Happy Holidays

I say Happy Holidays not because I'm trying to remove the true meaning of the season, but because Christmas has passed and we're almost to New Years. It seemed more appropriate.

This past year has been one filled with ups and downs. Here's a recap:

January 2009:

Rob fell and broke his arm. This wouldn't seem like a huge deal, but he did a really good job of breaking his arm... as in it required surgery... and they had external and internal fixation and a cadaver graft to fix the wound. He annihilated his left wrist. They later told him it was a catastrophic break and had a very slim chance of healing - this news came after he was realeased from PT earlier than expected due to his efforts.

Sir Launcelot, our beloved cat (who had been in my life for almost 17 years), suffered a stroke and we had to have him put down. This was the saddest day of my life in so many ways. This little guy literally grew up with me. We went through so much together and he was one of my closest and dearest friends. More than that, he was like a child to me. I had a hard time dealing with having to make the decision to end his life... because I felt that, in some ways, I was giving up. I know now that there was really nothing more we could have done, but it was just heart wrenching.

Most of my team members were laid off. Myself and one other person were spared, and it was one of the most difficult days I'd faced in some time. These were people I had worked with for almost 7 years. They were more like family than coworkers.

Somewhere around this time we were also notified at work that we were going to be going through an Outsourcing study.

Speed ahead to September, I find out we are still going through an Outsourcing study... as well as the fact that management is hiring a person to cover the front desk (where I've been working most of the year due to my team being dissolved). One can't help but be extremely nervous about this scenario. I knew I would be training the new hire... but I had no idea what was in store for me personally.

October 2009:

After my birthday, management notified me that I would begin training to be a Help Desk Specialist. Woot! (However, it's bittersweet; remember the Outsourcing Study is still looming over our heads.)

November 2009:

The outsourcing study has come to a close and they have decided to keep the status quo instead of trying to adopt an outsource solution. This is great news... and we are all elated. However, there is still no more news about the contract staff getting $$ or hours back.

Late in November, contract staff was asked to staff out for a meeting. (We all get really nervous about meetings these days.) During this meeting, management let us all know that, as of January 2010, all existing contracts were ending. The executive decision had been made to adopt the contract staff as Mayo staff. Everyone was provided with a posting number and instructions as to how to proceed. Those who chose to follow the path were offered Mayo Clinic positions in early December.

December 2009:

Early in the summer, we had commited to purchase a Ragdoll kitten from Rosehill Rags cattery in Woodbury, MN. We picked up our new little princess, Bella, on December 13. At first we were a little concerned, as she wouldn't come out from beneath the bed in the spare bedroom... but she has become quite the little attention grabber. She loves spending time exploring and harrassing the dog. It's great, many fun times.

So, here we sit... I've gone through all of the steps to apply, the offer was made and accepted, and I've seen to it that all of my testing and forms are completed and turned in where needed. January 11, 2010 I begin my new adventure. Our new kitten has adjusted well and we are enjoying her more and more... and she's even starting to become friends with Apollo.

So far, it seems like 2010 is going to start off well... and things are looking brighter and brighter as long as I follow through with my end of the deal and make sure to do everything I can to live up to the expectations I'm sure management must have.

It appears someone has been looking out for me this year, and I really want to thank that guardian angel for their guidance and support. Please continue to lend the same in 2010 as I'm sure I'll still need your help.

My 2010 goals are to a) start a family and b) finish losing the weight I've been trying to lose for 2 years. I have begun to take the steps toward getting the weight loss ball rolling... I'm working on mini goal setting right now. Wish me luck.

I wish everyone I know good fortune and glad tidings in 2010. Happy New Year!