I began a new chapter in my life this past week that is exciting, frustrating, and lonely...at least for now.
I moved to Meridian Idaho last Sunday to begin a new career as the General Manager for Circle J Trailers that is located in Caldwell, Idaho, a suburb of Boise. Circle J is owned by Big Tex, a huge manufacturer of heavy duty utility trailers.
Sue and I chose a very nice home to rent in Meridian where we will put down some new roots at least for awhile. At 54 years old I am way too young to retire and way too old to be unemployed...not a good position to be in. While neither so or I are happy to move away form our family, friends and beautiful home, we do feel very blessed to begin a new chapter in our life.
We are both giving up a lot as we begin our new adventure...family friends, Sue's great job, my calling a a Bishop was only 3/5 complete, and so many great friends, neighbors, and ward members.
I am thankful for being well connected in the industry that I have been in for the last 15 years and for the opportunities that present itself.
I would be less than honest if I didn't say that this week has been one of the roughest I have ever had on me outside of my divorce to my first wife, Rosann, and the cancer ordeal and ultimate death of my second wife Debbie. While this week pales in comparison to those two events, it has been nonetheless very hard on me emotionally. Thos who know me well know that I am one tough bird and never a victim in any way shape or form. Maybe it is becasue I am getting older and really need personal interaction. Even though Sue and I talk each night for over an hour it just isn't the same.
I know that this week has been a little tough on my new employees too. They are naturally apprehensive about what will happen to each of them and that is very understandable. I think about them each day.
I actually got out today and ventured into the downtown area of Boise. They have this really cool district called Bo-Do. It is made up of block so really cool stores, shops and restaurants. We have already staked a claim on a really good pizza place...Proto's. This area is very Annie-Like" They have a weekly market,art, etc street fair each Saturday from mid April to Christmas...lots of neat goodies. I even bought a couple of awesome pottery mugs today form a guy who was just closing up shop.They had really nice Christmas display there too. get this, they even have a minor league hockey team in town (Dallas Stars...Crap) to go and see and root for in a really nice new arena.Bois ehas tons of shopping, restaurants and just about whatever else you would need.
I had to try and get into the Christmas spirit today before the Holiday Blues set in, and I splurged on a 2' fake Christmas tree that I lit up and decorated and is sitting on my kitchen counter. it isn't much, but it is mine and is all that I have to help me get in the mood.
Here's a few photos of my trek into Boise today...enjoy.
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Tis the Season |
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Inside Proto's Pizza |
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Atomica Pie, Garlic, Tomatoes, Olives, Italian Sausage, and Crushed Red Peppers |
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Everything Taters at this Shop |
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Downtown Town Square |
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Funky Little Shops |
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Proto's and Five guys |
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My Little Christmas Beacon |
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Mama Sue and Buster the Bronco on the Blue Grass at the Airport |