One Door Closed; Another Opened

I had the unfortunate pleasure of being let go from my job earlier this month--the second time this has happened to me in less than a year. Like the last time, it wasn't unexpected. Let's face it. The market is beyond rough and companies and families all over the world are treading water to stay afloat. Rationally speaking, I know that my termination had nothing to do with me, but rather the bottom line. However, you can't help but develop a complex after two lay-offs. I'm trying to regain my professional confidence and find new opportunities out there that suit my needs.

As a twist of fate, the woman who watches My Little Man (MLM) decided to go back into the workforce, leaving my husband and I to search for new childcare--such a stressful event. This happened two weeks before I received my pink slip. I look at these two events as fate. I think this is a higher power telling me it's time to spend more time at home. My husband and I were also beginning talks of baby #2, so it seems like the stars have aligned.

In short, I'm looking for a job with less hours, so I can stay home with MLM and focus on my family more. I know I can find something to fit my schedule. I'm glad to be living in a time when people like me can find flexible work options that keep them stimulated professionally without having to work 50 hours a week at a desk in a stuffy office.

My Hubby, My Best Friend

I am so excited to welcome my newest little niece to the family. I had the privilege of being in the delivery room when she came into this world. It was an incredible experience. My sister was a true hero and champ.

It brought back all of those wonderful (and not so wonderful moments) of when I delivered My Little Man (MLM). In particular, it reminded me how amazing my husband was during the whole process. From my first labor pains to the last push, to my post-recovery in the hospital to months later when my recovery wasn't going as well as it should, he was my rock. He was so supportive and loving. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in life and parenthood.

Babe, if you're reading this, thanks for everything. Can't wait to do it all over again one day. How quickly we forget all the bad parts and how eager we are to relive all of the good ones. ;)

Resetting My Energy Allocation

I have fallen off the blogging bandwagon. I started this blog to connect with like-minded people and as a place for honest expression. However, like usual, life has taken over, and I have been neglecting this new creative outlet of mine. I have a bad habit of starting things and not finishing them. My wedding scrapbook. An original children's book. My herb garden. You get the picture.

None of these are grand endeavors. It just seems like the daily grind zaps my energy, leaving little left over to devote to my personal projects. By the time I get My Little Man (MLM) dressed, fed breakfast, and situated, it seems like it's time to put him down for a nap, feed him lunch, and keep him entertained and stimulated between then and dinner. Then there's the household duties like dishes, laundry, bills, Oh My! Finally, I have my personal and professional commitments which either have me tied to my computer or running around town to buy a birthday gift, meet up for a play date, or plan for a family affair.

When the day is over, I collapse on my couch and mentally prepare to do it all again. Every now and then I get this wave of energy and motivation to go above and beyond this daily grind. I feel an urge to do something special, different--and dare I say it--FOR ME. I move forward with my plans, full speed ahead. Then...I crash and burn and never "follow through".

I get mad at myself for starting something and not seeing it through. I want to have that continual energy supply that's tucked away only for my needs. Not dedicated to MLM, the laundry, or family. Just for me. My next project: Resetting my energy allocation.