Free Time

I find error in the term "free time."

Mostly because I ain't got none.

Seriously. Nada. Zip. Zilch. My job is demanding and my social and service obligations are growing. As I'm typing this I sit amidst a mountain of clothes and dishes begging for washing, pants for ironing, and a floor that seems to grow hair as fast as it falls out of my head.

Lovely. I know. I promise that my home is fairly clean and orderly on most days. There are times when it gets a little out of control and I go batshit and clean in a compulsive manner. It all balances out.

As like many parents, I often lament my lack of "free time." But really, what I'm saying is, "there isn't a moment in the day that there isn't something productive I could be doing."

After reading those words, I realize that, in all honesty, all my time is free. I'm free to do what I please. As a creature of free will I can choose how I spend my time.

So rather than complain constantly about how, I have no time for anything anymore, I'm going to (attempt to anyway) focus on all the things I want to do in that time. And do them. Extra 5 minutes on the snooze, done. Rock just a little while longer at bedtime, done. Leave the clothes and catch up on quality time with the hubs and TiVo, done and done.

I'll let you know if I have any buyer's remorse after a week of wildly spending my free time ;)

Another reason for my lack of free time, this little guy is on the move.

Número Uno

On January 9, 2012 I changed. My former self completely ceased to exist. I'm just... different.

And it's all because of this little man :)

This photo was taken the day we brought him home. Six months later, our baby, my perfect, tiny little breath of life has been on this earth half a year. This is what he looks like now. 

I can't possibly explain what it feels like. While I (kind of) still look like my old self, I"m not. I'm softer physically and emotionally. My world no longer revolves around all the "trades" I previously focused on. The only thing that matters is T. All the other stuff is just life, but he is living. Make sense? Probably not. 

I'm basically a babbling, baby loving alien right now. And I don't care if I ever go back to the way I was. T loves me just as I am now. His mama. The only trade I've ever mastered from the first day.

As soon as my thoughts are collected, I'll share my birth story. While neither terrifying nor blissful, it's pretty humorous.

Hope you have great weekend plans. I'll be catching up on some QT with this guy :)

Catching Up

I haven't blogged in a million years. So I'm starting over. I'll be playing catch-up for a few weeks and then perhaps make it back to a normal rotation.

For my two readers out there, get ready. Lots of stuff coming to a screen near you a-sap.

First, meet this guy :)

His name is Tom. He is beyond amazing. Like, Rachel Zoe beyond. Seriously folks. More about him to come.

Second, got some new work info. VP of Chamber at the Columbus Lowndes Development LINK. If you are ever in need of chamber services in Columbus, Mississippi, give me a call. Our office is pretty damn awesome.

http://www.cldlink.org/index.php/about-the-link/our-staff

The catch-up will now commence.

Self-less Promotions

I want to see less of myself in the U.S. and more of me in Paris. Thus my promotion of this contest.

 http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris

I'd recommend that you not enter. If you were to win this amazing trip, I might be responsible for your untimely demise. I'm selfish selfless like that. 

Employed

So the news is......I have a new job!

Through a bit of inopportune timing and surprise recommendations, I was offered a position at the LINK in our hometown. (Our town's chamber of commerce/economic development/education liaison/newcomer liaison organization. Very fitting for this Mac of all trades!)

I wasn't looking for a new job, and I'll miss my co-workers here at the W terribly, as they have shared in my first working years. I'll be forever grateful to this place for being a progressive (that's right people, I said progressive) place for me to find my voice. Ideas and inspriation were always welcome here, and I have been so very fortunate to work with, and not for, some amazing people.

My new adventure in the working world promises to be challenging and exciting, and I am both thrilled and terrified. It's a strange juxtaposition to deal with sad goodbyes and happy hellos in a very short amount of time. I cannot stop reflecting at how fortunate I am, that I was able to choose between two jobs when many are unable to find employment at all.

Tell me, how do y'all deal with new opportunities? Head on, or one toe in? I'd love to hear some fabulous words of wisdom. Keep the stupidity to yourselves.

Hiatus

I apologize to you, imaginary readers, for my unannounced hiatus. Big changes going on around here. Prepare yourself for news to start trickling in ssslllloooowwwlllyyy.

Change is good. Right? I myself both love and hate change, but isn't everyone that way. We love change that we want, hate change in the things we love as is. I hope that I'll always be open to change, as long as it's for the better.

Just think without change, we might still have these

(I had a hot pink pair of these at one point in my life. I rocked them with penny loafers and a side pony. 3rd grade was the shiz.)

 And instead of talking on this,

We'd have this,

It's often difficult to see changes as positive at their inception, but in the end, change gonna do us all good.

Good Karma

Logo for a fabulous store I'd like to visit one day.

You ever feel the need to put good karma out into the world, just to cover your ass?

I'm so grateful to have a job. Seriously folks. Working for the state has its perks, but it also means that cuts can come at anytime.

As a young, educated, employed (Amen) individual embarking on my career, I never really reflect on how fortunate I am. I've never feared a job loss, or felt obsolete. I've been lucky enough to have job offers while I'm employed.

Thank you universe, I truly appreciate it.