Goodbye Comfort Zone

I came home very anxious about sharing some very uncomfortable information with JR. I was worried mostly about the info itself, but almost as much about helping JR deal with it. To my absolute delight, he responded with only LOVE and SUPPORT - thank GOD, because if he'd put out even an OUNCE of bad vibe I might have lost it! He listened well, responded appropriately, gave me a hug, and started working on a plan - can't ask for better.

So... Short Version: I have been unable to get + remain sufficiently engaged at work since CDR Brougham left, for a variety of both personal and professional reasons. It was a slowly deteriorating situation, nothing sudden. About six weeks ago I was asked to basically get more fully engaged again or risk my contract not being renewed, which is not a very effective means of me getting more engaged, so of course it didn't work.

I am editing this in fits and spurts as time allows, so I'll leave this paragraph so you'll know it's a work in progress until I'm done.

Move Back to Northern Virginia

So, I mentioned to Tommy today that JR & I are starting to consider returning to NoVA. Tommy is mostly my COR, but also my friend, whom I trust to both keep my plans private while it's prudent to do so, and to help me develop and present those plans in a most favorable manner. My current contract expires at the end of October. Now I need to figure out how, when, and exactly where. Job first, hopefully still Dell. This summer if possible? Or next. And probably either Fairfax or Loudon County, still needs further research.

Let me start w/the pipe dream: I'll take a modest pay cut to facilitate the job search, and to leverage a signing bonus or relocation reimbursement. I will find a RENTAL and be glad to be rid of the maintenance associated with home/yard ownership. It'll be a non-breed-discriminating, pet-friendly, garden style, ground level condo, with great amenities.

My Poor Phoebe :(

Aw, poor Phoebe threw up in the shower, a lot, but then brushed her teeth and washed her face, but then complained of weakness, couldn't even hold her own towel, then she asked if her arm and leg pain had anything to do w/the throw-up, and then FELL ASLEEP when I started w/my answer! And I mean whole-body-twitch, gently snoring, asleep! Fresh from the shower. Wtf.

I Want a Sabbatical

I wonder why sabbaticals are most common in academia, where they already typically get summers off? I want a sabbatical! Wikipedia says academic sabbaticals typically run at seven-year intervals of full-time employment, with the most common arrangement for a half-year at full pay, or a full year at half pay. I WANT THAT!! I'm a big fan of "it never hurts to ask" so maybe when I'm ready to make my next career move, if it's still w/Dell, I'll ask for a sabbatical to coincide w/the transition. Or maybe I'll follow Phoebe's suggestion and get into academia so I can at least get summers off w/her!

My GTI :)

I'm off to an 09:30 appt @VW to get my new [to me] GTI all checked out!

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