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Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Sleepless in Seattle

Hello Ladies,
I've not been hear for nearly a week, and I really have missed you all. I usually never talk about personal things going on, but I really feel the need to share with you some difficult things that I have been facing.  Last Wednesday, hubby was offered a position in Seattle.  His dream had always been to work for Boeing, and they made him an offer that he couldn't refuse.  We have both lived in Michigan all of our lives, and all but a few short months I have never lived more than half an hour from where I was born.  To leave my beloved home state of Michigan, the home and yard that I dearly love, my family and friends, and most of all, my 84 year old mom, is heart wrenching.

I should back up a bit and tell you that last summer, hubby lost his job.  I don't need to tell you what the economy is like.  Here in Michigan it is especially tough. And the aviation industry has been hit especially hard.  I never mentioned the job loss on my blog, as I try and keep things positive and light, preferring to talk about things like glitter and paint and puppies!  Well, 4 days after losing his job (and our health insurance) , he slipped and fell and injured his knee.  It was a freak accident which required him to have knee surgery.  He actually slipped on a water melon rind.  It's ok, you can laugh!  Though we weren't laughing at the time.  We used to put out water melon rinds out for the raccoons who visit our yard.  Anyway, I'm getting a bit off the subject!   After a long and painful recovery, he just was not able to find work.  Finally he did find a temporary position last month, but of course no benefits, and we have been paying an arm and a leg to buy our own coverage.  If he had not lost his job, he was planning on retiring this fall.


After his initial phone interview with Boeing several weeks ago, I knew in my heart that they would make him an offer.  I was positive, in fact.  And heart sick.  I really, really dreaded the thought of leaving here.  While I know that our home is really just a house with four walls and a roof, it means so much more to me:  security, being close to family, and a safe haven.  Even though I love to travel the world, I am really a home body at heart.  Hubby knows how much all of this means to me, so he even offered to take our motor home out there to live in, and commute home on his days off (we have flying benefits and can fly stand by for free).  And I would live in our house.  Well, some people might be able to make that work, but the reality of it all was really weighing heavily on me.  I just couldn't see living apart.  And I didn't want him to go.  I had a taste of what it would be like, as he had been out of town the last three weeks training for the temporary job that he had been working at.  So to see each other only 1 1/2 days per week at the most was just too hard.  And I knew it would not be good for our relationship.  After many tears, much praying, and soul searching,  I made the very difficult decision to move with him.  I still have not told my mom.  I haven't had the heart to tell her.  I know, here I am telling all of you ladies first!  I know that we can always fly home, and we plan on moving back to Michigan in 3 1/2 years.  And I know that Seattle is not the moon, but it feels like we are moving just as far!

We will try and rent our home here, rather than sell now, as we would take a huge loss.  So we are flying out tomorrow night for a few days to look for a home to rent there.  I've shared my worries and my fears with a few of you, and have been overwhelmed by the love and support that I have received!  And to think that I would not have any of this "support network", if I had not started this blog last spring!  I've not really had the heart to do much blogging lately.  Or the time!  I've been busy sorting thru tings, getting boxes ready for donation, and having meltdowns along the way.  The really good thing is that Boeing will totally take care of our move!  They hire movers who even pack our things!  That is huge!!!  And we have alot of stuff!  I am looking forward to getting back in blogging mode.  I'll still be here on and off, but not on a regular basis, most likely,til we get settled out there.  And then I will be sure to share my little part of the world with you all, and the views out my window!  So thank you for listening to my story.  Just knowing that you are there, and will be there with me, no matter when I end up, means the world to me!!!

22 comments:

Tete said...

Donna,
That was very nicely said. And you know we are all here cheering you on and we will be the shoulder you need when it gets too much. God will take care of you and your husband and it's just a miracle in itself that he has a chance at his dream. Now, get you Puffs and go tell your mom.
The sooner you get that done, the better you will feel.
And don't forget you can fly home for free.
Don't forget to leave a trail of glitter so you can find your way back home..........:)
Hugs- Tete

mizdarlin said...

Now I don't want to be Pollyanna about this-I realize that it is really difficut for anyone who has been in the same place for a long time to wrench themselves away..but you already know what an exquisite part of the world the West Coast is(Pacific Northern West coast, to be exact) and gardening up here is an absolute delight..Seattle is second only, in my estimation, to San Francisco, as one of the most beautiful and creatively-oriented cities in N. America..but you'll probably not be living right in the city, and there's an abundance of beautiful locales all around it..
Think of it as a long journey, and I know you'll wind up loving it as much as I do..and I'm just up the Coast, as you already know..
Aside from the sad and nostalgic part, I'm really excited for you..what an adventure!

ShabbyESP said...

Hello Donna,
I know this was a difficult decision for you but the economy is really bad and when there is a job you just have to take it!!!
I wish you luck and enjoy your new adventure with your husband.
I will look forward to hear about all the new things you will be experiencing.
Suzann ~xoxo~

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna,
that would be such a tough decision. You are such a supportive wife, and will be blessed for that. Sometimes the sacrifices we make end up with better outcomes than we fore saw. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Lisa x

Karen said...

Hi Donna....I'm glad to see you posting again! Yes, you WILL be very busy for a while. Do you know how tired you'd be if you had to do ALL the packing? How lucky you are that Boeing will have people do it all for you!!! That is a huge plus!

