Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

So, I've been alluding to the fact that I felt this year would bring about change in my and Brian's life, and, already some of them are coming to pass! At least I know some of what's been hiding behind that bend in the road that I couldn't see.

Brian got a promotion at work, after working so hard, he finally has become a trainer. Not only that, a Senior Trainer! It's something he's very good at (and I've even heard he's a good teacher when he teaches at church -- I've never seen him teach, but I've heard it from many people, so I think I'll believe them ^_^). And, it's something he's fairly sure he wants to follow as a career path -- even going back to school to finish his degree by following that path (UNT nearby has an HR degree that has a lot of training involved in it), so hopefully that will be motivation to finish school.

And, as for me -- I got a job! I am working as an Editor for a high-end department store's clearance division (which, based on prices, is clearance only in that they're discounted, but I don't think I could afford some of their stuff! *LOL*) I've worked there for a week now, and even though I'd rather be home at times, ONLY because it's hard to be in a "work" mode after being home for 2 years, I'm enjoying it. But I have to say, sometimes it's night and day with some jobs, even though they're similar.

I remember one job, several years ago, where my first day, they just threw me in! They barely skimmed the surface of how their systems work, and how work came in, and I was expected to just go. Now, the proofreading/editing part is easy. But if I don't know how things work, it can be overwhelming. And it was so busy, it was hard to ask the other editor there how to do things (even though she was supposed to be training me). It was so bad, one of the graphic designers -- on one of my first days -- commented on how slow we proofreaders were being. Oh, yeah, she said that in front of me. *blink* I was upset. She later tried to apologize, but .... Needless to say, I only stayed there for about 2 weeks.

Then another job, where I was a "permanent temp" (whatever that means), never gave me access to the server. I was having to do jobs outside my job description (because they didn't have enough proofreading work for me), and in the end, treated me badly (as in, I got a call on a Sunday night by my agency that I wasn't wanted the next morning at work -- nor any mornings).

But at this new job, they treat me like an adult! It's amazing! I'm still a freelancer, but I can set my own schedule (because, if I don't work, I don't get paid), they have given me access to the server (what? it's amazing) so I can actually do my job. They trust me to do certain things (for now, getting it checked by the writer, to ensure I'm doing okay there) -- and I'm getting to use software that I was NEVER given access to in other places, like Photoshop, InDesign, and DreamWeaver. Stuff I've wanted to learn how to use in a job setting (I know Photoshop), and now I can use it and put it on my resume! They're nice, and friendly and patient -- and some are a little trendy. ^_^

Even though I'm exhausted, at least I was wise enough to take a day off. I have things to do around the house, and need to go shopping for some items for Brian, because Brian is leaving me for 5 weeks! He's going to go to training in another state, so I shall be alone starting soon. Sad! But, I'm not as sad because I know he's working on that career path, and he's finally doing what he's been wanting to do for awhile.

Next up is finding a new place to live. We're tired of the bugs, the enormous electric bill, the poor management, and the noisy and rude neighbors! We'll be wanting to stay somewhat close to the same area, but maybe with a little more easy access to a nearby highway to help me get to work a little more easily and quickly. We definitely want something newer (hopefully with double-paned windows!), even if it means more rent per month. It'll probably even out with rent plus utilities, and that's fine. I don't even care if it's a slightly smaller space. I just want to be out of here. We'd love to rent a house (even a duplex, or something like it), but we'll see. Around here, it's either overpriced or rundown, so those in between are a little more hard to come by.

So, there ya go! Changes. What's next??? Hmmmm..... ^_^

Day 30 - A Picture

I chose this picture -- taken last year for my Project 365 -- because I like the mystery it holds, the possibilities, the intrigue. It makes you wonder what might be around the corner. Is it scary, or exciting, or something in between. Kind of what I feel this year will be like, with changes. Something's coming, but ... what?

Day 29 - 3 Wishes

I wish that ...

Brian will get the new position he applied for at work;

my cats will live long, happy and healthy lives; and

one day, we won't have to worry too much about money.

Day 28 - Something That Stresses Me Out

I get stressed when I have to give up control and have to trust others to do what's been asked. A recent example is when I ask people to perform musical numbers in church. I can ask, and they agree. And I have to let them arrange for a pianist, practice times, etc. If I tried to control all aspects, I would go insane, but I have to be able to give them the opportunity to learn and grow, especially those that aren't used to performing. Yet it still stresses me out, hoping that they've done what needs to be done. And I get especially stressed when I have several of these going on for big occasions like Easter and Christmas.

And yes, things usually turn out okay in the end, but it still stresses me out. ^_^

Day 27 - Pets

As you know, I currently have two cats. They are both Siamese, and they are brother and sister. Yuki is the female, and Yanni is the male.

I found them on Petfinder.com, and they were exactly what I was looking for -- they were rescues, kittens, Siamese and siblings. Sadly, I missed most of their kittenhood, because they were still quite feral when we got them and so we had to work with them a lot. But, I was told that they might never be lap kitties, or that affectionate.

But thankfully, even though it took awhile, both cats are VERY affectionate in their own way. Yuki isn't a lap kitty, but she likes to sleep with me in bed. She's also incredibly sweet.

Yanni is a lap kitty, and he's extremely vocal, and he has the biggest personality.

They bring so much joy to our lives, and I hope I have them for many years to come.

Here is a favorite picture of each of them (you may have seen these already):

Yuki

Yanni