Spoiled

 I definitely felt a little spoiled yesterday.  I rolled into work at my usual time, all geared up to work on my 30th birthday.  All morning I had been asking myself, "Why didn't I take the day off?".  I knew the answer: the people I work with are a lot of fun and I would love to spend my special day with them.  I was looking forward to eating lunch out with some of my great friends and colleagues here at Auntie's Beads. 

Little did I know that I would pull into my parking space and it would be brightly colored, littered with signs wishing me a happy "Dirty Thirty".  I walk to the door closest to my office--more signs.  I walk down the hall leading to my office--more signs.  I turn on the light in our office and there are signs, confetti, a balloon, and presents.  Apparently, Clif, Orlando, and Karla were very busy after I left work the day before!  Karla frantically rushed out to buy the balloons and candy and confetti while Clif and Orlando busied themselves "decorating" the building.  It might be the nicest thing anyone I have worked with has done for my birthday. 

At Auntie's Beads, all employees sing to the birthday girl or boy.  I have seen people get a little emotional when this happens.  40 people gathering around you staring and singing can be a little overwhelming, but I swore I wasn't going to cry.  But, of course, I looked around at the faces of my wonderful coworkers and got all emotional.  As the cards came in from friends, family, and colleagues I was just overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion for the people who care about me.  It really is so nice to be acknowledged, remembered, and even a little spoiled on my birthday.

The Big 30

Well, today is my birthday and I am no longer a 20-something.  I have officially entered my 30s.

Birthdays always get me thinking about the year past: what I have done, where I have been, what I have accomplished, and where I am.  This year, probably more than any other, has been life changing.  Prior to working for Auntie's Beads, I worked as a teacher and a social worker.  I always believed I should "give back" and do something with my life where I thought I would be helping, serving, and leading others.  For many reasons that did not work out well for me, mostly because I was starting to lose my youthful idealism and was disillusioned by all the bureaucracy involved in working for government agencies.  I had always been creative, but did not think it would ever lead to a career doing something that I love without becoming a "starving artist".  Bobby (my partner of over 3 years and definitely my better half) has been working as an architectural stone carver for over 8 years and has made a good living making art, so he encouraged and supported me in my endeavor to begin a new career and new life for myself, one that would certainly be rewarding and fulfilling. 

When I came to work for Auntie's Beads, I came on part-time and worked in the fill room.  Mostly, I just wanted to look at beads all day and be inspired.  And was I ever!  I worked during the day and went home at night, creating lovely pieces in my spare time.  A few months later, I was offered a job working in the design department.  The day Susie and Louise offered me the job, I was absolutely ecstatic.  Here I was, struggling to figure out my future and it was being presented to me.  I felt as though I was led to Auntie's Beads for a reason--I didn't know what it was at the time--but my purpose was revealed to me.  I am so grateful to be here and that they took a chance on me.  I love my job and feel absolutely satisfied in my life.  I have a wonderful man, a beautiful house, a sweet dog, a good family, wonderful friends, and the dream job I never knew I wanted. 

Turning 30 is definitely a good thing!

When It Rains It Pours

As I am sure many people have heard, the rain in Texas is neverending this summer.  Usually, by the end of June, we are sweating in the 100 degree heat and humidity.  This year, we are slipping and sliding on the roads on our way to work. And, in my case, cleaning up a kitchen that is flooding.  As I was waiting for my washer and dryer to be delivered to my "new" (it was built in 1961, but it is new to me) house, I noticed water on the kitchen mat in front of the stove.  "Hmmm", I thought as I pulled back the mat, "why would there be water under a stove?"  Pulling back that mat was like opening the flood gates.  Out comes water from underneath the cabinets.  Water in the carpet in the dining room, threatening to ruin my antique hutch.  Water, water, and more water.  It was everywhere!  Towels and wet vacs are no match for this leak, let me tell you.

I was despairing about this situation all day yesterday and slept fitfully last night, waking up to nightmares of my home being washed away.  When I got into the car this morning, there was a news report on NPR about the flooding in our great state of Texas.  I listened to stories of people who had either lost their homes to water or were being evacuated because of the threat of impending water.  Suddenly, my self-pity and frustration lessened just a little.  Although my situation is not ideal (we have only been in the house for 10 days), it could be worse.  I am one of those people who tries to find a lesson and a meaning in everything and maybe this is it: when it rains it pours, and sometimes it floods but it could always be worse.  

Beatdown

 Well, it has been a while since I blogged and for good reason: we bought a house!  It was built in the 1960s and is a gorgeous split level (think Brady Bunch).  The house has had the same owners since it was built and they maintained it beautifully, building a covered deck in the back and adding bay windows to the dining room.  I just love it.  I do not, however, like signing a ream of paperwork.  I especially do not like moving!  I think, all in all, we spent about 12 hours loading and unloading.  Then there was the unpacking and settling in... I am just beat down!  But I sure do love my new house, even if it has to smell like Icy Hot for a few days while I medicate my tired muscles.

Wacky Wednesday

 One of the things I love the most about Auntie's Beads is the laughter that echoes down the hallways.  Everyone has a very distinct laugh.  Karla's is my favorite because it is so contagious (and quite loud).  Yesterday was a day when our department laughed A LOT.  I am not sure what was so funny, but laughing is definitely great stress relief.  Our department is full of creative types who are very high energy and a lot of fun.  It doesn't mean we don't get our work done; we just have fun while we work!  I think I was just having a wonderful day because I took a break from my weaving mania and returned to my first love--gemstones.  We got some new Lucky Jasper pieces in recently and I just couldn't wait to get my hands on them. 

What MOST excited me about yesterday was American Idol.  Just as I never thought I would be blogging, I also thought I would never watch that show.  I don't even listen to the radio much except for when I need my NPR fix; most of the time my iPod fulfills my music needs.  However, I have gotten absolutely hooked on the Idol.  How exciting that Sanjaya is finally gone!!!  No offense to anyone who loved him and voted for him (because apparently there were a lot of Sanjaya fans), but I couldn't understand why he was around for so long.  It is going to be tough now, though, because I like all 6 contestants remaining.  (Jordin is my favorite, but I would be happy to see any of them win.)  I just wish the show was on every night so I wouldn't have to wait until next week to see what happens!