End of an Era

Where to begin???  Today was my last day of employment with the company I have worked with for the last 11 1/2 years (and loved the majority of the time!).  I began working in the home office in 2000 and was promoted to a sales rep position in 2002.  I was even blessed when we moved to Hickory to be able to transfer into a territory here and keep my job!  I accepted a voluntary layoff that will be effective March 31st.  Crazy, I know.  Who gives up a job with awesome benefits in an economy like this ~ who does that?  Apparently, I did!

Our plan is to move back closer to our families over the summer (once Reagan is out of school here and before school begins there).  We feel as if we are following the Lord's direction in this, but that doesn't mean this is easy or there aren't those "what if" questions.  There are still a lot of things that need to fall into place so we can move and many more things once we get there, but we're trusting the Lord with this one!

putting up my samples

 lunch with Dr M

Please pray for us as we begin our transition!

Out with the Old...

In with the New.

Today, we said good bye to the van (affectionately known as the Golden Nugget). The Dodge Caravan served us well for 2 1/2 years, but Uncle Astra said it was time to turn her in.

It was time ~ don't you think? And, we say hello to the VW Jetta Sport Wagon ~ much smaller and lower to the ground which will take some getting use to. But, you gotta love that new car smell!

And, you gotta love 12 miles on a brand new car! Welcome to the family ~ I hope the kids will let you stay clean for at least a week!

The Biltmore

Today, as part of our team building exercise, we were able to tour the Biltmore House. We were actually allowed to do a "behind the scenes" tour and saw parts of the house that aren't open to the general public, including going out onto the rooftop deck. Thanks again Uncle Astra!

The Biltmore House

Some of my coworkers ~ Julie, Sharon, Betsy and me

A view from one of the rooftop decks

Part of the grounds

Looking at one part of the roof from another

A view of the gardens

Rooftop view

Julie (my counterpart) and me

The rooftop monogrammed with GV

Very steep roof line

Mountain views

A private entrance to the Vanderbilt's bedroom

Business

This week, I've been in a meeting with my company ~ which happens to be about 15 minutes from Greg's office. We're staying at the Grand Bohemian hotel~very nice, just reminds me a little of the Adams Family. I'm very fortunate that Greg has been able to stay with me overnights, so he doesn't have to drive back and forth to work for these 3 days. We're even more thankful that Gigi and Bubba agreed to come over and run after Reagan and Cooper.

Here are some pictures of the room we're staying in.

The desk area

The bedroomThe bathroom

The soaking tub has shutters that open up into the bedroom

Thanks Uncle Astra for a little weekday getaway!

8 Years Ago Today...

...I began my career with AstraZeneca. I started out in the Regional Office as an administrative assistant, and after 2 years became a pharmaceutical sales specialist in the Nashville East territory. After 2 1/2 years there, we relocated to Hickory and I now promote Crestor and Nexium in that area.

Thanks Uncle Astra for keeping me around ~ it's been a great 8 years!!