Twas the Night Before Job Starts and All Through The House

The creatures were stirring, including my spouse.
Well, except for a quick shower this evening, I am all set to begin my new job tomorrow.

I need and want to work, but today was extremely bittersweet - and more bitter than sweet.
I will miss being the Mommy I've been able to be to my daughter. Being home with her for almost 10 months and being completely available to her has been such a gift. When I lost my job, she was 3.5 and now she's 4.5. She's so much fun and walks a fine line between being a baby girl and being a big girl. She would argue that she's not a baby, but she still likes to be dressed by me and the hugs and snuggles are the best in the world. I don't want this to end...really I don't. That being said, some of the happiest moments of my days have been when I've dropped her off at school and gone to DD for coffee or gone shopping - but the luxury and freedom I've had has been such an incredible gift.

Also, the opportunity to do things, like organize my home, care for my Mom and just sit and think have been invaluable.

I'd like to thank my husband for being so supportive of me during my time "off." The layoff couldn't' have come at a worse time financially and he never gave me crap about pursuing the non profit work. I think he also liked the fact that I cooked and cleaned and took most of the childcare duties and when he was able to pitch in, he did it without being guilted and enjoyed himself.

Tomorrow I march into the ARC with a new planner, a packed lunch, photos of my beautiful girl and a smile. I am excited to begin this new position, knowing that the best part of me appreciates all the gifts I have.

Oh...Kelsey's first comment to me when I told her I was going back to work was "YAY, DISNEY!" (I told her ASA I go back to work we begin saving for her trip to the Happiest Place on Earth! ;) (yep, she has her priorities straight)

So, I got a job!

Two months, three interviews and lots of nervous energy later, I was offered the position of Financial Development Manager of the American Red Cross in Princeton.

I was hoping to have solidified my job before the holidays, but all along I thought this was "the job" and just waited patiently (yeah, right) for them to realize it too.

I start my new career on Wed. and I am really excited about it.

Other good news in the family....

1) Mom is recovering from her latest bout of pneumonia and complications and is getting back to her own self

2) Kelsey got her first report card last week and was recommended to attend Kindergarten. She will attend Kindergarten at her private school that she currently attends. We are thrilled and proud!

Perhaps 2010 WILL be a better year for our family :)

Peace out.

10 things I learned/was reminded of in 2009...

1. I am stronger than I ever realized.

2. Even if you put your heart and soul into a project, sometimes you are meant to fail.

3. I need to flex my creative muscles in order to be able to live a happy life.

4. I cannot do this alone. I need and want my family's help.

5. Some people continue to disappoint me; they will be marginalized going forward.

6. Complete strangers can be very kind.

7. I am very sad by some of the friendship bridges I singed or burned in the last few years or longer.

8. I am best served by following my instincts.

9. Holding a grudge is a waste of energy.

10. Human beings are beautiful wonderful creatures. I am so blessed to be living with two of the very best of them!

Goodbye 2009, I won't hold a grudge, but please don't hold one either...life is too beautiful to waste on regretting this year. Here are some family photos I don't think I posted last year.