New Tricks

Are you the type of person that embraces change, or dreads it?

I tend to be a creature of habit. Routine is comforting to me. When I know what to expect, I know how to respond. It's a comfortable way to live, though perhaps not all that exciting.

For several decades (yes, decades) I've worked at the same place, doing the same job. And for the most part, I've been happy, with absolutely no desire to look elsewhere. Over the years, I've even passed up various opportunities within my office. No point in fixing what isn't broken.

Well, starting on March 1, that's all going to change. After wrestling with the pros and cons, I took a leap of faith and interviewed for a newly created position within the office. Last week, I got the job.

My first reaction was excitement. Then I started to think about it. How long will it take to get the hang of things? What type of tasks will make up my day? Will I like what I'm doing? Oh, how thinking along those lines can start to drag you down. I began to question my decision. Perhaps I'd made a mistake. It would be so much easier to stick with my old job. I could do it in my sleep.

But then I realized that perhaps I've been sleepwalking long enough.

So my mission now is to focus on the positive. I'll be taking over much of the office grant writing responsibilities. Writing is something I enjoy. I'll be doing research and planning. Two more things that appeal to me. Some travel may be involved. Seeing a few new places doesn't sound bad either.

Adrenaline and excitement are powerful fuels. I'm beginning to percolate with ideas. Explore different options. Get ready for another chapter in my life.

And like any other old dog, I'm going to prove that I can still learn a few new tricks.

The Elusive Groomer

There's one career that appears to be recession proof. Dog grooming.

For three straight Saturdays I've tried to get Indy to his groomer with no success. Granted, I tend to wait til the day I need the appointment, but really...Why should it be so tough? In disloyalty sparked by complete frustration, I've even called every other groomer within 5 miles of me. Forget it, they're all booked. Now I might expect this difficulty from my own hairdresser, who works in a semi-ritzy spa, but for a pet groomer? Apparently there is no economic struggle tough enough to keep a dog from his shampoo and haircut.

Guess I'd better learn to schedule Indy's appointment way, way in advance cause he's now shaggy as a piece of 70's carpet. Smells a bit ripe, too...an added reminder for action.

So I'm calling the groomer again. Could I be so lucky as to get Indy "worked in" THIS Saturday?

Or will it be necessary to opt for the inevitable- "We'll call you if someone cancels"?