New old job

Someone told me once that it usually takes about 6 months to know if a job is a good fit or not. I've had my current job for about 8 months now and really couldn't be happier. Instead of constantly thinking about an escape plan, as I did with my last job, I'm now thinking about how long I can make it last. So, when the opportunity came up to switch to a full-time position (I had been working as an hourly contractor), I decided to go for it.

I had my first official day on Monday -- an all-day orientation to learn about the company I've been at for almost a year :) -- and now it's back to business as usual. Nothing has really changed with my day-to-day job responsibilities. I have the word "manager" in my title now, even though I really only have to manage myself. I get a blue stripe on my badge and a red parking sticker. I now have to keep track of my vacation days for the year (the one negative thing about making the switch!), but now I get paid for those vacation days ... and holidays. It's worth it. And it's a big company, so there are a million different ways I can grow my career. 

I know part of the reason I'm so happy with this job is that Molly is so happy at school. It's not hard for me to leave on time to pick her up (no end of day crises coming when you least expect it) and I can usually work at home if there's something happening at school, like the Halloween parade tomorrow (pictures to come :)). Just call me ... 

Lovely Colorado Springs

We spent last weekend in my new favorite Colorado city -- Colorado Springs! The highlights of the weekend were celebrating Grandma Janet's 80th birthday, seeing Steve and Marsha's new house, and visiting the coolest zoo ever, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Grandma Janet (center) with the guys -- Jeff, Keith, Jason, Jeremy, Jess, Steve, and Joe

And now with the girls (and Will) -- Back row: Terry, Lori, Janet, Marsha, Teresa (Steve and Jason to the side)
Front row: Madison, Will, and Molly

Two silly hippies -- artwork by Aunt Kathy

View from Steve and Marsha's -- Pike's Peak!

Will feeding the giraffes -- I did it too, but was totally scared

Will and Molly with Uncle Joe in the wind tunnel

Pretending to be pilots

It's so much fun to have a new place to visit and explore. I really love Steve and Marsha's new house. They have tons of room, an amazing view, a park down the street, and a network of paths and trails just a hop, skip, and a jump away. When can we go back?

Catching up

We've had a busy Fall so far ... family and friends in town, a successful Renegade Craft Fair for Repeater Printing and BC Print Media, a wedding and bachelorette party for one of my favorite art directors ... sometimes I feel like I'm 25 again, or living a double life. We've been out and about, having fun, enjoying Chicago, but also doing plenty of school and family stuff with Molly.

I mentioned to another parent at the playground that Jason was going to watch the Cubs game with some friends (go Cubs!) and she made a comment like, "Oh, once they turn 5, do you get your life back?" and it kind of surprised me. I guess we haven't had to give up too much (at least lately ... maybe she's right about the age 5 comment, ha!). Being a parent is a lot of work, so it's hard to carve out time for the other stuff. But I'm happy that we do. No more complaining that we are busy!

We had a fun dinner last night with friends while our girls watched a movie in the basement, tonight we're going to a school fundraiser, tomorrow Molly and I are going downtown to cheer Archie on in the marathon, then Jason goes to a concert, and I go out for a fun dinner with my sisters. Everybody wins!

Enjoying a night out ...

... with two of our favorite O'Gradys

Spending a beautiful day with beautiful friends