Finding the Diamond in the Storm

Everyone has that point in life when chaos abounds and uncertainty prevails.  I'm not an expert in many things, but in this I am well-versed.  As a self-proclaimed Type A personality, disorganization and lack of a plan is the pure and unequivocal definition of insanity.

Abiding by the definition, I swear that in the past month or so I would have qualified to be put into an insane asylum circa 1963.  I quit a job that I love to move to a city that I love to be near my family that, while I love, can drive me bat-shit crazy.  Alas, throughout the entire duration, I have remained strong.  I have kept a level head - regardless of the curve balls that have been thrown my way - and I have learned more about myself than I ever wanted to know.

I pride myself on being intelligent - while not the valedictorian by textbook standards, I do have some street smarts - but even the sharpest tool in the shed finds itself a little dull at times.  The best thing to do in this circumstance is to sharpen the tool and use it to hack down whatever roadblocks are in the way.

Traveling 12 hours with an almost 3 year-old to return to a job (that I was good at) for a temporary gig gave me plenty of time to ponder the uncertainties of my life.  After looking at the laundry list of items (yes, that's a symptom of being Type A - we love lists), I had and still have every right to question my capabilities and my strength.  However, to quote Stewart Smalley, "I'm good enough, smart enough, and gosh darn it...people like me."

It feels good to be back in my old stomping grounds.  To use my brain again.  To share my wisdom.  To have people respect my talent and my drive.  What's more is that they love my son.  Everyone at work wants to see him.  My old friends want to babysit him (which really helps when one is trying to work).  And I get to hug him and kiss him every day.

Hurricane Isaac has recently come and gone.  And like the eye of the storm, circumstances in my life have weaved and bobbed and left a path of destruction.  But just like in the aftermath of any storm, the Red Cross is there to pick up the pieces.  I came back to my job to help, but the Red Cross and the people it employs has helped me.  My confidence has been rebuilt.  I have been reminded why it is I do what I do.  I now can say with my head held high that I do have a skill set that benefits not only businesses, but people who work in those businesses.

I thank the employees of the Red Cross.  I thank my soon-to-be-former co-workers.  I thank my friends for building me up.  And I thank the future Red Crossers and future friends for being there when I need them...being the diamonds in the storm.