Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Timing and feeling thankful

I've been thinking about the last few days and two events that dovetailed into perfect timing.

At the beginning of January, we took my son back to San Luis Obispo where he is going to school.  Both Brett and I went to the same university (but not at the same time, I was just a babe when he was there) and we love the area.  We talked about relocating and getting out of the LA rat race.  We love our community but we don't love LA.  I talked about the central coast of California and that dream when we got back.

Soon after that, I was contacted by a headhunter.  The position wasn't on the central coast, heck - it wasn't even in California!  But, it wasn't in LA.  It was in a rural area back east and the position sounded challenging and was with a very prestigious organization.  We talked about it.  We were feeling the itch to get out.  I sent in my resume.  Nothing happened beyond a "thank you. We'll be in touch."  Which was okay.  I was ambivalent.  Some days I wanted the new challenge and a historic barn.  Some days I didn't.  And, most days, I didn't think about it at all.  I had the job description printed out and sitting by the computer at home with a few questions.  But, the paper got buried under other papers and I didn't bother fishing it out.

Then, Sunday I had a very nice day enjoying our home, our animals, the garden and our climate.  I looked at all the fencing around the pasture and the arena and remembered Brett digging those post holes, one by one, and making sure everything was perfectly level.  I looked at the fruit trees that I planted, creating an orchard that is now providing fruit.  I looked with anticipation at the new fruit trees that haven't started bearing yet.  I thought about our house and it's kitchen that is my dream kitchen - because we built it that way.  I thought about the barn and all the work Brett did in there.  He put in the stalls, the brick walkway, the tack room, the feed room, the bathroom, the automatic waterers... He built a beautiful barn.  I found the job description and threw it in the trash.

Then Monday morning while I was down at the barn doing chores, the recruiter called and left a message on my cell.  When I left for work, I had my bluetooth in my ear so I could call him back and a twisted knotted feeling in my stomach.  It wasn't excitement.  It was more like dread.  I knew I wasn't ready to leave our little ranch.

I did call him back and, as it turns out, the job wasn't a good fit anyway.  Phew!  But, isn't life interesting?   As I think about it, I am very thankful for the quiet weekend I had, enjoying the tranquility of home.  I am thankful that I had that weekend right before the recruiter called. 

I am very thankful.
Passage is thankful too.

7 comments:

  1. Gratitude and appreciation put everything in perspective :) You sound like you're doing beautifully right where you are :)

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  2. You still are a "babe" in my eyes. Can I unpack the trailer since we aren't moving?

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  3. Yes, your present home sounds wonderful. We've put a lot of ourselves into ours, too, and I can't even imagine leaving--especially my flowers and trees--they're like my babies. I'm glad you have peace about it and everything worked in the right time.

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  4. In looking at the pictures of your place it's evident that careful planning, workmanship and love went into it. I don't blame you for not wanting to leave. It sounds like it's not just a dream kitchen but a dream home for you and your animals.
    I think I know how you feel. Doug built our barn and our riding ring. I also remember him digging each of those post holes and carefully planning the barn for the horses' health. There's a lot to be said for these roots.

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  5. Sometime, would you show me your kitchen? All things happen for a reason...things were put in perspective and can often make you appreciate what you have even more.

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  6. You are living a dream life in a dream home and barn that you two created. How wonderful to see it now and appreciate it now and enjoy it now.

    I find myself dreaming when I read other blogs from horse people all over the country. You all have better weather and trails and beaches...and...and...then I look at what I have now and find things to love here.

    Our choices are so big and diverse and sometimes that best ones are the ones we already made. So glad you were able to see the beauty around you and be thankful. It is all so good!

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  7. You truly have the place that I hope mine will turn into one day. Being in the midst of trying to create something, I know all too well all the hard work, time, and expense involved. I could see how you might want that challenge again as there is a sense of accomplishment that goes along with every little improvement, but it's so nice to see that you are thankful for all that you have, even though you certainly deserve it with all the hard work you put into it!

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Thanks so much for commenting!