On the Job Again!

Well, after 11 years as a stay-at-home mom, I'm once again working.  I don't really know how I feel about this.  I spent many years working at an oil company, before I had my daughter, and really loved it but after my daughter was born, I realized I needed a more stable job.  My friend convinced me to apply at Fullerton College, for her previous position, because she was transferring to another department.  I gave her lots of excuses why I didn't want to, but in reality I was afraid to make a change.  I was comfortable where I was and really enjoyed the people I worked with.  A co-worker sat me down one day and set me straight about what I needed to do.  I remember he said that change was scary but if I ever wanted to move forward, I needed to take risks and feel that uncomfortable feeling that comes with the fear of the unknown.  I applied for the job and got it!

I worked as the secretary and really enjoyed my job and the people I worked with (well most of them anyway - lol!)  After a few years, my supervisor, who was the Administrative Secretary to the Dean of Student Support Services, decided to transfer to another department.   I loved our Dean and even though the position required a lot more responsibility and included duties that I was not knowledgeable in, I decided to apply for her position.  Thankfully, I got the position and learned a lot about the job, through the help of lots of great people around campus and the district. 

During all of this time, many things changed for me.  I got married, had 2 more children and was longing to be more involved in their school activities.  I hated the fact that when they were small, they were with a babysitter and I was missing out on many of their firsts.  As time went on, the stress of work mixed with family illnesses was really taking it's tole.  The last couple of  years I was working, I wasn't really enjoying it at all.  My body was there but my heart was at home.  I had always wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom.  I was pregnant with our 3rd child, working full-time, had just lost my grandmother the year before and now was taking care of my dad who had terminal cancer.  I was tired and worn out and developed Meningitis for the 2nd time in 3 years.  I was hospitalized and then put on bed rest for a month.  It was during this time that I sat in bed and hated the fact that I was going to have to go back to work.  I told my husband how I felt and even though I was bringing home really good money, we decided that after our son was born, I would quit. 

I did just that and for the last 11 years have been home.  I watched my son grow and we've shared many great times!  I was able to be the room mom for my daughter's classes and attend all their field trips!  I volunteered and was part of their elementary and Jr. High years.  I've home schooled my son for the last 6 years.   I have enjoyed every minute of my time at home.  Unfortunately, my husband has been out of work for a year now and even though I don't want to go back to work, I know that the need is there.

Once again, my friend, my angel, has provided me with the opportunity to return to the college.  It's only part-time and it's temporary which, for me, is a good thing because it gives me time to see if this is what I want to do.  My daughters are in college, graduating high school and going into high school and my son is older now too.  He can get his schoolwork done without me being there by his side.  I don't really know how I feel about working again.  There are still things I want to do but without the financial means, I can't do them.  I really like the freedom to come and go as I want, get things done at home and just be with my son.   I must admit that I know in my heart I was beginning to take staying home for granted so this might be just what I need to make me appreciate the gift all the more.  For now, I am grateful that I have a friend who loves me enough to share opportunities like this with me and for the feeling I get going to work at the college every day.  It's like going home to your family after a long time away.    

Wrong Car!

Today was a beautiful day after last nights rain.  So clear and slightly warm.  Robert took Patrick to my brother's church for an Easter egg hunt and I stayed behind so I could take Amber to work.  After dropping her off, I decided I wanted to do some cardmaking and make some cake pops so I stopped at JoAnn Fabric to pick up a few supplies.  I paid for my items and got back in the car, started it up and before taking off, decided to check my phone to see if there were any messages.  When I decided to leave, I noticed an older lady casually walking out of the store.  I put the car in reverse and started to back out and the lady was walking toward the front of my car.  As I backed out and started to put the car in drive, the lady was now at the passenger side of my car.  I wondered what she was doing so close when she reached for the locked door.  I looked at her and nodded to let her know it was the wrong car and she kept pulling on the handle.  Then she looked up at me with a look like why aren't you opening the door?  I nodded to her and was going to roll down the window when she suddenly realized I wasn't who she thought I was and apologized.  I couldn't help but giggle as I watched her walk to another car that was parked two cars away from where I was.  It was an SUV the same color as mine.