Blessings in Disguise

Yep, I'm reflecting.

This time, it's about events over the past year that seemed like curses, but ended up being blessings.

1. The hubby getting laid off at the company where we both worked -- that was really rough. Especially since I had to get up and go to that place, sit in meetings with those people, and maintain a professional stature. It ultimately resulted in us selling the house, packing up our belongings and moving to another state. But today, we get to have dinner together almost every night, at a decent time, and I get to be at home when my kids walk in the door after school.

2. A company-wide re-org. The first round of layoffs meant there was more work to do for everyone who was left, and new roles for just about everyone at work. It was a pain in the arse, but somehow the people who were shuffled into my day-to-day happenings turned out to be some of the very best girlfriends I've ever had.

3. 'Initiatives'. There were so many pointless, go-nowhere initiatives that ended in disaster, but it also prompted The Margarita Sisters to create a 'Q2' initiative of our own. Thank God for those Thursday margaritas -- I'm totally convinced they're what got me through the darkest days. They're also what made me thankful to have the job I had.

4. Backaches. I've douched my lower back so many times over the past few months that I finally got off my keyster and joined the gym. I'm still a gob of goo, but I feel so much happier, more content, and healthy -- and I'll never take for granted having a body that works.

5. Clumsiness. It's a hereditary trait that has plagued me for my entire life. The most recent incident involved accidentally slicing my finger clear to the bone, spending Sunday night in the emergency room, and wearing a splint to prevent me from bending while the stitches heal. It has 'inspired' the rest of the family to pitch in on Thanksgiving with their own homemade dishes. It has also gotten me out of any duties that involve cutting things with a knife. This year I'm the one drinking beer and watching the football game....and it feels very nice.

I'm sure if I thought about it longer, I'd be able to come up with at least another five things for which to be grateful. But my red-headed son wants to get on the computer so he can watch YouTube and play Runescape. Thank goodness for red-headed sons.

Good Pain

Bri has been dancing around the house --- she's so happy now that she's in a new school, and her transformation over the last three days has been amazing. Tomorrow she'll get braces put on...another milestone.

So. Now that the fam has found their stride, I'm going to spend the next 8 weeks putting my all into my own transformation. I've signed up with a personal trainer, joined the gym, and ready to start feeling that good pain again.

Reminds me of the saying, "Change is good." It's painful, but almost every big change I've made has been for the better. It's true for this move -- I missed my old life like crazy, but I'm starting to get the hang of this one. And liking it.

Success!

She loves her new school! It's full of her "peeps"! We still have some paperwork and testing to complete this week, but it looks like she's going to be happy there. I'm thrilled. And now I can look into schooling for myself.

This week has been a major milestone -- I'm feeling like we're finally starting to settle in. TJ told me he loves having a "home momma" this morning. I met with a chiropractor yesterday, and my back is feeling a bit better.

Hope is on the horizon....I hope we can say the same once the election results are in.

New School, Take 2

I've been shopping around for private schools for several weeks now, and as a public school kid, I have to say I've learned an awful lot about how difficult it can be to make the right choice.

Hopefully, the one we've selected for Bri will suit her learning and social style. It's a small school -- 85 students total (from k-12th grade), and only 8 students in her grade. She's not nearly as nervous as she was the first time around. She just seems relieved to be making a change.

Tomorrow will be the first day of a two-day trial -- the instructors and other students will be evaluating her to make sure she'll be a good fit for the school. If she makes the cut, she'll be riding in every day with Ryan -- his job is just two blocks away.

Crossing fingers. Please stand by.