Hi all! I eluded to this post last week but it’s taken me until now to get it written. In my head, I thought I should write it for you all so you would understand the next few months and in the end, I decided I wanted to write it for me. Some of you are so smart already asking me, what’s up?! There is so much that goes on behind the scenes in my life that I do not always share as it’s a fine line to decide what to say and not as this a public forum. This is part of me, who I am and where I am going so grab your cup of coffee (or Starbucks if your lucky) and read on as I put my heart out there a little bit!
**As you read below, you can click on any of the bolded words below to read more about my work adventures.
Several of you know, my main job in life is a bean counter in accounting/finance and blogger by night as a hobby. I like it that.
5 Years Ago I started on a new adventure that some of you may remember in my “Big Reveal” Post. It was my first time working in the wine industry and I couldn’t wait to help merge the Geyser Peak Brands with all the International Brands creating one big happy wine family at Accolade Wines.
I quickly got settled into my new office in Napa and we kicked off the start of our adventures with one of many food & wine tastings.
I was definitely lucky enough to experience several types of wines and expand my pallet trying new foods. It taught me so much about balancing my eating with all the meetings/events we attended or hosted.
I embarked on a few culinary adventures as well, learning new ways to cook.
Along the way I’ve met so many fascinating people and learned so much about the process of wine making.
Including the development to bottling of some pretty cool new wines that I personally loved as they were Weight Watchers Points Friendly.
2014 proved to be quite the year for us that kicked off with moving our winery/tasting room to a new location.
Followed up with the Napa Earthquake where we all came together to put the pieces back together again.
The thing is though, I’ve worked with some incredibly smart people who work hard, play hard, know how to have fun and that I feel lucky enough to also call my friends. I seriously love how this carried through in everything we did including our mandatory dress up for everyone on Halloween – come in costume even if it’s your first or last day of work!
I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with people all over the world which was probably one of my favorite things about my job.
My job also allowed me to feed my inner travel bug. We packed up several times and traveled the world on my work adventures to Australia, Colorado, New York, Canada and Chile. We always made sure to explore along the way.
This year has been a tough year but I feel thankful we survived the Napa and Sonoma Fires in tact with our team finding ways to work together to help each other, the community and our company. Again, we all kept that great sense of humor that has kept us going through the years.
I know I’ve seemed very scattered over the past few months and hopefully this will all make sense to you now. 4 months ago, I had to make a tough decision when we decided to relocate our Napa office to the Healdsburg Winery. Should I stay or should I go? It was probably one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make in life as I truly loved the people I worked with and the work I did for Accolade. With mixed emotions and for several reasons including my one way commute would be over 2 hours, I made the decision to move on.
I’ve spent the past four months hiring and training the new team, getting our offices boxed up and everything transitioned to the new location. Through all of this, I hit some personal milestones losing 25 then 30 lbs – which I am proud of and still managed to stay the course on Weight Watchers. I felt like this was the one way to maintain my sanity through it all – be good to yourself so you can put your best self forward. It was the one thing I could control when everything else sometimes felt out of control.
We had everyone come dressed in costume on their last day for our going away lunch and they all kept working on the last pieces as the movers came along. This is why we were all piled in one room a couple weeks ago (it was the last place with wifi and chairs!) It still makes my heart smile thinking of this day….I love them.
As my final parting gift, I made everyone the tools they need to continue to succeed with a Survival for Life Kit. I know it’s super cheesy, but, that’s just me.I haven’t actually figured out what’s next or what I want to do when I grow up. For now, I will be blogging away my daily adventures, taking a few months off of “real work” to relax, enjoy the holidays, do all those “things” you say you want to do but never actually do, hike everywhere I can and then, when, I feel “bored”, I know I’ll be ready to take on my next Adventure in Bean Counting.
Have a great weekend all!
Marcia Katz says
Danica, this is such a beautiful story and now I know about your hiking time. Thank you for sharing your story, it is beautiful and a great tribute to your employer, your company and friends and to who you are. I wish you the most enjoyment over the next few months and much success in wherever your path takes you! Hope you always have time to take care of yourself and your hubby and take the time to continue to help us in your blogs!
Rosemary says
Good luck. You are a very smart girl, I am sure and will have no problem finding your dream job!??
Chris S. says
Wow, it was fun reading this story as I feel like I was right there all along. Can’t believe it has been 5 years. I hope you enjoy your time off but don’t leave us. I love your blog and don’t think I could live without my Danica’s Daily.
Best wishes on whatever comes along.
Marie McMahel says
Totally understand and we will be here when you return here if taking time off your blog….you deserve it!
Jennifer says
Danica
That was awesome. Glad you hired me, but mostly glad I made a lifetime friend.
Love you.
Jennifer
Kelly says
Danica,
You are (and have been) such a great blogger/writer. I look forward to Danica Daily and kudos to you for making such a Big change in your life. Enjoy your time off and who knows, you might have your own winery some day!! Hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Suzzette says
You are making me tear up!
Jane says
I had a feeling…I have been inspired by how you never give up attitude! Enjoy a well deserved rest! Keep blogging. It’s one of the highlights of my day!
Mary says
You have been such an inspiration to me. I came back to WW because of you. Best wishes to you and your wonderful husband.Keep smiling and enjoy the next chapter!
Rita says
Enjoy!
Jan says
Your incredible intelligence and warmth always shine through in your blog and I know that whatever you decide to do next they will be so fortunate to have you.
Barbara A Young says
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I truly enjoy your daily blog posts. You are so very down to earth with the same struggles we all have. Good luck to you in your future endeavours. I’ll be hear waiting to hear from you if you decide to take your well-deserved break!
Jim temple says
Wishing you the very best in your next chapter of balancing fun and work. Thanks for your daily emails. They help me try new things as I stay on track…Lifetime member for 14 years, holding at -75 pounds. There is always something new to learn every day for those that keep on keeping on. Jim Temple in New Jersey
Angela says
Wishing you the best in what comes next. Keep blogging … for you, for us.