Barack's not the only one with a new job today...
I am happy to report that this guy accepted a VP-Marketing position on Monday.
Unlike the Obamas, we don't need to move.
However, he will work from a home office. Just like the President!Which is why I am drafting the following note to our new First Lady:
Dear Michelle,
Hope your first days with the hubby at home go smoothly. I'm anxious to compare notes and would love to hear how you are dealing with transitional issues. For example:
- Were you somewhat startled when your husband appeared in the kitchen at 12:30 pm, innocently wondering "When's lunch?" Does Barack understand that weekday adult lunches consist only of apple peels, PB&J crusts and/or one giant wooden spoonful of Kraft mac-n-cheese?
- Has your better half been somewhat startled by the number of packages arriving daily at your home? Can you read the thought "Internet Shopping Addict" somewhere in his loving gaze? Does he know about Banana Republic's 75% off sale?
- Is the President willing to listen for bloodshed while you exercise? Shower? Nap? Will he make a quick run to the elementary school if a certain second grader forgot her gym shoes?
- What kind of rules will be enforced when it comes to room temperature? Noise? Lunchtime smooching? Wardrobe? (i.e.--Does Barack wear sweats?)
- What's more important...a conference call with Joe and Hilary or fixing the satellite receiver so that the kids don't miss Scooby Doo?
Anxiously awaiting your reply,
The First Lady of Inverness Drive
p.s. If Mrs. O. doesn't write back soon, I'd love to hear from any of the First Ladies out there. How are you managing the HOME OFFICE?
p.p.s. Thanks to Celia and Carl for this advice-filled early Valentine!
30 comments:
You're too much! Another great post, of course. Working from home is nearly impossible as far as I'm concerned, so I wish you & Brad lots of luck!
Very clever, and congratulations!
Good luck! Every time I fantasize about having my husband home, I remember the 2 weeks he did work from home(years ago)and how crazy I became and how I kicked him out to get an office. Of course, I'm sure there are far better and more patient and less OCD women than I. But I need to be the captain of this ship because I best know how to run it:)
We run a business out of our home and it almost makes me crazy sometimes. I really get the macaroni with a wooden spoon thing. Does he really want me to set the table, fix a full lunch and clean it up right in the middle of my day? I think not. When you hear from Michelle, I hope you will pass on her helpful hints and pointers to us.
First, big congrats on the new job--that's great news. Now working from home certainly brings a whole OTHER set of issues, which you so cleverly pointed out.
If my hubs worked from home the very thin smokescreen of what goes on (or doesn't) around here that I have established would quickly be shattered.
Hmmm...must check out Banana Republic. Thanks for the tip!
I am so sad for you (while being happy of course for the new job!)that Brad is now there 24/7 to oversee every aspect of your life. I would slit my wrists. My husband works on the same campus and it's way too much togetherness for me. Please keep us posted on the adjustment process, this should be good.
Congrats on the job. I'm curious to know how the whole home office things works out...at the very least, I'm sure it provide blogger fodder.
I loved this clever post. And can totally relate to every item in your letter to Michelle. For about 3 years, my husband would be out of town for a week and working from home the next week. Talk about all or nothing! There were many times when it drove me crazy, but more often I realized that this was lucky to see him so much. Still, after a while, he was tired of the interrupted conference calls, the requests to watch the kids while I ran to the store, the not-getting-dressed-till-noon. And I was tired of the not-getting-dressed-till-noon and the looking over my shoulder, so he rented an office near our house, and it was heaven.
The end. (sorry for the long comment)
So very clever, and she should definitly write back! I'm glad he's (you all) are employed and better yet don't have to pack everything up! Sounds like a bit of adjustment, but hopfully it will go smooth!
Gab. What a blessing! I mean the work part.. Not the stay at home part. Before my husband gave back the stores, he was working from home. We had a tough time figuring that one out. I was blamed for "using him too much" and he was blamed for... well... being too available! Good luck! Let me know how YOU figure it out!
First, of all, congrats to you and Brad! That's terrific.
