Sunday, February 14, 2010

Day 45

On Day 3 I mentioned needing to take my son to the dentist.  On day 42, we finally made it to see the dentist for the first time.Sure enough he has fractured one of his front teeth, which is why it has slowly turned grey over the last two months.  The dentist said that the reason his two front teeth stick out so much (which I had never noticed before) is due to his binky addiction.  So yesterday we rounded up all of the binkies in the house (about 7 of them), stuck them in an envelope and mailed them to the "binky fairy".  I was fearful that he would not be able to fall asleep without it, but it wasn't bad at all.  It reminds me of the time when I quit smoking. The first day was uncomfortable but not as bad as I thought it would be.  The second day is always much worse.

Knowing that today would be more difficult, the "binky fairy" wrote a really nice note saying how proud she was of my son and what a big boy he is now.  She was even so gracious as to leave a big, giant jeep that he can drive around the neighborhood.  We were up at 7am running beside him up and down the street.  By 8am we were back and that is when the crying, begging and pleading for the binky began.  This kid wants his binky back.  Specifically he wants his BLUE binky back.  So badly that he is willing to give up his brand new ride on toy and doesn't mind being a baby again.  I told him if he wants his binky back, then he needs to write a letter to the binky fairy and explain to her that he is not ready to be a big boy and that she can come pick up the big boy toy and take it to someone else.

Well, that made him stop to think. "Mom, if I write the letter and send it to her today...when will I get my binkies back?"  I told him he'd probably get them tomorrow.  Once he heard that, he changed his mind and decided to "think about it" for a little bit longer AND we went back outside to play with his new big boy jeep.  Yes! This was exactly the reaction I was hoping for.  By delaying the instant gratification that he gets from sucking on his binky, we were able to make him recommit to no binkies for another day.  I am hoping that within a week he forgets all about it.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

A New Beginning - Day 44

It has been what seems an eternity since the last time I posted.  This year has proven to be a whirlwind of emotions.  In the last nine years, I have advanced my career in ways that many people only dream of.  I know that sounds cocky and ridiculous, but I promised to be honest in my blogging and this is my truth.

What began as a rebound job after a 9-11 layoff has proven to be the first of many smart moves on my part. 
At that time I was a young, single mom just trying to find a break.  I took a chance with a small start-up company that seemed to give off a good vibe and gave me something that I hadn't had in a long time, hope. I began answering phones, quickly moved into technical support, operations and then sales.  I loved selling.  I loved the challenge and the monetary benefits that came along with being a great salesperson.  I would be lying if I said I didn't also enjoy the recognition that came with winning that ground breaking sale that brought your company to the next level.  I found energy in selling.  It was a thrill and one that I miss.  In four short years, I became the manager of a small sales team and before I knew it, my small start-up company was acquired by one of the largest corporations in the world.  Instantly I was honored to take a Director position in sales and before I knew it I had made a name for myself.  I worked hard.  Probably harder than I had ever worked before and I loved it.  I love saying that I work for this company.  I love the people I work with.  Our corporation thrives on the work hard, play  hard concept and I fit well into this environment.

Until now.  While I still fit and the sky is the limit for me, my heart is no longer in it.  I just had my third child and with this has brought a new set of challenges.  Since my last post I have been toying with the idea of leaving my job and reinventing myself.  I went to San Diego last week for our Annual Sales Meeting and was honored with the VP award, for the third year in a row.  While this is a great award and highly recognized throughout the corporation, I just feel as though the more I work, the more awards I get, the more I am away from the people that really need me and that is my family. 

So, this last week I turned in my letter of resignation.  March 12, 2010 will be my last day of employement.  Some people have called me crazy for throwing such a promising career in the garbage.  They may be right.  I hope that I am doing the right thing.  All I know is that as sad as it may be, it feels right to me.  I have been working my ass off since I was 17 years old.  And I don't plan to stop that now.  In fact, I think I will be working harder than ever staying home with my kids and supporting my husband with his growing business.

So my journey is changing but my focus remains strong.  Get back into shape, have more relations with my husband, save money(or not since I no longer will have money to save), be the best mom that I can be and do what I can to be the best me possible.