The answer
I’m leaving.
I’ve been at Complete Running for almost 2 years now and its been a great ride. Mark has done a great job with the site despite all the ups and downs of late. I had talked to Mark about an opportunity that came up for me a little over a month and a half ago, and it was too good to pass up. When things became definite a few weeks ago, I let Mark know, and being the cool guy he is, he was congratulatory and genuinely happy for me.
So three weeks from today I’m leaving to start off in a new direction.
In New York. At my new job.
I’ll leave Complete Running when Mark starts wearing…oh wait…I’ll leave Complete Running when Mark stops running! We really did talk about the new job though, but he was sworn to secrecy.
I still want to write that children’s book. Just haven’t figured out the details of the plot. I’ve got the title and the general theme. Just the details are a little fuzzy.
I’d love to work part-time in that chocolate shop in Pinckney (and to women do run it), but if I don’t have time to run, I don’t have time for a second job.
A tri? Hmmmm. I have thought about it, but the swimming stuff is pretty intimidating. I could handle the bike. Again, not alot of time to even run, so I don’t know how I’d fit in swimming and biking too. Maybe some day.
Thank you everyone for guessing. It made this really fun. :)
So, New York. Any thoughts on what to do with my online handle? Jon in New York? Jon from Michigan (does that sound too much like Mark from Michigan?).
April 28th, 2006 21:28
i love you man. no, i really love you! Can I have another beer? *hiccup*
April 28th, 2006 21:46
Congratulations on the new job! I hope all goes will and you have a wonderful move and new adventure. New York Marathon…hmmm…..
April 28th, 2006 22:19
AAAHhhhh!!!!!! I thought you could never live in a city again which is why I excluded this option. Are you living in the burbs???? Woah. EAST COAST. Crazy.
April 28th, 2006 22:47
Yaay! You’ll be closer to us Washington, D.C. RBF’ers. Congratulations on the new job! Very, very exciting.
April 28th, 2006 22:58
I want so much to say congratulations, but really? I hate you!
(feel the love, man!)
April 28th, 2006 23:20
You’re gonna bite the Big Apple? I think, although I’m not positive, that they have a marathon there. You should ask around when you get there.
Good luck.
April 29th, 2006 00:09
Congrats, I think! Where in New York?
April 29th, 2006 00:58
I can’t believe I was wrong! Congratulations on the job!
April 29th, 2006 07:09
Hooray!!!!! Even though I am moving to VA, I’ll be heading up the east coast at least four times a year, coming right through NY. And RI is just a couple of hours away! Congratulations, Jon. You deserve all the best. What fun!
April 29th, 2006 09:04
oh thanks Jon…for linking to my STUPIDEST post EVER.
April 29th, 2006 09:39
Congratulations! Are you living in the burbs, in The City, out on The Island? Jersey?
I’ve been thinking about running the New York City Marathon again myself. That was the last marathon I ran, back in ‘90, and it was quite an experience.
April 29th, 2006 11:22
Darn it! I missed this whole game somehow. I have to tell you, reading this post first, out of context of the one before it, very disturbing. I know this will be the best thing you’ve ever done. Remind me to tell you why I think so… :)
April 29th, 2006 11:39
wow, that is big. What about your wife and son, how do they feel? I am glad you are closer to us now though!
April 29th, 2006 12:27
Does this mean that Pam gets to blog for you during your move? As I recall SHE let YOU!
April 29th, 2006 13:57
Are you moving to New York City?
I feel the same way about tri- can’t get over that swimming fear yet…someday.
April 29th, 2006 14:04
Congratulations on the new job! I’m not sure what you should do with your online handle, but I’m sure we’ll all get used to whatever you decide.
April 29th, 2006 15:09
Funny Karen and I had like a long conversation about your post. We mulled over and reread each one finally deciding that the move to New York was likely the choice. Good to know we were right for a change…lol.
