Bring Your Child to Work Day 2013

Oliver woke up talking about how he was going to work to help Dad fix computers. Andrew made him a pretend work badge that says, "ELMO, number 1 fan," with an Elmo icon on it. He also borrowed an extra phone clip for Oliver to wear on his pocket for the day. Andrew had his work laptop backpack, and he put his work iPad in the monkey backpack for Oliver to wear. I filled a coffee travel mug for Andrew and filled another one with chocolate milk for Oliver.

They're leaving with their sack lunches. Andrew's work actually provides pizza today for all the employees and kids, but Oliver helps pack Andrew's lunch every day, so we thought it was important he got to do it for himself today, too.

2013!

And here's a flashback photo from Bring Your Child to Work Day 2012:

Oliver's Going to Work

For the first time, Oliver participated in "Bring Your Child to Work Day."  We dressed him up like Dad, and he even work a backpack, just like Dad!  Instead of it holding his work computer, it held snacks for the day.  

Oliver did a half day at work, and Andrew dropped him off to me for lunch and nap time.  It went so well!  Oliver even learned a new phrase to tell people: Reboot.

Peace Corps

Yesterday, Andrew and I talked about the Peace Corps. We're basically tossing around the idea of applying to volunteer for next year. To be honest, I really love the idea, and the possibility of learning a language to live and help out people in another country is extremely appealing.

There are some really good benefits for working with the Peace Corps. First, you spend three months training on a language and culture, and then you are placed (usually with a family) in another country to live and work for two years. It's mostly volunteer work. The government pays you a stipend to live off of, based on the cost of living in the country you're sent. Then, after completing the full two years of service, each volunteer is given $6,000.

Also, if you complete your two years in the Peace Corps, it's supposed to be really easy to get a job with the federal government. As long as you meet the qualifications of a position (degree, experience, whatever), you won't have to go through the competitive process for the job for a full year.

Furthermore, Andrew and I would be guaranteed to be placed together if we were accepted. We wouldn't have to worry about being alone. About 9% of Peace Corps volunteers are married, and (apparently) there are some projects in countries they only send married couples to. Hmm.

Of course, there would be a few concerns with leaving. One, I'm used to seeing my parents weekly. Not seeing my family whenever I want to will be very challenging. Two, Bailey's health is always a concern. I couldn't possibly leave her this late in her life. It would kill me to have her get really sick when I'm gone. Perhaps Andrew and I should wait a few more years when we don't have a pet? Also, career/jobs could be a problem. I don't think my company would give me two years leave for the Peace Corps (although I can definitely call on Tuesday and look into it). I've always touched on the idea of working for the federal government because of the benefits, so I could have a job opportunity upon returning. However, it would be a bit intimidating to come back home after 2+ years of being away, and then having to deal with the issue of finding a job.

I'm not sure. A lot of possibilities and worthwhile reasons to join the Peace Corps. A lot of emotional concerns to deal with, too, if we were to apply.

Do any of you know someone who's joined the Peace Corps? What were their experiences like?

Do you know who you remind me of?

Brittany asked me this question yesterday at work. I asked a tentative, "who?" only to be shocked to hear her respond, "Have you ever seen the movie, 'Shrek'?"

Great. I'm reminding people of Shrek now.

My expression gave away that thought because Brittany laughed and explained, no, she didn't mean I looked like Shrek. She thought I looked like Puss in Boots because of my big eyes. Then she added, "You must get everything you want with those eyes."

While sweet of her to say, I could only wish life was that simple. All I'd have to do is bat my baby blues, and then I wouldn't have to stress out about making my life work.

I love my life, I'm happy with my life, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a struggle at this point. I'm a newlywed, and I love being married, but I'm still working on my role in our marriage. With marriage came moving out of my parents' house and into an apartment for the first time. I work at keeping it clean and organized, and I have to do things I never really had to do before: go grocery shopping, pay the rent, vacuum, etc. At the same time, I just started a new position at a new Starbucks store in December, and I'm still feeling out that role, too.

The transition is major. Working out who I am and how I fit in all this chaos is intriguing enough for me to want to document in a blog. Sadly, it goes deeper than even that. Grandma Jo died in December. I'm still dealing with those feelings, still thinking of her all the time, still feeling angry and tired. I've been forgetful since it happened. I forgot New Year's, which I had wanted to spend with my mom since it was our holiday with Grandma Jo. How does one forget New Year's? I forgot my dad's birthday (January 10) and didn't call him until the following day. Aminta's birthday was January 11, and I didn't remember until she told me on the 13th. Phuong's birthday was March 2, and I didn't remember until that evening, when someone was kind enough to remind me. Remembering people's special days has always been something I prided myself in, and, yet, I couldn't even remember my dad's birthday.

I don't feel forgetful or withdrawn, but I know I am. My new boss keeps reminding me, "You have to establish relationships with your team." He's right, of course, but my heart just isn't in it. I feel like I'm trying to keep my head above water, and he's asking me to swim. Can I? Maybe. I know I should because it's an important part of my new role. I just don't have the energy or desire to do it.

Honestly, I know I have to focus on my life right now. I understand that Gramms (actually, both of my grandmas now. Grandma Shirley also died earlier this month, too.) wouldn't want my life to be in such a havoc. I really get that, and I try to move on and work hard... but I know I'm not doing a good job of it. I'm still messing up at work, and I'm still forgetting important events.

Our family's been through this before. I know it will get better. I promise I'll work on making it better. Thankfully, I have a wonderful partner who helps in any and every way he can, and I have my parents and my two great friends to be with as well. It's good to know there are people out there who are so understanding and let me take my time with things and cancel plans and forget birthdays. If only the rest of the world could be the same way. If only there was a big pause button I could push to put the Earth on hiatus for a while so I could catch my breath. Maybe I should bat my eyes and see if that helps.

Probably not.