Survived week one!

Well I have successfully completed and even survived my first week of many life changing experiences. I left my husband, kids, dogs and home to move to a new state. I walked in as the new hospital administrator for 4 practices and a whole bunch of new employees. That is such an odd experience. On one hand as the administrator I feel that my "job" is to make changes that make the practices more profitable and effecient yet on the other hand the human side wants people to like me. How do we balance that act? It is an act - boss or liked? I know that a good balance would be both and that is most certainly my goal. I will let you know how things turn out and would love to hear how ya'll (Like my new Southern verbage?" handle this situation.

Day 1 of my new home

Well my first day here; yesterday, was quite emotional. I was sure I made the wrong decision and stopped unpacking - ready to head home today. Anyone that knows me knows that my husband and my children are my entire life. My older children have their own lives now but my 12 year old and I are VERY close and as soon as I got here and didn't have her and didn't have my husband, dogs, kids, bed...anything I panicked. Cry is an understatement. I was hysterical. My husband and best friend tried to talk me down but nothing was working. I wanted to go home.

today is a new day. 2 of my kids are coming down in 2 weeks so that I can give this new home and new job a fair shake. If August rolls around and I am unhappy - home I go!

So, today I found an apartment, walked along the beautiful beach and unpacked my clothes. For now, this is home. I have to try. This is the best for my career. I have always wanted sun and no snow and this area is so beautiful. I am going to give 100% to this new chapter in my life. We will see how the story ends!

"Jello" played in the sand, saw palm trees and drove over the big bridge today!

Time for a change

Today was one of the most difficult days of my life. Although I am thrilled to start my new career in South Carolina leaving my family was heartwrenching. As I pulled out of my driveway my 12 year old was in the window, tears pouring down her face, blowing me kisses. I had to pull over after I got away from the house because driving through the tears was impossible. I knew it would be difficult, and up until this week I was living on excitement. Today, though, it was just pure sadness and a lot of questioning my decision. In my heart I still believe it is the right thing to do but that makes this no easier as I spend my first night in a hotel all alone. No husband to cuddle, no kids to talk to and kiss, no tucking in and no puppy kisses. It is bitter sweet. I will be fine; I know that! My kids will be fine too and so will my husband. Soon we will be together and sharing a walk on the beach gazing at the ocean. For now though I will just share my adventure with "Jello". Jello is the stuffed dog my daughter gave me so that I wouldn't be lonely. I told her that I would document my journey with Jello in photos. So follow along to see how Jello and I adapt to this new adventure.

New Kid On The Block

Only days until I will be the new kid on the block. Not only am I leaving my job after 17 years, leaving my family for a short while, moving to South Carolina and starting a new career at a Veterinary Emergency/Specialty Group. That should be scary enough; and it is ...TRUST me! There have been many tears, many times I asked my husband, "Am I doing the right thing?" The answer was always "yes" if you are wondering.

Then there is the decision of what clothes to take. Now if you are a man you TOTALLY don't get this so bear with me. I have over 150 pair of pants and 110 pair of shoes. I didn't even count shirts. (PS: I am VERY cheap and 99% of these things came from Goodwill and resale shops!) So when you are leaving to live short term in a hotel then to an apartment from home...what they heck do you pack? My new bosses said I could wear scrubs or business attire. At first I jumped at scrubs. That was the answer to my prayers! Match top to bottom -WALLAH - outfit of the day. Unfortunately the little voice inside my head took over and kept telling me that I knew better. If I was going to be the boss I had to dress like the boss, so out went the scrubs and back came the grueling decision of what the heck to pack. I leave in 4 days and I don't have anything packed!!!! Maybe I should re-think the scrub thing...after all it is the person they should respect not the clothes right?

That leads me to another source of panic and some sleepless nights. I am going to be the boss but also the newbie. I haven't ever managed an ER/Specialty practice but I have lead and inspired people. I don't know how to explain all those things that end in "...scopy". How do I get to know them all and yet still establish my role as the leader? How do I be friendly but not make friends? (Friends at work is HARD). How do I learn all about ER medicine and specialty medicine really quick? Are there cliff notes for this?

Well, the clock is ticking. I am leaving my home, the job I knew for so long, my kids (they are adults now), my friends and everything I know and love to set out on this new venture. There have been many tears; just 5 minutes ago in fact and a few hours ago when I left my son's house.

Any advice, guidance, input on any of these dilemmas would be appreciated!!!

Donna