Island Fever

Met my ex-boss for lunch today. We haven't worked together for almost 4 years but have developed a close friendship and feel comfortable confiding in each other. She was my first boss when I got my first real job in a corporate environment. I don't know why but she had faith in my capabilities just a few months later and took a big chance by promoting me. My career path would have been very different if I hadn't been given that opportunity so I am forever thankful. Unfortunately, when the company went through a management shake up a year later, she didn't make it through but has since bounced back.

Two years ago, her husband had an opportunity to transfer to Hawaii for a two year assignment and they jumped on the opportunity to live in paradise. The first year was tough for her because technology jobs are not plentiful in Hawaii. "Mainlanders" also face a bit of discrimination as they are seen as outsiders. The first year was tough to get adjusted to the slower pace. She's gone through several bouts of "island fever" so comes to visit family in California a couple of times a year. It's hard to imagine not just enjoying the island way of life but I've never been in her position so it's hard to walk in her shoes. Thankfully, they are coming up to the end of the two years. The options were: 1. commit to stay in Hawaii for a minimum of 3 additional years or 2. be transferred to a location in Northridge (NW Los Angeles) which isn't really ideal because their house is in Irvine. Things have happened quickly so within a week they've decided to pack up, sell the house in Hawaii and come home.

I presented my idea for our business to her to get her opinion and she was thought it was great. She thought the idea was unique and clever and that she would definitely use the service herself. She's only the second person I've told about the opportunity and am glad about the overwhelming positive feedback thus far, especially coming from a person that I respect and admire.

Total spent today:
$26 very nice lunch for 2 at The Clubhouse (saved $10 with Entertainment card)
$3.50 Starbucks
$35 Sav On Drugstore (heating pad)