My Last Week Of Freedom

Does it really have to end? Yep, our checking account says so. I have really, really, really enjoyed my time off, and truthfully, I'm not 100% ready to jump back into the working world. But alas, I must....... I start back to work on Tuesday. I interviewed for a job that I was recruited for and from what I understand I made a great impression and they were very impressed with me (*patting self on back*)! My new job title is Office/Business Manager for ATN here in Eufaula. I will be receiving a large salary increase, as well as awesome state benefits. The hours aren't bad either ~ 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Thursday and 8:00 to 2:30 on Friday. The only thing I'm not thrilled about (and it's minor and will be something I just have to get used to) is I only get thirty minutes for lunch. I am so accustomed to coming home for lunch and relaxing for an hour, but it will take me 10 minutes to get home from my new job, so that's just not an option any more. ATN is its own entity, however they are very much associated with the two year college program. We are located on campus, so I will at least have the opportunity to eat in the cafeteria. Like I said, that's such a minor issue, but one I will simply need to adjust to. And the best part??? All the electronics/gadgets I will have access to. We all know just how big of a computer geek I am and I can only imagine the things I'll possibly get my hands on! (It's okay, you can roll your eyes at me if you wish. I KNOW I'm a nerd.)

So, as I mourn the days of sitting on the sofa with my laptop and laughing with Ellen, I am also very excited about what's ahead of me. A new job with better hours, awesome benefits, a salary increase and all the 'techy' stuff I'll get to do......right up my alley.

I certainly don't want to end this post without giving credit where credit is due. I know all of this was the work of the Lord. No doubt in my mind. When I think back to when I lost my job, I was never really upset/angry about it. I was honestly relieved to get out of that 'situation'. Jeff encouraged me to take some time to destress and look for something that I would really enjoy, as well as spend some stay-at-home-mom type time with Anna Kate. I had three great weeks of 'Katie time' and have enjoyed every second of it. I don't feel the least bit anxious or nervous about my new job, which is just further confirmation that the Lord has prepared this path for me. (Oh, I forgot to mention that I have to drive to Birmingham on Thursday to attend a corporate board meeting. I will be attending all corporate meetings on a regular basis. I'm not sure what I'll be contributing to said meeting given that I will have been on the job for a total of three days, but I will be there to fill a chair as expected.) And so the next time you 'hear' from me will more than likely be an update on how my first day went.....stay tuned.

But before I close I want to leave you with some pics of Anna Kate & I's latest project. When we were in Wal-Mart last week she spotted some Strawberry Shortcake fabric and DEMANDED I make her a blanket. I had some fuzzy purple fabric at home, so I bought two yards of the Strawberry Shortcake fabric and headed home. See the results below.














And this one is in honor of my mother. Mom, this is for you. We love you!















(p.s. those are Anna Kate's hands)