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Hogs & Quiches & Prayers Round-up:  Need some Farmgirl long distance hugs...  |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 06:49:24 AM
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My best friend for the last 10 years, Ron, is moving on Monday to New Orleans. It's all happened quite fast and I'm so very proud of him--he applied for a job at Tulane University's College of Architecture as the Planned Giving/Alumni Donation Coord. and got it--he found out the 2nd week of January! One of 3 candidates from across the country, which is such an incredible, amazing opportunity.
Just before Thanksgiving, he confessed how unhappy he was in this area--and I understand--being someone who traveled most of her young adult life, this area can be a little stifling. I'm not unhappy, but I have a husband and a baby and a little house to tend to, and it keeps me busy. He is divorced ten years, and hasn't had much in the way of lasting relationships and was feeling pretty miserable at his job at the Cincinnati Art Museum (also in the planned giving position) because of silly politics. So, I suggested as an aversion, he take a vacation to New Orleans, a city he's talked about going to many times because of his love of jazz and blues.
When he came back from his trip, he was absolutely over the moon and just raved about the rebuilding of the city, and how he would love to be a part of that (he's very community and civicly minded, active in politics) and in all honest confidence, I asked him, "why don't you look into moving there?" Girls, I meant it with all my heart--he deserves the world--I guess I just didn't think it would happen "quite" this quickly...He's the brother I never had--as an only child, this relationship, besides the one I share with my husband and my best girlfriend, Jess, have been the most imporant and long lasting of my adult life.
I've been really trying to keep my emotions in check and I'm failing miserably today. We had dinner last night and I was SO fine. I was TOTALLY fine until we were driving away and little Violet said, waving her hand, "Byyyyeee Won.." and I just lost it. Had to pull over and cry for a few minutes.
I know change happens in our lives, and I would never wish it differently for him. Such an amazing opportunity, and he's so deserving. Monday is just a little soon...
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 07:02:16 AM
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A big farmgirl hug to you Jonni.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2978 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2978 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 07:13:40 AM
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Look at it as your vacation home in New Orleans with your second family...
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 07:16:13 AM
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I fully intend on visiting, Lisa, especially since that was where my father was born, and the last time I was there was for a funeral when I was little.
That's a very positive way to look at it....sigh. It will get better, I just need to keep focused on the positive.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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SusanScarlet
True Blue Farmgirl
317 Posts
317 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 07:24:40 AM
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| I have been the "friend that moved away" more than once in my life and have left many friends behind. The ones that blessed me the most did everything they could to help me get ready to go (parties - celebrations - help packing - babysitting - even vacuuming my empty house - dinner ready when the moving van left with my belongings) and then they prayed with me and cheered and most importantly smiled through their tears as I drove away. Another thing that has really helped me is that they were available to talk/listen and continued to encourage me as I adjusted to my new life. It will take a period of adjustment but be thankful for 10 years of local best friendship and then hug your husband and baby real tight, plan something special to do with your other best friend and go forward, don't cling to the past. Monday will be tough - will be thinking about ya'll - keep us updated. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 07:39:47 AM
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Thanks for those words, Susan. I am truly thankful, that's for sure. As we age, it's harder and harder to grow close to people with our busy lives. I did throw a going away party this passed Sunday and even managed to get Ron's "other" best friend from D.C into town on very short notice. It was quite a surprise for Ron, and I made a cajun feast, making jambalaya, red beans and rice, Black Eyed Pea dip, Lemon Ice Box Pie and Banana Pudding for Ron and 40 of his friends. It was a great turnout. We all stood up and told a "Ron" story, or something about him that we loved.
Tulane is moving him, and the movers came on Wednesday, packed everything up and took it already, so he didn't have to worry about much there, but I think I might take him something to munch on for the road. Baking always eases my mind--thanks for a great idea.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 08:00:10 AM
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Oh! Big hugs Jonni! I am sad that your "brother" is moving, but so happy that he is moving ahead and hopefully finding his place in the world. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to someone that dear, My heart is with you and I am sending especially warm and sisterly hugs your way.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 08:06:45 AM
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Thanks, Annika--it really is going to be tough, but I'm going to simply make plans to visit as soon as I can and you're right--I know he is where he needs to be. He won't get back here much I don't imagine, and from what I understand, will be traveling to NY and Chicago a lot for this job.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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SusanScarlet
True Blue Farmgirl
317 Posts
317 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 08:08:08 AM
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| Sounds like a great party ! Oh, and when you mentioned baking for the road I thought of two other things friends have done for me as I moved. Packed a huge snack box for the road - both home baked and commercial stuff and water, fruit, etc. One also burned a CD of music that was "memories" of things we'd done. Sending farmgirl hugs. |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 08:44:19 AM
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Hugs to you!!! Just remember he is not gone but just further away! Keep in touch & it won't seem so far away. With all the many wonders of computers & cell phones & even snail mail there are lots of ways to stay in touch with him. ((((Jonni))))
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
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Diane B Carter
True Blue Farmgirl
1270 Posts
Diane
Blasdell
N.Y.
USA
1270 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 08:59:37 AM
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| It was hard for me to move 30 miles from my best friend. Thank God for computers, phones, mail & vacations. (((BIG HUG))) for you. |
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Hogs & Quiches & Prayers Round-up: Need some Farmgirl long distance hugs... |
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Need some Farmgirl long distance hugs...
