What a day! You know those days when you have 5,000 hours of work that you somehow need to cram into one working day?
Fortunately I got a lot accomplished this morning, but I have some techy stuff I need to finish up on the blog this afternoon that will likely be time consuming but exciting at the same time. I’m crossing my fingers for a smooth transition!
I took a break around noon for lunch at Greens & Grill. I met up with one of my former bosses, Mark, to catch up and chat.
I worked as an intern for Mark for about a year during my senior year in college. I applied for the internship when one of my favorite professors at UCF told me that her husband’s company was looking for an intern.
When I got the job, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed my experience since I was mostly writing about power companies! It was a great experience and working under Mark was a great fit for me. He is the kind of boss you respect both personally and professionally. Plus, I thought the company was awesome. When I worked there, they had every employee take the Myers-Briggs personality test so everyone had a head’s up about their coworker’s personalities. It was really neat because the results were then posted outside your office and you knew before approaching a colleague how to better communicate with them.
Mark and I ended up chatting for nearly two hours. I hadn’t seen him a couple of years so we had a lot of conversation to cram into a quick lunchtime meet up!
Greens & Grille makes some awesome salads! The highlights of my salad included tart apple slices, edamame and sautéed onions.
What better way to wash down a salad than with a cup of fro yo?
On my way home from lunch, I swung by a frozen yogurt shop and enjoyed a cup of peanut butter and Nutella frozen yogurt, topped with brownie chunks, whipped cream and Butterfinger pieces.
(Don’t you miss my in-the-car-on-the-way-to-work photos? 
)
A winning combination!
Now it’s time for the big announcement… which you probably skipped ahead to anyway.
For those of you who are actually reading these words, HI! I LOVE YOU THE MOST!
Also, the Fashion page was updated so have a field day and check it out if you’d like!
The Big Announcement
No, I’m not pregnant.
No, Sadie isn’t getting a boyfriend, brother or sister.
No, we’re not moving out of Florida.
***
But we are moving out of Orlando.
Ryan and I will be moving to Ocala, a small town located about an hour north of Orlando.
A couple of weeks ago Ryan interviewed for a new job. Remember that one Tuesday when I blogged from Starbucks and Ryan and I went on a random mid-week date?
Well I kind of blog-lied.
I didn’t “just feel like getting out of the house” to work that day. I accompanied Ryan to Ocala where he had a long interview scheduled for a new position with a prominent company in the area. While I worked and blogged from Starbucks, he interviewed and then I picked him up and we ate dinner in Ocala before heading home.
And remember last weekend when we were searching for houses to rent all day long? It took so long because we had to drive the hour to Ocala and then we drove all around the town, trying to figure out which areas would be best for us to live.
And that fancy-schmancy dinner last weekend? That was a celebration dinner for Ryan! He officially accepted his new job last Friday and on Saturday I planned a surprise date for us to celebrate this exciting step in his career.
The Decision
Ryan’s decision to accept the position in Ocala was one we made together and one we made very carefully after many nights of long discussions about where we see ourselves in the future and Ryan’s career goals. We said over and over again how lucky we feel that my job can be done from anywhere, making the decision to move a bit easier since I won’t be out of work.
While the position itself seems like a good one and is one that aligns with the future goals of our family and Ryan’s career, we are obviously a bit nervous about moving to Ocala. Those of you who live in Florida likely understand our feelings, but for those of you who have never heard of Ocala, this little tidbit of information should help paint a picture about the new town we’ll be living in for you: More Kentucky Derby horses come out of Ocala than anywhere else in United States.
Let’s just say you would’ve thought Ryan and I saw Santa Claus when we drove past a Target last weekend! 
