Girlfriends are Good for the Soul

Yesterday I had the rare opportunity to go out to brunch with a group of girlfriends.  This is a group of ladies that used to see each other socially all of the time.  You know, back when we were young, wild, and free.  Back then, Saturdays were for sleeping in, brunching, then shopping at the mall.  (Am I alone here when I say that just thinking about the mall now makes me a little twitchy, and not in a good way?)  We'd then go home to nap and ready ourselves for Saturday, part 2, which usually involved dancing the night away at a club downtown and drinking way too much. 

My twenties were nothing short of amazing, y'all. 

A lot of life has happened since then, and we don't get to gather nearly as often as we'd like.  There have been weddings, new houses, babies, careers, and, well- growing up.  But this group of ladies, we've stuck together through all of this life.  We've cried happy tears for each other when life has been particularly joyful, cried sad tears when life has been cruel, laughed together when life has been ridiculous.  We've celebrated each other's triumphs and grieved one another's losses.  And even though we don't see each other as often as we used to, there is still a whole lot of love between us.

My soul is recharged and my heart is full.

 

A Dream Realized

Today, I was called into the Principal's office- always a nerve wracking experience, even once you've moved past childhood into adult territory.  There is something about that mammoth wooden desk, and the stern way in which he's seated behind it, that makes my palms sweat a little, even now.

But I am no stranger to this experience.  Each year since I've started this job, at just about this time of year, I am called to his office to collect a letter from Human Resources.  This letter states that I am employed on a terminating contract (as are all part-time employees), and that my re-hire status for the following school year is uncertain given the difficult financial times.

This hasn't given me too much worry in years past, as my unique position is mandated and funded through a special, federal pot of money that I know isn't going anywhere.  And this year, when the principal handed me the "dastardly letter" (his words), I had even less concern than usual.

"I'm giving you this letter, because I'm supposed to, but it doesn't really apply to you this year, does it?" he said, with a genuine smile on his face.

You see, friends, I got my dream job, and I will not be returning to my teaching position next year.  Upon the conclusion of this school year, I will start my first day with the job title "Stay At Home Mom."

I've mentioned in passing that J got a new job back in December.  That opportunity brought us the financial ability for me to give up my part-time work and stay home with my nugget full-time.  I decided to finish out the remainder of the school year, though, as I certainly do not want to burn any bridges here.  This position has been ideal over the past few years, and there may be a day when I'd like it back.  Also, my continued income throughout the first half of 2012 will put us in a good spot when that income ceases to exist in a few months.

My principal let me know that he is happy for me, and I believe that he is.  He also let me know that he'd be happy to have me back if that was ever something that I wanted, or that I could feel free to call on him if I'd like his help finding something else.

Suddenly, my palms aren't so sweaty and the nerves have subsided.  Now, I'm just happy.

July 1 marks my first day on the new job, and I couldn't be more excited.      

30 Days of Thankfulness- The Final Week

Saturday, November 26- Today I am thankful for quiet.  With all of the hustle and bustle of the last few days, it was wonderful to be able to spend a quiet day with the family.  Today was one of those days where we stayed in our jammies a little too long, and didn't do much besides a little swinging at the park and movie watching on the couch.  Bliss.
Sunday, November 27- I am thankful today for Santa Claus, and all of the magic that he brings to the Christmas season.  Today we took the nugget to get his picture taken with Old Saint Nick.  Can you say precious?
Monday, November 28- Today I am thankful for all of my fellow teachers, and the dedication and inspiration they bring to the profession.
Tuesday, November 29- I am thankful this evening for a warm bubble bath and my Kindle.  One of my favorite ways to end a stressful day!
Wednesday, November 30- I started the month being thankful for my hubby, and I am ending the month being thankful for him, too.  He works so hard to provide for our family, and Gabe and I are so lucky to have him.

I truly do have so much to be thankful for.  What a wonderful month it has been.

30 Days of Thankfulness- Week 4

Saturday, November 19-  I am thankful today for a beautiful, healthy, 9-month old baby boy.  I realize that I've already expressed my thankfulness for the nugget, but today, on his nine month birthday, it feels appropriate to say it again.  I am so thankful for my baby, and the gift of motherhood that he brings.
Sunday, November 20- Today I am thankful for my home.  I may complain about this house a little (okay, a lot), but in reality, the house itself is not what's important.  It's the home that you choose to make that counts.  This is what I will try to remember this week as we gather round the table and host friends for the holiday.
Monday, November 21- I am thankful today that this Monday is really my Thursday!  A two day work week means five days straight at home with my boys.
Tuesday, November 22- Today I am thankful for the end of ear drops and antibiotics, and a return to good health!  It appears as though the ear infection that I have not been able to kick for the past two months may have finally disappeared.
Wednesday, November 23- I am thankful today for help around the house.  My wonderful hubby took the day off of work to help me with holiday preparations.  It is nice to work side by side with the one I love, even if it is time spent dusting and vacuuming.
Thursday, November 24- Today I give thanks for all of the wonderful people in our lives.  Spending the holiday with some of our dearest friends makes me appreciate the extended family that they have become.  It was once said that friends are the family we choose for ourselves.  This is truth, indeed.
Friday, November 25- I am thankful today for family time spent together putting up the Christmas tree.  It is something that I look forward to every year, and it is made even more special this year by the fact that we are  starting a tradition with our newest addition.  We are so very lucky to have a third stocking to hang this Christmas!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

