Strife? Not so much, actually.

Tuesday, 5/18:
Was my parent's 42nd wedding anniversary. I stopped at the flower shop where I worked many, many years ago and bought them some flowers. While I was at the flower shop, I told the lady that I had worked in that particular shop during the early 90's and that it was always one of my favorite jobs. She asked me about what I was doing now and when I mentioned that I was employed as an office worker, but not too happy with it, she said, "I'll be thinking about you...hoping that a change comes your way soon. It's so important to love what you do." She's one of those people who always know the exact, right thing to say. It boosted my spirits to have made a brief connection with someone who knew about unhappiness in your job.

Thursday, 5/20:
I got Let Go. Became unemployed.

Friday, 5/21:
The relief I had this morning upon waking up and NOT having to go to work there? Immense. Sure I'm freaking out about how I'll pay my mortgage, how I'll afford COBRA. Where I'll find a career I hopefully love (I do live in Michigan, people. The job market here sucks.). But you know what? The weight is gone. That horrible, awful, crushing weight of unhappiness in my job has vanished. Sure, I'm scared shitless but I'm breathing so much easier today. I don't have to deal with my boss anymore (he was a right git, that one), nor the office politics that I'd been separating myself from for the past few years -- effectively making me an outsider looking in - and let me tell you, my former co-workers? PETTY.

So here's to moving on. Moving up. Picking up steam and plowing ahead. And seriously thanking the Flower Lady for sending thoughts of change my way.