ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

So 2010 is looking like it might be my favorite year so far. Or maybe that is just in comparison to 2009. We were so happy in 2009 - loved having 8 months all together - but frankly, the year just did not look good on paper (death, unemployment, fires, etc.).

We are excited to start this year off with something we were missing for so much of last year - a clear direction! Stephen has accepted a partnership with a web development firm. Turns out he is a much better job searcher than I was.

My approach: Go on vacation. Do some freelance work. Apply for some jobs. Go back on vacation. Get really excited and sidetracked by freelance work. What's that? Time for vacation. Another freelance project? Great, I can do that while on vacation.

Stephen's approach: Get in gear. Apply for job. Get interview for that job. Before nailing that interview, get offered partnership in another small business.

Despite that fact that he totally put me to shame, I am thrilled. It is a great fit - he really wanted to be back in a small-business owner role, but the time and risk of a startup was not a good fit for us right now. He's joined a company that has been around for 10 years and is ready for his contributions. It is just perfect for him. We are both so excited about what is ahead!

So we are in a sense trading places. He was so amazing as a stay-home parent, I have a lot to live up to. I always wanted to have this kind of flexibility, but was very worried. I've been afraid that with my inability to stay still for very long, being a stay-home parent would make me a little crazy. But my freelance work will help. I love it and it loves me. I can manage my clients and workload without having to be in an office all day. And I think that my energy might actually make me a better stay-home parent, since I am very good at thinking up things to do, and am usually organized enough to make things happen. I will also continue to work on my artwork. New commissions are coming in and I am just very happy.

All three of us are very happy. Stella sings a little song, "hap-py hap-py hap-py." Right now, life is good. And the thing is, we've been happy - even last year, even during some incredibly difficult times. I am reminded that sometimes happiness is a decision. I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband and daughter to help me remember that.