Be Careful What You Wish For...

... You might just get it... (and then really love it!). 

So I was remembering....

More than a year ago now - probably spring of 2007 - I was telling myself, Hubby and some of my family and friends, "By the time Sweetie starts Kindergarten, I will not be working at the paper anymore. I'll be doing something that will work better for her new school schedule (5 half days of school each week). I have more than a year to figure out/find out what changes will come my way to make this possible."

Hmmm... school's starting next week and - looky here! - I'm still one layed off chick! Still dutifully looking for employment, of course, but no longer stressed (so much) about it.

As I told Hubby last night - I've grown to feeling at "home" at home. I'm happy that I'm around to both take Sweetie to school AND pick her up in time for lunch. I'm thrilled to be here for her to help with homework (yes, I'm afraid even Kindergarteners get homework nowadays). Happy to vacuum, do the laundry, and tidy up the place. Happy to be a mom.

As was the plan when I worked (and still can switch to with quick notice), my mom was going to be the one who would have to pick Sweetie up from school everyday. That's wonderful and so incredibly generous of my mom, but - come on! It's a 20 minute ride out to here from my parents house. One way. Five days a week. Not exactly something my mom was/is jumping at the bit to have to do. Yes - of course she'd do it! But as the situation is now, I'm sure she's just as pleased to now not have to do it.

When I first lost my job back at the end of April I was all "moving forward!", "bigger and better!", "pursuing my dreams!", "this is my year to become what I want to be when I grow up!".

But now? I'm at peace. I still - financially speaking - do need to find employment. But I now realize that my share of what's needed is not that much.  A regular part time receptionist or retail job will be satisfactory to make ends meet. A full time job with flexible hours/the ability to work some hours from home would be fabulous! But the point - the goal - is now much more focused... Sweetie.

After all, I've waited 30+ years to figure out and become what I want to be when I grow up. What's one more year (at least!) when helping to shape and guide Sweetie's own growing up process is at stake?

Looks like my dreams are coming true after all...