"the key to change is to let go of fear."

hello hello!

i figured this was the best and easiest - and fastest - way to mass distribute my exciting news!

i got a job!!!! i'm going back into student affairs and i couldn't be happier at the thought of what i'll be doing!

i am the new director of residence life at madonna university in livonia, michigan.

mkay and now for the questions:

1. but ashley, i thought you had a job?
i do have a job, but it's a temporary position with my uncle's company. he could use my skills at a time where my other contract was running out at uva prompting peter and i to move to maryland. he knew i was actively looking and was fully supportive of me finding a position allowing me to use my student affairs education and experience.

2. but ashley, michigan is REALLY cold and REALLY far away!?
yes, it's cold - but this is a live-on position thus i have no commute to work. aka no bad ashley driving in the snow. and yes, it is far away. i will miss my family and friends so much that it hurts to think about it, but they know and i know that this is what is in the best interest of my career. it's about eight hours from livonia, michigan to winchester, virginia. i will have the traditional academic breaks plus vacation to use to come back and visit.

3. what exactly will you be doing?
there are approximately 165 students that live on campus (capacity is 200). i will be directing the activities of the residence hall, the residents and resident advisors. i will supervise a staff of six to eight and have a very hands-on experience as the university is making many changes to the residence life experience at madonna. i'm excited to share my experience and really make some great changes and learn so much about the field in the process.

4. tell me a little bit about madonna university.
madonna university is a small, private, catholic university located about 20 miles from detroit and ann arbor. while i am not catholic, i still value the schools mission and will work to promote those values through my work with the students and faculty. i have often been very vocal about accepting other views and opinions and to have an open mind. i consider it me broadening my own personal beliefs of diversity.

5. what about peter?
it won't be ideal, but we can't live together in the university apartment until we are married. he has family about 75 miles from where i will be located. as a couple, we've been through quite a bit in our time together and i am confident and excited about our future together.

6. when is the start date?
here is where it gets a little sticky...my official start date is september 1st. it's a lot to take in and i have a lot to do between now and then, but i'm working frantically to get everything accomplished. my last day at work in maryland will be next week and i will drive to michigan on monday, august 31st. feel free to call me that day as i will have about an eight hour drive.

7. are you keeping mollie?
as residence life live-in postions sometimes allow pets and sometimes they don't, this was something that i had to talk with them about and YES i will be able to have my darling baby. i couldn't have moved that far away and not have my dog. she can be a brat, but she's my brat and i love her.

8. additional comments?
i am so thankful and appreciative of the kind words, phone calls, emails, etc. of my friends and family and of peter's family. this was not an easy decision for us to come to in terms of moving, but it is one that will help us meet and exceed our long term goals. please know that while i might not be able as physically accessible as i have been, i am only a phone call away. with the detroit airport so close, travel by plane will be easy (and hopefully affordable). also, i can make it back home by midday so this isn't goodbye, this is hello to the next chapter.

i think the best quote to sum up this new adventure is (of course) from sex and the city:

"maybe our mistakes are what make our fate. without them, what would shape our lives? perhaps if we never veered off course, we wouldn't fall in love, or have babies, or be who we are. after all, seasons change. so do cities. people come into your life and people go. but it's comforting to know the ones you love are always in your heart. and if you're very lucky, a plane ride away."

as always, *love and hugs*