Closed Door, Open Window

Well, yesterday was interesting, but not altogether unexpected. My boss was in town for the first time since becoming my boss in December. (He works from his home in San Francisco.) So, although apparently it wasn't on his agenda when he planned his trip, it turns out part of the reason for his visit was to... inform me that my services were no longer required because my job was being eliminated.

Before your heart sinks to your shoes, let me assure you that my first reaction was: "Woo-hoo!" This is a good thing.

I have been quite unhappy for a long, long time at my job. In fact, I had a conversation with this boss two weeks ago, where I explained to him that I was about to quit for a number of reasons. Not the least of which was that I was bored and my brain was shrinking due to lack of exercise. Honestly, one can only spend so many months poking people on Facebook before somebody figures out that one's salary might be better spent. And I had told the various bosses over the previous number of months that I didn't have enough work to keep me busy, so they were aware of the fact that I was twiddling my thumbs. A lot.

So, as of today, I'm unemployed again. Somebody I talked to this morning dubbed it "job-free." I think I like that better! Either way, this is clear sign that one door is closed (the one they escorted me out of, to be specific) and that somewhere there is an open window. I can't wait to find it.

Thankful Thursday (times 3)

I've been a little remiss in posting for Thankful Thursdays of late, but this week's idea was a few weeks in the making. It's officially spring, but for a couple of weeks, California's hillsides have been displaying increasingly fabulous spring color. Our spring season is often very short, and sometimes it seems almost non-existent. Because we had a lot of rain and snow this year, I've been speculating for weeks that it was going to be a great wildflower season. Every day the hills get prettier with wildflowers (OK, some of them are weeds) and everything is green.

So without further ado, here's some wildflower photos I've taken this last week or so....

This last one is my favorite - the California Poppy, our state flower. These cuties only make an appearance some years, with the right combination of winter temperatures, rain, and perfect spring conditions. It's a good year!

Retail Therapy

I know I've been absent from blogging for a couple of weeks. Without being too detailed or depressing, let's just say that issues with my job are getting me down... again... and I just haven't really known what to write about. It's a slow day at the office again today, here I am blogging and it's not even 9 am yet.

OK, so yesterday, I drowned my sorrows in a little retail therapy. The $20 was worth it, I found a great new top for work. Didn't find what I went for which was new pants for work, but well, that was a long shot anyway.

However, on Monday, I took the day off to have a 3-day weekend, and my route took me past a shopping center I haven't been by in a while. I was so excited to see the words "Pottery Barn" getting hung on a retail building right next to the freeway!! Oh, is my wallet in trouble. Because this particular shopping area is an outlet center!!

I have a little Pottery Barn.... ummm... problem. I don't usually spend a lot of money there, but I could browse for a long time, just taking in everything. And for a few years now, I've been collecting dishes from their Sausalito line. Also, with the nearest locations about 50-55 miles in any direction from my house, this one will be about half that far away, and did I mention it's an outlet??

I can't wait until they open...