Michelle and Me

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:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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?
4. What kind of rules will be enforced when it comes to room temperature? Noise? Lunchtime smooching? Wardrobe? (i.e.--Does Barack wear sweats?)
5. 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!

Behind Every Cloud is a Silver Lining and Behind Every Highlight is a Silver Foil

Wow. I feel loved.

Thanks to everyone for your words of encouragement, phone calls, emails, prayers and wishes. The silver lining of our current storm cloud has definitely been soaking in the warmth of your friendship.

I think we're gonna be ok.

Not to bore you with the excruciating business details, I will liken Brad's job situation to something we all understand and enjoy:

Hair.

Just imagine that Brad's company is a successful beauty salon. Brad is a colorist (a very masculine colorist, of course) who specializes in foil highlights. In fact, he is the only one in the entire salon who does foil highlights and he is really very good, with a huge book of clients.

Due to the economic downturn, this salon decides to streamline its operation and completely shuts down the color department, choosing to specialize only in haircuts. Boring, right!?

The good news is that Brad can take all his loyal highlight customers to any new salon he chooses. Next week he will be meeting with a few other salons who want him to bring his foils, brushes, & faithful clients and set up shop in their beauty parlor.

So, substitute "telecommunications firm" for beauty parlor, "market research" for foil highlights, and "vice president" for colorist and you have the general idea.

Although, wouldn't it be great if he actually could touch up my roots?!

Here's to looking for the silver lining...

Buckle Up and Hang on Tight

This is what my life feels like right now. Terrifying and exciting. Thrilling and nauseauting. After 11.5 years of stability in his current job, my husband's career is suddenly in transition. An unexpected curve in the track.


Luckily, he's got some options. They just might take us on a different ride than we had planned.


All I can say is that after almost 19 years in the same cart, I don't mind the loop-de-loops as long as I can hold his hand.


And really, when you've survived basement apartments, infertility, multiple fractures, adoption, autism, cross-country moves, minimum wage jobs, crazy co-workers, extended family drama, surgeries, premature twins, car accidents, bike accidents and potty accidents, what's one measly little mid-life career change? You can only say, Go ahead, Life. Bring it on. After all, you gave up trying to steer a LONG time ago.


Then, you keep your arms and legs in the cart at all times. You enjoy the wind in your hair. And you try not to throw up.