Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Need a laugh? Go card shopping

I had to get a card for the office to send out and whether it was the fact that it was 6:30 a.m., I was hungry, or just plain silly; I ended up buying a card I didn't need just because it was so funny! It's Expressions of Motherhood by Hallmark. Picture this. 1950's black and white style mom and kids. Mom's handing the kids a glass of milk. She says, "Now run along and play and remember, you'd die without me." The inside says, Hope you get some appreciation today, Happy Birthday.

Now, what mom hasn't felt like saying something similar to her ungrateful offspring? I'm not even a mother and I can imagine that feeling. I know what kind of child I was and I'm sure I caused my mother to pause a moment and wonder if she or I would live to see the end of those stress filled days. Anyway, it had me laughing for about five minutes and when I finally focused on the task of actually purchasing the card I needed, I knew I couldn't leave the store without that one.

That started my day off with laugh and a smile. I even called my best friend who lives 2 time zones ahead of me just so I could share the laugh with someone I knew I wouldn't be waking. Ah, it now resides on my bulletin board at work and although the people I work for and with are definitely not my children, I can't help but think, some of them would die if it weren't for the help I give them. So, it'll stay there and give me a smile when I need it.

To all you wonderful moms out there, hang in there. These seemingly ungrateful children will bless you with their offspring. I love the saying that says, Grandkids are God's reward for not killing your children. Your child will grow up and they will learn, just as I did, that they'd have died if it weren't for you.

My day job

So, the one role that I have in life that I haven't really addressed is my job. I don't want to self incriminate so I've stayed clear of subjects and merely alluded to moments of stress.
However, last night my husband and I went to dinner with my boss and his lovely wife. It was absolutely delightful to sit and visit and to just enjoy the company of good friends. Even my shy, not much for conversation, honey enjoys going out with my boss and his wife.
Work is the place most of us spend the bulk of our waking hours and it's nice to have opportunities to mingle with the friends you've made through the connection. I feel very lucky to have a boss I'm comfortable having dinner with. I feel lucky to be a considered an employee worth having dinner with.
I feel the same about my co-worker. She and I are buddies. We are always looking out for one another. We've cried together, we laugh A LOT together and we work fabulously together. I love when we have opportunities to go out to lunch together or meet after work for a drink and an unwinding gab session.
I'm pretty lucky to be in a role I enjoy and to be appreciated for the job I do. My friendships can attest to that. That's a benefit that no HR office can offer.