It's the end of an era

First of all... today was the quickest 2 weeks I've ever had.


I went into work today fully expecting to work for the next 2 weeks. After spending most of the morning with my supervisor and my coworkers that were taking my cases, I was worried I wouldn't get everything I needed done in just 2 weeks. Then I went in to speak with my supervisor's boss.


Turns out anything I was going to get done or help out with, would be limited to my 10 hours today. Budget cuts... blah blah blah, he'll accept my resignation effective today. As in, today when you walk out of here, you'll no longer be employed here. You'll no longer have a job with the state. No longer a social worker. All of the relationships you've created during the last four years will no longer be necessary. Done. Finished. Goodbye.


Okay... so the conversation didn't quite take that turn, but it felt like that when I finally walked out that door. (I sort of forgot a few things in my office, so I'll actually go back there soon -but it'll be different then).


I spent the first half of my morning commute holding back a few tears, having just left my sleeping baby for the day. I spent the last half of my commute home holding back tears for having just left my job. A job that had become a large part of who I was over the last 4 and a half years. A job where I found some very dear friends. A job that provided me with a lot of satisfaction and validation. A job where I felt like I made a difference in people's lives.


And for what?

I guess that's a good trade.

The 'calm' before the storm

Okay... I'm not sure if I'd refer to the last 9 weeks as calm... but that's what today has felt like.

I am very lucky to not have to return to work full time (thanks, Justin). However, in order to use my 9 weeks of sick I had, I needed to stay an employee, go back, and give my two weeks.

That's happening tomorrow.

I'm also very lucky that my sister in law will watch the Little Man for most of the days, and he'll spend a day with my mom too. Plus, some days Justin will be able to handle the morning. But, it's still a little weird getting him (and me) ready for tomorrow. A lot of diapers, wipes, extra clothes, bottles, formula and breast milk, not to mention trying to find my work phone and everything that used to be in my purse, that is now in one of the many hidden pockets in the diaper bag.

To make matters worse, the next 2 weeks are really busy. Working until Thursday, doctor appointments on Friday and Monday, the Little Man's blessing is on Sunday, so trying to get enough food (and square footage) to accommodate a LARGE family we expect... then another week of work.

So... I guess compared to the last month or so, this IS the calm before the storm.

I'm also trying to totally ignore the emotional/hormonal side of this. We'll see how successful I am tomorrow morning.

PS -This is the blogs 300th post. 300 the movie... 300th post... it works!

Hope

I stole this quote from another blog. With all the dissent that occurs living in a Republican state and having a Democratic President, I wonder why people have to be so depressing and negative when they disagree. After all, we're never going to agree 100% with anyone who is elected, so why not find the best in the situation?


PS - The one I voted for finally won (first time).

It's a beautiful day

(Despite the smog/inversion in the valley.)

Teepees to the rescue

That's right. Pee-Pee Teepees to the rescue.

My friend Bryon gave us these for Christmas. They're mostly just a gag gift to be honest, most of you are aware, or could at least imagine that babies do a little too much squirming to make them extremely useful on a regular basis.

However, this morning when I was changing the Little Man I didn't have a new g diaper ready. While I was doing that, I grabbed the teepee -I just had a feeling. Sure enough, I heard that all too familiar sound, but didn't see anything.

It soaked through the changing pad cover, but at least I didn't have to do a wardrobe change -or worse!

Thanks Bryon!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today was my mom's birthday, and what a mom I have...

I've come to realize even more over the past few months just what an impact a mother has on her children and their children and so on. Not only have Melanie and I seen two great mothers leave this world in the past three months, but I've had the opportunity to be on the front row to what a new one goes through!

Needless to say my mother and I are two of a kind. We've been through a lot of different experiences together and there are many that come to my mind as I write this...including a trip or two and the time Dave came over to pick her up for a date ("Are you gonna kiss my mom?"). But there's one thing I can say and that is she has always been there for me and never gives up. She'll always love me and usually understands me, and from her I've gained the majority of my most valuable traits - leadership, thoughtfulness, passion for learning new things, and to be loving.

She is a smart and caring example for me. I love you mom. Happy Birthday!

Just because

Just because this is such a funny picture

My mom was holding him and my dad was taking pictures. My mom sneezed, and the Little Man didn't like that very much.