Yes, I think you should tell our Mom your news soon so she has a chance to settle down before your departure. If she knows you will be coming back here, I think that will help a lot. Plus, you can fly back here to visit, and I hope you do!

Take care and know that we are thinking of you!

Love & hugs, Karen (sis)

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna,
Go with your heart Sweetie and you can never go wrong.

hugs
Sissie

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Oh Donna, what a heartwrenching decision for you and your husband! I can imagine how hard it must have been for you, since I'm a homebody, too, and native New Englander all my life. Hang in there and know that sometimes God has a plan for us that we can't realize at the time. I bet you can meet some Seattle bloggers while you're over there, and find things to love about that area. I wish you all the best and will follow along on any updates you have.
Take care and try to stay positive,
Susan

Musings from Kim K. said...

Oh Donna! What mixed blessings. Please know that I'm thinking of you. Perhaps, a break from all this snow won't be a bad thing!! Extra hugs from another MI snow bunny!!

ArtfullyJune said...

Hey Donna, tough decision but sounds like it is the right one for you two. I'm sure it will be a big adventure for you and I can't wait to hear about it.

In fact today I was just thinking about you this morning. I found a very large Syroco wall piece at Goodwill. I quickly snagged it but wasn't sure what color would be best. I thought WWDD.... What would Donna do?? ;)

Christine said...

Hey there! It's a big deal to share that with us, and I appreciate that you did. I believe that everything will work out for the best. And we will be here where ever you go (I love knowing that--don't you?). Blogging is the best!
PS I love what Tete said about the trail of glitter...

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Donna, I am happy your husband finally has work but I can understand how hard it is to leave everything you know. Look at it as an adventure, esp if u know it is only for a few years. Your husband is so lucky that you love him enough you don't want to be far from him. Your turn for some good luck and happy times...

Morgane @ Bear,Dolly and Moi said...

good luck with your move, we have just been through what you described and it has been/is hard. But after living apart for 5 months, we were so ready to be a family. On the positive side, the movers/packers took great care of all my sewing/crafting supplies, and everything made it just fine, at least that was a relief.

Leo said...

Donna - As tough as a decision this was for you and probably will continue to be - you did the right thing. You are a wonderful wife and think of all the exciting new things you will experience. You love to travel - this will be like a 3 1/2 year trip and you get to bring Emily. What an adventure!!!

NanaDiana said...

Well, you know that I am behind you 100% with support an dlove as you need it. Wish I were there to help you out physically - I know what an awful job all that sorting and cleaning is and what it takes out of you. My prayer now is that you are able to find a place out there to rent that you will love and feel "at home" in. Hugs to you , sweet friend- xxoo diana

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

I know how hard this is! But like Debbie said, think of it as an adventure. I'm sure you hubby is relieved to be offered this wonderful opportunity. Being laid off is so stressful in itself. And how great that you are able to fly standby. Hugs to you my friend!

Unknown said...

Donna,
What a great journey you and John have ahead of you! Just think you will only be a 2 hour flight from your favorite niece!
You made the right decision!
Love and hugs,
Debbi

Cindy Adkins said...

Dear Donna,
I am hoping that this is going to be a big adventure too and that you'll love it and be able to see all new things--and then, I know we'll all be able to hear about it on here and follow your journey. We all care about you and love you and are wishing for tons of happiness in Seattle!!
Love,
Cindy

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

OH Donna~ I know this is hard for you, especially to leave your mom...my parents and family all live across country from me. When we do get together we tend to spend a lot more time together, though! I hope that you can look at this as an adventure and an opportunity to grow as a couple~ sounds like the last year has been hard, and you deserve better times! I am glad you can keep your home to return to, too! I will be praying for a good move, a wonderful new home, happiness, new friends and adventures (I've heard Seattle is fabulous)! Bless you, friend! XO

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

I feel for you! We moved from Tennessee to California for my husbands work. All of our family and friends live in Tennessee.We knew it would only be for four or five years but it still was hard thinking about moving so far away but the Lord really Blessed us! The four years went by it seemed way to fast because we really enjoyed our time there so much.It was such an adventure.I pray that the Lord make this move easy and fun and that you too find your move to be a great adventure!!

Wendy said...

Donna! Thanks so much for sharing with us! I know it's going to be different for sure, but it will all work out! :) The job sure does sound like a blessing for sure! :) I currently live two and half hours away from my mom and that's hard as it is. I'll definitely be keeping your family in my prayers as you travel and as you adjust to a new town! :)

Tete said...

Hi! There's an award for you at my place!
Hugs- Tete

Blooming Rose Musings said...

My goodness, you certainly have been going thru some trying times. I know how difficult it is to make a move away from family but remember you are only a short flight from them. This will be a new adventure for you and your husband. The economy has really been difficult and I'm so glad he found a job with a company he loves. You will be busy setting up a new home and traveling all over the west coast. Seattle is beautiful. I'm in Southern California so you will have to make a trip down here. I'm so glad you shared this with us and we are all with you in heart and spirit. I love what Tete said about leaving the trail of glitter. I'm sure this is going to turn out to be a wonderful experience for you. And, you get to fly home for free to see your family. It doesn't get much better than that.
Sending you lots of hugs.