bag is free and the additional is $35 bucks. Not too bad, and an inexpensive was to transport a good portion of my clothing and the whatnot.
Please be praying as I finalize housing over the next few days. I am submitting paperwork tomorrow for a place in the city that is close to everything in a safe area, with a couple of Christian girls... a God-send for sure. Something I truly value; this is something at the top of my price range, but I was reminded that who I live with will have a huge impact on my "experience" or quality of life and this is true. While NYC is more expensive to live in, I also don't part-take in the "bars, clubbing, and eating out every night lifestyle". I know applying Financial Peace University principles back into my every day discipline will also make God the focus in my financial decisions as well, and I am excited about that. I also found out that there is a Trader Joe's close by.... I also found there is no Ross but a T.J. Maxx, Whole Foods Market, No more Albertson's/Lucky, Vons/Safeway... but now it is Fairway, farmers markets, and the other aforementioned places. CVS' aren't every where but a few Walgreens here and there and the city is covered with Duane Reades' where ever you go... there one is... open 24/7. And it never fails... Starbucks will be all over. The apartment that I am going to be moving into (given all the paperwork goes well) is a 4 story walk up (ours is on the 2nd floor) that sits above a Starbucks, 2 blocks to Central Park, and 1 block to Lincoln Center.... so I am near a ton of things, in a well lit area, a block from the trains and will be 4 stops to work. Also excited to have treats such as Dunkin' Donuts (mainly for the coffee), Crumbs, White Castle, real pizza. So it is all slowly coming together. My last day working in my current store is July 20th... and then I have 9 days that are combined days off, personal days, and vacation days... and they will be filled with packing, finalizing, and trying to spend time with those that I can.... and doing some "lasts for awhile" in California including the beach, Avila Barn, Farmers Market, and depending when my sister and mom show up take my sister to the water slides. Might even be able to fit in the fair since it starts that week. Regardless, I will value the time I have and know that I will be back to visit.
It has not all fully set in yet, even the more I talk about it. I think once I am in the city and working it will hit me one day that I am not on vacation or just hanging out, but that it is my life. That might be a tough moment of adjustment, no matter how much I want something. I have been so blessed the past week with the love, encouragement, and support of friends and family that I am so overwhelmed. God reminds me of his love through these amazing people, and I hope they know how much they mean to me and that I love them too. I will look forward to visiting next June and Skyping throughout the year... and having my couch frequently occupied by these people.
So that is where I am now. If you know of anyone needing a car..... I got one for sale :) Please be praying for my stress level and that I would just work steadily on getting things together and give it to God in the moments I feel overwhelmed.
Thank you for your support and prayers to this point, it is such a wild moment in my life and I am so blessed to have you all to share it with.
~Caitlyn
Monday, July 02, 2012
It is hard to believe....
It is hard to believe that what we work so hard for and pray for.....
happens. I know God is capable of ANYTHING, and He does it in His
timing. After 6 years or more of perserverance and determination and not
giving up hope... I am moving to New York City. I will be working with
Verizon still and so I am very fortunate and blessed to do that--since I
actually so like Verizon. I am now in the scary second phase of
securing housing from where I am now and that can wear on a person. So
please be praying about that. Also, the big things will happen. I will
be selling most of my furniture and things as well as my car. Luckily,
my car is in high demand, and I am sure I will walk away with a good
amount. I am thinking to a dealership so they can take care of
everything for me. I am not sure how consignment will do-- so I will
have to look into that.
The next few days I will be working on housing. Then in about a week and a half I will start focusing on selling my car. So if you know anyone looking to buy a 2005 Honda Civic with 87k miles on it (black, 4 door, power everything, new stereo, bluetooth) let me know. I still owe on it but less than half of the cars KBB value. So those are the logistics of things... also be praying for my roommates as they decide how to move forward in whether to look for roommates or somewhere else. I have a lot to do between now and then, so please pray for time in everything. I have one weekend I am already out of town for a wedding so hopefully I can take some things to my mom I don't need right away that she can send me down the line.
So a lot happening as the end of the month draws near. I will be buying my one way plane ticket this week so prayer that it doesn't get too expensive. Thank you all for the encouragement, support, and prayers. It means alot... I am so overwhelmed right now and not sure how to react in any logical way. I think I waiting for it all to sink in. It is going to be a crazy rest of the year I have a feeling.
The next few days I will be working on housing. Then in about a week and a half I will start focusing on selling my car. So if you know anyone looking to buy a 2005 Honda Civic with 87k miles on it (black, 4 door, power everything, new stereo, bluetooth) let me know. I still owe on it but less than half of the cars KBB value. So those are the logistics of things... also be praying for my roommates as they decide how to move forward in whether to look for roommates or somewhere else. I have a lot to do between now and then, so please pray for time in everything. I have one weekend I am already out of town for a wedding so hopefully I can take some things to my mom I don't need right away that she can send me down the line.
So a lot happening as the end of the month draws near. I will be buying my one way plane ticket this week so prayer that it doesn't get too expensive. Thank you all for the encouragement, support, and prayers. It means alot... I am so overwhelmed right now and not sure how to react in any logical way. I think I waiting for it all to sink in. It is going to be a crazy rest of the year I have a feeling.
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