I got myself a career, baby! Well, I actually could never have gotten it for myself. So, my posse of amazing and supportive friends, family, and colleagues got me a career.
I just accepted a job at the HAMMER Training Facility, which is the primary training organization for the workers at Hanford. I have been interning there since February, thanks to the opportunity offered to me by one of my classmates. A major contract change took place during the last few months which caused much of the work that had been contracted out to various training firms to come to the HAMMER organization. (And yes, HAMMER does stand for something, and no, I can't remember what it is at the moment... hazardous, something, something, emergency something.) One of the new groups that was formed is a curriculum design team that falls under the leadership of the happiest, most organized, and most proficient writer that I've ever had the opportunity to work with. I'm not sure of all the behind-the-scenes discussions that took place, but I was asked to apply for the team a few months ago, went through a grueling interview (and took one of my blogs as part of my portfolio!), and have finally signed an acceptance letter for the position of, get ready for it... Curriculum Designer. Pretty catchy title, right?
From what I have gathered, there is going to be a small team of five of us, all with education and writing backgrounds (in my case a bit of a technical background too, thank you lab work) who will be responsible for getting the curriculum for the training courses current and awesome. The courses that are taught span such topics as crane operation (that's the stuff I'm currently working on in my internship), confined space rescues, and even math for radiation technicians. Mostly pretty exciting and interesting stuff. The courses consist, usually, of a power point presentation, a lesson plan, and all sorts of reference materials. In addition to getting all of the current materials up to par, my job will include adding interactive projects and activities to the courses.
I am really excited about this opportunity, but there are some downsides. Long hours being the primary one. I miss the kids already. Long commute also (and with a broken CD player, no less! No books-on-cd for me.) . Busy, busy schedules and many commitments to try to keep up with. I am in the process of finishing my masters and have three more months of classes before student teaching. Lots of homework. Crazy messy house. And just not enough time for my kids. I know that most people feel this way at some point in their life -- that circumstances dictate that we can't spend as much time with our loved ones as we would wish. This is an opportunity that I can't pass up, but I know that Tyce and Laney are going to suffer some for it. Mothers always have guilt. This is my guilt today. Last week it was that I allowed my precious little lady to go too long without antibiotics and she got very sick. But, back to today. I'm worried about the kiddos and I know that this is not an ideal situation for them, but I think that this is the right long-term decision and that things will be better after Christmas when we all have fewer commitments.
Today I am feeling a little more confident that I might be able to juggle this schedule. I talked with my new boss-to-be, who inspires me with her ability to juggle family life and do an amazing job at work, and have already arranged a schedule with earlier hours so I can be home in time to relieve the babysitter for her to go to her night classes. We are all going to be so worn out by the end of the semester! The dog is probably going to go unwalked, the lawn unmowed, but hopefully all the homework (mine, the sitters', and the kids') will get done and all soccer practices will be attended.
I'm going to give this my best shot, but I know that it wouldn't be possible without my support structure around me. My friend Melissa, who has already babysat during emergencies and continues to help out when work and schedules just can't be forced to match, and who has been my greatest sounding board for all things parenting and life-related. Tanager, who arrives at the drop of a hat to help me, even while she is completing a major home purchase and move all on her own. My parents who offer all the love and support that a daughter could ever need or want. My lovely "personal references": Tim, Mari, Jana, and Steph, who somehow managed to avoid mentioning all my awful habits during my background check. That must have been a minefield! My in-laws and my aunts and uncles and my amazing friends who always cheer for me. Brace yourself, folks, you are probably going to get a lot of frazzled calls for help and/or sympathy in the upcoming months! Love you!
