Monday, April 7, 2014

Good News Week

This past week was just a feather in my cap. Beyond that we finally got a glimpse of spring, a few things went down in my favor. In no particular order, they were:

1. I took home 3rd in my division for the Middletown Four Miler. This was a unique race because it started at 11:30am (odd) and was a four-mile route (also odd). Race times are dictated by hosting towns' law enforcement availability, peak weather conditions, and other factors that I'm unaware of, but it just felt strange to begin mid-day. However, my mom signed us up with her brother Kevin, his lady Janice, and some other members of the Road Rangers in this cute town alongside the Connecticut River. My mom asked my goal at the starting line; I guessed 32 minutes? She guessed 40, to which I replied she was definitely not running a 10 minute mile. I mean, she's a grandma, but she's a damn FAST grandma. We couldn't even get the math right because we had never raced four miles. I'll spare you the details, but there were a lot of hills and sunshine. I ran my heart out. One lady about my age edged up close towards the end. Thank God that race ended on a downhill, because I picked up speed and went for the glory. I crossed the finish line at 32:06, which is an 8:02 mile. I was proud, and the lady who almost smoked me came up afterwards and said, "Nice job! I tried to keep up but you just kicked it at the end!" I love that shit.

2. Voted 'Most Creative' along with a colleague (another graphic designer) at my work's FHI Day. It is a small token of recognition, and I really appreciate it. Though the award itself needs a facelift, it's hanging in my office. Guess I'll need to re-design those for next year!

3. I won a project for my company. My boss, the VP, received a call from the client that we were selected, and he shared the good news with me. This is the second project I've won for this client, and though it doesn't have the biggest budget or most prestige, it's a big deal to me because it'll probably be a fun one, I'm building a relationship with the client, and bringing work in the door. It was my first interview that I played the primary role in, and the win really feels like mine.

I've read around some blogs and sat at dinner tables recently with moms who do not take time for themselves, and they're burnt out. I feel like I still prioritize myself, by staying in the workforce and running regularly. I hope these decisions to still invest in myself, are evident to my girls. When Edie asks why I'm going out on a Friday night with friends, I explain that I like to see them just as she likes to see hers at school. This makes sense. I'm not saying I don't get burnt out or that I've made the right life decisions, but when I feel guilty that I'm going for a run before picking them up at daycare, I need to remember that they will thrive with a happy and fulfilled mama.