Work picked up as soon as I started my new job on the 16th. I am still working in Footwear, but my role has changed quite a bit. I no longer get to work on product, which is kind of a big bummer; I'm now working on a little higher level planning across all of footwear. It's been an adjustment, I have to admit. I had gotten really used to the European style of working - informal meetings, working pretty much just 40 hours a week, and colleagues taking long vacations and truly relaxing. I've been pretty overwhelmed the past few months with a never-ending onslaught of meetings, long hours, and stressful encounters. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so starting new jobs is always stressful for me, as I don't have all the answers, and I have to ask for help. I'm feeling much, MUCH better than when I started, but I'm still definitely learning and growing - which is a GOOD thing, I know! It's so nice to see all of the people that I started my time at Nike with, along with some friends that have also moved over from the European HQ. I sometimes miss hearing all the different languages and accents that I got so accustomed to in Europe, so it's nice to hear a whisper of Italian every once in a while. :)
Outside of work, it's been fantastic to reconnect with friends. I'm so blessed to have so many amazing women in my life. My girlfriends are all just outstanding in their own ways, and inspire me by so gracefully handling everything life throws their way. If you want to read about a really amazing girl, check out my friend Michelle Middlebrooks' blog - she's a lesson in strength. With my friends, there have been countless happy hours and dinners, and I've gotten back into distance running. A new development for me is the fact that so many of my friends have children now - they are a true delight. I love making them giggle or watching the wheels turn in their heads as they figure out a new concept. Someday...
Sean and I have been spending as much time together as possible. We went on a wine tasting trip to Walla Walla, Washington, a few weeks ago, and that was a lot of fun. He's gotten me out to the golf course a couple of times, and I am not hating it as much as I used to... haha - still not LOVING it, but definitely not protesting as loudly as before. ;)
I'm currently still living in temporary housing, as my shipment literally missed the boat on the way from the Netherlands... it was originally supposed to arrive on March 15th, and now has been re-scheduled for April 27th. One piece of good news that I should share is that I think (fingers crossed) that my house has finally sold... after 4 offers! We've come to a mutually acceptable offer, and if all goes well with the inspection, we will close on May 21st. I'm torn on what to do next, but I think that my plan will be to rent an apartment downtown for at least 6 months while I figure out where to be. The housing market is great for buyers right now, but I am just so up-in-the air on where I want to be or what I want to be in that I feel like making a rush decision would be a bad idea. So, as soon as the sale closes, I'll send everyone a new address... somewhere. :)
Here are some pictures of my recent life... not quite the same as a weekend in Venice or a cooking class in France, but I love this life just as much as I loved that one:
Sean and I at David Hill winery on Valentine's Day
KP busting out the Julia Child skills with Boeuf Bourguignon - a 5-hour production!
KP with Leslie's son, Samuel - such a fun kid!
Beer taster at Walking Man Brewery in Washington
l'Ecole Winery in Walla Walla - such a cute place!
Oregon Homebuilder Association Foundation Dinner
Couldn't resist this picture - I was kind of scared!
I've been going to the Farmer's Market every Saturday - these things are called Fiddle Head's, and taste like asparagas - I had never seen one before!
Michelle and I ran the Race for the Roses Half Marathon this morning, and had a blast! Raelee, Cristina, and her son, Mateo, joined us for breakfast afterwards - what a great day! :)
