Relief.

I finally did it.

After weeks of debating when, where, and how it should happen, it happened.

I gave my boss my more-than-2-weeks notice.  I was relieved and sad at the same time.  I hate to disappoint, and I know by me leaving at the end of this month it's inconvenient for my store and for my boss.

For those of you who didn't know, Ryan is getting deployed in early December.  We decided it isn't best for me to stay in Kansas City by myself working like a dog through the holidays and the new year.  We also decided that I'm happiest with family and friends, and since Ryan really doesn't care where he lives, we'll be (hopefully) settling down in Charlottesville when he gets back.  This is a big leap of faith considering we have no idea if Ryan's job is going to allow him to transfer when he gets back.

So, the plan is for me to work through the end of November, pack up all of our stuff and store it in a storage unit, and I live like nomad for 4 months on the East Coast until he gets back.  While I'm living as a nomad, Ryan will be working loooong hours and working hard for the money.  So hard for it, honey.

I'm extremely grateful for family and friends to offer up their comfy beds and even allow our b*tchy dog Zoe to stay, too.  There are lots and lots of mixed emotions right now, and here are just a few of them:

Stress - It ain't easy planning logistics with the move, and it's even harder with Ryan and I both working almost 50 hours a week on top of the planning.  We still have to pack, move everything into storage, and I still need to pack for 4 months of living out of a suitcase.

Sadness - Since Ryan and I started dating, we've never gone longer than 2 weeks without seeing eachother.  Now he'll be gone for 4 months and our only form of communication will be telephone and Skype.   Has anyone ever heard Ryan talk on the phone?  He can converse for the MOST 5 minutes in a day, so you probably haven't.  This isn't going to be easy for our relationship, but I know it will only make us stronger.

Anxious - I've spent mayyyyybe 3 weeks total with Ryan's family since we started dating.  Now I'm going to have more time to spend with them since I'll be at the in-laws house for the month of December.  Also, it's been over 4 years since I've spent more than a weekend in Richmond.  I'm going to be living there for a bit now and hanging out with everyone lots.  On top of this, it's been over 6 months since I've seen my niece Rena, and I finally get to watch her grow up a bit.

Comforting - I find comfort in the fact that we'll be able to settle down, buy a house, and eventually start a family of our own.  A permanent address?  No packing or unpacking for years?  Getting to paint the walls of our own house? Not having to quit a year after starting a job? Baby Hibbs running around everywhere? Yes, please.

I'm still not announcing the move to my store because my boss doesn't want me to.  He thinks it's best if I keep it quiet until after Thanksgiving.  I was very relieved to have my boss support my decision even though he wasn't happy about it.  His words, "You're very good at what you do, and I hate that you're leaving."  That made me happy to hear that :) My boss came from a military family and remembers how sad his mom was moving around a bunch, so he understands why we need to move and let me know he'd be happy to transfer me or give a recommendation for another job if needed.  This helps the situation.

SO, the next few weeks are going to be crazy, sad, happy, fast moving, and stressful.  Please keep Ryan in your prayers and I'll blog again soon!