A Nine-Year Engagement

This week I celebrated my work anniversary (or more appropriately called at the corporate mecca - your "service anniversary.") I can't believe I have been serving the same corporate giant for nine years. That's the longest appointment I have had with any institution. The thing with anniversaries is that they tend to set you up for lots of reflection. Of course in the corporate world, you get recognized for your first year (yay - they stuck it out for a year!), third year (that's really when they think you've become loyal), five years, ten years and then every five years after that. So, it was not a monumental anniversary by the company's standards. But, perhaps, every anniversary really should be.

Let's get back to that reflection bit. You see, I think when you've committed to something for nine years, you tend to become even more critical about whether it's mutually beneficial. Of course, it is my family's sole income source at the moment, so I guess that is my primary benefit and one I shouldn't complain about. But I'm starting to really wonder about my market value equation. You see, I was contacted by a recruiter, and being five-months pregnant, I kindly let her know that the timing was not right. But I still decided to take a look at the job posting online (I happen to know a few other people are looking, so I thought the least I could do was pass on the opportunity to them). The salary was better, the benefits listed were equal to what I am experience now ... so what is requiring my loyalty to sticking around for another nine years?

Our top leaders would have you believe it's the culture. Which, in some aspects I get (but mind you, that's part of my job, making other's believe that our culture is unique, dynamic and a reason to stay.) But is culture enough? At the end of the day, if you feel like you are giving more than others, and reaping fewer rewards, is it worth staying? It's like being married to a man and finding out he's cheated on you for five years ... while you are pinching pennies to pay the bills ... he's buying his mistress expensive clothes and trips. It just doesn't seem fair and equitable. I think I need more than just a "culture" that I am partly responsible for selling.

So, while I'm doing soul-searching, I'll stay put until baby comes and do even more digging. But I want to know ...What makes you stay in your working relationship?

Our Last Twins Game at the Dome

Earlier this week, D, K and I took my dad to the Twins game. It was a father's day/birthday present for my dad who's a huge baseball fan. And of course, K enjoys baseball. I discovered that evening was the first baseball game that both my husband and son had ever gone to. I was a bit surprised (being that D is 7 years older than me, it's always interesting what life experiences he surpasses me completely and what things I introduce him to. I also had the joy of taking him to his first concert.)

For those who don't know, the Twins are moving to an open field/outdoor ball park next season. So, this would be the last time we'd see the Twins playing at the Metrodome. They were playing the Cleveland Indians. The game had quite a bit of excitement, lasted forever, but happily the Twins took the win!

K learned a thing or two about baseball from his grandpa (how much he retains, we'll have to wait and see) and loved dancing around his seat and entertaining the others around us. It was great fun to watch my dad try to pass on his knowledge and get K to cheer for certain players. And of course, when my dad disappeared for a while, I wasn't surprised to see that he came back with a baseball cap for K. Now, K has to take this hat everywhere. It's a little to big for him now, but he'll be able to grow into it and then wear it for much longer. But he's had to wear it everywhere! I'm glad that the evening brought joy to all three guys and have a few pictures I'll have to upload later. Go Twins!

The Joy of Being Outnumbered

On Friday, we were formally introduced to the images of our second child. Yes, at 8:15 in the morning, the three of us got all comfy in a dark room and watched as the tech walked us through the images of our ultrasound. K was mildly amused. It felt like it was a long time in a small, dark room and a three-year-old can only handle so much.

She walked through the images of the heart, brain, spine, kidneys, and more. Then K did something that distracted me, so I almost missed when she said "It's a boy." (We had told her at the beginning that yes, we'd be interested in finding out.) The next think I know is K's lower lip sticks out and his chin begins to quiver. "But I wanted a baby sister." And a few big tears roll down his cheeks. Of course, D and I determined that the reason he really wanted a sister was because he is not to big on the whole sharing toys with a brother idea. (Of course, with their age difference, they'll probably be into very different toys for quite some time.)

After a couple days of sharing all the exciting things about having a little brother, K is now very happy about meeting the little guy. And the whole concept of a sister ... well, now we just focus on that we hope he gets more girl cousins as this family will be complete with the new addition come January.

How do I feel about having a second boy? Excited ... little boys are great fun. Of course, I might occasionally look over at the cute frilly dresses and realize that the boys options are not as fun when it comes to clothes and yes, I've become primed on superheroes and football and all things "boy" more than I ever anticipated. But, little boys love their mommies and let's be honest ... D and I can agree on boys names much more easily than we ever could on girl names. Of course, I'm hoping that the second boy potty trains a little earlier with K as his role model. Just 18 more weeks until his expected arrival!

Autumn, oh Autumn

Leaves are changing, the air is getting a hint of crispness, and the harvest moon has been a bright shining jewel in the sky. I love this time of year. For a few brief months, I get to revel in perfect weather that calls for sweaters, drinking warm drinks that don't have to contain caffeine and all things that represent deliciousness.

I cannot wait for my October issue of Food & Wine. I hope it has an array of squash and pumpkin recipes that I can convince my husband to try to make. The only thing I miss right now is that I'm not able to open up a yummy, jammy zinfandel or smooth pinot and savor the simple pleasantries of life.

I can't wait because the stores should be clearing out the Back to School merchandise and gearing up for Halloween. Now, I'm not a huge Halloween person myself, but having a child who gets all frothy with excitement over the holiday makes it a little different. Of course, I know that this year he will want to pick out his own costume, so I'll probably end up with a superhero. It's this time right now that I appreciate living in Minnesota, and I'd only give it up for a relo to somewhere nice and foodie in Europe.