Bucket List – Achievement Unlocked!

Last Updated on December 2, 2014 by John Morehouse

First, a little back story.

The annual PASS Summit is truly a magical place for me and I look forward to going every year. It’s the one conference that I’ve told management that I would want to go to annually simply because of the networking & training that happens during that week. bucketListAt this year’s Summit, I got into a conversation around bucket lists, both personal and professional. Over the past couple of months (even prior to the Summit) I had been considering such a list but I didn’t really have any meat to it.  I don’t have an actual “on paper” bucket list but I’ve started to mentally keep track of things.  I even found a free website that will help you keep track of your bucket list, http://bucketlist.org.

One thing on my list is to “live outside my comfort zone” more.  Now, I realize that is a really broad item to have but hey, it’s my list.  Basically, I want to experience life more and if that means putting myself out there more to do so, then so be it.

Roots

Over the years, I’ve determine that I like to be rooted in my community.  Growing up as a military brat (a title I wear with honor & pride), we moved around a lot so I never felt “rooted” so to speak.  When my Dad retired from the Air Force, I told myself that I’d like to find a spot to call home, grow some roots and not really move.  That was in 1990 and I’m still in the same town we moved to from Texas.  I moved around for college and various other life events, but for the most part I’ve stayed in the same general area.  After 24 years living in Nebraska, one can grow quite a set of roots.  These roots then morph into a very large comfort zone.

Bucket List Achievement – Picking Up Roots

FCMAlogoWith that in mind, I’m very happy to announce that I’ve accepted a Database Architect position with Farm Credit Mid-America in Louisville, KY.

That’s right. You read that correctly. My family and I are leaving the good life of Nebraska for beautiful Kentucky.

I’ll wait while you pick your jaw up off of the floor.

Got it picked up?  Great!

Yes, you read that correctly.  My official start date is January 5th, 2015.  Nothing like starting the new year with a new adventure!

Needless to say, this puts me WAY outside my comfort zone.  My family and I will be uprooting and moving several states away from a very large circle of family and close friends.  Some family will be left behind (aunts & uncles, cousins & numerous close friends that are family) but I’ll be closer to other family (my dad & in-laws) and I hope to make new friends!

My wife and I have already found a townhouse to live in while we attempt to sell our house in Nebraska. The real beauty for me? It’s about 2 miles from the new office. My daily commute will go from 60 miles round trip to about 4 (give or take).   I estimate that I’ll recover about 45 minutes a day just in drive time alone!

Another piece of good news is that I’m moving to a company where I know my new manager, Mike and the CIO, Dan.  I’ve worked with them both at Farm Credit Services of America in Omaha, Nebraska and I am looking forward to the challenges that they already have lined up for me.

2014-11-23 08.51.11
This is me accepting the new position..

This new opportunity is an exciting one and one that I’m looking forward to. I think that this will be great opportunity for my family as well as myself to live outside our comfort zone and not be afraid to try new adventures! Make no mistake, leaving will be very bittersweet and it’ll be tough to say good-bye to 24+ years in Nebraska, but it’s time.

I’m very thankful for the opportunity that Farm Credit Mid-America has offered me.  I’m also very thankful for the culture and experience that Farm Credit Services of America has given to me over the past years.  They have been an excellent company to work for.  If you happen to be looking for a position in the Omaha, Nebraska area, I would definitely recommend them.

Challenge 

If you don’t have a bucket list of your own, I challenge you to put a list together and work toward crossing things off.  Keep in mind, your list is just that, yours. You can put anything you want on the list. Start it. Put things on it. Own it. Work towards crossing things off. Who knows, maybe our paths will cross one day while crossing things off.

We only have a short time on this world and everybody should live it to the fullest. I know I’m going to try to moving forward. I hope that you do to.

See you in Louisville!

© 2014, John Morehouse. All rights reserved.

10 Replies to “Bucket List – Achievement Unlocked!”

  1. I’ve blown up the social media side of the house; dropping a line to say congrats and look forward to having you here in the ‘ville. Will be a much better place with you a part of it. Need anything at all just holler

  2. Best of luck, John! Now you understand why I am in Tampa, Florida with my family. I was a military brat as well…but a little too comfortable in Omaha. It has been a wonderful change in life…yet not an easy one…so take it one day at a time. We’re finally settled in and feeling stable…as the family is getting into our groove. If you’re ever in and around Tampa, look me up and feel free to stop in! You and your family are always welcome.

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