Generation

Ladies, you are all so wise! I do appreciate your comments on my last post about my work dilemma. You didn't let me off the hook. Of course, I was hoping you'd all say, Forget the job! Do your art! Live life on the edge!

But you didn't.

You basically told me to be sensible and try to earn some money while I can. Which is wise. I realize I was just completely drained from sleepless nights and stress at work, and was having some bad days. I put in my application for the open position and will wait and see what happens.

In the meantime, we have a teenager in the house. What an experience! I never had kids of my own, and I became a grandmother after only four years of marriage. And now that baby is almost 15, wearing way too much make-up and traveling on her own.

When she was here four years ago with her mum, she met my neighbor's "granddaughter" and they became friends in the span of a few hours. They kept in touch via Facebook, and now have spent the last three days together going to school and camping! I'm so glad she's having a good time with someone her own age, and I'm so glad she's expanding her horizons and seeing what potential the world holds for her.

Since we ended up having the weekend to ourselves, Mr. S and I have been gardening. Not our favorite passtime. One honeysuckle is full of aphids, so I had to cut off a lot of the blossoms. But, the other one is just starting to bloom, and smelling heavenly!

There are snails everywhere.

That's a snail on his belly, not an outie.

Or rather, there were until I relocated a couple dozen of them to the park across the street. Is that wrong?

Tiny, tiny flowers - I love these because they choke the weeds!

Okay, that's enough excitement for now. Time to sit outside with my book and take it easy. Enjoy!

Val

June 1974, June 2014 - Brave New World

Forty years ago I graduated from high school. I was set free to go out into the world and shape myself.

Four days ago I was laid off from my job. Today's my last day.

I had a completely different post prepared to mark my graduation anniversary, talking about regrets and the road not taken. There was also a bit of a rant about my job and being stuck in a 40-hour-a-week prison. It wasn't a bad job, but after eight years the routine and constraints were wearing me down - a lot. And don't get me started on the colleagues that, as I've said before, had the social skills of a spatula.

When I was told I was laid off, I didn't want to believe it. It seemed too good to be true! Then, of course, worry, anxiety, fear. My head is spinning thinking of the ramifications for medical insurance (yeah, the US system sucks) and pensions. We won't be destitute - for a while - but I can't assume I can afford to buy things. I do have to find work, and I'll be nervous starting something new. And there are some people that I'll miss seeing every day.

But I'm cautiously euphoric - I have a chance to do something better!

I may have to keep working past retirement age, but I want to enjoy what I do. Ideas are flying, and I'm going to have some time to breathe and think and sew and glue things and write and sleep in and see where it all takes me.

It's a brave new world!

Val