By OFUW.

I spent the better part of this summer...just LIVING. I had forgotten what that was like, since the last 2 1/2 years of my life had been a vicious cycle of work, sleep, work, drive the teen somewhere and then more work.

So, I decided that, instead of diving from one workahoilic schedule straight into another one, I would actually take some time off and just be.

I went to the beach three times. Went to a lot of parties. Had several barbeques. Went to countless others. I sipped coffee on my patio in the morning. I watched TV...I did nothing remotely related to work, unless I felt like it.

It was GLORIOUS!!! I don't remember the last time I was this relaxed.

Now I'm almost chomping at the bit to get back to my jewelry. It's not craft show time here in Ohio, so I've been wandering around checking out shows for ideas next year...and getting some ideas for creations for the shows/malls I am going to later this year.

Perhaps you noticed I said "almost". There's a reason for that.

I think I met someone. Well, I know I met someone...but I think I've MET someone...if you know what I mean.

I'm trying to find his fatal flaw..not seeing it. I have no doubts about him. That's great and scary at the same time. When we're together, things just make sense. I'm not used to that...neither is he. But we're getting there. I'll keep you posted.

Anyway, that's about all I have to say. Lots happened over the summer, but nothing is really tangible enough to document in a blog. I'm really just left with a great feeling of satisfaction and fond memories. This was one of the best summers of my life.

Can't wait to see what autumn brings.

Remember in my last post...oh, one day shy of a month ago...I said I would "check back in when something develops or a "sorry it's been so long" post was necessary"?

2 dead birds + 1 stone = This post.

Over the last few months, I have been in full downsizing mode. At first I thought I was just finally becoming a grown up and recognized that living outside my means wasn't getting me anywhere I wanted to be. I got rid of the big fancy townhome that I was going to need a second job to pay for, I passed on buying the cute little red sports car I'd had my eye on for months, and I paid off all my credit cards and cut up all but one. I also started making plans for my jewelry biz...researching shops that might be a good fit...craft shows and fairs in the tri-state area...stocking up on supplies...etc.

Even as I was doing all this, I knew there was a bigger reason other than my new-found responsible side and love of Sawrovski crystals. Couldn't put my finger on it...but decided not to fight it, since no matter what, it was all for the best anyway.

Then the rumors started. Profits were down...WAY down. Upper management was not happy with the performance..especially in the sector where I work. The stock took a nosedive...

It amazes me how, when all this is going on around you, no one else seems to notice. Maybe it's because I've been through it so many times, I'm more attune with the signs. But I swear, it was as if no one else I worked with was even aware of where things were going.

Then...it happened. First, only a handful of upper management types were let go. The middle management took a noticable, but not all-too significant hit. According to the media, only a "handful of employees would be effected by a "realignment of responsibilites".

Um...someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think 4000+  people being handed pink slips is a bit more than a "handful".

Okay...so NOW people in my department are paying attention. Some are quaking in their boots...others are convinced that THEY won't be the ones to go...they're too valuable to the company.

Uh huh....

Y'all've heard me describe my job...the mind-numbing, life-stealing, "great money...but so not worth the 75-hour work-weeks that not only no one appreciates but also have the gall to expect" job that held me hostage I had for three years. I had been trying everything to get out of there...but wasn't finding anything that would pay me as much as I was making...and due to my damned work ethic, I couldn't just quit or do anything that would make them fire me...so I was trapped. I'd been praying for a LONG time that something would happen and I would be able to get out of there...

Until a week ago last Thursday.

Yep...you guessed it. God remembered my address...and he delivered unto me a pink slip.

But wait...there's more!

Not only did I get my freedom back...I also got a severance package, my remaining vacation time will be cashed out, and iffen I want to, I can cash in my 401k.

Oh...did I mention I got my freedom back? I don't think they expected to see a woman dance her way out of an office as grim-faced management types are hauling her stuff out to her car. Hey...I offered to pull the car around...but they declined.

Yes...really...I DANCED all the way out of the office...and I could NOT stop smiling. Even thinking back, I still smile about it. It was as if a 10-ton weight was lifted off my chest.

So, now I'm going to take my little nestegg, be VERY careful with it...and delve back into freelancing full-time. I haven't been this excited to do something...well in a LONG time. I'm going to be doing both writing and jewelry..that way all sections of my brain are utilized...which means less chance of getting bored with work. And since I did all that downsizing...the nestegg will stretch even further.

And that is my big news. Other than that (HA!), the rest of my life is same 'ol...same 'ol.

But I am a woman of my word...so a post I had to write.

I'll check back in with my progress.

Later Peeps!

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