Saturday

Allen and the boys took me out to one of my favorite restaurants last night, and then we went to a movie - it was so nice just to go out and relax! Tonight we may be going to listen to Allen's saxophone teacher play at a local coffe house.

Got a call from my father of all people today. Just calling to wish me a happy birthday. And while that's all well and good, it irritated me that he called last night too, and kinda got on my case about me not being home. Hello!?! My birthday - going out with the fam! He still didn't mention the fact that his wife passed away. Sheesh!

So yeah, yesterday was my birthday - one before a milestone, too. My grandmother told me that this was my last one - that I wasn't going to have anymore because I didn't want that "other number" to be in my age. Actually, I'm okay with my age. I had no problem letting people know. Most people (bless their hearts) don't believe that I am as old as I am. Sweet!

I had considered making something to take in to work Friday, but there was pretty much only me there, so no use in making something for me...

Back to the laundry, I guess. Happy Memorial Day, everyone - and hey, take Monday off!

...you can't go home again...

It's been simply amazing to discover how many people I know that now work in the same general place that I do. People I didn't realize work there. People I haven't seen since Allen and I got married. People who have dropped out of my life for some reason. I recently discovered a couple working here that fall into that last category. We were - I thought - very good friends. We cat-sat, they baby-sat. We vacationed together once. They were very involved in the life of our elder son, even going so far as to keep him overnight when we went to the hospital to have our younger son. So, what happened? Younger son was born in July, and they just kinda fell out of our lives. By Halloween, it was pretty obvious that something was very wrong. I couldn't get it out of her - just lots of hemming and hawing and nervous laughter. Then they announced they were moving across country. Wow. Okay.

That was nearly a decade ago, and they've been back here for a number of years, now, and haven't tried to contact us. I think I may have a clue as to why they may have dropped us. I think that we were to them like some people a couple of years ago were to us. I think we became too dependent, too needy, too too, and speaking now from our experience, that's too too too much.

When I first found out they were back in town, I actually went so far as to write a letter, explaining my theory, and apologizing. I never sent it. I don't know why. I'm torn now as to whether or not to drop them an email at work. I don't think I will, though. I'm not hurt so much anymore. I think I've just moved on. I will always think of them as friends, and treasure the times we spent together so long ago, but I don't think we could ever go back to that kind of friendship.
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Please be praying for my co-worker/trainer. Her father, who had been very ill for a long time, passed away Friday. She was his primary care-giver. She lost her mom within the last year as well, and I know this is a very difficult time for her.

De-lurking

Yes, yes, I know - I need to get here more often!

I was thinking about how much free time I had at my old job - TOO much, now that I think about it. And I spent that time on the 'net. Reading blogs, reading news, reading ads on the bay of evil. I can say with a great deal of confidence that I probably checked around fifty blogs every day. Yikes!

But now, since I'm too afraid to get online at work, and getting online at home often takes more effort and time than I'm willing to give, I notice that my online habits have been greatly curtailed. I've also observed that my blog reading has diminished tremendously. It's almost like the cream has risen to the top - and I'm only reading blogs that mean the most to me, that encourage me. And although I may not comment, know that I'm still checking, and thanks!

Thursday already?

I'm still here! Just really busy, and too new at work to even THINK about accessing anything on the web! Not gonna do it! So, you'll just have to wait until I get home in the evenings to hear about the job! (Yeah, I know you're all out there waiting with bated breath...)

Actually, the job is going pretty well. The woman training me is very nice, if a little distracted by some stuff at home. I am starting to get a handle on the layout of my floor, but I'm still overwhelmed with the idea that there are around 300 people there! Just on my floor! And it's even more overwhelming remembering that I am coming into this from an office of 6 on a busy day! Eep!

It would be so easy to drown in my introvertedness! But I'm really surprised at what the Lord is providing for me in terms of, well, of personality! I know that sounds weird, but I have felt incredibly comfortable for the most part around these new people. I've even been known to crack a few jokes - lol! (But I am trying to keep a short leash on the sarcasm...!) God has been blessing me with confidence and openness. Sometimes, I kinda step back and watch myself and think, "Wow - I know her - and that MUST be God working!" So, thanks for that, Lord!

It's been so nice to meet old friends. Today I had lunch with my matron of honor - someone I hadn't seen or talked to in years. I also had another friend visit me this morning - just to check on me! Yesterday, two other brothers came by to see how I liked being there. I've been getting emails from some of the sisters - suffice it to say my social life has improved! LOL!

So, I guess in spite of my initial rejection of the whole idea of a new job, God has been showing me that - for once, at least - I may have actually done the right thing!

Day 1

...breathe in...breathe out...

I am so overwhelmed at the sheer size of my new place of employment! Crikey! It's HUGE!!! Especially since I'm coming out of an office of 6 people on a busy day. *whew*

So. I get to work at an INSANE hour of the morning - one that I thought existed only in legend, by the way - and discover that this will now be the norm of my life. I was shuffled and shuttled (yeah, I got to do that too), was introduced and interviewed, walked and walked and walked and walked and...well, you get the idea. My mentor is a sweetheart, so I think (I hope!) I'm on the way to making a new friend. Everyone was very happy for me when they found out I was to be working with her. As someone told me - "You're in good hands!" Umm - not at THIS company!! LOL!

I had happy welcome emails awaiting me this morning, and I managed to respond to a couple of them without sending them company-wide. I didn't blow anything up, I didn't set anything aflame, I didn't make the boss mad - all in all, a pretty decent day!

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings...