A brief timeline:
In the spring Microsoft, one of Brian's current clients, begins to talk to him about the possibility of him coming to work full time for them (instead of as a contract energy consultant).
By the way, if you want to know more about what Brian does, you'll have to talk to
him. I can give a vague description and I am always surprised when Brian says I
described it mostly correctly.
In the spring we laugh. We would never leave. We would never want to work at Corporate America.
In the summer Brian is more intrigued. Could he do this job from St. Louis? He finds out more about the job, it seems like it could be an incredible fit. His current jobs fails him more and more. Still we say...How could we ever move.
In August, Brian receives the job description. He is giddy. I have never seen him come alive like he does when he talks about this job. He is like an artist who has been working with minimal supplies whose been offered the possibility of getting to create on a huge canvas with unlimited art supplies. If he could have written the job himself, he couldn't have written it better.
Wife, who has been amazingly, surprisingly supportive begins to panic. In theory, I say I will move anywhere in the world for my talented artist. Reality feels much different. All my daily events and interactions begin to be viewed with the lens of loss. I cry everyday. Wife, mother, friend...the little girl who cried when our carpets would change in my house growing up. "I love you linoleum, I'll miss you so much" as I lay on the floor stroking the white faux brick with gray trim. Change does not feel safe.
Last week Brian flies to Seattle on Monday for six interviews. They go incredibly well. We fly to Seattle together on Tuesday evening. He has meetings Wednesday and Thursday. I drive around enjoying quiet time in the car with tea and music. Thankful for the GPS on my phone.
It is cold, cloudy and drizzly all week. I get a good taste of a normal Seattle day. I meet very friendly people. I speak with a woman walking in a neighborhood (just roll down my window and ask her about the area). The man behind the counter of a local coffee shop picks out my accent and speaks to me for 10 minutes about how the area of Kirkland is the best. A mom with a 3 year old tells me about preschools then offers her email and phone number so I can contact her with questions. I meet a realtor who specializes in the Kirkland area and he offers to email me rentals when they come up. I drive till I am carsick.
Wednesday night I meet Brian at dinner with his main contact at Microsoft, TJ. She has been his biggest cheerleader and support along the way. He works with her more than anyone. We meet, she gives me the biggest, most sincere hug. We are joined by two men who represent wind turbine manufacturers. They want Microsoft's business. I am a little of a fifth wheel but they don't make me feel like it. Though I do feel like I've entered a foreign world. "Have you been to Florence lately, Kim?" I want to say: "I'm sorry, did you ask if I've mopped my floors lately?" I feel Midwest. I feel different. But the conversation moves to things of truth and importance. These corporate individuals still long for integrity. They long to leave their children with things that matter. I am surprised by the depth of the conversation and I have a heart for this corporate world.
The next day I leave the suburban "Eastside," cross Lake Washington to the main part of Seattle. This part of Seattle intimidates me. The streets don't make sense. I get lost multiple times. I am intimidated by the culture there. People appear to either be "grunge" or "alternative." I wonder if I could fit in being "mainstream."
I have lunch with my childhood best friend, Molly. We haven't seen each other in 13 years, though we were inseparable for the first 10. We have a wonderful lunch. We even meet up again for dinner so she can meet Brian. She chooses a vegan restaurant. It is divine. There are multiple gluten and dairy free menu options. I have the most delicious gluten free dairy free brownie with peanut butter ice cream. Could this be God's goodness to me and my families diet restrictions?
We close the restaurant down. I am so thankful to reconnect with her. I imagine many more times together.
Friday, Brian and I get to explore together. We wonder upon this quaint French cafe in Queen Anne. We drive around Wallingford, the area of Seattle where most young families live. We head back over to the Eastside. I realize I feel more comfortable on this side. It is suburban but feels more familiar.
That night, we are invited to dinner with Brian's potential new boss at a fancy steak restaurant at the top of a hotel overlooking all of Seattle. Real life Pretty Woman. I feel like I am on an interview. My first in 10 years. We have a great time. Again, I am surprised by the depth of the conversation. Christian has an amazing heart and he really cares about Brian as a person not just for what he can offer Microsoft. He asks honest questions about me and our kids. He really cares. After dinner, I thank him, especially for wanting to meet me and valuing that Brian has a life outside of work. He agrees that life is more important than work. Wow. Different.
"Great job, eye candy!" Brian complements me after dinner. I'll toot my own horn. I think I did well. Christian emails Brian later that night to thank me for coming to dinner, to say how much he enjoyed meeting me and that he can tell I am a big part of Brian's success. He knows the way to my heart.
After dinner, we meet some acquaintances for wine. A long time friend of my mom has a daughter my age with a life story so familiar to mine. She and her family of 5 have just moved to Seattle 3 weeks ago. Funny. We have a great time. Her husband teaches Philosophy at Seattle University. Did you know Brian has a major in Philosophy? They have had a wonderful time so far in Seattle. Their 2 boys and 1 girl (almost the same ages as our kids) have adjusted well.
The next morning we meet another acquaintance for breakfast. Mike Sabracco, his wife and 2 kids. He has been in Seattle 7 years at Grace Seattle Church. Another fantastic time. We enjoy their family and they fill us in on Seattle and what is like for Christians to live in a culture so hostile to things of the gospel.
We spent the rest of the day driving in neighborhoods. We decided we want a new house, with a big yard, sidewalks, cul-de-sac, view of mountains/lakes, walkable to a school and stores/coffee shops. Asking for too much? We go to bed early. Exhausted. This is the first night we've stayed in the same hotel as the night before. We get up early and head home.
We hope to hear something from Microsoft by the end of next week. For now we wait.
I realize those are just the facts. I'll write more later about how we are processing.
