Yesterday was my last day at a job I’ve had for seven years, in an industry I’ve worked in for thirty five. I spent the last two weeks transitioning my workload to 2 of my co-workers and answering their many, many questions.
Patty and Elaine took me out to lunch; mid-afternoon I was lured into the conference room where everyone surprised me with a nice card and chocolate cake. I felt guilty eating a piece, I’m getting blood drawn later this morning to check my A1c level, but couldn’t resist a corner. I’ve been limiting my carbs and sugar, have lost the 5 lbs my doctor suggested and feel good.
Over the weekend I got a little scared. I questioned my decision to pursue this big change. I talked to my mom and Bill who both assured me I was doing the right thing. They’ve patiently listened to me go on and on about being in a job funk, wanting a career I could be passionate about and fulfilled in. If this isn’t it, it’ll get me closer to what that is. So, I’m back on track, feeling good about the possibilities ahead.
With two days left until Christmas I’m finally focusing on the holiday. Like November, December has gotten the best of me. Most gifts are bought but not wrapped. Instead of the dozens of cookies I’d normally have already made I’m hoping to bake a few varieties today. I haven’t put a tree up in years but never pulled a single decoration from the attic to dress up the house a bit, neglected to even put a wreath on my front door. I’m not getting stressed. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks tying up loose ends for a neat exit from work. Now I can concentrate on wrapping, baking and enjoying my loved ones’ company. I’ll get done what I can.
Last year’s cookies
Wishing you all a Happy Holiday.
Categories: Home, Musings, Uncategorized
where my feet are 
What big changes you have made and are making. Time, indeed, to relax and simply enjoy your loved ones’ company. The trappings of Christmas can wait. 🙂 All the very best for 2016.
Thank you! Finally putting some Christmas music on and am making cookies. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you, too!
You’re one smart cookie! You’ve prioritized your tasks and responsibilities to avoid undue holiday stress. That’s a good way to live more in the moment. You’re new employers are lucky to land a dedicated and organized employee like you. Have a great holiday and good luck in the new position.
Thank you, Linda, appreciate your vote of confidence with my new job.. I’m not a scrooge but didn’t want to stress myself with what I “should” be doing for the holiday. Wishing you peace, health and happiness in the New Year.
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading” ~ Lao Tzu
You made the right decision, Geralyn…embrace it!
Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!
Thank you for your support, Jill (on this blog and off). Merry Merry Christmas to you, Derek and your loved ones.
Good luck on your new job! This period of ending one job and not yet starting the new is always the big anxiety time for me. In a few weeks, you will calm down and either it’s the right job or just another step to the right one. Either way it was the right decision.
Thanks, Kate. I’m thinking the same thing. I hope this works out. If not, I still wanted to make a change.
Geralyn…Good for you! Do you have a new position? You have thought about this for quite a while and now you have taken the step forward. And good for you for not stressing about the cookies, the decorations…it truly is being with the one’s we love who are truly the reason for this time of year. (though don’t tell Madison Avenue advertisers). Merry Christmas
Thanks, Mary. Busy baking today! 🙂 Merry Christmas!
It’s all good Ger. Could hear the lilt in your voice today and the enjoyment of Christmas music and cookies. A new year, a new beginning of something new! Yes you can! All my love and support, xo Mom
Thanks, mom. It’s because of you I’m not afraid to take a risk. xo
Love the words in the poster. My mantra……..all for a reason. Xo
Congratulations!! I’m really excited for you….good luck in your new adventure.
Thanks so much, Ray! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Best of luck on the baking and the adventure! I cut back on all the cookies this year, too. Just three varieties. I kinda feel like a slacker. 🙂
Thanks, Autumn. I made 4 different cookies today, considering a 5th. Why? I only eat them!!
Oh wow! How exciting Geralyn. You are embarking on a new adventure. Good for you. You know, there are so many elderly people that regret not taking enough risks during their lives. You are taking the plunge and choosing to go forward into something new and more your cup of tea.
I am with you with unwrapped gifts. I need to wrap them still too. I need to do it tonight actually, while the kids are in bed. I only made one type of Christmas cookie too. Christmas will be very low-key this year. Maybe it’s for the best.
Merry Christmas and I would certainly love a plate like that one you’ve posted at the end here. Ummmmm, yummy.
🙂
Thanks for your support, Staci. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to ‘start over’ at this age. I feel strongly that this is a good move for me. Good luck with wrapping, I still have to tackle that! Here’s to low key Christmases spent with our loved ones. 🙂
Just extend your Header title: where your feet are:one step at a time, forging ahead…You’re in for a great 2016!
I like it! Thanks, Laura.
Geri I wish you well in your new venture. I’ m sure you will do well as you usually do. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love Auntie
Merry Christmas, Auntie! Hope I can see you over the holidays. Love you!!
It’s all good to hear, Geralyn 🙂 Here’s to a fabulous 2016 for you!
And to you, Jo. Thanks!!
I’ve gone through what you are now. So difficult, but so worthwhile to get out of your comfort zone and explore new possibilities. Good luck and Merry Christmas!! 🌲
Thanks, Pam. Looking forward to whatever 2016 holds. Merry Christmas!
Change is such a fascinating facet of life and most of the time we cannot see the beauty and bounty disguised and hidden in the layers of change. The moment we accept the change and turn a leaf, we start seeing the brighter side of life. Yes, when we take steps and accept changes, everything starts falling in place and in life. Merry Christmas to you and wishing you wonderful time ahead…:D
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I am already seeing the brighter side of life with my decision to make a career change. Wishing you all good things in the New Year. Merry Christmas!
It was indeed beautiful reading your lovely post and yes, with such decisions in life and embracing changes it only becomes the harbinger of good things in life. Thanks so much. You too have a lovely Christmas and wonderful week of celebration and joy…:D
Exactly the right attitude to have when you are trying to sort out a big change.
Thanks, Shelley. Starting the new job tomorrow! Woo Hoo!!!
Congrats on reaching your goal. And I hope your first day was wonderful! Hope you had a lovely Christmas.
Thanks L Marie. Hope you had a Merry Christmas, too! Started the new job this week…lots to learn. Very exciting!
Big life changes are difficult….there were many changes for me too this year. I’m a little unnerved by all of it, and that’s a understatement. But many, many years ago when I was quite young, I worked in a nursing home for a short while. The people there had many regrets about working too long, too much. Time didn’t seem as important as money then. One man told me, “Don’t do what I did. Dance while your knees still bend.” 🙂
Thanks for your comments, Mary. What a great quote from a very smart man. I’ll have to remember that. I just started my new job/career. Exciting times!
Wow, I’m so happy for your leap into a new career with the changing of the calendar. Best of luck! But those cookies made my mouth water. Trying to recover my own dietary challenges after the holidays.
Thanks Renee. It’s been great but a bit overwhelming. I miss my blogging community, have to get back here soon. Hope you’ve been well. Happy New Year!
I feel with you and I wish you all the best!
Thank you!