Though we’ve obviously heard a lot about the stereotypes of Ocala, as we explored the area, it definitely had more to offer than we expected. A mall, Best Buy, Joann’s, Ulta (!!!), Starbucks, Bonefish Grill, TJMaxx and many other stores we’ve become accustomed to in Orlando also have locations in Ocala. Ocala is also home to some amazing hiking trails, parks and camp grounds, which excites us a lot! Plus, it’s only an hour from our friends in Orlando and about two hours or so from our families in St. Pete and Sarasota.
I am so, so, so pumped about finding a nicer place to live. I become elated at the thought of living in a mouse-free apartment!
It seems like you can get more for your money in terms of housing in Ocala, so Ryan and I are hopeful that we’ll find a nice house to rent with a beautiful kitchen (my dream!), an office for me (our kitchen table isn’t cutting it), a fenced-in backyard for Sadie and possibly a pool. We finally heard back from the landlord of the dream house we found online last week and have plans to go see it on Monday. Yay!
Ryan will officially begin his new job on July 25, so we’re in quite a time crunch to pack up, find a place and move. Since we’ll be in Chicago all weekend for a wedding, the pressure will be on when we return!
I really am looking forward to this next chapter in our lives. I think we’re ready for something new.
I’m also really grateful that we’ll still be close to Orlando because we have great connections with friends, colleagues and other bloggers in the area, and it’s only an hour drive to see everyone.
Also, if any of you live in Ocala, please speak up because I’m going to do my best to coerce you into being my friend. This will be us: 
Deep in love like. Great, now you already think I’m totally creepy. Seriously though, I need a friend… that’s a human and not a horse.
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Congrats to Ryan! How exciting. Maybe he’ll have a better work-life balance? (I say that just based on a few times you mentioned he had to work late.)
I have to ask-what was your code when you took Myers-Briggs?! I’m a huge MBTI nerd. Having never met you and just read your blog a ton, I’m going to step out on a creep-tastic limb and say ISTJ. 🙂
I read the whole thing starting at the top! but i did read really really fast! I also may have refreshed your page 5,000 and 1 times today too 🙂 … I am so excited for you both and can not wait to follow your journey on the blog every day! You better get that vitamix packed up! <- smothie maker will travel.
Ah, congratulations! I was hoping it was another puppy (just because I can only imagine how Sadie would react) but a move is so exciting! Good luck packing up & settling in to your new life 🙂
Yay you! We love you back! Oh, and mouse-free’s the way to be. I guess you already knew that though 🙂
I hope you guys love the new place!
Congratulations to both of you! I’ll speak on behalf of any other Kentuckians who read your blog and say THANKS for all of those hearty, beautiful horses. 😉 They sure do make for some fun days at the track in the Spring. Now that you’ll be around them so much you and Ryan should really make a weekend trek to Louisville and witness our incredible Kentucky Derby! You wouldn’t be disappointed!
I read the whole post! So thrilled for you guys!
we should! that would be a blast!
Aw congratualtions! That’s so exciting and how awesome that you totally got to skip the “but-what-about-my-job” dilemma. Love it when things fall into place!
I will tell you as a lifelong Florida resident (including Orlando proper, Winter Park, Oviedo and Gainesville), Ocala is lovely (a little out there) but simple and pretty. Like many small, isolated towns, it is catching up fairly quick. The Ocala National Forest is great and you will defintely afford a nicer place than a more metro place would allow.
Sadie’s going to love chasing all that nature LOL.
you give me hope, adriane!
So does that mean you should come to KY to see all the Derby horses??? <—hint, hint!
Seriously, though…so excited for you all!
Yay! So glad to hear about Ryan’s new job and your move.
Yay! That’s great news! I think changes are great; it’s always nice to have things to look forward in each step of life. 🙂 I read everything, BTW…you’re so funny. 🙂 I think small towns are great, especially if you are pretty close to a bigger town. Congrats to Ryan on his job! If I lived there instead of Pearland, TX, I’d totally meet you up! 🙂
so fun girl 🙂 congrats for ryan on the new job! you both deserve it!
