5/25-5/29
What a week it has been. Monday was the last of my three day weekend. I sometimes think that long weekends are not worth it by the time Friday comes back around. This was starting out to be one of those weeks. 7am Tuesday morning and I was in the office as if it were Monday, because to some it was Monday. Last week I was in forecast hell, working through all sorts of scenarios but still not able to get to a number that made sense. Excel will truly only get you so far, intuition has to get you the rest of the way. Problem is – intuition is not a viable form of analysis, or reasoning where I work. So there I was three forecasts in hand ready to get my approvals. As she swiveled from her monitor to face me, I could tell that this was going to be one of those times I wished I was still working in a place where history meant very little next to a buyers instinct. I mean that’s what I do – pick and rank. And yet one week later I was still on hold for two reorders and one new order form. I guess in all honesty it was no surprise when we got to the second spreadsheet and she told me she had re-worked the numbers. What was the last week for if she was just going to re-do my forecast in a weekends time? Of course I couldn't say that out loud and the blissful serenity of my long weekend filled with blogging, mind numbing nothingness (with exception to the Easy Bake episode with my girls) and daytime napping was beginning to slip away from my mind. I responded instead with head nods performed at just the right times, and a couple of uh-hum’s. This was going to be the longest short week of the year. It couldn't be the worst week ever because that was the week she went on vacation to Florida. The disappointment was not in her distrust of my capabilities, mostly because I don’t believe that I would still have a job if that were the case, but in the double and triple work that this work, review, and rework pattern always created for me. Not the best parts of being a buyer let me just tell you.
I honestly think that this whole blogging thing has become an addiction. I can admit that. But when you’re a twenty-six, settled down mother of three in the apparel industry, getting out is not easily made a part of your agenda. The blogging helps me to get that work-life-personal time balance thing in order. Never mind the fact that I really enjoy writing, it’s something that needs to be better managed. Thursday, I tried something a little different. After walking into the house I dropped my stuff down on a counter top got shoes on the girls and we walked our way to the park. Walking with no stroller is never a good idea with three girls, but pushing the go cart with handle bars would have been an even bigger, more exhausting challenge for my 5’2” frame. Hold hands, walk in a straight line, don’t run, don’t skip, and don’t touch the plants, none of it worked. And it made me crazy but that’s what kids do. What did worked though, was tiring them out. We came back and hour later, everyone got cleaned up, had dinner and then pooped out. Friday couldn't come soon enough but not before a little micro blogging.
This is a great opportunity. The opportunity I have been working for the last eight years of my life. Skipping college saved time that I spent building hands on experience, while my peers were drinking those years away in their effort to gain degrees. It finally seems that it might be paying off, and I know that I deserve it. So why did I sit at that lunch table reciting in my head, all the reasons why I wasn't qualified for the job? The reasons why I would hate it? Why it would bring more stress to me and my family than relief and greater opportunity for my kids? My mom is right I am crazy. What is there to think about when everything you asked for falls in your lap at lunch? The only thing to do now if figure out how to say yes, and who to tell first. My title will now be prefaced with two letters and one punctuation mark; Sr., that is, if I get the job.
Tomorrow will be hellish, helping my sister and mother pack up and move. One of the things I hate doing most. I guess it sucks more for my mom though, not the best way to spend your birthday. Though, in reality today is her birthday. Not exactly a conciliation prize. Guess I better get some rest, maybe wash my hair. It will be an early morning. But first, maybe I’ll squeeze in a little more blogging. It’s only 10:38 after all.
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