Change Is Good, Right?

Registration for ECFE began three short weeks ago. And even though I am the one who has been known to spend over an hour on the phone to get the kids registered for swim lessons the day registration opens at swim school, I happened to forget about ECFE registration. Until the next day.

Much to my dismay, my class was full and waitlisted. Thinking I could just make a phone call, pull out some Samara magic and charm and get added to the class, I called.

And the answer was no.

I was #8 on a 9 person waiting list.

"But his friends are in that class..." I wanted to whine.

"My friends are in that class...."

"I'm really sorry," she said. "The class is full, but you can try a different one."

So I told disappointed H that he graduated 'Wonderful Ones' and is now a proud member of the 'Terrific Toddlers', I put on a smile with hopes that again I could strike myself rich in the ECFE department.

Today was day one, eight more weeks to go. Let's just say that H is in the minority because #1 he's a boy and #2 he is the busiest child in the class. The little girls in class sit on their mom's laps, I would seriously pay money if my child sat on my lap for more than a story at bedtime. This change of the new class and new people, I'm not too thrilled about yet but I'm working on it.

Just prior to class I got word that my position at the school district has been 'unofficially' cut effective next school year. (Unofficially only because it has to go be approved by the school board at the next meeting, but considering it was the recommendation of the superintendent and the finance committee, this changing would be highly unlikely.)

I'd known this was a possibility since the end of last week. (Though, in an interesting sort of way, my mom knew this when I started the position two years ago.)

Considering the struggles I've had with 'what I'm doing with my life' and knowing that I am all too comfortable and not challenged with where I am at, I'm considering this as more of a blessing than anything else.

Knowing that I will not have this job come next August, makes me motivated and excited to figure out what it is I do want to do or be. I'm still waiting for Good Morning, America or the Today Show to call and offer me a job as a morning show host, but in case that doesn't pan out, I should probably start thinking about things.

While this job and season were definitely great for me after I had H and when I needed that flexibility for my own lifes happenings, I know that I didn't work my tail off in college to be cutting out Box Tops and planning school book fairs.

So, here's to starting a new mindset. Thinking outside of the box. Making plans and figuring out just how things are going to look come next fall.

I've got my position and school commitments through May (but possibly the summer) at this point. I still definitely want something less than full time or of a creative work schedule because I do value the time I get to be home and experiencing life with H. (And T and M too.) And fortunately, I am lucky enough to have that as an option.

Maybe an opportunity will come knocking on my door step, a new freelance position or larger opportunities. Perhaps, I'll have to chase it. Either way, this change is good.

So here's to new changes and facing the new and unexpected with a smile, realizing that sometimes we just need a kick in the pants to get there. Being me at ECFE, making new friends and keeping the old. And enjoying the question, what do I want to be when I grow up?

Above all else, it is about leaving a mark that I existed: I was here. I was
hungry. I was defeated. I was happy. I was sad. I was in love. I was afraid. I
was hopeful. I had an idea and I had a good purpose. Felix Gonzalez-Torres

PS If you have any leads, ideas or thoughts...be sure and send them my way!