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.

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.

Feels Nice to Be Sought After

You probably read the title and thought I meant being sought after by a boy. Nope. Well, yes, a boy, but not like that.

Let me explain.

Last week I had a missed call from a number with an area code that I was not familiar with. No message left. Shortly after I received an email to my old account from a recruiter I connected with several years ago when I lived out of state. And then today I received yet another call and decided to answer.

Said recruiter asked if I remembered him and then said he had a job opportunity in Chicago that fit my skill set. I told him to keep me on his list, but that I was happy in my current position.

I remember back in the day when all my coworkers in consulting got contacted by recruiters all the time and I never did. Now that I have that company I left Michigan for on my resume, I'm often flagged as having a "special" skill set.

And you know what? It feels nice to be sought after, even if I have no intent on looking for a new job or moving again anytime soon.

P.S. So happy there is a proper Blogger app now :)