Day one of my more sustainable life

I spent the entire day working on business things and just loved it. I probably put in more hours today than I normally would in a salaried job, but it feels so good to be in control of my day, to be in an environment that is peaceful and healthy. I spent the last seven months in one of the most oppressive professional environments I've ever experienced in my life. But it is behind me now and I am rejoicing.

Everyone should take the time to educate themselves about workplace abuse and particularly what constitutes verbal abuse in the workplace and the effect it can have. Professional staff at universities are usually "at will" employees, which means they are not under contract and can be controlled with the threat of losing their job. I had to chose between my honor and my paycheck and, though being unemployed for the first time in 20 some odd years is scary, being my own boss is a rush like you would not believe!!

My life, part deux

I quit my job this month. I was a really bad match for me...I'll stop there. Don't want to air too much dirty laundry. Today is my first official day of 'unemployment' and my first official day as a freelance writer. I am still looking for a day job that will carry me for another year or so til I can really get the writing thing going. But I've always loved to write--I've journaled for years to get myself through ups and downs and examine my life in detail and I seem to become the writer-by-default in every job that I have. So now I am pursuing it in earnest. And as every good Aggie knows, in times of jubilation, you WHOOP!!! So tonight I am WHOOPING!!!!!!

An example of unconditional love

My friend Jamie sent this to me and it is just the most amazing, and touching, story. I've always told my kids that it is OK to be different. Being different is just different, not bad or wrong. As long as you are not hurting yourself or others and your not breaking any laws, God's or man's, be who you are and appreciate others for their uniqueness. These two friends have it down--why can't we all be so open minded? WARNING: Before you watch the Animal Odd Couple, you may want to get out a hankie. ::sniff::