Change is a Good Thing

We've had rain off and on for the past couple of days. The snow pack is thinner each day. Patches of brown grass show through here and there. The bent sticks of last years crops poke up from the black loam of our garden. The atmosphere's inversion blankets us with thick fog each morning now. Yesterday, I whispered "rest well my friends" to the snowshoes even when instinct insists we could get more snow. I'm ready for change.

Change is what is happening at Whiskey Jack Flats. Mike is a little better each day with chemo behind us. He's more himself these days. For that I am thankful. Yesterday he had blood work drawn and it was all back to normal which means this: THE DAMN PORT COMES OUT AND IT IS OVER! Yes it is soooo over. This is the day I've been waiting for. I get my spot back! It's not that the port has been that big a deal, I'm glad he had it for chemo, but it is the little number which signaled the harsh reality of the past ten months. I am looking forward to a better and brighter future.

While we are speaking of the future I'm going to share a little more good news. 

A week ago I received a phone call from Anderson Fabrics (www.andersonfabrics.com) in Blackduck Minnesota. A little hamlet about 22 miles north of here. They manufacture designer drapes, beadspreads, pillows and window coverings. They also have an outlet store and a quilt shop. Well they offered me a job as assistant manager of the outlet/quilt shop. With a move to the manager's position in 12 -18 months. Needless to say I was floored. I visited with them on Monday for three hours. I toured the factory. Met some of the 300 staff and walked through the shop. There is room for growth in the quilt store and they want me (me can you believe it?) to take it to the next level. So I gave it my three day rule (see below) and on Thursday morning I took the job! I go to work for them on April 19 and am very excited about the opportunity.

Leaving my current job was not an easy decision. I like my job, co-workers and my boss. Telling her I was leaving was one of the hardest things I've had to do. Carol has been very good to me. I would not be in the position to take my new job if it weren't for all she has taught me and allowed me to try. For that I will forever be thankful. 

It's feeling like the stars have changed for Mike and I. It feels like we have the world by the short hairs (as Mike says). I want to remember what we have walked through and how we got here and I never want to lose sight of who we are. We have been shaped by Mike's cancer. I think I'm a better person for it and if that is the case then I don't get to be mad at the cancer; I should be thankful. And I am.

Who knew I'd ever say that?

Peace

Karen

 Karen's Three Day Rule for Making Decisions

All big decisions get three days of thought. I have never made a bad decision when I've done this. It's a rule I live by and it works.