Nicole Carina

Today was my last day at Verizon Wireless…

It didn’t really sink in until today that I wouldn’t be coming back to the place where I’ve worked for the last 6 years. Every job will get on your nerves but overall VZW has been a pretty good place to work. It was this job that made me move to Wilmington, and start a very important chapter in my life. It was my first full time job, and my ticket to independence when I needed to start over and finally grow up.

I got to say goodbye to my friends which was kind of sad even though I know I can come visit whenever I want.  Everyone has been very supportive and encouraging, even the security guard I always see when I leave at night. As I left I gave him my badge and told him that today was my last day, he said he would miss me and wished me luck.

It’s going to be a little scary starting a new job after being used to doing things the same way for so long, but I’m confident that I can handle it.  VZW has served it’s purpose, but it’s time for the next part of my life to begin. As I walked out the door I took one last look at the pansies planted beside the entrance, felt the sun on my face, and the warm breeze blowing… and said goodbye to my job at Verizon Wireless.

I found a great Asian grocery store right around the corner from Toms house last week. Him and Jay went with me while I was searching for more Pho soup and some japanese candy. Of course they had some Hello Kitty items, these were jumbo coin banks. And when I saw Hello Kitty pocky I just had to buy it, lol. I also picked up a couple bowls and a spoon. I love how culturally diverse Raleigh is, its so easy to find great stuff like this.

Yesterday my step-sister Natalie gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Grace Carolina Mills.

Here she is with her parents Judd and Natalie

and with Auntie Nicole

Luckily I was in Raleigh when she was born so Tom and I got to visit her along with Mom and Michael this afternoon. She is just the most precious little thing, and she was wearing a pink bow when we got to see her.

Did I mention she was precious?

Natalie and Judd live in Cary which is right beside Raleigh so I’m looking forward to having more family get-togethers once I move. After visiting at the hospital Mom and Michael got to come see Tom’s condo and we all went out to eat. It was so nice to spend time together.

In less than a week I’m quitting my job at Verizon Wireless and moving to Raleigh.

Tom and I started dating a couple months ago and have been dating long distance, but we knew it was just a matter time before one of us moved to be with the other.  With Tom’s business being in Raleigh it made more sense for me to move than for him to. I also love Raleigh, more than I thought I would, so the decision wasn’t that hard. So now I’ve found a new job in Raleigh that starts mid-April and my last day at Verizon will be March 31.

It may seem strange to pick up and move to be with someone you’ve only dated a short while but Tom and I have a 10 year history… We dated for 4 years then broke up, he moved to Raleigh and I moved to Wilmington. Even though we were with other people over the years we never stopped caring about each other, and remained friends. Earlier this year we were both single at the same time and realized that we wanted to be together again.  Tom and I know each other better than anyone else and we’re each other’s best friend, it just doesn’t get much better than that.  =)

Tom and I shortly after we started dating, around 2000

And a couple months ago

The greatest blessing in my life right now is being with Tom again. We’ve had a crazy journey but both feel that everything we’ve gone through has prepared us to have a future together.  I never thought we’d get back together, but here we are, happy and in love again.  The funny thing is, no one else seemed to be surprised, our family and friends have been really supportive and happy for us.

There are times in your life when the universe comes together and things just seem to magically fall into place… This is one of those times. I couldn’t be happier with the way things are happening.  I know that this is just part of the journey and there will be bumps in the road ahead, but I’m confident that Tom and I can handle anything together.

I wore my new dress today, I wish I had gotten a better picture of it. I love that its finally warm enough to wear it. Wearing pretty skirts and dresses makes me happy. =)

It’s a little late but I wanted to post a quick TILT before I went to bed… Today I decided to wear my Tarina Tarantino Hello Kitty necklace (and my new roses sweater, I love it).  I love how ruffles, lace, and roses are back in style. The romantic look has always been my favorite.

Also, flowing skirts and dresses, fun with friends, finding the asian market near Tom’s house, retail therapy, seeing positive changes in my life, buying and watching New Moon on DVD, Earl Grey with vanilla and milk, enjoying working the night shift so far, putting pictures in my photo album, spending time with Tom’s parents, warmer weather, listening to the train while lying in bed, and feeling the pieces of my life fall into place.

Last night Tom and I went to see Little House on the Prairie with his parents.

Downtown Raleigh is so beautiful at night, and the weather was perfect.

The musical was great and it was nice spending time with Sam and Sandra

Just went to the Raleigh flea market with Tom and his parents, we try to go whenever they come to visit us. I always seem to buy something right when we get there, this time it was a plate. I saw it and recognized the Portuguese national emblem, the same that’s on the flag. I just had to get it.

Daffodils!

More daffodils!

I came home after a week away for my vacation and I was surprised with the first daffodils of the season blooming in my front yard!  They’re so pretty.  Warmer weather is finally starting to come back and so are the flowers and happy singing birds.

I love Spring.

Also: lazy Sundays, alone time, new beginnings, more free books, learning to let go of old things to allow new blessings to come, sitting on my bed with 4 cats cuddling around me, finding a new breakfast spot, making plans, being able to help friends, Hello Kitty jewelry, and having a sweet understanding boyfriend who puts up with me.

Today I came in to work and found that Kelly had mailed me a postcard from England! She went to the National Portrait Gallery and picked this one for me, its a portrait of the Bronte sisters. I LOVE to get postcards in the mail, I’ve gotten them from all over the states and a few from other countries.