I spoke with my management today. I got out the indelible, permanent ink, big, honking marker and I said - time to fix an end date.

We used to be so friendly, you know. We used to chat. But the last 6 months has marked me, subtly. I am no longer the Golden One.

She exhaled, and agreed. She asked if I was going to stick it out.

The end date originally chosen was the big milestone for my project - the 3rd week of January. But then a bunch of people saw the new casino we were building and wanted in on the deal. (Yes, euphemism. It's actually an Ice Cream shop. Ah! I'm lying again! Stop me!!!)

The Army of the Tan Pants is counting on me, so I knew before she asked what I was going to do.

I'm staying until the new customers are integrated, and the initial inspection date, I told her. But no longer. You'll have to find a new deputy to shadow me and handle the inevitible delays and corrections.

But you'll stay until the initial inspection date? She asked.

And I said, yes. I will.

And we got the paperwork from Human Resources and filled in the date - February 10.

And despite the fact that I just floored the car heading towards financial ruin...
I can breathe.

And it feels fine.

Posted by: Elizabeth at 01:08 PM | Comments (14) | Add Comment
Post contains 236 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Wow. Feb. 10th. Deep breaths, girl. You can do it! I'm rooting for you.

Posted by: Lucinda at January 10, 2006 01:24 PM (OPvIN)

2 See, good news! Hooray!

Posted by: caltechgirl at January 10, 2006 05:14 PM (uI/79)

3 Well, I'll be celebrating that day for SURE! Cuz, it's you know, my birthday and all. Heh. You did it! I love big, honking permanent ink markers. )

Posted by: Margi at January 10, 2006 05:43 PM (nwEQH)

4 I'm glad you can breath. I hope things get better.

Posted by: Melissa at January 10, 2006 07:42 PM (RcXdn)

5 Excellent news, just excellent. Financial ruin to one side, it sure can feel nice to put the windows down, crank up the radio, and hit the open road. I'm glad for you.

Posted by: RP at January 11, 2006 02:06 AM (LlPKh)

6 Breathe as much as you'd like -- air is free! You will be awesome, Elizabeth. You will find the "you" that you'd like to be again. And you will love the time with Bear.

Posted by: Veeg at January 11, 2006 03:16 AM (gR0r8)

7 My final day at the company is approaching fast as well and I know exactly how you feel. I am half the time elated at the possibility of never coming back and then scared to death what will mean for us financially. We have to believe. It has to be great. It will mean a somewhat different lifestyle but not necessary bad. Just different. We will relax, adjust and enjoy the kids and look back a year from now and say.. "why was I so worried about this?" Much love to you and yours.

Posted by: Sol at January 11, 2006 06:54 AM (2qH2H)

8 Good for you! Try to enjoy your last few weeks wearing work clothes, seeing other adults, and all that.

Posted by: T at January 11, 2006 09:53 AM (M++hX)

9 **SO** proud of you!

Posted by: flikka at January 11, 2006 09:55 AM (tbRoA)

10 Whooo!

Posted by: madrigalia at January 11, 2006 02:47 PM (TBzUs)

11 T minus 29 and counting, babe

Posted by: Helen at January 12, 2006 03:13 AM (vNDkl)

12 Not much longer.

Posted by: A.K. at January 12, 2006 04:39 AM (fSoFs)

13 Okay. February 11 is the day you begin your full time writing career. Please. Wishfully thinking, I remain, Your fan, GraceD

Posted by: GraceD at January 12, 2006 05:19 AM (wO4MV)

14 Hurrah!! Take deep breaths. That's the air of FREEDOM, baby. Sometimes it helps when that stake finally goes into the ground, marking the spot. There. Dust off your hands and keep going, don't look back.

Posted by: paige at January 12, 2006 09:28 AM (RoUnS)

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