An Exciting Life Announcement Unrelated to Pregnancy

11.03.2013

[From a high school football game we went to a few weeks ago.]


I have an important question.
Ahem.

Can't a girl just have an exciting announcement that is NOT a pregnancy? 
Come on, people. Ladies between the ages of child-bearing and menopause, can I get an amen on this?  

An actual conversation between me and everyone:

Me: I have something to tell you!
Everyone: Are you pregnant?
Me: No.
Everyone: Well I can't think of what other exciting thing could possibly be going on your life if it's not a pregnancy.
Me: Get out of here before I punch you in a place that would keep you from ever having or making children.

I'm sort of kidding, obviously. But sort of not. 

I DO, however, have an exciting announcement, which is unrelated to pregnancy and also unrelated to the fact that I found mint and made a mojito! AND I dropped off my clothes and Goodwill a few days ago, so I'm totally winning on my goals from two weeks ago. I'm delayed, but I get around to it eventually.

I digress.

Here's my announcement: I got a job! 

A legit, full-time, salary, benefits, working downtown j.o.b. 
Holler.

I started on Friday, November 1, and I don't want to get too excited yet, but I love it! At least, I loved my first day. You can't tell everything from the first day, but here's what I know so far: I have a great office with a huge window, a nice boss who's also a Christian, and--the best part--I get to edit ALL DAY LONG.

I don't want to get into too many details on this blog about what the job is specifically (not because I work for the CIA but just because this is a blog, and I know for a fact my employers have read this blog), but I'll be editing full time and interacting with writers, and I'm really excited about it. It's a job I applied for on a huge whim back in April, I went in for interviews in July, and now I have it! 

I have no choice but to look back on this past year and see God's hand in it. I know that sounds cheesy to some of you, but Jordan and I have experienced his provision in an amazing way, and it's actually been really cool to see.

On another note, I read a post on Melinda's blog recently about pursuing your dreams, and I did wonder if by taking this job I was giving up on my dream of freelance editing. But I ultimately decided that editing itself is my dream job. It doesn't matter if it's working from home or at an office. I've spent the past 8 months making my own schedule and working mostly from home (with 2 other part-time jobs outside my house as well), and let me tell you: it's not easy.

People like to act like those who get to do freelance or contract work from home are "living the dream." I've said that myself. But there's something to be said for structure, a set schedule, going to an office and working hard all day so you can come home and enjoy your time off work. It's not a bad thing. Or, it doesn't have to be a bad thing if you can find something you love.

I'm hoping this job is that for me, and I'm going to do my best to make it that for me as much as it's within my power to do so.

As soon as I told my friend Liz that I had gotten a job, she texted me and said, "I'm really happy you got a job, but PLEASE don't stop blogging!" That was nice of her to be so concerned.

So in case you're interested in the answer, I won't lie to you and say The Lady Okie won't be affected in a small way by my new employment change. I've had a lot of extra time over the past couple of months to blog and read your blogs and schedule posts and take pictures and all that good stuff, and now much of that time will be taken up with a morning and evening commute. And I still need to fit in my Bible study, cooking meals, and running in there somewhere along with my TV watching of The Voice and Parenthood and The Biggest Loser. And, you know, hanging out with The Bearded One (aka Jordan).

But I have no plans to quit blogging.

I might not post as often, but I still have a list of post ideas, so don't worry about me going anywhere. I just might be less quick to reply to your comment or to comment on your blog. Just know I appreciate every comment, and I'm reading your blogs and telling Jordan, "It's kind of like a book full of short stories!"

So anyway, thanks for following along this year as I tried to figure out what was going on with my life. I still don't really know what's going on, but, to borrow the old cliche, a new chapter is beginning. I don't know what it will look like, but I hope it's awesome. And I hope you join me. 

Here's to November!
Abbey said...

CONGRATS!!! That's so great! And there's no shame in not sticking to free-lance editing. Stability is nice. And editing is still editing! I'm excited for you! Also, though I'm not sure I would have thought of it, I'm glad you're not giving up blogging.:)

Sarah said...

Congratulations! It seems like a great opportunity. I couldn't be more thrilled for you!

Katie said...

congratulations!! that is so exciting! hope your first full week goes well!!

Allison said...

Congratulations!!!! Office, window, nice boss, editing! I'm so happy and excited for you! Glad that your first day went so well and I hope the transition goes smoothly for you, too. And yes, please don't leave us. :)

shelleystirs said...

