Most Certainly Not: Turning A Corner?

I don't like to count my chickens before they hatch. Most of the time, I like to pretend there are no such things as chickens so if there are no hatchlings, I am not disappointed. After the grinding events of the past two years, I don't expect anything positive. I just wake up thankful to have another day to give it a go and find joy in the smallest things--a good cup of coffee, my girls being themselves, my husband filling up my car with gas without being asked, puppy hugs and kisses.

Today, though, was a banner day for Fort W. A milestone in the employment area of the household--and a milestone because of it.

First, I was offered a full-time position at my alma mater law school. I've been working part-time between two departments for the past three years. Those two departments have needed a full-time liaison for years, but finally received the go ahead to post, interview and hire someone. The interview process made me nervous, but I realized in the midst of it that I know my job, I work really hard at it, I see results and I completely love what I do. Receiving the oral offer today was a huge boost--financially and emotionally. Just an all around good day.

Returning to the university full-time means lots of cool things, not the least of which is that I may start contributing to my 401(k) again. That will be completely awesome. We also have tuition remission which means I could pursue another degree if I wanted or my husband could finish his or the girls could attend tuition-free. That's big time, especially since M1 is only five years from college (eegads) and M2 is less than a decade from it. How does this happen anyhow?!

Then, when I picked up the girls from their after school program, the adult in charge approached me about M1 working for the program next year. She had expressed an interest and we had it all set up for next year for her to help on Mondays after school. The kids work for two hours and earn $5/hour. Not too shabby. One of the current student assistants can no longer do her Thursday afternoon shift, so the adult supervisor offered M1 the now vacant spot for the remainder of the school year. M1 snapped at the chance. My daughter has her first job. Wowza.

All in all, it was a good day for the crew. I'm still a little gun shy to think we may be seeing more of an upswing in positive happenings here, but I'm enjoying them as they arrive.