30 Days of Thankfulness- Week 3

Saturday, November 12- J is home!  J is home!  J is home!  So thankful to have our little family reunited.
Sunday, November 13- Today I am thankful for sleeping in.  I haven't gotten to do this in quite awhile!  J got to spend some quality time with his son, and Mama got to spend some quality time in her comfy bed.
Monday, November 14- Today I am thankful for the beautiful weather.  The sun was shining, the temperature was a balmy 75 degrees, and the sky was full of puffy, cotton ball clouds.  My boy and I got to spend some time outside.  Glorious.
Tuesday, November 15- Today I am thankful for music.  It has the ability to turn my mood around.  It may not yet be Thanksgiving (but we have passed Veteran's Day!), but listening to holiday music each morning on my way to work can truly turn my frown upside down.
Wednesday, November 16- Today I am thankful for the kindness of strangers.  It is so refreshing when someone does something nice for another human being, just because.
Thursday, November 17- I am thankful today for our babysitter.  She really and truly loves our boy.  It is so nice to know that if I must leave my little man each morning, I am leaving him in the caring hands of one who loves him. 
Friday, November 18- Today I am thankful for my pets.  Pains in the rear though they sometimes may be, they do love unconditionally.  And seriously, no one else is EVER that excited to see me.  Ever. 

Hope you all had lots to be thankful for this week, too.

30 Days of Thankfulness- Week 2

Saturday, November 5- Even though he got a special shout out yesterday, today he gets another.  I am thankful for my brother Scott.  He took over the "man duties" of the house this weekend, mowing the lawn, taking out the trash, and climbing the ladder to change air filters.  What a guy.

Sunday, November 6-I am thankful for a safe flight overseas, and the pilots who made it happen.  I'm not one to be a nervous flyer, but it felt a little different yesterday, putting a father on a transatlantic flight away from his wife and baby.  We are so grateful to find out this morning that he made it to Madrid without a hitch.

Monday, November 7- Today I am thankful for the ability to work part-time.  Coming home to my boy each afternoon is a blessing.  So are afternoon naps on days when I'm not sleeping so well.  ;)

Tuesday, November 8- I am thankful for my dear friends and neighbors, the V's.  Knowing that I'm all alone this week, they invited me and the nugget over for dinner and drinks tonight.  (Beer for me, formula for the nugget.)  I feel so lucky to have such amazing friends in the neighborhood!  And I can't wait for our baby boys (born seven weeks apart) to grow up together.

Wednesday, November 9- Today I am thankful for technology.  Even with hubby an entire ocean away, we've been able to keep in contact through free text messaging and Skype.  I'm grateful to hear his voice when I miss him so.  

Thursday, November 10-I am thankful for my Mimi.  My aunt arrived to visit with me and the nugget today.  She is just the kind of aunt that everyone wishes they had growing up- the cool aunt who always gave you gum and never told your parents that you stayed up way past your bedtime.  Now, as adults, I am thankful to call her friend.

Friday, November 11- Today I am thankful for all of the veterans who have proudly served our country.  Thank you for making the world a better and safer place for my children to grow up in.

30 Days of Thankfulness

There's a lot of this going around on Facebook and in the Blogosphere.  I thought I'd participate, but in a less-than-daily format.  This month, each Friday I will post about things that I have been thankful for during that week.  I think this is such a nice way to remember what this time of year is all about- presents.

Just kidding.  Of course, it's about the love of family and friends, and celebration of all the good in our lives. 

So here goes!

Tuesday, November 1- On the first day of the month, I am thankful for my husband.  He is truly my best friend and partner in all that I do.  Also, he has already given me the greatest gift in the world, which leads me to...

Wednesday, November 2- I am thankful for my beautiful, funny, perfect baby boy.  He has brought such joy to my life.  Each and every moment of mommyhood has been precious to me.

Thursday, November 3- I am thankful for the medical professionals of the world.  My nugget has not been well (nor has his mommy), and thanks to some great doctors and nurses, it looks like everyone is finally on the mend.

Friday, November 4- I am thankful for my family.  They are really so much fun.  I am so grateful that I have the kind of family who I actually want to be around, and look forward to spending time with.  (Even as a teenager, I could say this about my parents- crazy, huh?)  A special shout out to my brother Scott, who tonight will be babysitting so that J and I can have dinner together before he leaves for a business trip tomorrow.