The Power of Positive Thinking (or something else appropriately cliched)

A few weeks ago I received some worrisome news: the director of the organization I work for called me into his office, and explained that the grant responsible for 25% of my salary had not been approved for the next fiscal year (the year for this particular grant is October 1 - September 30 - yes, you read that right - the lovely folks in Washington let us know about a week before the end of the fiscal year that the grant had not been approved for 2013).  I certainly didn't have as rough a time as the coworker whose position is 100% funded by the grant, and is being laid off at the end of October.

I was a little panicked at first; I had to temper my own stress because I, at least, was going to maintain at least 3/4 time employment, which is a heck of a lot better than none, but is not enough to keep our little family afloat.

I've been helping P with proofreading her resume; I've looked online to see what other jobs are available (not much); I've talked to friends and family; primarily, though, I've stuck to my guns on the whole "think positive thoughts" thing.

I believe the hype behind books like The Secret (to an extent, pretty much just the good stuff), the more good I put out, the more good I get back.

Each time I started to freak out a little big, I'd just give myself a mini-pep talk, and that worked, as I've not found myself hyperventilating or crying, so I'm pretty sure I'm just fine.

Today, I finally got the official news, my job description & duties have been modified, and I am officially going to stay as full-time.  I'll be doing different work about 1/4 of the time, but that is A-Okay with me - it'll keep it from getting stale, right?

If you find yourself freaking out over some bad news, feel free to print out my little note and repeat the words to yourself.

Trust me, these words are quite effective.

2011: The Best Year Yet? Perhaps.

A few days into 2010, I realized that, for some unknown reason, the universe seemed to have it in for me.  I had an assortment of ailments, money problems, car problems, etc. etc. etc.. I am in no way claiming that 2010 was the worst year ever, but, for me, it came pretty darn close. I decided way back then that 2011 would be different.  My health would be great - my life would be great - every frigging thing would be great. And do you know what? So far it has been!!!

On January first, I had the luck to win a new Ipod touch!  Now, this isn't the most alarming thing in the world, as I spend a ridiculous amount of time these days entering contests - but still, that's a pretty darn sweet prize!  It was made even sweeter by the fact that I was starting to regain my voice (you see, 2010 tried to keep me down by striking me with laryngitis during its last week - note to years who think they can get the better of me:  you totally can't, and I'm talking up a storm again).

On January 2nd, I went out and played Scrabble, ate Pizza Skins, and had awesome conversation at Uno's.  What a treat! Not something I usually do, and even more fun than I expected!

On Monday, January 3rd, I admit I was starting to notice a trend - and then what happened? Season 2 of True Blood was delivered from Amazon a day early!! Good stuff!

On Tuesday, January 4th, I was driving home and talking to Faith on the phone about how I was concerned that nothing awesome had happened yet.  Thankfully, I stopped at IGA, and what to my wondering eyes did appear??? Not from concentrate half gallons of orange juice on sale for $0.48!!!!!  WHEW!!!!

The Misty Sunrise

Wednesday (January 5th) started off on shaky ground - on Mondays and Wednesdays, we have to get up extra early because Azi  as orchestra practice at the school at 7:15 (AM!!!!!!).  I am not, nor have I ever been, a morning person - early to me is getting up at 9:30 on a weekend, you know?  So, I really do not look forward to super early days.  BUT - we were out of the house on time, and then, as I was driving to work I got to see the most incredible sight - there were clouds of mist rising off the river, just as the sun was coming up.  It was gorgeous!!!

Today's good thing?  Well, Azi sent me a message when she got home that there was a long trianglular package on the porch for me!  I will assuredly go on an on about it when I find out what's inside!!!

I'm hoping to keep this up - 2011 is the year, my friends - well, it's my year, at the very least - hopefully yours too!!