A Pucky Let Down

A few days ago, E and I found out that they were cancelling the live pre and post game shows for one of the hockey teams E worked with. This was one of his favorite teams, a job he enjoyed not only because he is a good production assistant, but because he genuinely loves hockey, the team, and the people he worked with. Needless to say, it was a really big bummer and cut his work schedule down by more than 75%. It was pretty awful deleting his work dates from the calendar, I'm not sure what I'm going to do about our wall calendar. Maybe white it out, cover up the writing and pretend he never had the days to begin with.

Before I got my new job, news like this would have been devastating for us financially as well as for E personally. Now that I'm the primary bread winner, E doesn't have to worry as much about the financial blow this is to our savings, and can instead focus on the emotional loss of no longer working in a place he loves with people he cares about.  This change has really been bumming him out and I feel awful that I can't help him. 

E at work, just before a game

Luckily, in the midst of all this suck, E has been given a silver lining. Since the coordinators who crew the jobs were so pissed off/sorry about having to let go an entire team of people, they've been bending over backwards to make good in spite of the networks mistake decision. While it's not the same number of dates, E is being given the new position of red hat for college basketball, both a new skill for him to learn and a new opportunity. We might even be moving into union territory, which will be a whole new experience for both of us.

I'm really hoping that in the end, this decision will be better for him career-wise.  Even though the new job has less work days, he's technically moving up and any new work skills we can add to his resume are always a good thing in my book. And, if he ends up getting some hockey work from a friend, he might just find himself breaking even on dates and in a better, more experienced, position than before.

And now, a picture of my puppy. Because there's no way you can be bummed out with this face staring up at you.

I love you daddy!

Where Has the Time Gone???

Wow, I can't believe it's been weeks and weeks since I last posted. I have no idea where the time went or what I've been doing during that time. Half written, unpublished posts litter my blog waiting to be finished and I just haven't had the time to do so.

For anyone that's been wondering, I chose option A:
- Full time work
- Part time school
- Loans roll over

I've been working 9-5(ish) as a researcher for a wonderful non-profit institute. I really enjoy what I'm doing  and it keeps me really busy, taking up extra time in the morning and evening as well. School has also started back up and I'm now working 40+ hours a week and taking two classes. It doesn't leave much time for anything and what extra time I do have I've been filling with all the things I used to take care of before I worked full time.

It's incredible how much work goes into running a house and I enjoy researching and picking out all the things we need. I definitely don't have time to do that during the day anymore so all house matters are regulated to the evenings where they compete with online classes and spending time with E.

Poor Milou is really feeling the effects of me working full time. Since I started she's been acting clingy and a little possessive, even whimpering a little when I leave for work. It's pretty heart breaking but she's an expensive girl and someone's gotta pay for her raw food and luxury pet crate!

New pet residence! Now how to fit it through the doorway??

Milou sleeping in her new house <3

A New Job

I have a new job. Yes, let me say that again. I. Have. A. New. Job. Those are not words I was expecting to type out for awhile but I admit I am excited about it.

I have worked for this company a few years ago doing database work and very much enjoyed the experience. It's a solid company with genuinely good people and the work environment was always positive.

This time I am returning not as a computer tech but as a researcher and consultant on an Education and Community Development project. It's really exciting stuff, the kind of material I review on my own time for my own personal enjoyment, but this time I get paid for it! It's confidential so I can't discuss much but it is cutting edge research that I'm hoping will have a positive impact on the world.

Thus far I've only committed to part time work but as long as I can fit my classes in with my work schedule  I'll add more hours. If I continue it should be enough to help me save for graduate school and hopefully lead me towards one of my desired careers. Fingers are crossed, I would love to be able to make up my mind!

Also, I will be in an office. With a window. While it's not an exam room, at least it's not a cubicle!

(Source)