Dreaming BIG

Many of you have been asking for an update on my {job status}...  I think that I've tried to write this post about four times already.  I may not do the words justice.  If that's the case, forgive me for tripping over my enthusiasm! 

I'm excited to get to tell you that I got what I was hoping for, but in typical Dana-fashion, it's not what anybody was expecting.  We were to select five positions we wanted to apply for.  The application process was simply an online application tool.  There were no interviews.  The management met in a room and filled in the right person in each position on the new organizational chart.  If you were selected, you would get one job offer and one only.  Much prayer and much wrestling, many questions and many plans later, I knew what I had to do.  To make a long story short, I requested to be "left standing" at the end of the reorganization.  Basically, I asked to be chosen as one of the ones to be laid off.  I have loved my time at Chevron.  I've learned more than I can tell you.  I've met some wonderful people.  I've had countless opportunities I would have never have had otherwise.  I am amazed at times as I look back over the last nearly three years and so very thankful for that time.  That being said, about a week before I had to turn in my paperwork, I realized that what I had to do was take a shot at getting the time I have been lacking.

You see, I'm starting my own business.  I'm well on my way.  I have my LLC, my logo, a website being built, a business plan, etc. etc.  Jeremy is uber-supportive!  The kids are thrilled!  I have so much support all around.  And if you're a frequent reader, you probably already know that adventures are my favorite.  God has made it quite clear that it's time to follow Him in this.  This is definitely going to be an exciting new adventure!

To my readers, to my family and to my friends, thank you for your support over the last six months going through this process.  Some of you have lent an ear while I talked through the many concerns that came up.  Some of you became my fan squad, cheering for me as both a Chevron employee and new business owner.  Some of you have sent links and book ideas.  Many of you have prayed.  My mentor, {Diana}, planted a seed the very first night I met her in my heart about the possibility of having my own business and dumping my early mornings, my commute and my long days away in favor of my family, my schedule, and my freedom.  If it wasn't for her encouragement, I know that I wouldn't be looking ahead the way that I am today.  She tells me that I'm her mini-me, but she's my inspiration.  My sister, {Jill}, is my very best friend and a huge dreamer, like me.  If she hadn't said on July 21, "I know the perfect business for you...", I wouldn't have caught this fire and been ready at this exact opportune moment.  No one knows you the way a sister does!  She knows my heartbeat and that is such a blessing.  My Jeremy.  Y'all just have no idea the countless ways he has held my hand through the uncertainty of the reorganization, believed in my capabilities more than I believe in myself, and found very practical ways to make this dream truly a reality, and on and on and on and on.  He's my hero.