Sunday, July 12, 2009

Disappointment & Perseverence Go Hand-in-Hand

Well, I didn't get either of the jobs in the school district. I have soothed my devastated soul and wounded esteem with logic about probable in-house hiring or hiring of someone with less experience who would, therefore, make less of an impact on the school budget.

I keep reminding myself that before I went into that first interview, I sent a prayer up to God. "Please put me where I'm supposed to be for my own greatest good and the greatest good of my family and employers."

After the initial disappointment, which was quite severe, I kept reminding myself about the prayer, and reconciled myself to the fact that all is as it should be, and I am where I should be.
I must say that my current boss was absolutely delighted with the outcome! And I do adore her, so that made me smile.

I will persevere. The winds of change are blowing in my department at work, and there is a possibility, and a gut feeling, that I may be moving in to another position. It is a much better fit for me. More project work. Less phones and walk-in traffic. More creative stuff... desktop publishing, flyers, publications, Powerpoint. Fingers crossed! Toes, too. I can be patient.
Other than that, there is not much to tell. Family is wonderful! I've managed to start a few small artworks. I've started writing blocking notes for The Spitfire Grill (the show I'm directing during the upcoming theatre season). I'm very excited about the directing gig! And it really seems significant that I will be turning 50 the weekend the show runs.

Cronedom approaches!

And on that note, I am heading to bed!

Until next time...

Saturday, July 4, 2009

So Very Quiet

It's July 4th. The house is eerily quiet. The boys are both off for the weekend, and Chris and I are home alone. Chris had trouble sleeping last night, so he's still in dreamland. It is overcast and a gentle rain is falling. That might put a damper on the plans of other folks, but I'm loving it!


I learned Thursday late afternoon that I wasn't selected for a job for which I'd interviewed. I was extremely disappointed, but there was some consolation. They have asked me back this coming Monday to interview for another job as Secretary to the Principal of one of the elementary schools. I'm trying to get over the disappointment on the first job and gear myself up to believe I'll get this second job. I did do a little prayer before the first interview that God put me where I need to be for the greater good of my family and myself, so maybe... maybe...

See, that's the thinking I need to change. I need to go into this interview on Monday with the same confidence I had last time around. But I'm afraid to get my hopes up. *sigh*


Not that it's the end of the world to stay where I am. Not quite, anyway. I do adore my boss. She's wonderful; a good friend, as well as an understanding and appreciative boss. But the job itself sucks the life out of me and leaves me feeling unfulfilled and depressed. It's a hard way to make a living, not doing what one loves.



Oh, if things could be done over again, eh? But they can't. I can change the future, though, so I'm officially manifesting a successful interview and the landing of the job!


So here I sit in the intense quiet of the house, fretting.


I think I will distract myself by starting THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE, a book that came highly recommended by a friend. Would suit the misty, overcast, warm mood of the day.


And maybe there will be fireworks later. ;-)

We are, after all, home alone!



Here's one of those self-shot dorky pix... Chris and I at Alex's graduation:



Thursday, July 2, 2009

Once Every Six Months

It seems I have the time and inclination to blog only once every six months. This is primarily the result of a lack of discipline, which is a recurring theme in my life.

I was pondering this morning how exactly to conquer this lack of discipline. I know it would be good for me in many areas of my life. I found myself asking me, "Why don't I care?" Because if I'm being honest, that would be the bottom line, right?

Then I was going to make a list of things I could improve if I were to implement a modicum of discipline. I started the list in my head. It was too scary and overwhelming to put into print, even in an online blog that only a few people will ever read.

So...


I'm going to take it in small bits. One thing at a time. And so, here I am. Blogging.


What's happened over the last six months worthy of mention in my sporadic blog?


I got an A in my business math class at college, thereby earning 3 more credits to the elusive AAS degree/Administrative Professional! : )


I created one ACEO (art card) for the 2009-2010 deck of playing cards.


I played the role of a lifetime when I "became" Fraulein Schneider in CABARET. It really was a stellar moment. Perhaps the best moment I've ever had on stage. I followed that by re-donning my habit and playing Sister Lee in DO BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES REALLY REFLECT UP? It was fun! The best part of the experience, however, was watching my son (who had the lead) grow as an actor and singer, and discovering that there is someone incredible in this town who could handle the role of Percy in THE SPITFIRE GRILL, which I'm directing during the upcoming season.






My youngest stepson, Alex, graduated from high school. He is so focused and determined! I'm proud of him and honored to be his stepmom.


I endured the trials and tribulations of my job. I've tried to like it, but I'm failing miserably. I adore my boss, who really is a wonderful, special woman. Wonderful and special enough that when I recently applied for another job, she wrote me a glowing letter of recommendation. I'm hoping I hear something today about this potential new job.


My husband finally completed his second book. It has been submitted to the publisher, and he is expecting the edited manuscript back soon. Then the rewrite (ugh). My gut tells me it's going to start out with a bigger bang than his first book (published in 1998), and then continue to sell for years, the way his first one has. The first one hasn't made us rich... heck no! But I think the second will do better in that regard. Maybe not make us rich, but at least provide a means for Chris to consider retiring and working on the next two books that are dancing around in his head.



I have reconnected with many old friends via social networking sites (MySpace/Facebook). That has been great fun. A very enjoyable pursuit. Maybe taking up more time than it should, but it's very cool to find out what happened to people I've wondered about over the years. One in particular came out of nowhere after over a decade of silence. Amazing to think of this guy as married with three kids now! Time marches on. We all grow up. I feel a little thrill to see friends from my childhood and teen years sporting crinkles and gray hairs. Aging, to me, isn't a bad thing. I'm fascinated by the process -- in others and in myself. Oh, yes! I do feel distress when a knew wrinkle appears, but I'll never botox. The gray hairs? Well, L'oreal is my friend in that regard. : )










Okay, that's it for now! Let's see if I actually make it back to post tomorrow. That's my simple goal. Shouldn't be too daunting.










Peace!