It's funny, I hadn't read Mom's last post until just now when I got on to throw up this quick reflection but somehow they dovetail nicely since mine also focuses - a little - on a single word: Awesome.
My day job is a bit unconventional. I run a national leadership development program so in addition to at times mundane program management, I am tasked with keeping in touch with and engaging our program alumni. Part of doing that is seeking to keep them inspired and guiding them on a continuing journey of self-improvement. So, I regularly find myself on not so mundane websites like TED seeking inspiration. While on one of those searches this morning I came across this video that absolutely wowed me. It struck a chord personally and, was a great fit for my professional self as well.
On the personal side - my holiday break was one of mixed emotions. While I enjoy the actual tasks of my job, it is located 53 miles from our house and necessitates two hours on the road daily to commute. That didn't bother me much when I started six years ago, then I had Campbell and the older she gets the harder losing that time gets. I had a rare job prospect in the little town we live in just before Christmas and was one of two finalists for the position. Unfortunately I got word on Dec. 22 that I did not get the job. I was devastated. I had dreams of a "normal" life being home when my child woke-up in the morning, being able to help do her hair before school, saving a TON of money on gas . . . . I called my Mom sobbing, she immediately rushed over to help me calm down and to reassure Campbell that her Mommy was no crazier than she'd ever been and that everything would be okay.
At first I thought the timing of the news was the worst possible - right before Christmas. Those first 24 hours or so I struggled to be the least bit festive as my child anticpated Christmas morning. But then I sat in church on Christmas Eve and watched my baby color with her Daddy (because neither had any interest in the service going on around them). Our church's candlelight Christmas Eve service has always been one of my favorite nights of the year and I spent that hour thankful for the pew full of loved ones I had around me and finding a new sense of peace with my station in life. The next morning we were all treated to the huge smiles and ectatic jumping for joy of a delighted Campbell who found out she was going to Disney World. It turns out the timing for that bad news was actually perfect.
(Campbell upon realizing she is Disney bound)
All of these recent feelings and events were brought to mind as I watched the "Awesome video" and I sit here reveling in how truly lucky I am. I still have to drive two hours a day and that still stinks. But I have a decent paying job and one that I enjoy doing. I have an amazing husband who never complains about being stuck with 90% of the parenting duties and shuttling to/from school, etc. And now, Campbell is spending her time away from me with Dotdot instead of in a daycare environment and she is already flourishing (she can read 17 words now, thank you very much!). Plus, in 27 days we're going to Disney World!
My life's not too shabby . . . . in fact, it's pretty awesome!
(Now to teach Daddy how to do Campbell's hair before real school starts next fall! A little girl can't go to kindergarten with bed head!)
what an uplifting post...so happy that you found so much joy after your recent disappointment!! Disneyland...how awesome!!
Posted by: Deanna | January 05, 2012 at 11:08 AM