First, the title of this post made me laugh! Second, congratulations! That is awesome news! I hope you adjust to the commute and schedule change easily. Have a great first full week of work!

Unknown said...

Congrats! Congrats! So excited for you and this next chapter!

Per @ Perky Thoughts said...

That's awesome! High five! :)

Michaela said...

Congratulations! :) It's the best feeling to have a job that makes you want to go to work every day!

Unknown said...

This is the most amazing news!! Huge congratulations. Sounds kinda like a dream job!! All the best to you in the first couple weeks.
I love it when you are able to look back on a period of time and think to yourself... "ooooh I get it now... that's what He was planning for me!!" And you almost wanna do a face palm for all the times you tried to resist or worry about it.

ps. thank-you SO much for the pregnancy comment. I'm seriously going bonkers over here with passive agressive pressure from some friends, family.. acquaintances. At times I feel like I've got nothing of value to say unless I'm announcing a proposal :p

Breenah A said...

I REALLY wanted to guess it was a job, but didn't want to say it JUST IN CASE it wasn't. YAY!!!

Breenah A said...

I REALLY wanted to guess it was a job, but didn't want to say it JUST IN CASE it wasn't. YAY!!!

Stacia, Paper Swallow Events said...

Congratulations on finding a job! That's so exciting, and such a huge stress relief!

I also completely hear you on the pregnant thing! I just go married in May and ever since we got back from our honeymoon everyone and their mother has asked when we are having babies. In a couple years, maybe. In God's timing, for sure. Not right away, definitely. I completely feel your pain.

Jen [wonderfully unkempt] said...

Congrats on the job!! I hope it is an amazing fit for you!

Rachel Sedaker said...

I was wondering if this would be your news, and I am so happy for you! That sounds fantastic!

Jessica Elyse @ Memoirs of a Mommy said...

Yay! So happy for you Amanda! I know the past few months have been a lot of trusting for you guys and I am so happy God has brought this opportunity along for you. Congrats!!!!

Dara @ Not In Jersey said...

congrats!

Anonymous said...

Yay! So happy for you, Amanda!!! I have to admit, I was thinking, "Oh no! She's going to stop blogging!" Glad to hear you're going to keep it up.

Sounds like it's perfect fit for you! Congrats!

LauraKatie said...

Woo hoo! Congratulations, Amanda!

Jes. said...

Congratulations!!! I gave you multiple exclamation points so you would know just how excited I am for you. I totally understand about the freelancing thing. Whenever I tell people that I am working from home, they're like, "That must be so nice!" and sometimes it is, but most of the time I wish I could go to an office and have a pencil can and a mousepad and a lunch break like the normal workforce, even if only for a few hours a week.

Unknown said...

I am literally raising my wine glass RIGHT NOW... TO YOU!!! Yay!!! Such great news. And Amen on the baby questions. :)

Anonymous said...

Yay! Congratulations! I love your blog so much. I started reading it yesterday and went through your whole archive in 2 days. haha

Tracy said...

Yippee! Great news on the job. Always good to do something you like to do for your job.

Curious Runner said...

Woohoo!! So exciting, well one lady! Pregnancy news doesn't even come close... haha.

Megan said...

Congrats!! This is so great. I would love to edit full-time; that sounds amazing!

Ashley said...

Congratulations!!!

Beka @ Sunshine to the Square Inch said...

Yay friend! (yes, I'm calling you friend). I'm so thankful God provided you a job. I'm glad that through this hard year God saved a perfect job for you. I hope it goes well and that you enjoy it. I also agree that there is something kind of fun about going to work 8-5, having an office and then coming home. Structure is good.

Kaylin said...

Love this post title! I totally agree with you we can have announcements that are not pregnancy related.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Unknown said...

Yay! Great news!

And, people are the same way with me...every single thing I do people ask "are you pregnant?" Oy, I don't remember it being this bad before I got engaged.

Aleshea said...

ASDFGHJKL, I'm so freakin excited for you.

The Lady Okie said...

Thanks so much, Katie!

The Lady Okie said...

Wow! What a compliment. Thanks so much!

The Lady Okie said...

Heck yes! haha. Thanks, girl!

The Lady Okie said...

Thanks, Emily! Yeah, I knew some people would think "she's pregnant!" I guess I do that sometimes too. But seriously... there are other exciting things that can happen to people! haha :)

Holly @ Hello Audrey Ruth said...

