7 Years

7 years is a long time to be out of the work force.  I go back in today and I am excited.  It will be good to make money for the family again and nice to be around people. I am nervous about silly things, you know like what happens if I have to go to the bathroom?  I probably will have to ask permission....that is a really strange thing to think about.  Then I worry, what if the people I work with don't like me?  That is actually my old way of thinking though, and I am trying to correct that.  I am a really friendly, capable person so if they don't like me it is probably on them.  One of the things I am striving to do is to not let myself be defined by other people's perceptions of me.

I feel grateful to have been able to stay at home with my family for all these years.  A lot of people never get to do that.  I can't believe how fast 7 years goes by.  So much has changed in my life since I last held a job.  7 years ago we were living in  a trailer.  I was pregnant for my youngest but she hadn't yet arrived.  My son was five and my oldest daughter was 8.  I drove a car instead of a minivan!!  My grandpa was still alive and he and my grandma were still living in their house.  Things were very different.

We as a family have had many changes in that time just like every family I guess.  We have had our successes and our losses.  I just mostly am so happy that no matter what happened I was there for it all.

The great thing about this job is that I only have to be there part time.  During the school year the kids won't even be aware of my absence for the most part because I will be at work while they are at school.  I will still be available to help with homework and to drive to practices.  I will still be there when they get off the bus excited or sad.  I like to be the first person to hear about their day and lucky for me that is isn't going to change.

I am nervous and excited to see what this new change brings! Here's to the next 7 years!!!
Wish me luck!