Settling down

Life seems to have settled down a bit. The boys and I have almost adjusted to our new schedule. This was our first normal week of me working Mondays and Wednesdays. Dylan did ask me why I had to go to work, and clung to me this morning. It was bittersweet. The bigger boys (the 5, 6 and 7 year olds) were playing video games, and Dylan said "hold me" as I was about to leave. The big boys snickered a bit, and looked at Dylan. I squeezed him a bit harder and hoped they wouldn't tease him after I left. Then I went on to work, my first truly difficult day, where we had a visitation for an 18-year old who committed suicide. When I first heard we were going to handle the arrangements, I thought a lot about my boys, and hoped they will never ever feel so desperately sad and alone that they think they have nothing to live for. Most days at this job are okay, even fun (believe it or not!), but today was a tough day. Being treated like "just a dumb secretary" was also something I experienced today. In my last job everyone really respected me, but here, my position doesn't necessarily command respect. Most people are great, but today I met someone who doesn't know me, didn't take the time to get to know me, and immediately treated me like this job was my life goal. It was really tough to swallow... "Yes, I know how to transfer a phone call...."

Indeed there were some management changes at the Metro Center. