Meta

Last week I decided to collect all my blogging back on this blog. There wasn't a lot to be moved, but it's all here now and I feel pretty good about that. I filed the entries under the dates that they originally appeared on my other blog: 10 posts from between March 2018 and October 2018. The lesson learned it that it was not a good period of my life when I felt like I had to segment myself (including my blogging self) into pieces. If I find myself doing that again, it's a warning sign.

Work continues to be pretty intense and stressful, but the arrival of our new au pair has helped greatly to balance things out around the house. She is really doing an amazing job with the kids, and an amazing job keeping the household together. I thought that MAYBE with the kids in school full days, MAYBE it wouldn't be necessary to host an pair. But my new theory is that as long as Fritz and I continue to work full time jobs outside the home; and as long as we continue to have no helping family nearby, we will continue to host an au pair.

Long term, I still have the same goal that I've had for years and years: my own architecture firm. Going back to work after my career break confirmed it. Working in two very different offices since I've returned reaffirms it. I was telling my very good friend and mentor about this the other day: I know I need to have my own architecture firm IN MY BONES. At the same time, I'm cautious, careful, and calculating: because I ALSO know that I need to learn more and prep more before I'm ready.  I'm open to possibilities; but I'm not foolish. I'm also really, really lucky to be at my current job - with all the growth and responsibility and potential that I've been given. It's full of wonderful (albeit stressful) opportunities. I just need to make sure I keep my eye on the long term goal and strategically learn what I need for the next steps.