Taking Risks

Nathan was just offered a full-time job as a line cook for the Opryland Hotel in Nashville -- not at all far from his apartment.
I am sooo so excited for him.  He's been looking for a way out of Kroger for quite some time now, and this news came like an answer to many prayers.  It meant Nathan was finally going to get some experience in his field.  As Opryland shamelessly told him, "Burger King isn't really impressive experience."

When he called to give me the news, he was completely blown away with excitement.  I could hear it in his voice, and I was thrilled to death for him.  This was exactly what he needed.

But, of course, there's always a catch.

Opryland isn't like Kroger.  They don't play games.  They're real serious.  And this is a full-time job with benefits.  This means he will be working 32 hours (minimum) per week.  This means they can't guarantee him weekends or holidays off (actually, they certainly can't guarantee holidays off, as I'm sure that's their busy season, being a hotel).  Working at Opryland also means taking a $3/hour pay cut, which also means that he can't afford to come back to Columbia to visit as often.

Nathan has lived in Nashville since he started the school year, and we've gotten used to only seeing each other on the weekends.  Now our time together will be cut even shorter.  Am I happy about that?  No.  I'm going to miss the heck out of that kid.

But I know he needs this.  He needs this experience to boost his career.  And I know he wants this.  He wants so bad to provide for the family we both want to have someday.  He wants to build a life for the two of us and our future children, and that's a beautiful thing to have someone want to do for you.  And if that means taking some risks?  Even if that means taking some distance, never take for granted a man who wants what is best for you.

I still can't believe it's all happening.  It really all just seems kind of crazy.  I'm engaged to the man of my dreams, and now I have to accept not seeing him for weeks at a time.  It has been QUITE an emotional roller coaster (and I'm sure it isn't over yet), but writing it all out like this makes it easier for me to process, easier to handle.  And it's so wonderful to know that we have the love and support of so many friends.

So... what to do with that void in my weekend he used to fill?  No worries.  I've got a lot of work to do, becoming Mrs. Right.