Monday, November 8, 2010

So far, so good? (knock wood!)

I'm probably jinxing myself by writing this, but -- we're already almost 1/3 through November and -- so far anyway -- it hasn't sucked.

I'm not saying it's been a fabulous month. (It hasn't.)

But it hasn't totally sucked either. (Yet.)

This is unusual for me. In the three years I've been writing this blog, my annual "November sucks" post has become something of a tradition. ; ) (See 2009, 2008 & 2007.)

Of course, the month is far from over yet. Ask me how I feel on Nov. 30th. Or even after the 14th, this weekend (which was Katie's original due date in 1998).

But so far -- I won't go so far as to say "so good" -- but I'm hanging in there.

It's a busy time of year for me (which is why I haven't posted in more than week). It's year end (again), & I'm mired in the usual year-end stuff at work.

But it's not entirely business as usual, because this year, I have a new boss. Overall, we're getting along fine -- but she's new, & after 16 years of working for the same person (my former boss, now enjoying early retirement), it's a challenge adjusting to someone new. Someone who doesn't know the lay of the land and has lots & lots of questions & needs a lot of help, and relies on me for lots of stuff that I don't always have easy answers for.

It hasn't been easy -- but it hasn't been totally awful either. I think I've been too busy to analyze too much. (So far.)

The weather hasn't been fabulous, but hasn't sucked either, & that's helped. It's been a little on the chilly side, but not too cold yet, & no snow, which is a plus. (Christmas is not Christmas without snow -- but there's still plenty of time for that, lol.)

The time change kicked in over the weekend, & while it's been nice to have an extra hour of sleep, it's not fun coming home in the dark. But what little daylight I do get to see (mostly on the weekends) has been full of clear skies & sunshine. That makes a big difference, I think.

I got my hair cut, coloured & highlighted on the weekend. It's amazing what a little peroxide can do for your ego, lol. I may be pushing 50 and packing a few extra pounds (OK, more than a few...) but I don't think I'm a total frump. Knowing that I look (reasonably) good makes me feel good too.

And -- I'm off work on Thursday (Remembrance Day), & having tea with a girlfriend.

And -- I'm heading home for Christmas in less than six weeks.

And -- I've even already bought a Christmas present or two.

And -- my birthday is coming up. And even if the number of that birthday kind of gives me pause -- strangely enough, I'm kind of looking forward to it. It's still a good excuse for presents & cake & a steak dinner -- and maybe a day off from work to spend getting pampered at the spa : ) -- & maybe even a special trip somewhere that's nice & warm. : ) : ) : )

So even though it's still early going -- right now, November doesn't totally suck.

(Knocking wood here.)

12 comments:

  1. I'm glad that November hasn't sucked. Knocking on wood for you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Me again.

    Loribeth, I've been wondering. You haven't told us too much about your professional situation, but shouldn't YOU be the boss now? I mean, why have they recruited a young unexperienced person who has to rely ON YOU after all? Wouldn't it be easier if you they put you in charge? Just wondering.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Knocking on wood for me and you too! November is historically a very tough month so I am hoping this one redeems itself!

    ReplyDelete
  4. @ Anonymous: Thanks but no thanks, lol. While it's true that in terms of seniority I have outlasted just about everyone who has ever walked through the door of my department, I have absolutely no desire to be the person in charge. I think my strength is in my research, writing & editing skills, not necessarily process & people management (I dread having to make decisions). I think I'm probably happiest & of most use when I stick to my knitting & let someone else worry about budgets & big picture stuff.

    If infertility & loss have taught me anything, it's that life is short & precious, & I don't want to spend any more of it than I absolutely have to at the office, worrying about work stuff. I enjoy my job for the most part, but I definitely work to live, I don't live to work & to climb the corporate ladder. Does that make sense?

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'd say November has a lot more going for it than not. It rains here a lot as you know (like right at this moment - bah!) so I'd take the cold over rain any day. Says the girl who has to go out in it any minute now.....

    I just love the spa - definitely a do for your birthday.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It sounds like you have enough to look forward to - maybe these last couple of weeks of November will just whiz on by?

    About your comment - it made me think of a motto I adopted not long ago. When I die and look back on my life, I won't wish I had worked more. I think alot of people should adopt that motto. We'd be much happier as a society!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Here's to breaking patterns! I hope November continues not to suck!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I hope this November continues to go well for you. I know it is a difficult time of the year. It is for me, too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm SO happy to hear that November is treating you as kindly as possible so far. I hope it goes out like a lamb too.

    oxox

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am glad November has been good to you... I want to see some pictures, please!
    Do we have birthdays close to each other? My memory fails me..
    and I can;t find you on FB, try looking for me! xo

    ReplyDelete
  11. >Does that make sense?

    Oh, it certainly does.

    ReplyDelete