On Being Liberated

Liberated - that's what Casey has called my losing my job and in many ways that is really what it was. On Feb. 3 I lost my job due to "budgetary constraints". HA! I know that it wasn't the real reason but one that my boss could justify. It was just a shame that the 2 people who I thought were my friends turned out to be the ones who stabbed me in the back. They have to live with themselves not me. Those relationships are definitely done and over with.

I am truly enjoying my freedom. Larry has been wonderful throughout the whole thing. He has encouraged me to take time off and just enjoy my family and life and especially this last summer before Casey goes off to college. He said not to think about getting a job until next fall after the kids go back to school. The kids were great on Friday when they found out - they both gave me big hugs and told me that everything would be okay and it would be good to be away from the craziness of that place. Less than an hour after getting canned, I filed for unemployment. That will help somewhat until I can find a job that gave me the flexibility that I was used to.

So far in three short days, I have done some major cleaning, finished a quilt, studied 5 chapters for my A+ test and done some considerable thinking about my life. This is my chance to start again fresh and do something new. Sometimes it takes a shakeup or someone else forcing you to look anew at your life and what you are accomplishing. Work was a very poisonous atmosphere and I have to say that I am definitely a much happier person these days and I think everyone around me has noticed it as well. Believe me, Kitty is getting tired from all the walking that we are doing. However, it's good for my soul. I talked for over a hour with my brother and wish he would take some steps to changing his life. He needs it more than I do and its getting very important that he takes some positive steps in his life.

"You learn that for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve... and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance." These words mean a lot to me lately as I realize that anything I accomplish is through hard work and the belief that I can do it with God's help. My attitude towards life in general is changing and I realize that each day is a gift and a chance to do something good. I am also learning that it is not about what material items I have or accolades I have received, but embracing each day and making those around me glad to have me here.

Things will be changing in the next few months as I settle into my being home routine. It's been 7 years since I stayed home with the kids. I know it will be good for all of us and who knows what the future will bring in terms of employment for me, but I can be sure it is something that makes me happy.