howdy, partner...

I have started working again.  And, I have managed to find work that allows me to still be at home during the day, and to be at home 3-4 nights/week.  Plus, given that I've had this job two other times before, most everything has come back quickly (except for the things that are different, of course).  And, so, as you may have guessed already (as someone who reads this, which means you know me), I am back at Starbucks again.  The store where I'm working is undergoing significant transition, so it's nice to know I'll be coming in as a somewhat-"seasoned" professional.  Also, because my "partner number" (all employees are called partners) never changes, it seems like I've been a part of the Starbucks Family for a full seven years.

I'm glad to be back at work.  It's nice to be doing something that contributes, however modestly, to our family budget.  And, frankly, it's also nice to interact with people who are potty-trained, etc.  But, it hasn't come without needing to make significant transitions at home...moreso for Joe, of course, who now comes home from his day at work with the responsibility of being sole caretaker for the evening.  Most of this is fairly low maintenance, as Andy keeps to himself and is loads of fun when he feels like interacting.  But, bedtime has proved itself to be a little on the challenging side.  It hadn't been that way, but it seems that Mr. Andy really likes consistency, and has needed a bit of time to get used to Daddy's prayers, rather than Mommy's.  That a tooth or two (aren't we done yet?) seem to be popping through has made this especially difficult.  In the end, though, I feel confident that Andy's historically fantastic sleeping pattern will be restored, and that I can continue to feel happy about the fact that I'm gainfully employed.  And able to get cheaper froufrou drinks, of course.