These Days I Really Enjoy My Weekends!

Weekends!  I get a weekend these days?  It's nice!  After almost a year of working 7 days a week it's nice to consistently get a pair of days off  EVERY WEEK!  I'm not used to it.  

It's not like we're doing incredibly exciting things, or having grand adventures during my days off from work but I am thoroughly enjoying spending time at home with Sara and the Button.  Sometimes it's just nice to unwind on the floor with a rolling baby, walk the dog as a family, or even just sit on the couch and giggle at each other.  My days off are in the middle of the week but you'd better believe I am working for my weekends!

Why A Bullfighting Theme? Why Not?

When I was little we lived in Spain. We would go to bullfights every now and again. I never wanted to be a matador. I admired them. I was dazzled by their flashy outfits and their cape work. Behind it all, though, I think I realized it was all show; a sport of which I didn't really understand the rules. Once my brother convinced my parents into letting him bring home pieces of one of the butchered bulls that we found in a trash can outside of the arena. It was gruesome, it was fascinating, and soon it began to stink.

Posted the above as my profile information on the day I changed the blog's look. 

A Storm Is A Brewing

Actually the storm is already in full swing outside. 
10 minutes ago a thunderclap, or maybe it was a lightning strike, shook the entire house.  I involuntarily ducked as I walked through my kitchen.  Now the thunder continues to sound, and there's been some pretty spectacular arcs of lightning out in the night sky.  I'm sitting inside listening to the rain drops pound on the AC unit.  I am amazed that the baby is still sleeping and I am pretty sure that the wife is curled up in bed, under the covers and dreading the next thunderclap.
Oh, there she is.  Out of bed and  into the baby's room to check on her.  Apparently, she's still sleeping.  I should go to sleep soon myself, but I love a good thunderstorm. 

Even Roosters Are Still Asleep: Part V

So it's finally here.  My last 3AM shift... this week.  I was able to get a better night's sleep last night even though we are still without power.  I am so glad to be done with this week!

Roosters Are Still Asleep: Part IV

Miserable night's sleep... up again for my 3 AM shift!  I'll be happy when this week is over!

Roosters Are Still Asleep: Part III

Still without power... I have to admit; sleeping in a oven has not made this week any easier.  Two more 3AM shifts to go after today!

Roosters Are Still Asleep: Part II (Delayed Due To MD's Widespread Power Outage!)

Roosters Are Still Asleep: Part I

Sorry if the volume is a little low.  It's 1:30 AM and I am getting ready to leave for work.  Today marks my 1st of five 3AM shifts at the store.  This is going to be one rough week.  I didn't get more than 3 hours sleep last night and I am wondering when I'll hit the wall today.  Fortunately next week I'll move to a different shift and eventually settle into a normal schedule, although I'll, more than likely, get a 3AM shift every week.

Ahoy There Matey...

No, this will not be a post about sailing, or pirates, or anything nautical.  Not really.  This is a post to say Congratulations To Me!  That promotion I'd interviewed for, received, and then waited for has finally happened.  I've become a Mate 'In Training'.  A Mate is part of the management team at Trader Joe's, where I work, which you knew if you are one of my few readers. 
This past year of teaching was not what I had hoped for and it became pretty evident early on that I would not be able to support myself if I continued my job at the school.  I've enjoyed my few years of teaching, for the most part, but I've known that I did not see myself doing it long long term.  So that was my dilemma.   I was working at the school and making very little money.  I was also working at Trader Joe's, part-time, making very little money.  At home I have a wife, and a baby girl - both wonderful & lovely - and I needed to better our situation.
I wasn't even thinking of turning my part-time job into a career, but I was encouraged to interview for a promotion, nailed the interview, and needed only to wait for my teaching contract to end before I could start my training.  My contract ended last week, I said goodbye to my students, and received a call from the regional manager.  I was to start June 18th at a new store!  (Now this was no surprise.  I knew I would not be able to stay in my current location; the Annapolis store.  That's not usually how things work.)  My new home base, my new store location is taking me back to my college days.
I am now working out of the Towson store.  It's over 45 minutes away, on the other side of Baltimore, and in the town where I finished up my undergraduate college.  I have not been back to Towson very much since graduating in 1998, and much of the area has changed.  Some of it has not.  The store where I work shares a parking garage with the mall in which I worked during my time at Towson University. 
This, being the 1st week of my transition, will be an interesting one.  I have said goodbye to old coworkers/friends, and will meet many new people.  I will have to get used to the new store layout, customers, staff, and difference in routines.  I am excited to jump right in and make this job my own and I am eagerly anticipating the 1st paycheck.  (Please, please, please let it not disappoint!)

Thank You, Sara

My wife is really good about trying to include me in the daughter's milestone moments.  She'll often tell me of her plans to move the Button into a crib for sleeping, instead of her car seat, or asking me if I want to be a part of a fitness class with the baby.  With my busy work schedule this isn't an easy task and I appreciate the care and concern she shows me as a father.  Sometimes it can be a bit annoying when I want to spent a morning off sleeping in and she's scheduled trips out and about in search of a high chair or baby clothes.  Then there are times like today when we, together, fed Evie Sue food for the 1st time.  The baby"s been on an all Mommy diet since day one but today she ate some brown rice cereal from a spoon.  It may not seem like the most exciting morning to some but to us, 1st time parents, it was a very entertaining and momentous meal.