I
loved
this
post
!
I was just thinking on my way home how much I have in common with Michelle. However, I don't have a husband who works from home. I love the guy but I would worry about driving each other nuts (and sometimes a girl just wants to head bed for a nap and not have her spouse know about it or watch her tivo'ed show).
On the other hand, there are perks I'm sure--let us know what they are! You'll be way ahead of us when it gets to the retirement years. Good luck!
I'm cracking up over the lunch menu! Hope the transition goes smoothly.
This is not good! First off, I was seriously hoping you'd be heading my way for a new job. Second, I would DIE if my husband saw my daily routine. I like to curl up with a book on the couch, or go to movies in the middle of the day and even though he knows I do that, it would probably bug him to see it. Plus, he'd expect afternoon delight once in a while.
Good luck with that.
i love that first picture. they look so in love, and like they enjoy each other so much.
i feel the same way about my husband.
that said, however...
i would die if he worked from home. die. i would leave and get a full time job. i mean, like martha said, there can only be one captain running the ship, and frankly, when the man tries to do that, it's only moments to mutiny.
awesome post gab!
I wonder if Obama is going to change everything in one day or a week? I just want to be prepared. LOL.
Cute post by the way!
I love Christie's comment. I'm totally laughing. Congrats on the new job. This was a very clever post.
A million hurrays that he got a new job AND you don't have to move! My company allows some job functions to work from home. I think the key will be pretending he's not even there. Between 8 and 5 (or whatever) he's at work, even though he's just upstairs or whatever. And make sure he works someplace soundproof, especially when he's on business calls. You don't know how many barking dogs/crying kids/toilets flushing I've had to hear in the middle of a business call. I know it's life but virtual workers have to learn to use the mute button.
Gosh I love your sense of humor. Congratulations to your hubby and good luck with the working from home dynamics. I'm sure you'll get it figured out in not time. :)
Congratulations on the new job.
Good luck with the home office.
One Word: Nooners!
My guys works from home (when he's not away on business) and it's actually quite nice. Sometimes, we even nap together!
Wow. I agree with all these other comments. I would go a bit insane I think with my husband home all the time. Good luck finding that balance. Congrats to Brad on landing a new job!! Not an easy task in this economy.
First of all, YAY for you and your hubs!
Clearly, your husband needs to hire a chef and multiple housekeepers in order to compensate for his encroaching upon your territory. I mean, that is what Michelle gets so of course that is what you deserve as well.
Now as we are probably going to hear that Dan's job will be downsized, my question is how to get the unemployed husband to work around the house.
Very clever post, and congrats on the new job!
The husband at home takes some getting used to. He started out too hands on in my areas, acting like the principal in my little classroom. But with a little time and lots of discussion it developed into a great working relationship. Congratulations to you all on getting the vote!
Tell him the free internet at Starbucks is there for a reason.
Many congrats on not having to move and getting the new job!!!!!!!
You have outdone yourself with this clever post...I wish I had some advice for you. You see, I like to consider myself the CEO of home operations since the breadwinner has to leave the home to support me in the manner that I have become accustomed.
I agree with Ilene wholeheartedly. Michelle gets a chef and multiple housekeepers...so should you.
All joking aside, though...I know you will get the routine figured out. And you get alone time that Barak and Michelle probably never will...you know...with the secret service listening in.
I too have a hubby that commutes to the home office! No complaints here except for maybe the extra 5 lbs. I have put on from going out to lunch all the time!
i would most likely put a pad lock on the office door while my husband was at "work." just an idea! enjoy!
My husband worked from home for a few years and what I remember the most is him marching out of his office and demand, in a serious loud voice, that we all hush because he had an important business call. It made me laugh every time.
The kids tease him about it now.
Hilarious and brilliant. I wish and hope that Michelle will reply. Congratulations on the new job!
Congrats on the job! Oh, I should post about this. My husbands office is at home as well. It has its benefits but its drawbacks as well! I think you'll actually love it! When he gets on your nerves...you can leave the kids home and take off-I do all the time!
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