Congrats, you seem genuinly happy about all the changes taking place in your life! Im sure this move will be great for all three of you!!!
Ah I remember when you posts that things “were -a-changing” a few months back. I can see why you were so excited – I hope these new changes bring you much happiness!! Congrats to you both!
That’s exciting! I thought that your announcement might be that Ryan was also quitting his job and using his new website about exercising for income. That sounds too unsteady for conservative ol’ me, but hey, whatever floats your boat.
John Travolta lives in Ocala!
HAHAHA! I know! I’m going to stalk him and try to be his nanny.
Haha…my uncle used to be a police officer in Florida. He once detained JT for jaywalking in Clearwater. But he let him off with a warning…and an autograph 😉
It never amazes me how quickly the blog comments flood on your posts!
I’ve been waiting all day for this announcement, secretly guessing what it could be.Congrats to Ryan and to you! Being an Ohio girl, I know very little about Florida (besides it’s my favorite place to be in the winter)- I am sure you’ll make the best of your new town/home!
Oh- and I did read the top half. It was killing me a little not to skim though!
Congrats to you both! Change can be a great thing… or so I keep telling myself (just got married, about to move from my college town back to my home town but in a completely different area, and start medical school). I can’t wait to hear the new Ocala stories!
PS I definitely am one of the people who read the first half even though I was tempted to skip to the big announcement 🙂
LOL I think I’m on the same page as Stace, refreshed your page a thousand times until I got the new post lol! Ocala is about 45 min from me, I’m in Apopka. Don’t forget John Travolta lives there too!
My hubby and i go jeepin’ there a couple times a year (not as much recently but I know we will get there again). It’s great if you like outdoorsy kind of stuff!
I did read the whole post too, but I skipped to the bottom then went up and read the rest LOL!
I SOOO want to go to the blogger conference, Park Maitland is like 15 from my house but our company is having a convention the same day/weekend so I’ll have to go next time! Is there a list I can get on to get notified for that?
Congrats on your decision, hope you find a great house up there!
i know it was organized by bess centralfloridatop5.com! i just signed up through her site! definitely reach out to her. she’s so friendly and i’m sure could answer any questions you may have.
Congratulations! I have a bunch of family that lives in Ocala. It truly is a great place to raise a family, and gives off more of a small town feel that can be hardier to find in Florida because of its large population.
Congratulations Julie! I suspected that your announcement would be something along these lines but nevertheless I’m so happy for you! I’d love to live in Florida – anywhere in Florida for that matter – and I’m excited to hear how your new home is! PS Say congrats to Ryan too!
Congratulations to both you and Ryan! A move is very exciting. I’m sure that all three of you (Sadie included, of course) will love it there!
Congratulations to you and Ryan!!! I hope you find the perfect home soon!! I know how you’re feeling right now – My husband and I are relocating to another state and we have to move in less than 6 weeks. (one of those weeks we’re going to be on vacation). We also have to relocate our business so it is definitely stressful. Good luck to you guys!!!
Congrats – curious to know what does Ryan do? If that’s too personal what did he major in
ryan works in finance. he was a double major in finance and accounting but uses the finance degree more. 🙂 he’ll be working as a “senior financial accountant.”
Too cool – I too am a double major in accounting and finance 🙂
That’s great news!! I hope you post some new pad pics 😉
AHHH I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU TWO!!!
Congrats!! Change is good and you will find the perfect (mouse-free) place!
Coming from a small town – you will adjust and will love to make the trips into the bigger town.
Enjoy!
Congratulations! I totally guessed pregnancy too!
I live in a town of about 85k people and we are 2 hours away from a city of 1 million+, so nothing is too far that you can’t have a little field trip (mine is generally to get M.A.C!)
Congrats Julie!! So happy for you both, and wishing you the best!
That’s so exciting, congratulations!! I think my uncle lives in Ocala, I’m not sure. If he does I’ll let you know 🙂
go visit him and be my friend! 😀
Congrats to Ryan! I’m a big fan of change, so something like this would be right up my alley if my hubs or I had the opportunity.
