You get what you need

You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need   ~Rolling Stones 

I started writing this post May 7 but didn't finish. I was looking through my old posts and re-read what I'd wrote. The quote above still means as much to me today as it did on May 7. Let me explain...

For the past 2-ish years B and I have been working on living in the same city. The plan has been ever evolving, but for a good part of the time, B was applying for jobs in the Bay Area. Meanwhile we lived 90 miles apart during the week and together on the weekends in Sacramento or the Bay Area. It worked, but we knew being together would work even better.

Fast forward to October/November 2009, maybe the lowest point of the recession, and the highest point of frustration that we both reached for trying to both be in the Bay Area. We brainstormed and B suggested transferring with our companies to a Denver. At first I wasn't sure I was ready to leave CA. So much still on my bucket list to see and do. After a day or two, I was completely on board (110%, even) . 

We thought transferring with our companies would be fairly easy. Since we'd both been able to move out to California on a transfer, why would going back be any different. I had one interview and B had three. None of which produced a job. We started talking about if one gets a job, do we both go...at what point do we pull the plug and both move. During this what do we do next contemplation, B was contacted out of the blue by a recruiter in the East Bay. He'd interviewed with the company over a year earlier and they wanted to see if he was still interested. He met for coffee and next thing you know, he had an interview.

Meanwhile I FREAKED OUT. In my mind, we were half way packed up and planning our move to CO. Once we had jobs, we were out of this state! I'd already thought about where we were going to live, how fun it would be to be close to family and friends, not to mention we'd worked pretty hard on crossing items off our CA bucket list. Thankfully at that same time my mom had planned a trip to CA. Having her here was a life saver. Her perspective, encouragement and "go with the flow" attitude was exactly what I needed. 

Two interviews in, I stopped looking for jobs and started looking for apartments here. At that same time my promotion was up for discussion amongst the management team. I'd been unofficially in the role since July 2009 and officially (minus title or pay) in the role since December. I was cautiously optimistic. 

Thursday, May 6 B was offered a job (YAY). Step-up in job, with a great company and IN the Bay Area. Double bonus - they also have an office in the Denver area!

The weekend of May 16 we celebrated B's birthday/new job, enjoyed time with friends and participated in Bay to Breakers. An all around fabulous Bay Area weekend. 

Monday, May 17 B gave his noticed and worked his last day in Sacramento.

Wednesday, May 19 I interviewed (aka jumped through corporate hoops) for the promotion. I also looked at an apartment that felt like 'the one'. 

Thursday, May 20 I was offered said promotion (YAY), we submitted our application for said apartment, OH and celebrated my birthday. My dear friends threw me an amazing birthday fiesta!

Friday, May 21 our references and background were checked and we were offered the apartment (YAY). We paid the deposit, signed the leased and capped the day off with a celebratory drink. 

That whole week I had to pinch myself; it was a landslide of good things and something we'd tried for 2 years. Although it meant we were officially staying in CA, it was a good reminder of our ultimate goal through this whole process - we'd finally be together! The fact that it all happened at the same time also reaffirmed my faith in the universe.

So there you have it. It's not exactly how I thought it would be. I like to think that means it will be even better than anything I could have HOPED for and exactly what I need.