I was getting my hair cut only two days after moving back to Iowa and mentioned to my cosmetologist (a long time hair-friend of mine) that I was going to fax my resume in to a local dermatology office.  She said, “No, you walk right in their with your cute little face and they’ll hire you on the spot.”  I took her advice, drove over right after my haircut, and walked in to drop off my resume.  In a flurry of activity, two impromptu interviews, and one hour later, I was walking back out with a job offer in hand.

Two and a half years later, I said goodbye to these dear people who have become my friends.  They couldn’t be happier for me and I can’t decide if that makes it harder or easier to leave.  I felt like there was a frog in my throat when I told J and M that I was leaving.  J said, “I knew it!  I knew that’s what you were having a meeting about!”  M practically lunged towards me saying, “Noo!  You’re not serious, are you?”  They both wrapped me in hugs and gave me all the blessings in the world to move on.

But I’m a creature of habit and the thought of starting over, something brand new, makes me nervous.  Yes, I’m thrilled and excited and I know my new job is going to be wonderful, but I’ll just miss my girls.  (I made them take a picture together on my last day.  They weren’t delighted about it; I think they were just trying to appease me since I was leaving.  They’re so cute!)

I compiled a book of quotes for them, memories of our years together.  It’s hilarious, because they are hilarious.  Their natural humor mixed with their aggressive work-ethic has taught me much about life.

In the front of the book, I wrote a little note to them:  “It has been my pleasure working with both of you for the past several years.  It is a rare experience to get lucky enough to work with people whom you genuinely love and respect.  You have both been so caring, motherly, friendly, supportive, and funny.  I will miss you so much, but will always consider you two of my favorite people to have ever worked with and dear friends of mine forever.”

Here’s to new chapters in life!