NotesFromtheVoices

I have learned something valuable about recovery. It takes many steps and it will never really be complete for me. I have had a minor set back but I am continuing to move forward.  One way to keep going was to make some vegetarian chili. It is vegetarian because I forgot to put to thaw out the chicken to put in it. It is quite tasty and spicy. Maybe a little to spicy but it is still good. I guess watching all those cooking shows on Sunday afternoon have paid off. I must apologize for my previous rant about my co-worker. It was a mixture of frustration, sadness and anger. I have since figured out the best way to handle it without doing anything that will get me fired or put in jail. I am not big on change but change is inevitable. It is what keeps the world going. Between the new job and my upcoming 40th birthday, it is just hard. I am trying to keep everything in balance. And cooking helps me. I turn on some 80s music, pull out a cookbook and some pans. And ...

One of my favorite commercials is the GEICO car insurance  Pillsbury Doughboy one. It is where he is going through airport security and keeps doing his trademark laugh. Near the end of it, the Doughboy says "I'll get it together, I promise." Posing for my newspaper photo that runs on the opinion page.  This is how I feel right now. I can't seem to get it together. My new job has me making more money and a nice title but I am still doing the same thing. I'm not bored but things are so unstructured. Essentially,  I can do whatever I want as long as there are four stories in each of the two issues. I realized this morning while getting ready for work. I'm depressed and sad. I miss my old job, friends and the structure of the job. The folks at my new job are nice but we  do our own thing. There isn't much team work. The other reporter is different and pretty much does whatever she wants. She bregrudingly gave up the education beat so I would have s...

My son is a big fan of comic book superheroes. Since he was a wee one, he has loved Iron Man. JJ likes them all but Iron Man is his absolute favorite.  Last week, while searching online, I came across a small Comic Con being held in Florence SC. I knew it was the event for JJ and I to attend. So for the weekend, he had two surprises – me and the Comic Con. He loved both. On Sunday, we got up early and drove to Florence, which is a hour from where JJ lives. He dressed as Iron Man and me in a Wonder Woman t-shirt. JJ had to have been the happiest seven-year-old in the world. He looked at various comic books, met different characters and was able to buy some stuff (courtesy of Wonder Woman). I feel so blessed with this new job so we will be  able to have adventures like this with my son. A few months ago, it was hard scrapping together gas money for a simple visit. JJ had a rough start in school. He got sick and missed several da...

I am still getting used to my new reality and job. I still pinching myself because I am actually making more money and getting to do what I like. Many of my friends and former colleagues couldn't understand why I would leave a daily newspaper for a smaller one. I will be able to write, pagnationate and have a life. I have to say it is weird getting home before dark and before 6 p.m. I have spent the past week meeting people and doing the stories that other reporter doesn't want. But I know, the editor has high expectations for me. Expectations that include meaty stories and helping to layout and design the newspaper. The staff is small and quiet. There were 40-something at my previous job while there is only six here. It is an nice, interesting group of people. Everything is very laid back and casual. I can wear jeans again. YAY!!! All in all, it has been a great experience. I had a chance to write a story about 175 year old church. Instead of four school systems, I onl...

It has been awhile since I posted. Long story short while on vacation another newspaper reached out to me. We has whirlwind courtship. On Tuesday, I will start my new job as assistant editor of a newspaper in Virginia. I won't have to move but there will a 30 minute commute. It is an amazing opportunity that I didn't seek. This paper wanted me. So I am stepping way out of my comfort zone. I am doing this so I can have a better life and if I do well, I could end up near JJ. My last day at my other job was Friday. I am excited, nervous and scared but I am ready. But more than anything I wish I could tell my mom. She would be so proud. DAILY DOSE 1. This is so surreal. 2. Being so blessed. 3. Being able to afford to see JJ more.