Breeders May Want to Avert Their Eyes

http://www.newsweek.com/id/143792


I debated whether or not I should post this as an item of interest, considering that my previous post was dedicated to a baby. Seems a little schizo, but I prefer to think of it as balanced.

As much as I love babies and children and love that my friends and family are putting fantastic little people on the planet, I've always been on the fence on the whole "I want kids" issue. And the older I get the more I find myself leaning towards the "Um, no thanks" side. My personal barometer for this has always been "How far would I actually go in order to have a child?" and it turns out I really don't want to be inconvenienced. And if the mere process of procuring said hypothetical kid would be an "inconvenience" then how well-suited am I to the actual process of raising and caring for a kid? Probably not so much.

Maybe I'm a selfish person but think of it this way: do you want a selfish person like me unleashing her half-assed raised kid on the world? Didn't think so.

Why do I have a feeling I have been kicked off the Christmas card list of my entire family and most of my friends? And that I won't be getting many birthday party invitations any time soon, either?

Oh, and I totally reserve the right to change my mind on this if the circumstances of my life should change or I just feel like it.

Mad props to Jen "The Boss" Pelletier for posting this link on her Facebook profile as well.

Slacker Auntie

I know I've been behind on my Juno news. Her mommy has been awesome about sending out photos and updates and my lazy self hasn't shared the love. Shame! Here is some cuteness to start off your week!

Pretty in Pink at one month old. She's a stylin' one!

Rockin' the orange G-diaper during her first trip to the beach. Unlike her Auntie, she can get away with going topless.

She understands the importance of turning over to ensure even tan lines.

Cute Juno and Pretty Mommy hanging out. Doesn't she look like a smart little girl already? She's so alert and aware of the world around her. Amazing...

UPDATE: The New Gig

Just got the word that funding has been pushed through and I can start next week. Since all of my stuff arrives next week and we need to hustle to store it and get the house in order I think waiting until the following Monday makes a bit more sense. My boss was completely understanding of my need to get the homestead squared away before leaping into something new, which is incredibly helpful.

Again, I am amazed at how things are falling into place in a weird way. I'm not entirely sure this is my dream job (actually I know it's not since there's no mention of things like "free ice cream" or "foot massage Monday") or what but it's a step in the right direction. Considering that I thought I wouldn't have an answer until August it's a pleasant surprise to hear positive news so soon.

Tomorrow's plans include a hair appointment just to round off my Week of Pampering 2008.

Why I Love Dave 2: Electric Boogaloo

He always lets me have the Datebook/Style section of the paper first.

He held my hand while I cried during the flight home and acted like it was totally normal and not at all horrifying. Which it was.

He made hot dogs and potato salad so we could have picnic food even though the fires have made a picnic impossible for now.

He opened up the wine after I managed to get the corkscrew stuck.

Everyone needs a Dave.

The New Gig

The new job is actually an old one. Sort of. I will be back at Butte Community College in the Facilities Department. However, instead of front-office duties, I will assist the Director with some specific projects (energy and solar, for example) and work on conference planning with my friend Christie. It's another temporary position, which means no benefits, but it's a familiar place filled with people who are happy to see me. Right now that's sounding perfect.

I probably won't be able to start until August, which gives me some time to recuperate, make some lists and goals (short and long-term), and spend time with friends and family.

The love, support, and good wishes sent my way in the last week have meant a lot and gave me a little extra confidence as I went into the interview and I am still amazed at my good fortune.

It Was...

Three months ago that I moved to Virginia.

Two weeks ago that things changed.

Three days ago that I came home to heal.

Two hours ago that I was offered a job...pending approval by the Board of Trustees.

It's getting better.

Why I Love My Stepdad Dave

Me: "We should get a phone for Scout. Or a walkie-talkie so she can alert us to trouble!"

Dave: "Yeah, but I'd have to teach her it's for emergencies only."

Pause...

Dave: "I don't want her to prank call me or goof off."

Me: "You realize we're talking about a dog and I'm joking."

Dave: "Yes. But still..."

And SCENE!

The West is the Best

After just under three months as an East Coast dweller, I am headed back to California. I do not recommend two cross-country moves in such a short period of time, but sometimes these things are inevitable.

While "Hilarity Ensues" chronicled my move East and the merging of my life with He-Who-Shall-Not-be-Named, this one will be all about putting my life back together in the wake of a rough patch in the Story of Christen. Daunting? Oh hell yeah. Exciting and kind of cool? Absolutely!