And look at you all getting closer to NC! 🙂 You’re making your way in the right direction. Good luck in your new mouse-free new area! Oh, and I didn’t skip anything in the post – you love me best. Yay!
haha yes i do love you best! 😀 and we are slowly inching our way to NC!
I would *like* this comment if I could!! (yay NC…. but yay for babysteps and Ocala, too!!!)
Congratulation to both of you!!A lot of changes in a short time, this is very exciting!!I wish you all the best!
I read the entire post. Do I get 10 points for that? Congratulations to Ryan on the new job and best of luck to you both in your house hunt. Hope you find the perfect place.
how about 15 points?
No moree miceeee!!
THANK GOODNESS.
Congrats! Moving can be stressful, but it will be such a great adventure for you two!
Congrats to you guys!! Best wishes!
Congrats to you and Ryan (and Sadie, too… can’t exclude part of the family!). Change is good 🙂
Btw, peanut butter and Nutella frozen yogurt?! Sounds like an amazing combo!
Congrats! So wonderful!
Also you are so cute!
Congrats to Ryan! I thought you had found a house — but maybe you’ve found a house + Ryan’s new job. That is wonderful! I hope he is happy in his new position.
Congrats Ryan!! Enjoy this new adventure. I hope you both can get settled comfortably into Ocala life…in a fabulous new house!
I went to college in a small town, and I enjoyed the relatively slow pace and all the outdoorsy things to do. We live in a city now, and I do miss some aspects of the smaller town such as going into my favorite coffee shop where they make my order juuuust right. 🙂
Oh, and totally thought your announcement was going to be that you’re pregnant!
Haha, I totally wanted to skip down to the juicy stuff, but I read the whole post like a good girl (and I’m flattered that you love me the most) 😉
Congrats to Ryan!!! How exciting to have so many nice changes going on in your lives! I hope you guys get your dream house.
Congrats on the big move!! I’m sure it will be an exciting new chapter of your life and you MUST post about all the awesome hikes!
First of all, that salad looks incredible!
Secondly, congraaaaats on your news!!! Excited for ya’ll to be able to move somewhere new and do what is best for ya’ll! 😀
Congratulations!! Wishing you a smooth moving experience!
Congrats! I’m so confused on the Target and Santa Claus comment though? Were there horses parked where the cars usually are?
Eek thats exciting!! Really hope you get your dream home! 🙂 I totally know what it’s like moving to an area with slightly less amenities but I bet Ocala will be lovely and you can always take up horse riding?! 🙂
AAAH! so many exciting things happening!!! 🙂
congrats to ryan on his new job and to the both of you on your move!
Congratulations! It seems like a big change, and I’m sure there will be some stresses, but you always find a way to look on the bright side. Can’t wait to hear all about the move!
PS- I read the whole thing, but I seriously had to force myself to keep from scrolling down since I was so excited! Haha 🙂
That’s awesome news! Change is so fun! I’ve moved 2x in the past year for my hubby’s job! Unfortunately, I had to quit my job. Im envious that you can work from anywhere!!! 🙂
Congratulations to Ryan! Ocala sounds adorable and you two will love it. Also sounds like a GREAT place to have kids hint hint haha. Good luck with the move!
you are quite the trickser! 😛
hahah, but CONGRATSS!! ahh finally, you won’t hafta share space with those pesky rascalss
My parents have a house about 30 to 45 minutes east of Ocala on the St. Johns River. We do a lot of jet skiing and fishing that way. There’s a lot of fun outdoorsy stuff to do there! Maybe you’ll even run into John Travolta and Kelly Preston around town since they have a home there!
Congrats to Ryan! and I’m sure you two and Sadie will like the small town atmosphere! And you should look into getting a boat, so many fun places to explore up that way and I’m sure Sadie would love to be on the water!