Soggy Saturday Morning and posting about hawt

There you go, SEO types, what a perfect title.

Well, people don't read blogs on Saturdays anyway.

First of all, thanks to all my beloved bloggy peeps for your words of encouragement. I actually spruced up my C.V., attached it to my e:mail and hit "send" to my friend the Head Hunter (let's call him, H.H; I know the term these days is "recruiter" but, the girlie's been watching Madagascar 2 about 25 times non-stop in the last couple of days, and that resounding tribal beat, you know... and besides, I'm old, so we'll use H.H.)

As I was saying in my previous post, about my lack of walking-in-heels-prowess... I met with H.H. this past week. I think I'd mentioned that I've "known" him for over 10 years, actually contacted him wayyyyyy back when I was trying to break into the field. He didn't have any jobs for me then, but he had some great advice. And after I did eventually get into industry, I would chat with him from time to time about hiring etc. But I've never met him face to face. And never really thought about what he might look like.

I remember in my last job, I was working with our HR manager and she asked me if I had ever met H.H. And I said, no, I hadn't. She suggested I should, because uh, he was pretty good looking. He was actually a gymnast when he was younger. I was surprised, we laughed about it a bit, because whenever I've talked with him the image in my mind has been of a science geeky type, as his voice is a little squeaky. I don't know how else to describe it.

Since I've been home with the kids, he's followed up with me from time to time. And I've contemplated finally meeting him, just for coffee etc, as suggested by my husband. After all, it's always good to keep your foot at least partway through the door, and this fellow's quite connected. If I ever want to launch back in, this is a good guy to know.

I got to his office, parked in the concrete jungle and couldn't figure out which entrance was the right one...hence my poor toesies, as I did a bit more walking than I had intended. Finally finding the building and floor, I popped into the washroom, as I always do before meeting, just to check on the face shine, for any last minute stuff between the teeth etc... I wasn't really nervous because it wasn't an interview. Just a chat to find out about an opportunity, and to finally meet in person. Still, it felt weird to be in a corporate environment again.

I walked out into the hall, just as this fellow was stepping out of the men's washroom, and he looked at me and said, "Karen?" just as I uttered "H.H.?".... while sucking in my breath and totally not believing how incredibly fine he was, and OMG, he was wearing a great casual outfit, blue long sleeve fitted -tee with khaki pants, and yes, he looks like he was indeed a gymnast... stop salivating, Karen!

All kidding (well, not entirely) aside, we had a great meeting, talking about my career, what I wanted in my work life, what opportunities he had... the usual stuff. I was there for over an hour, but had to leave to get the kids. Yes, the kids, yeah, them ;). Yes, married with kids. Well, both of us, very happily at that.

We'll see where this all goes (the job thing, I mean) but it felt good to be talking about work again, my accomplishments, and not so much about being a Mom. I love being a Mom, but there's the other part of me that's taken a back seat. I said as much to him, that I don't want all the years of education, training, experience, my skill set and the career that I built to be wasted after working so hard for it. And I remain conflicted.

I got home and here's my little e:mail exchange with the husband:

Me: "BTW, met with H.H. today. He's quite hawt. Hurry home."

Hubs: "See-i toLd you it would be worthwhile mtg him."

Me: "You know, if we weren't already married, I'd sooooo have an internet affair with you ;). "

We're demented, I know.

Happy weekend!

The most important job

It was only supposed to be for a couple of years. After all, it had been a long, almost ten year journey to become parents of two. Staying at home with them during the early precious baby years, when I could also cherish quality time with my preschooler boy. It was a no brainer.

Then she was a toddler, with so many things to do, so many programs to experience. With her Mommy.

'Maybe when she's in school', I said to myself.

Now she's in school. And that "couple" of years? Has morphed into over four.

*****

The man's travel for work has picked up again. The last time he came home, he was so happy to see us, and he made a point of giving me an extra bit of TLC (along with the Lady Godivas) by telling me that I'm the one doing the most important job. I'm the parent at home with the kids. He's just bringing home the money.

I appreciated that. I really did. And he's doing a lot more than just that.

So I'm torn.

You see, I've always been a career gal. Even when I was a young girl, I envisioned working full time, outside of the home after I had my family. It was the model I grew up in; it was what I aspired to. Not just a job, but a career, with a path and succession planning. I did it after I had my son. I never even contemplated being a stay-at-home mom. Not until I became pregnant with the girl, and the company situation presented itself. It just made sense NOT to work. The career, in the whole scheme of things, was not as important. And truth be told, there's not much I can complain about this whole at home gig.

I have this colleague, though, who I'll call "headhunter". Who's good at what he does. In fact, he's great. I've used his services over the years and have found great people from him. He keeps tabs on me, he calls me up regularly to get a pulse of where my head is at, if and when I'm planning to hit the career trail again. And up until now, it's been easy to say, "not quite yet; I'm still looking for that work-life balance..." I have been lucky too, that I've had a few work projects over the last couple of years.

But the headhunter has done it now. He's presented me with an interesting opportunity. Close to home, perhaps not as fast-paced as what I'd had before. Something that might be worth investigating, if only to brush up my resume and practice my interview skills.

So my head is spinning. I should just go for the experience, right? There's no pressure, it's not like I'm absolutely needing this job. The scenarios are already flying around in my mind, though, all the "what if's". What if the interview goes well and it's something I might want to jump back into? What if it's such an amazing company and culture that I can't turn away. What if they DON'T want to hire me, what about that?

And what about my kids and their care? They're not ready for me to go back. Would we need a nanny? Am I actually ready to go back; but what if I don't and I wait too long? What about wanting to do my own thing, drumming up more of my own business so I can avoid the daily grind? The appeal of a regular paycheque, of again using my brain, education and experience is there. But then the reality of having to deal with management headaches and potential travel also needs to be factored into the equation. Do I even want to go there?

Hubs thinks I should look into it, nothing ventured, nothing gained. He's fine with whatever I want to do.

My head just hurts. This is supposed to be summer vacation isn't it? Why isn't it fun yet?

*****

And here is a pretty song, just because I like it...