Not meaning to be egocentric, but I know how we all look out for one another and thought I'd let you all know that I haven't forgotten you or dropped off this planet. You should probably sit down for this news. I'm working. The first time in almost seven years.
I'm not completely happy with or about it, but I ease my misgivings knowing I'm contributing and it will soothe economic issues we've had since dh was layed-off in October.
I'm working for the census bureau and for some baffling reason (to me) they chose me to be their receptionist. Not a difficult job, but an underutilized position. Yesterday, for instance, I finished two books (one print, one recorded) answered the phone about 5 times, finished 3 newspapers, a crossword puzzle, the daily jumble, the word search and the sudoku from Wednesday's paper - and talked to a few of the workers. The positive is that I have the one position which works all daytime hours and only Monday through Friday. It's just hard for me to sit and "do nothing for the pay" when I have tons I could do at home or one of the places I volunteer - the coordinator at the afterschool program where I help is very sad to have lost her "math" person. Actually the worst part of the job is the two block walk between the free-parking and the office. We've had snow and freezing every day this week and my greatest fear is falling. I don't need any more broken bones. Oh, one other problem I have, is some of the inanity of working for the government. I'm a problem solver but have now learned it can't be done that way. Cookie cutters be damned! Other than that, I'm healthy and concerned about people in Atlanta who are dealing with freezing and people in California dealing with earthquakes and one of my "breakfast" friends who had a stroke last week and is a Columbus hospital in a coma (prayers, please - lots). It will be nice to know I'm catching up on bills - including the latest surprise from the IRS. I'll read about each of you each night when I get home, but I've been floored by the number of e-mails I've had to deal with and I'm still writing my column for the Springfield News-Sun (but not on government time!). Stay lean, healthy and warm.
I can be proud that I resisted anything left over from the open house they had on Thursday morning - a lot of muffins and pastries. It helps that the lunchroom is upstairs and I am not! And between being tied to the desk, the stairs, and the open balcony walking to the lunch room - not much chance I'll be tempted.
Linda, I'm sure you got hired because they needed a receptionist who is articulate and intelligent! I hope the position becomes more stimulating and interesting as the census work gets rolling. At least you're not snacking to pass the time -- that would be the greatest danger for me.
