1. The Good: I have been unemployed now for nearly two months (BTW, that is not the good itself. Keep reading for the good). While the first month was the hardest and I haven't made quite as much progress as I'd like on a best schedule for myself, overall I've reached a better stride and better mindset.
2. The True: I had my first round of interviews for a possible new work opportunity and, even it this doesn't end up being the one for me and/or they choose a different candidate, it's been a good reminder that I still "got it" when it comes to being looked at for positions. And interviewing so far has been sooooo much better after working full time as a youth minister and getting so much more varied experience under my belt (Fundraiser! Caretaker! Lesson Planner! Administrative Assistant! Volunteer Coordinator! Public Speaker! Social Media! World Dominator! [ok, sorry, one step too far lol]).
3. The Beautiful: I've been able to attend a daily Mass about once a week since beginning of unemployment, or at least stopping in for Adoration for a bit more randomly and often. Also spending more time outside, which historically has not been my forte. I've made more progress on vines and had a nicer little blooming corner garden this year.
4. The not-so-good: Mother's Day and the weekend after with a baptism were a little more difficult than I like to admit... But a goodish recent development, with the help and hard work of a few other women, has been to get an in-person infertility support group going locally. It's something that's been on my heart for a long time, and I hope the Spirit continues to let us meet and grow the group...as one of the ladies recently said, it's a group that we both love for the fellowship and hate for the circumstances.
5. The not-so-true: The first two weeks of unemployment were the worst. So much self-debasement. So much questioning and having to constantly remind myself of why I'd made my choice. So much temptation towards pride and trying to keep a hold on how I would keep things going if I was still in the position. It was pretty rough, y'all.
6. The not-so-beautiful: My hair and overall appearance right now...and I don't say that to be demeaning to myself, it's just that I spent four hours today putting together a new nightstand/dresser from Ikea and y'all, I'm just a bit of a glistening mess at the moment.
7. Other random tidbits: I've recently started a more in-depth list of intentions and keeping track of them at the suggestion of my spiritual mentor. I also recently started in on 2 Samuel in my quest to read all the Bible starting with the shortest books and working my way up...which started when I was in like 6th grade so, you know, not too impressive for progress, but it's the thought and attempts that count. Matt will be leaving for his annual trip to Canada next week. I'll be doing a silent retreat for the first time that same weekend. My very new container of coconut milk looked curdled and I'm trying to figure out if I just didn't shake it well enough or if it was actually just old? IDK, my go to milks are usually almond and macadamia these days. I need to mow in the morning so I'm going to bed rather early for a Friday night.
