A Brief Update

Long time no post...
So that weird thing going on at work - well a major administrative shake up - our director stepped down or was asked to step down - we've heard conflicting reports - either way, he's no longer the director and the chairman put himself into place as interim but told everyone he would be relying on the assistant director for everything administrative. This is the woman who, for whatever bizarre reason, hates me. Two days after she re-assumed her power-trip she told me to stop making decisions for the division, that I was not in charge, that I was not qualified for my job, that I was not a manager, and to stop making trouble for her because they have 'plans' in place. That was on Friday, June 27th. Today I started my new job. For her information, I'm actually overqualified for my job. I was sick of it. I took this problem to the chairman's office and he happened to be trying to decide what to do for a new director in another division who wasn't happy with his administrator. He asked me if I was interested in a transfer. I was. He set up an interview the following Monday. It was relief at first sight! The Director was impressed with me, I was impressed with him. It was decided but I couldn't announce to my staff that I was leaving until they were all gathered together and people were on vacation. So the announcement was made on Tuesday (yesterday) and then I moved my stuff. Today was my first day of the new job. I have been on information overload all day - meeting new people, unpacking my boxes, walking all over the place, familiarizing myself with a new group of people, a new place to park, etc. It's been a little stressful the last couple of weeks but I'm managing. I couldn't be more pleased actually. I talked with a friend from my old division this evening who said that everyone thinks I was moved out of there without any choice in the matter. I hope that's not the legacy that is left behind but, honestly, I couldn't care less what they think. I feel sorry for the whole division with that woman running it. She bases her decisions from her insecurities and personal grudges and is unfortunately socially inept. And that's all I'm going to say on the matter.

Our 4th of July barbecue was a smashing success! Everyone who came enjoyed the hell out of it. All were impressed with the new place. It's almost as if it's not "new" anymore to me but the 4th was the first time most people were here. We never did go swimming, play disc golf, or leave to watch the fireworks over Clear Lake. That was mainly because, early into the party, when we were meant to be swimming or playing disc golf in the back yard, cooking and food prep was underway and by the time it was 9pm for fireworks the only person sober enough to drive us to the lake was Julie - and only because she is pregnant.

Preparations continue for Julie's baby shower which is going to be on the 26th of July. The party planners - 4 of us - are all planning to wear something polka dotted and I have nothing polka dotted to wear. They are all much more into this than I am. I haven't been one much for baby showers in the last 5 years or so. I think in 2003 when my office threw a baby shower for me while I was pregnant with James was the one that did me in. They meant well. It wasn't their fault. It was so nice of everyone to throw me a baby shower and I hadn't exactly advertised that I had made an adoption plan. A few key people knew and they said they informed the shower-thrower who assured them all the gifts would be of the "new mommy" variety - belly cream and scented candles. Well who doesn't like scented candles? I thought I had the strength. All the gifts were not for me, I got bibs and rattles, onesies and cards. It was the cards with their sentiments on the arrivals of babies that eventually caused me to run from the room throwing up and crying in hysterics. Not a good scene for work. Since then I've attended only a very few other baby showers - let's see - there was the one Dawn invited me to that same year for her in honor of my birthson - also not fun, also left early and quickly - tires screeching, Dawn wondering if I still planned to go through with it all. Then there was the one where a work friend was having a baby with her boyfriend who was actually going to help parent the kid to whom I gave the baby blanket that I had crocheted for James while pregnant with him that, when it came down to it, I didn't want to give it to him after all - they were getting enough from me. Then there was Cori's - same situation but this time I had no gift. I had attempted to crochet another baby blanket but didn't finish it in time for the shower and couldn't bring myself to buy something after all that effort. So, in a way, I'm sort of too jilted to enjoy baby showers a whole lot. The wonderful thing about Cori's was that there were mimosas to be had and that helped a hell of a lot. I know I have a lot of issues of bitterness towards this whole issue but unfortunately I don't give a damn. Anyway, so I have to attend and help to host this baby shower in about a week and a half and I haven't shopped for a gift and I don't have anything with polka dots. And perhaps this post is already too honest and I should sleep on it before publishing for the world to read but I have to go on to say that although I like Julie very much and am excited for her and Matt that they'll get to be parents and she seems like a very nice woman, I really honestly don't know her all that well. I don't talk to her on the phone or hang out with her outside of Chris's group of friends. I know she's a great cook, prefers alcohol over beer, is really pretty, was an Aggie, used to blog, met Chris on the internet, likes to travel, enjoys the beach, is in a Bunko group. I don't know why I agreed to help with the baby shower. I was being friendly and excited for her happy news. I need to find that again. And maybe I should just frikin call Julie myself. Maybe we're not great friends because I'm not trying. Maybe I'll make it through the baby shower without having a break down this time. Maybe I'll take Chelsea with me.

It's late. I have to be at work bright and early for my new job tomorrow. My staff from the old place is throwing me a goodbye breakfast at 8:15 tomorrow. They were shocked to see me leave so quickly and said they need closure. I'm sure it will be very nice and I really appreciate all of them.

I'm just under a lot of stress this week. It's probably not the best time to publicly discuss my feelings about baby showers and Julie. I have to say that I honestly really do like Julie a lot and I wish I knew her better. I wish I knew her well enough to know what was the perfect thing that she would just love to get for her baby shower. So all my bitterness probably stems from feeling inadequately prepared. What do you give a brand new mom-to-be? What does she not have that would be that special thing? I'll have to investigate and find out.

Love.