Clues from posts of the past…cleaning out your house, writing your patent thingy and more. Now was the guy waking you up by running into the utility pole the final straw for your decision? Or was it wanting to get further away from Pam?…lol.
Take New York by storm!
April 29th, 2006 16:20
congrats on the new job! and welcome to NYC! we got great chocolate ;-)
April 29th, 2006 19:52
oh yeah! Linda is SO right! I totally get to squat here while you move…right? RIGHT? I’ll be good :crosses fingers: I promise!
April 29th, 2006 23:35
How Exciting!!!! Congrats on the new job, it sounds great!
I was sort of hoping for the book - we work for a company that prints books and works with lots of small pubs. It would be great to be part of your book!
April 30th, 2006 00:57
Exciting stuff, Jon!!! I can’t wait to hear more about this! And let’s face it, I’m just thrilled that I won the guessing contest, and look forward to my I-Heart-RBF wear and chocolate truffles and Amazon gift certificate and … whatever else the prize package included … arriving soon! :)
April 30th, 2006 01:45
its good to do what you feel is the best and makes you happy!!
April 30th, 2006 07:42
Congrats on the new job! What will you be doing? Hey, maybe when I come up to NY this summer we can try to get out for a short run…that way you can’t say you don’t have time for it. ;-)
April 30th, 2006 09:35
Wow, congratulations! How exciting!
So tell us about the new job…
April 30th, 2006 14:08
Congratulations on your new job. I am so far behind on reading blogs that I already new the right answer before I could vote, missed all the fun - darn vacations mess everything up ;-)
So I guess I need to bring some German chocolate with me next time I’m in upstate NY - send me a wish list.
April 30th, 2006 22:06
i am SOOOO mad right now…i meant to out #5 as my guess…which is why i referenced New Haven…and for some stupid reason I put #3. i have a witness though…just ask april-anne…she knew New York was my guess! sigh. stupid multi-tasking…i was all ready to bask in the glow of my “rightness” and there’s no proof. dammit.
either way…welcome to the east coast Jon! we can’t wait to see you again!
May 1st, 2006 02:53
Oh that’s huge! Congrats, it’s a very brave step to take, to move and start at a new job. New York is a big city, how did you overcome your fear of those crazy, crowded metropols…? Having asked that, I’m sure you’ll charm everyone and fit in like a strawberry in a shortcake!
May 1st, 2006 06:49
Howdy neighbor! I’m gonna be knocking on your door at 2 AM with a 6 pack of Utica Club in cans sayin’ ‘hey dude, wanna hang out?’ Yeah, I’ll be doing that alot.
Boilermaker?????
May 1st, 2006 09:15
Wow!! So I guess this means you’re not doing the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run this year?? :-D Congratulations! I hope all works out for you and your family. You’ve had a wonderful affect on our lives (those of my partner and I) without even knowing it- introducing us through this blog to County Farms, Wil from Through The Wall, new and exciting chocolate products, etc. Best wishes as you move forward on your life’s path!
May 1st, 2006 12:07
congrats on the new job! you’ll need a cool new handle.
May 1st, 2006 14:20
Congrats and good luck!
May 1st, 2006 21:29
you smell
May 2nd, 2006 18:05
What? When??? Why can’t you still be the Chocolate Runner?????
May 3rd, 2006 16:13
Whoa, Jon, that’s a hell of a secret! Good for you! You will rock there, though I’m bummed that I won’t get to do any races with you in MI.
And there’s always duathalons… no swimming :)
Really, so very happy for you! vj
May 3rd, 2006 16:27
this is sooooo exciting! SO EXCITING! i love picking up and moving to a new city and having new adventures OMG I’M SO JEALOUS!!! i wish you all the best man, truly!
May 3rd, 2006 23:56
Just strike through
Michiganand leave it cause we all know you can never really leave a place like this! Good Luck!May 9th, 2006 17:59
hope the new gig works out wonderfully for you, jon. i know how unhappy you’ve been for quite some time at the old place, so i really am pulling for this turning out to be the right fit for you.