Working 9 to 5...

Starting tomorrow, I will be returning to the workforce and while I'm super pumped about my new job, it's a little bittersweet! For the past 7 weeks or so, I've had the luxury of sleeping in, chillaxin' at the pool, road trips to Cincinnati, cleaning out every closet, cabinet and drawer in the house and spending quality time (sometimes a bit too much) with my family! All in all, I've truly enjoyed the past few weeks and wouldn't change the time I've spent unemployed!

Earlier this year, I heard about the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. The book encourages readers to make one commitment a month and to build upon those commitments each month as the year progresses. The purpose of each commitment is to not only make you a better person, but to lead a happier life. I was inspired to make my commitments in January (drum roll please)...

January: Be Kind
February: Friends
March: Love
April: Save Money
May: Volunteer
June: Career
July: "Me" Time
August: Challenge Myself
September: Learn Something New
October: Fun
November: Family
December: Laugh More

I've done better some months than others, but I'm slowly making progress :) For example, March's commitment was "love" and that be taken 2 different ways - love more or find love. I went with the later and  signed up on www.match.com to find my future husband and all I found was creepers!!! YIKES!!! Back to the drawing board on this idea...

May's commitment was to volunteer and I searched different opportunities, but sadly nothing grabbed my attention at the time. However, later this month, I will be attending my first Race for the Cure volunteer meeting. I've also signed up to be on a planning committee for the St. Louis Walk Now for Autism. I've also reached out to begin involvement with the Southeast Missouri State alumnae association. I'm excited about all of the opportunities, so we'll see what happens!

June's commitment was "career" and while it took sometime finding the right job, I did it! I definitely had my fair share of applying for jobs (over 130 in case you were curious), interviews and having to decide between two really awesome jobs (Elsevier and the St Louis Symphony)!!! But in the end, I chose the job that's a perfect fit and couldn't be happier.

This truly has been a cool experiment and I have enjoyed  my highs and lows. I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings (keep you posted)  -- maybe a little love, luck and happiness in the end. I already know what the "Me Time" is for July -- a well deserved day spent at the spa!!!