So long, farewell

Today is my last day at my current job. It is bittersweet. But I so much look forward to starting a new job at RARE. Monday is the big day. Whatever shall I wear?

Anyway, adios, USM. You've taken this bulldog in with open arms. And for that, I will be eternally grateful.

This week, since most of my work has been either completed or delegated, I have had little to do between the hours of 8 and 5 (sans the piles of paperwork that is involved in quitting a state job). The extra time on my hand thus resulted in me thinking about things I have not often pondered.

Thought 1: I need a hobby. My dear husband has many of these. Namely, golf and hunting. These are his two loves. They are relaxing for him, exercise for him and fun for him. While I am still trying to understand the adoration for sitting in the cold with the hopes of seeing an animal, I grew up with a daddy who golfed all the time - I know it is a passion.

My point is this - I want to have something that I look forward to doing on the weekends or my days off. I enjoy painting, but I want something where I can get outside or get some exercise and meet new people. I am up for a challenge

So I have come up with a few options:

1) Tennis. I am not a tennis player, but feel fairly confident that I could pick it up if given the opportunity. I am thinking about going to buy a raquet and tennis skirt and giving it a shot. My friend Olivia is on a league here in the 'burg. Only she is on the highest league there is. She was state campion in highschool. Take that, Serena. I wouldn't be able to play with her even if she was on my level - she is moving to Nashville this week. Bye bye, sweet Olivia. Tennis is probably my best idea for a new hobby. Plus, I hear it is a stellar workout for the gluteus maximus. Rock on.

(not me, but let's be honest: there is a striking similarity)

2) Roller Derby. Good news: according to the local news, Hattiesburg now is the home of a brand spanking new roller derby league. True story. I can only imagine that people that sign up to be a part of such an elite group. But nonetheless, it is a hobby and is one I will consider. until they make me wear spandex. Or roller skates. Other than that, I am up for whatever.

3) Smocking / monograming. I realize the physical aspect of this hobby is slim to none, but I imagine if I learn such a skill, money will follow. People, like my sister who dresses their child in nothing but smockings and/or monogramed clothing, would pay me the big bucks to dress their children. I don't know. My fear is that I will buy an expenisve machine, then quit halfway through a shirt for Henry, resulting in a shirt I will make him wear that says simply "Hen". I suppose it's a thought, though. I will keep it in mind.

So there you have it. My top 3 choices for a new hobby. Suggestions, comments and recomendations welcome.

I realize I have not given updates / pictures of last weekend. That was not intentional. I do apologize. Nan sent me a nasty message pointing out my lack of blogging this week. Demanding? Perhaps. But it makes me feel wanted. The weekend was fabulous. Our days in Starkville were spent watching Henry's every move, commenting on all he did. My Nana (Sassy Nana) bought him a kiddie-pool, so for an hour straight my whole family sat in lawn chairs surrounding his pool, watching Henry splash. Naked. Cute thing. I kid you not, this kid is a genious. He cleans up his mess, tells you exactly what he wants/needs, does not cry, and knows everyone (even my parent's neighbors) by name. Prodigy? Possibly. At not quiet 17 months, I would like to think so.

Pictures to come. Laura and my mama took the good ones. But they are at the beach, so I must wait. Poor them. Soaking up rays on the white sandy beaches as I slave away at my computer. Bitter much? Yes.