So i say AMEN! to the pregnancy part. Not because I don't love kids but because I feel the same way. I'm 27 and don't have kids yet and believe it or not other exciting things do happen to me in my life. I'm also saying AMEN to the job part - it sounds like you're going to love it! And AMEN to what Liz said, we all certainly want you to keep blogging even if it is less frequent.

Unknown said...

Woo hoo! Congrats on your new job! I was an editor for nearly 10 years before I became a life coach.

sagegrayson.com

Niken said...

yay!!!!
congratulations, Amanda!!!! that is sooo great. and i'm so happy for you and you love it (at least you loved your first day, right?)

Bailie @ The Hemborg Wife said...

Congratulations!!!!

Raige Creations said...

Amen sista! Congrats to you!
A bit of a relief, huh? I myself need to find a job so understand the joy and accomplishment you feel when you find one, and that it is one you want is icing on the cake.
Good luck to you, and I hope you DO get to keep blogging!
Best,
~Rebecca

Rachel said...

Now that is amazingly exciting!! Congrats! Editing would be my dream job, too, so I understand how you feel!

Amber Marie said...

So, so happy for you, Amanda! I have been in the same boat, so I can imagine the excitement you are feeling now. That job sounds amazing! We have such common interests…I would love to have an editing job. But I'm still in that waiting stage, so it's encouraging to hear that you are seeing a new chapter open-maybe one is around the corner for me, too. I hope you continue to love your new adventure. BTW, I LOVE Parenthood, too! I am half way season 3-huge Lauren Graham fan (because of Gilmore GIrls). Also, the title to this post is just beautiful. ha ha ha!

Jaclyn Y said...

Congrats on the job! That is so exciting!

Sherri / 2Rescues said...

Congratulations! I just found your blog recently, and I've enjoyed stopping by to read. Thank you so much for the pregnancy comment. I completely agree with the sentiment. That's a wonderful part of life, but it's not ALL there is to life. My kids are older (and so am I!) and people still think that's a cute thing to say.

Ali said...

Holler! That' great news, congrats!

Lindsay {Typically Late} said...

I TOTALLY HEAR YOU on life announcements unrelated to pregnancy. At this point in my life, it's like nothing exciting could possibly be happening to me if it's not a baby... sorry, I disagree! Sheese.

Congrats on the new job :) Editing all day sounds like a dream!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!! That is awesome. And you're going to continue to love the job, I'm just certain!

-Amy

Becky said...

Congrats on your new job!!!! :) That is very exciting and I hope it continues to go well!

At my age if I tell someone I have exciting news, they think I'm getting married! While that would be exciting, there are a lot of other exciting things people!!!

And I just realized I used the word exciting 4 times in this comment..whoops!

Julie @ Just the Joy's said...

Yay! Congratulations! That's great news! I hope you continue to love it!

Ashley @TheCreamToMyCoffee said...

Yay yay yay! That is such great news! I had been curious if you were job hunting at all, and now I know the answer! It sounds like it was a long process but it also sounds like it was totally worth it and it will be a great fit for you. So happy for you Amanda!

Tara said...

CONGRATS! And ha to the pregnancy thing- it's so true!

Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often said...

Congrats on the new job!! It sounds like a perfect fit! Glad to hear you won't stop blogging.

Jordan said...

Congratulations! I absolutely love the title :)

The Girl who Loved to Write said...

I was so hoping this was going to be your announcement! I am so incredibly happy for you!

Tamara said...

Congratulations! You're going to do wonderful things and I'm so glad you won't be giving up blogging, I sincerely enjoy your writing!

Also, YES on the "are you pregnant?!" When we got married (8 years ago) that's all we heard, CONSTANTLY, except we were like 19 so, uh, no. But then when we finally decided we were ready (4 years ago) and started telling people they were like "But you're so anti-kids!" and it was like, No, we weren't. We were just trying ot be responsible!

So either way, we lost. But now that we have a kid, all we ever hear is "when is the next one on the way?!" It can be pretty exhausting. So, I feels for ya!

Cece @Mahogany Drive said...

Congrats! That is great news. Editing sounds like a dream job to me too just because i love to read and write.

Unknown said...

CONGRATULATIONS! That's so exciting! (I'm also excited about that mojito.. and I'm craving one, now so thanks for that.)

also, totally unrelated, have I ever told you that you remind me a crazy amount of a girl I know named Ally? she has a twin! But her name isn't Amanda, so don't get all excited. It's not you. ;)

Susannah said...

