Ever since I started this blog, one month after we moved to Peoria, I have tried in earnest to love it. Of course, there are aspects of the culture here that make me feel a little out of place, but in every other respect, it’s a great city. The three things I continued to repeat to myself: there’s no traffic, cost of living is very low, the people are really nice. Oh how I underestimated that last one.
Three months into our stay here, I found myself with very few friends and a dismal social life. So I decided to accept it and focus on work and learning about my optimal health. My patients (and coworkers) became my friends and my family. They knew about me and my life and truly cared what I was doing with it.
“The people are really nice,” doesn’t even come close to the truth. The people here saved me from a very boring existence. They made me laugh and cry (yes I have cried in the middle of our waiting room) but mostly they just taught me that every person has a history. If we can get to a mutual understand of our pasts, we can be friends in the future.
This past Monday I accepted an offer for an awesome job in San Diego. I’ll be designing (and building) again. The company seems great, and they’re going to pay me a reasonable income! All amazing things. They also want me to start work as soon as possible.
So it is with great sadness that I say goodbye to Peoria and the health center. Yesterday was my last day at work and, because of the shortened timeline, I didn’t get to say goodbye to anyone. So this is my goodbye. You all have affected my life in ways that you cannot fathom. You have opened my eyes to the fact that every person has tons of good in them, you just have to connect with them to find it.
Thank you for being there for me. For leaning on me for advice on your health and for being interested in my life. You have no idea how much it meant. I will miss you all.
And to my few friends outside of work, thank you for taking the time to know me. Most of you knew I’d be leaving this summer and you still considered it worth your while to spend time with me. I appreciate all of you and will miss you so much. You all have a place to stay whenever you want to visit San Diego.
This blog will continue, although my weekly format may change a bit. So keep reading. And comment when you want to talk. I would love to keep in touch with anyone from Peoria.
Mom, Dad, Cam, Nikki, Makenna, Gran, Chuck, SD friends … I’m coming home! 🙂
A Happy Lass 
I usually don’t comment on blogs. However, you have been an awesome addition to PFC and I am very sad to see you go, but am excited to see what life has in store for you. You are an awesome person. An awesome friend, and what I consider an awesome family member. I love you and I will miss you dearly. You will have to come visit me in the baby. Be safe on your new adventures.
I was wondering where in the world you were! California is by FAR my favourite state in the U.S. 🙂 With the great weather you get, you can easily have a year-round garden, lucky you!!! Congrats on the new job and good luck with the move!
Yep, Illinois to California. I am giddy with excitement. Year-round garden AND year-round triathlons. Thanks for the happy thoughts, I’ll keep you all updated 🙂
So incredibly happy for you and Mike, Ashley – I am SURE that Peoria will miss you both, and that you will miss the friendly people of the Midwest, but SO glad that you and Mike will be on-track with your careers and so close to family (well, at least 1/2 the family). You’ll be in my thoughts these next few weeks as you make this exciting transition. Love to you both!
Good luck with the new job in San Diego. I’ve heard it is a lovely place!
Thank you! And yes, it’s amazing. 🙂
Wonderful just wonderful!!!!! Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 13:07:58 +0000 To: sixmazies@hotmail.com
So sad that you are moving. Best of luck to you. Sounds like an awesome opportunity. We will miss you but will stay in touch.
Oh my- who will lead us in our Max T workouts??
Congrats on finding a job so quickly! And welcome back to San Diego! Hopefully I’ll see you around town!
Ohh good luck with your move Ashley! All the best!
Thank you Tina!
How exciting for you! It sounds like you’re very happy about the move; so congratulations on the new job. 🙂
Thanks Ruth. I am very happy. Peoria was a great interlude but I’m definitely ready to get back to my family and my preferred field of work. I’m a very lucky lady 🙂
Ashley, I am sorry that you had such a hard time in Peoria. But I hope you find happiness by going back home. You will be missed. Take care and God bless.
Tina
Brought a tear to my eye gorgeous girl.
Oh my gosh..you’re living proof how fast changes can happen in our lives & this is for the good (for you, not us). I’m so happy for you & have always appreciated your warm smile & positive attitude. I’ll be praying for your safety & the transition to your new job & coworkers, they can’t help but love you! Glad you’ll be keeping us up to date on your blog.
Brian’s mom…
I am sad to see you go, but very happy for you at the same time. You’ve inspired me Ashley to make some big changes in my life. You will be missed!