The family seems to have taken off...

On their second attempt.  Although the first attempt was aborted before anyone even got up in the morning so it wasn't too bad.  Here's hoping they don't end up stuck anywhere along the way.  They did give up an extra stop when we changed, too,  so that's good.

The wind is incredible here today!  

This is just a quick post to say...well...sometimes one can be too helpful?  Maybe?  

I have a fabulous job which I love.  I have had this job since April.  I should have known better than to screw around with it.  But it wasn't my idea and I was just trying to help, really.  But having the s**t hit the fan today, instigated by me somewhat looking for better and clearer communications,  was probably a good thing.  My thoughts about it are clearer,  I feel less guilty, I've been heard and that's important.  

Working in the non-profit sector, one is often asked to do things without compensation or to do more than one would in another situation.  I'm sure this happens in the for-profit world as well, but there are rules about overtime and such everywhere that come into play.  But in the for-profit sector, there is no guilt about working overtime, unless you're taking a lot of time away from your family.  In the non-profit sector, especially if the institution is something that you believe passionately in and really want to help to grow and thrive, the boundaries are less easy to set.

However, boundaries are necessary, aren't they?  Everywhere.   Starting with no, I need to go home and study now; proceeding to no, I need to have a little joy in my life while I'm pregnant and exhausted (that was when I started to take every other Friday off); and then, no, I can't nurse you every 20 minutes all night long forever.  Followed by, no, I can't volunteer for everything all the time, but I will do these specific things every week all year.  Followed by, apparently, no, I can't work 35% more hours for no more money.  Yes, I will work overtime and make it up later when we're not busy.  Yes, I will be there when you need me, when I can, even if it's a lot and not convenient.  And yes, I support your mission in every way possible.  But I cannot make 35% more hours for no more money work out in any way that I don't come in angry every day.

And the thing is I come in happy every day.  I come in early and happy!  I love my job and it's perfect just the way it is.  Overtime and high expectations and emotional investment and everything, I love it!  I love my co-workers and bosses, I love my office!  What I will not do is throw away all the happy for any amount of money.  So, sorry, guys, I think I shall have to decline in the end.  I hope you find another way to work it out, I really do, and I'm happy to help when I can.  When I can.  Not when my kids need me, not when I should be sleeping, not instead of volunteering at school or at scouts, not instead of making homemade chicken soup for dinner, not instead of knitting or spinning or reading or watching TV with my dear, dear husband.  Not then, no, not then.  But when I can, I will.  And I guess now you know that when I can't, I won't.  

Boundaries are good.  Boundaries are necessary.  Boundaries are hard.  

Peace.

Lordy McLorderson, who has time to blog?

Not me! Sorry!

Christmas knitting is done, though, and cookies.

Got a bit stressed this week with all of it AND working this many hours. Realized a bit late in the game that this is the first time I've had to do Christmas AND work this many hours, so duh. When I used to work an office job, I would start baking right after Thanksgiving and just get it all in the freezer little by little. I probably should have done that this year. Next time!

I do have a few pix of Christmas knitting, though, as none of my giftees read here AFAIK:

For my boss/singing partner/co-worker/friend:

For my son's 3rd Grade teacher (handspun):

For my daughter's 5th Grade teacher (handspun):

For my new Music Director's wife (they don't eat cookies):

You'll just have to believe I knit them, no time to take a picture till later this morning (when there's no time to blog. I will update sometime as I have to take a picture before the gifting (Sunday). Poor thing has shingles!

Will knit another Santa hat for DD's new American Girl (that she's getting for Christmas) but not till after they all leave me for a few days.

Today: Make salad for and attend 5th Grade Pasta party, take 2 girls to swimming birthday party for the afternoon, do laundry for trip and pack.

Tomorrow: Girl Scout meeting, rehearsal, concert and everyone ready to go at 5am Sunday. I'm sure it will work out. Now how to get all that done with out my head exploding!

May peace prevail upon the earth.

Oh, and Joy to the World!

Itchy. [UPDATED]

Having spent weeks (including a few in denial about never having installed a zipper in a sweater, admittedly) knitting DS (8) a new zippered hoodie, he pronounced it "itchy" before even saying thanks. Who brought him up, wolves?

Ahem.

Peace.

UPDATE: After a couple of days, he pronounced this sweater his very favorite ever and has been wearing it ever since. Guess he just needed long sleeves under. All is well.

Friday Afternoon Bullet Post

• Knitting on a pair of socks just like the ones I made my Mom for her birthday. Guess it won't matter that I forgot (again) to take a picture before I put them in the mail!
• How come she got all the bright yellow/green?
• I am not allowed to cast on anything until I install the zipper in DS's sweater. It is going to rain all next week and he needs it. Stop avoiding!!
• Still adding to the list of gloves to make, but am starting to let them fall away again. I think I have two pairs to go for sure, though. Bought some nice smooth yarn--no time to spin and knit both.
• Finally following @SarahPalinUSA again on Twitter. Too funny to comment back!
• Just finished first 2 oz of Selfish from Spunky Eclectic and plan to navajo ply. Will probably end up with sportweight yarn and knit 52-stitch socks with it, way fast!
• Christmas present plans are coming together slowly, slowly. I do all my shopping in my mind first and then either buy online or go out all on one day. Now if only the American Girl website weren't sold out of everything she wants.

Off to pick up kids from school, drive DD to a focus group (she'll make some $) and come home to make dinner and cookie dough for Girl Scout meeting tomorrow.

Have a lovely weekend!

May peace prevail upon the earth.