New Love (well sort of), New Job, New City (again, kind of), New Chapter.

I felt like an update was in order. I've forgotten how much I need and love writing, and I really don't do it much anymore unless it's a business plan or Employee Handbook. Well, June 1, 2010 concludes my full year as an insurance agent in Cleveland, OH. Whew. What a roller coaster ride. Looking back, I have no idea how I did it. Moved to a dieing city, knew no one, trusted a boss/mentor enough to my demise, and had an incredibly successful year if you ask my current boss.  I opened my agency with a record breaking number of sales, qualified for a week long trip to Hawaii and an extended weekend at a high end resort here. Networked and marketed until I was blue in the face. Hired and trained 8 employees over the course of the year and had to straight out fire three of them. My agency was #91 in the country for life insurance sales even though am in one of the worst locations in Cleveland (bank next door has been robbed three times this year). I bought a new car and moved to a super sweet loft in the middle of downtown. So, I say all this to say, sure, I had a wildly successful first year. But, what he won't know to tell you is- I hated every minute of it. I worked 8-8 every day, and a half day Sunday. I had every mean yankee call me everything you could never imagine. Somehow, I do not have a single solid friend to date. My favorite people to hang out with are a 64 and 65 year old motorcycle couple. I missed my granny's 85th birthday party. I missed all of your vacations. I didn't go home for 8 months. I missed a city-wide benefit concert for my uncle (after his accident). I missed everything that make me who I am. I guess I could say I have tasted "the fruits of success," but they arent really sweet. In fact, I'd give back every one of them. The lady who brought me up here jumped ship 2 months before I started (meaning, quit training and opened my own) and forgot to tell me that there was no way I could move into management, she just needed a new agent here to get her out of this awful city. Funny how life works. I spent the last 9 months trying to figure out how to get myself out of this one. Luckily, the company had mercy on me, and realized I am only 24 for heavens sake! It was so nice to have our vice president sit me down and say, "Candice, you are not stuck here, you are just stopped." You just need some time to develop a personal life to keep up with were you are professionally. Finally. But, that leads me to my next topic. Its amazing what two years time can do for two people. Many of you remember John, who broke my heart at the end of college (and got a drink in his face). I knew what we had was what I wanted. Unfortunately, he didnt see it at the time. I also needed to go out and try my shot at "conquering the world." He realized that being a stupid 21 year old college boy only lasts for so long, and then he grew up. I struck out on my own and got a little beat up by the world. I grew up too.   We both came back softer and more understanding, and more committed. Of course, I had no intention of ever talking to him again, but he somehow got my attention back. This has been the best second chance decision I have ever made. I really love him. Everything that was missing and keeping us apart before is there now. He kept me going for the last 9 months. I could go on, but I will just leave it at that we are both incredibly happy, loved, and serious about being together. I have no doubts about him. He came back to me after 2 years in Cleveland and not speaking. You know the old saying, Let it go, and if it comes back, then you know. I guess that's our story. We are moving in together in a week. I start my new job on June 1. I am thrilled about both. I am going to be the marketing analyst for the state of Tennessee. I get to do all the fun sponsorships, events, and ads. Nice...I get to see my cousins graduate, spend the summer in the hot old humin south. I couldnt be happier. In a short thought, Cleveland was exactly what I needed. When my world was caving in two and a half years ago (Melanie, my uncle, and John breaking my heart), and I needed something to distract me and some time to heal. Both things happened. I have not forgotten the past, but I am only stronger in my own might and own understanding of the world now. And, stronger in who I am and what I want in life. That's why I love this life.