Thursday, January 7, 2010

Is it that time? Really?

No, I haven't joined hula lessons. & I'm not traveling to Hawaii for vacation. It appears that my husband's overseas contract is coming to an end and our time in Japan with it. Looks like we'll be headed back to Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of 'Oahu. Mixed feelings. Mixed feelings. Let me tell you, peeps. Upon hearing the news from Hubs, I cried my eyes out for about an hour, had a glass of scotch, and then took a nap. Which made everything just marginally better.
I should be saying to myself, It's Paradise! But instead I'm a little humdrum. First of all, y'all know I like my plans, and a move right now was not in the cards for me. Or atleast I didn't think so. Hubs and I thought we'd be in Japan for atleast another 2 years and were ready to bunker down. Japan has been good to us and has allowed to save some dollars, not to mention being excellent for both our careers. Our original goals had been to stay in Okinawa, move ourselves up the ladder near Tokyo, and follow that with ending up in D.C. Given circumstances out of our control, we find ourselves heading back to Hawaii 2 years early and are unsure of our long term goals. The timeline has definitely been shot to sh*t. & there are the distractions. Being "home" in a place with gorgeous scenery, family, and old friends is fraught with them. For 2 career minded peeps who love their families, what do you choose? The path of least resistance and comfort - home - or the path that takes you to what you work hard for everyday?

My other issues stand mainly with the insanely high living expenses, housing expenses, and tuition expenses (The public school system is on average in such shambles most parents who can elect private school for their kids). Our 6 month timeline gives me some time to find a new job, while Hubby must adjust to working with individuals from the past. All of this, coming from an organization like mine with wonderful people and and an excellent work environment is hard to stomach.

It's new and it hasn't sunk in yet and I'm still trying to adjust to the reality of what this means for us. Keep me in your thoughts if you can. I'm a person slow to accept change and need excel spreadsheets riddled with formulas to calm my nerves.

I'll keep you updated on the latest here.

17 comments:

  1. I am so sad to hear of your situation! I am a planner too, so I can understand where you are coming from. You are, however, a highly capable person who can handle anything that comes your way! You will both find a way to make it work to your advantage, just keep working the formulas until the proper solution presents itself. You can do it!

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  2. Oh Marisa, this is tough, I totally know what you are goin g through! See it as a challenge though and in the end, everything always works out for the best. Also, you have so much experience now, I am sure you will have no problems finding a job and you will be a-ok. I am sure you and OOTD will miss each other though! I am thinking of you, hang in there!

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  3. I'm sorry to hear about all of this. Unexpected change is never fun nor easy to deal with. I always have to have my ducks in a row and when one falls out of place it flips me upside down - so I feel your pain. I always have to remind myself that things happen for a reason, and there is probably something waiting for you and your family in Hawaii that will make the return all worth while. Good luck in the decision making process!

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  4. I agree, some changes are so hard to get used to. I hope everything works out!

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  5. Everything happens for a reason, girlfriend. You'll figure it out!

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  6. As they say, when one door closes, another one is opening. Good things are in store for you & your family!

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  7. Wow Ladies thanks so much for the support. I need it right now!

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  8. I tried to call you yesterday.
    Things always work out at the end.
    I am sad as you are :(

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  9. Hang in there it will all work out :)

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  10. Have to second what everyone else has said... this could be a new door opening. Can hubby look for something else in Japan? - just a thought. Thanks so much fr leaving a comment today.. I have been here before... But will be following from now on.
    Hang in there! : )

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  11. Oh honey, so sorry to hear this - you'll be in our thoughts. I hate those speed bumps in life, but in the end it will all work out. Keep us posted!!

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  12. Marisa, I totally sympathize with you. I am not a big planner (in fact, quite the opposite) but I don't like change. When my husband told me that we were going to live in the US I was SHOCKED, but then it turned out to be great. I guess that the problem in your case is that change is more easy to accept if there is a big adventure ahead, while you're going back to a place that you know. But there are a lot of positive aspects too, like the fact that you'll be close to your family and friends for exemple. Hand in there and everything will be fine.

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  13. Aw, Marisa! I'm sorry you have to leave Japan but I think the next best place to move (with not such a major transition and just 7 hours away?) would be Hawaii. I am really sorry you have to leave such a great work environment though. Coming from someone who hates her new job, (hi, me!), I totally have a new appreciation for healthy, positive work environments. On another note, I think you'll be amazing wherever you go next and the people who hire you will recognize that. Good luck and keep us posted. xo

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  14. Oh Marisa, I'm sorry to hear about your unexpected news and change in your life plans. You are in my thoughts in prayers...hang in there! :)

    I also wanted to let you know that I nominated you for an award over at my blog.

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  15. Can I just say I know exactly what you are going through right now and I feel your pain. Just a few months ago I relocated to NYC to fulfill all my dreams I had when I was younger and then health issues and the poor economy and being unable to find work in the city has caused me to leave. I have not spoken much about this on my blog yet but after reading your post I just needed to share with you so maybe it helped you not feel so alone. My timeline has gone to s**t too and now I'm having to start all over again and it hasn't been easy.

    I wish you the best of luck and I will keep you and your family in my thoughts daily. I don't deal well with change either.I It's hard but you're tough! Good Luck.

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  16. Really ladies, I'm so fortunate to have "met" you all here. Your support has made a difference in how I feel about it all.

    Jemma, I'm going to see this as a challenge, girl. You've got the right attitude and I'm adopting it.

    Summer, you def made me feel like I'm not alone and I wanted to thank you for sharing here. You hit the nail on the head about the timeline and the starting over. It's not easy. I hope the best for you too and you're in my thoughts.

    To all of you, THANK YOU SO MUCH. A girl needs her ladies in times of strife, and you all have contributed to building me back up.

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