Yay! Congratulations!!!! :-D (sorry you're not pregnant... KIDDING!) ;-)

Anna Broussard said...

Mozels, gal pal! New jobs are SO exciting, and the fact that you don't plan on quitting blogging is even MORE exciting! I also agree, there can be other exciting news other than pregnancy. Get over your obsession with weird alien tummies, people.

Sarah Pete said...

Congratulations that is just so awesome!!! Yaaaaay!!!

The Lady Okie said...

Thanks, Ali!

The Lady Okie said...

Woo! Thanks, Amy!

The Lady Okie said...

haha! I'm glad I don't have a twin I didn't know about :)

The Lady Okie said...

HA! Alien tummies. Hilarious.

Anglican Mama said...

Oh yay, congratulations!!! That's so cool, girl! I had no idea we had so much in common--especially the writing/editing thing?! I've been ever strongly inclined to write, and lately felt tickled into looking into freelance editing. I haven't even started looking into yet, so I have no idea how to get started. But I'm definitely interested! It's so fun to know you're that much more cool, lol! :) I'm stoked for you! Your presence on the webosphere will be missed by me--I only just started following you! But from a girl who hardly blogs, and when seasons of crazy hit, I flee the blog scene....I understand. :)

Curly Pink Runner said...

YAY!!!! SOOOOOOOO excited for you! So neat to see God answer prayers!!
You are right-- I consider myself a 'free-lance' employee-- I don't have a full time job, instead I work part time for multiple agencies plus personal training on the side. I get to control my own schedule and that does have enormous perks, but it is almost also enormously taxing!
You better not stop blogging or I will LITERALLY (haha) drive to OK and steal your running shoes until you post.
xoxo

Sarah said...

Congrats to you!!! Hope it's been going well!!

And yes, can us young ladies make announcements without everything thinking we are with child?! Drives me insane.

J is for Jessica said...

Congrats! Of course as a fellow Okie I'm curious to know where it is!?!

Holly Olsen said...

Aw yay congrats, Amanda! And, I'm glad you're still hanging around the blog world even if it's just on occasion :)

Holly said...

Yay yay yayyyyyy!!!!! :-D Congrats Amanda, that's fantastic news!!! I hope you continue to love your job :)

17 Perth said...

What? What?? YYYYAAAAAYYYYY!! SO excited for you!! (And keeps me fired up that dreams DO come true!!)) Way to go girl!!

p.s. we can watch tv together anytime.lol those are my faves too.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! That's so exciting: I wish you all the best!

The Lady Okie said...

Bahaha! That last line kills me!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Amanda! I'm so thrilled for you! Wishing you all the best in your new endeavors, and yes, am thankful you're still blogging. I love reading your posts.
Blessings,
Kari

eileen ragan | leaner by the lake said...

Congrats to you! I missed this post but was so thrilled to catch it today! Woo hoo! Go you for getting what you want.


eileen ragan | leaner by the lake

Elizabeth said...

COngrats on the new job!!! so exciting! and yes! keep blogging - working full time and blogging can be a bit much (don't i know it) but we don't want you to leave :)

Brandi said...

Yeah! Congrats! Even if it isn't pregnancy related! ;)

Anonymous said...

I'll give you a HUGE amen to an announcement that doesn't involve placenta! Woooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!

Amanda said...

Thanks so much, Lauren! :)

Erika from America said...

Wow, this is such awesome news, Amanda! CONGRATULATIONS! And you're right -- it's more about what you're doing than where you're doing it, a lot of times! Plus, if you're a person who likes structure, I think it sounds lovely to have it right there, built in so that you don't have to worry about it. Now you can concentrate your efforts on doing your job and the parts you like about editing, rather than focusing on finding new gigs and stuff like that! This sounds so awesome! Wow! Very happy for you! :)

--Erika
http://www.chimerikal.com

Deanna Herrmann said...

That is such GREAT NEWS! Congratulations! So happy for you!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! That is awesome! SO EXCITED for you! I know you've been wanting this and it is fun to see the Lord provide not only a job but a job that you love! His timing is always perfect!! Yes, blogging might change, but that's ok. Since I went back to work FT I have hardly opened my computer to read blogs and have def had to stop blogging for awhile. Its been an adjustment, but it is for the best right now.

Veronica Lee Burns said...

That is SOOOO exciting! :)

Amanda said...

Thank you so much, Sarah!

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