Blurry Outlook...It's A Matter Of Perspective

I was in a unique situation last week. The assignment I had held for almost two years ended and I returned to the job I had before I accepted the assignment. But, at the same time, I had applied for another job, a job I was qualified for and one I felt I might get. So, even though I had relocated to the new office, I kept all my stuff in the boxes just in case the new position came through and I'd have to put everything back in my car and unload it all at my new desk.

Then the new job for which I applied didn't work out. I didn't find out until mid-week last week. It was strange re-learning a job that I might not even be doing. I found it hard to focus. When the news hit I didn't get the job, focus on relearning everything became my number one priority.

That's why I found the view from my new desk so funny. It's an older window so it doesn't have a built-in tint to help block the direct sunlight the windows receive. Newer windows, like my co-workers, do have that built-in feature. They replaced her window a few years ago and the view is beautiful.

For me, it's still a nice view, just blurry. I have been tempted to take that film that tints the window and peel it back, even a small portion would be okay--just enough that I could see the blue sky. I don't, of course, because I'd probably get in trouble. And there may be others working in the office who don't really care that their view is blurry. Then it probably cost money to put up the aftermarket tint and I'd have to repay that cost.

Still, it's a matter of perspective. The new job became less blurry once it became clear I didn't get the other job. And even though I still can't see clearly out the window, I at least know where I'm going to be for the time being.

Goodbye New Job...Hello Old Job

Yesterday I cleared out my cubicle so I could move my stuff to my new cubicle. I'm leaving a new job to one I did a couple of years ago. It's strange to be going back to my old job, but that's how things have worked out.

For the past twenty-two months I've been working an assignment with a different department at work. Where I work they have options when it comes to some positions. For these temporary situations the person chosen to work these jobs will return to the job they were doing once the assignment ends, if it ever does. A few years ago I was part of a computer rebuild team. I left my job for fifteen months and when the computer program was up and running, I went back.

It's happened again. I will go back to the same job, albeit at a new location. It's always hard leaving a job where you work with great people, and where your job impacts people's lives. The work is rewarding. The quality of the co-workers is icing on the cake.

We had a potluck lunch on Tuesday to formally say goodbye. The excellent food was only surpassed by the company in the room. I received notes and cards, and many many well-wishes. I had asked to use a couple of hours of annual time off this week so I could go to lunch with friends, and leave early yesterday. I had to get my stuff home so I could get to my other job on time.

Monday I'll load up the car and drive to the new building. I'll unload and move in and not recognize many. It will take some time to "remember" how to do my new/old job. And on those days when the work will bog down, I'll think back with fond memories of the time when I had one of the best views in our building right in front of me.

And I will smile.

Ogden, Returning Home...In A Way

The day might have been cold, or maybe an unseasonably warm day greeted the young woman, already a mother of one, about to become a single mother of two. I suppose someone out there remembers what the day was like, but not me. I hadn't shown up yet.

On that day almost five decades ago, my mother arrived at the hospital to give birth to the child she knew she would not raise as her own, the decision to allow strangers take her place already made. I wonder if my step-sister came with her, or if my father was there, or if he even knew I was on my way. I think about these things sometimes.

I've never lived in Ogden, Utah, though I've visited several times. Many, on both sides of my adopting parent's families have lived here. It's a railroad town; it's a tough town, a town whose reputation is many times undeserved.

But, it's also a beautiful town, with historic streets,  and mountains that rival--and in my opinion, surpass--the majestic splendor of those found in both Utah and Salt Lake counties. Ogden's peaks are second to none in the state. 

Today I began working in Ogden for the first time in my life. I hope to take a lot of pictures and let the city become a part of me. It's where I was born and I feel like I'm coming home.