New Leaf

Today is my last day at my contract job.  I actually really enjoyed my time with the client and all the wonderful people I got to work with (we won't mention some of the not-so-wonderful people though).  I was with the client for almost two full years.  

I went back to work when The Youngest was just three months old.  And now I'm shaking my head saying "I can't believe she's already two!"  When I went back to work, I was lugging a pump back and forth with me each day.  Thankfully, that pump is long gone now and that little "baby" happily feeds herself everything with a "I do it".

Within a few short weeks after I went back to work, I found out some sad information and my marriage completely crumbled beyond repair.  Quite honestly, I went back to work feeling that the end was near (not knowing some of the nitty-gritty reasons) and that I would need to support myself.  Thankfully, that chapter is closed.  I can look back on it and be ever-so-thankful that my manager became a very dear friend and was so supportive and understanding through my rocky months at work.  On days that I barely had the energy to enter my login credentials, she was there with advice and a coffee.

It really is amazing how much can change in the course of two short years - good and bad.  Think back on where you were at two years ago.  You'll likely feel a lot has changed too.  The good thing about the changes, whether good or bad, is that those changes are little life lessons we all can grow from if we choose to do so.

Now, as I close another little chapter and embark on a new one (after a week break between jobs), I hope I will remember that each little challenge or change is a lesson as it is happening.  That I recognize it as it's happening and not after.  That I realize and appreciate it as a learning opportunity.  And that I do it with much less anxiety.  Because when I look back at a two year span - the good, the bad, and the ugly - none of it was so unbearable thanks to the support of family and friends.

Not quite sure where I planned to go with my random thoughts about anticipating my new position.  It's a happy/sad thing.  Sad to leave my co-workers and a very flexible position.  Happy to be starting something fresh with the opportunity to shine.

Not Your Typical Hallmark

I remember first getting on the some ecards site many years ago. The cards made me giggle then, and it's sad to say that I still find the sick humor of these electronic cards rather humorous, even when I see one on practically every other post on Facebook.  One day when I'm old and gray and Facebook is a thing of the past like vinyl records, I will likely say, "Remember those eCards? Man, that was some funny sh!t!"  

Here are a few I've especially chuckled at lately :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are some of your favorites?

In More Randomness

• My oldest had her first week of Kindergarten last week. It started on a Wednesday and was just half days. This week is full days and uniforms. So far, she's been excited to go to school. Me? Each day I've had a nervous belly, wondering how she's doing in class. I know this feeling of mine will fade over time, but I'm still just trying to process it all. I mean, really? My baby is in kindergarten all day? I have to drag information out from her each day when I get home to see how she managed at school, and even with that I don't get many details.

• My "big" news had to wait on a few items before I could officially announce it. Sorry for the cliffhanger! I handed in my resignation last week and have accepted a direct hire position at one of the big three automakers. I'm nervous but excited about the change.

• Meet Quinn. She's a two year old Weimaraner who will add more chaos to my life that doesn't quite need it! Her "parents" are going through a divorce, and long-story short, she's here on a "trial" basis. She's a sweetie, that's for sure. And a good guard dog.  Man, I'm a sucker.

Where Oh Where?

Where oh where has my little blog gone?

I have lots I want to chat about, I just never seem to find a spare minute to sit down and talk.   Just know that lots of babbling will be coming soon to a screen near you (BlogHer update, my oldest getting ready to start kindergarten, the non-existent world of dating when single with two kids, etc.)

For now, I will leave you with a little cliff hanger.  I have some great personal news to share.  I'm pretty excited for a new chapter.  And no, it's not that my therapist and I just celebrated our eighteenth month anniversary.

Till next time when I'm not exhausted and cranky.  Mwah!

Is Chivalry Dead?

I’m all for women’s empowerment, trust me.  I grew up with a very liberal mother who I’m sure burned a bra or two at a demonstrations in the 60s.  Some of her women’s lib-ness may just have rubbed off on me.   (I remember even having a Rosie the Riveter postcard with the “We Can Do It” slogan hanging in my locker in high school).

And while I’m all for feminism, there is still something in me that swoons at a cheesy chick-flick when a man comes in to rescue a damsel in distress.  When I was a young teenager and first met my daughters’ father, I was immediately attracted to his gallantry.  For example, he would open my car door, each and every time we went somewhere, and it never stopped, and it always made me smile. 

I appreciate a guy who opens a door for a woman, lets a woman into or out of the elevator first, puts out his arm out to guide a woman to proceed first, helps a woman with her coat.  Call it a crazy mix of women’s lib and old-fashioned values, but I like to call these good manners.  If I had a son, I would love to see him do these things.  For me, it is a sign of respect. (And just as well, I'd love to see my daughters show respect to others by doing simple things like holding a door open and not expecting it to always be held for them).

So I ask the question, is chivalry dying a slow death?

I had dinner with a former co-worker the other night (non-romantic date, simply catch-up).  I could tell he had “good manners” and was very attentive to a woman companion.  He put his arm out to guide me to follow the hostess to our table, he asked for my opinion on a wine.  He was polite, in a very chivalrous way.

But then I went on a big city trip this past weekend.  I had two small kids in tow.  I could not believe how many times men cut in front of us, stepped in to elevators before us, and failed to hold doors open for us.  I even once looked over at my mother and raised my eyebrows and she kind of shook her head a little bit.

One example of chivalry still be alive and well and another example of chivalry dying a slow death.  Maybe I just so happened to have dinner with a nice guy.  And maybe I just so happened to witness what life can be like in a hectic big city.

What say ye?  Do you despise chivalry all together?  Do you think it’s here to stay?  Or is it dying a slow death?

Google Your Name

Over the cube wall the other day, I heard someone say "Google your name plus the word 'needs' after it."  Curious, I gave it a try.  Made me chuckle!  I especially like the last suggestion.