This is a special day. First, 28 years ago my life changed completely with the birth of my first child. Wishing my lovely daughter Hannah a wonderful birthday. We are miles apart but I am so proud of who you are and what you have accomplished so far in your life. 

Today also marks the one year anniversary of when I arrived here in the South. It has been a wild ride for the past 12 months. I’m not sure many of you can honestly grasp what it is like to uproot yourself from the only place you ever called home and move somewhere foreign and vastly different. I have a new career (although still in Pharmacy) a new house, new friends, new everything. I left the familiar behind and forged ahead. 

People often ask if I like it here in Florence. I usually answer that  I’m working on it. Yes. There are many aspects I enjoy. But overall I still feel like an outsider. I honestly need to work harder on trying to “fit in” but  not sure how successful I’ll be at that. 

Professionally, I made a solid choice about leaving Cleveland. I found a hospital that was in desperate need of a Pharmacy makeover. The first several months were a nightmare, but with the help of a forward thinking CEO, I have been given the tools I need to turn this department around. This has made me extremely happy and fulfilled. Every day is still a challenge, but I no longer feel the dread and desperation that I once did in my previous position. 

One other aspect that has been wonderful is how supportive and amazing my husband has been about this transition. I asked him to come along on this crazy ride, and although he has much stronger ties to Cleveland, he has embraced this move and thrived. He’s developed new hobbies and has adjusted to working from home. 

I can’t say how long this Southern phase will last, but I’m glad that I took this leap of faith. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t take this chance when it presented itself. 

Happy Anniversary Florence!