I Get Paid to Plan a Party!!

Okay friends…today, I am just  THREE days away from the Grande Gala.   This is what I do for a living…I coordinate a major fundraiser for a Catholic high school.   I love what I do but it does not come without the stresses of any other job.   During this week, I find it hard to eat, hard to sleep and definitely hard to keep the tears at bay.   I’m nervous…it’s a big responsibility and I am a people pleaser.   I want everyone’s approval…it’s a character flaw.   It’s my job.  

***INSERT A LITTLE SIDE BAR!   Last week, I had some woes, stumbling blocks, pity party moments.   This week...I need to share the happy things!   Monday was a great day as we started to stage Gala auction items.   When I got in the car to leave school, the song that popped up on my playlist was "You Look Good!"  Now, I didn't really look good, it had been a long day, but it was fun to sing along and finish the day on a high note!  We received a couple of last minute really great auction items that day too.   Tuesday, I left home early for a mani/pedi and it was a little chilly for wearing flip flops outside, but I enjoyed getting a little pampering!  When I got in the car that day, my playlist popped up with "Brick House(r)."   As many of you know, that song has been an anthem for me...Brick Houser...that's me!!   I jammed all the way to work!!   I also had a few last minute reservations, which made me happy.   I got home after 8pm, but I was happy...I was reminded that there will always be setbacks or pity party moments, but most of the time...life is good!   Now, back to my blog...

My job…that took on a whole new meaning when I became divorced.   When I was offered the job as Director of The Grande Gala, Greg encouraged me.   He told me this was right up my alley, I was a pro, what was there to think about?   I had his full support.   He said, “Do this for 5 years, then we’ll retire.”   I was 57 years old and although 5 years sounded like a long time, it also had “retirement” as an end goal.   I took the job.  Just a year and a half later, I learned of his betrayal and all of a sudden, my job…our 5-year plan, took on a new look…no, it took a nose dive.  

I think this has been one of the hardest parts of my divorce.   Knowing that I MUST work is something I have never had to worry about.   Greg was always a great provider and although I worked part-time for most of our marriage, I had the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom during the day, giving me the opportunity to do everything I wanted to do with and for Katie.  Let’s face it, my part-time income wasn’t part of our survival, although it did help with Katie’s education.   At any time, I could have quit and although it may have cut into our vacations, we weren’t dependent on my money.   

Going through a divorce was scary when money came into the picture.   Sure, we had the money to support our lifestyle, but now, our money was going to be split.   Fortunately, due to the duration of our marriage, I was entitled to more than I thought.   I worried that it may not be enough to support two households. 

It’s not always easy, but it’s working.  I’m much more aware of my spending habits (Greg probably would have appreciated that!!) and I still find ways to do fun things…even a trip here and there. 

My job became a necessity.   It became security for me.  Thankfully, I work somewhere that I love with people that I love but gosh…I had no intention of working because I had to…I had planned to work so we could travel and stock pile some money for our early retirement.  

Although retirement is a little further away at this point, it’s okay.   I have a job…I have benefits and so…I’m an independent woman.  #grownasswoman

My week has been full already and the next few days, I believe I’ll be out of touch on social media, so don’t worry.  I’ll be back on Sunday, sharing with you all.