A Triumvirate of New – New City, New Year, New Life

As 2013 wound down, I found myself ready for a new chapter in my life. I found work to be wholly unfulfilling and as I saw the company I worked for spiraling into disaster, I made a bold decision to say goodbye and control my destiny – rather than follow something I no longer believed in. My BFF had worked hard to find a house and he had success in October, so the decision seemed right to move to a new city and start a new chapter of life.

I gave my notice at work and began the process of sorting out my life – both materially and mentally. There was much sorting and shedding of things, and let me tell you how good that felt. I went through things I had not looked at in years and each day the piles grew – keep, donate, throw away. It was cathartic. I also shed the thought that I needed to be in West Michigan – a new adventure was in order. Each day, I felt better and better about my decision.

Having the stress of work removed from my life was so incredible. When you are in the midst of chaos, you do not notice how riotous it is – something that was unbelievably apparent in the days following my departure. I was sleeping better, eating better, and feeling better. Without a doubt, I had made the right decision about leaving. There was no looking back with regrets at all.

Now, gentle reader, I do not want you to think that there were not moments of panic – because there surely were. As with all change, even for a girl who embraces it whole-heartedly, there were moments of doubt.  Nevertheless, as November 18 drew closer – I was ready for the movers to arrive. My life, in the sum of several dozen boxes, was packed and ready for a new home.

One thing I was not prepared for was how challenging it would be to be cohabitating with someone after being “on my own” for such a long time. It was a month of pure hell for both of us, I am afraid. I can honestly say I behaved like a spoiled brat. It took some introspection on changing the only thing I could control – me. I needed an attitude adjustment times ten! They say with age comes wisdom – well, let me tell you that is not always true. I had not an ounce of wisdom and was not even acting my age! However, the New Year found us walking together on the same path – baby steps, to be sure, but walking nonetheless.

I am so incredibly fortunate to be in this time and space with a person who is allowing me the freedom to figure out what I want to do. I have found a yarn shop I quite enjoy. I am making some new friends and I am spending my days doing new and comforting things. One thing I know is that there will be lots of “more” here – more cooking, more baking, more knitting, more photography, and as the days of the New Year unfold, you will find me writing again, spinning again, and perhaps doing a bit of weaving now and then.

Come along with me as my year unfolds. It is sure to be an interesting and fun journey.

When you look for the silver lining…

When you look for the silver lining…

DSCF2433, originally uploaded by As Kat Knits.

An army of these beauties greeted my morning yesterday as I was heading off to work.

I have completed my first week of work and I really love it. There is a lot to learn, but I feel energized and excited to learn it all!

In case you are wondering what I am doing, I am spending my work hours at my veterinarian’s office… working where I have spent lots of time over the years and I absolutely love it.

On the knitting front, I have cast on a sweater from the latest Knitty and the weather was nice and cooperated with my efforts with a lovely cool down and relief from the recent and prolonged Triple H weather we have been experiencing! I have the body of the sweater done, and have started on the sleeves. I expect to have it done long before I need it to ward of the crisp chill of autumn.

I also have one last hurrah of summer to finish with this little number from Knitty as well. Moreover, this one has the added benefit of no sleeves, so I expect to complete my Emmaline shortly and I will cast on later today!

Have a great Tuesday everyone! Get out there and do something you enjoy doing!!

Celebrating Me

Celebrating Me

Celebrating me, originally uploaded by As Kat Knits.

Once in a while a girl can buy herself flowers. These beauties came from the sale bin at Meijer’s.

In case you are wondering what the occasion might be…. I am very happy to announce that I have, at long last, found one single full time job!!

WOOT!!

Have a nice night everyone!

The Importance of Being Educated

There has been sadly little in the news recently on education.

However, unemployment makes the headlines daily, and with good reason as a large portion of our citizenry is either unemployed or under-employed.

How little we think of unemployment and education being vitally important to each other…and then last week I came across an article about employment and a company’s woes as it tried to hire some 1300 people and their lament of only being able to find less than a hundred whom they could employ. Why, you ask? It is easy, less than 100 applicants could pass the simple 9th grade mathematics exam for employment! That is correct, Gentle Reader, they have some 1300 positions they are trying to fill but cannot find workers who are capable of doing the work because they cannot do 9th grade math!

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In Celebration of Me!

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” ~Dr. Seuss

As many of you know, I lost my job last December and to say it has been challenging to find replacement work is an understatement! I am fortunate, I guess, to have not one, but two part time jobs. Neither of which equal one full time job, but it is more than many have today.

Dr. Seuss’ words of wisdom are particularly needed today…there is no one alive who is ‘me-er’ than me.

Therefore I thought I would take a moment to remind myself of some things worthy of celebration… or at least sharing some distinctively (and positively) me things!

I have always been a wildly independent person; however, I have discovered that there is greater strength in the love and support of a friend when you least expect it. It is nice knowing that someone believes in you even when you cannot believe in yourself.

I have a great sense of humor, but I can honestly say that I can laugh loudest at myself.

I feel compelled to lift people up rather than tear them down. That person cheering in the underdog’s corner… it is more than likely me.

I am an early riser – I wake most mornings before 5AM without the aid of an alarm clock. I have been this way for almost my whole life. Perhaps this is why morning is my favorite time of the day.

I think differently than other people, very differently. Most days, that is a very good thing and as for the days it is not a good thing, here is to them ending just as quickly as they began!

Therefore, as the “unofficial” start of summer begins this weekend with the arrival of Memorial Day, I would ask you to leave me a comment of some things that are incredibly you! Teach me something newer than new about you!

Have a great weekend everyone!

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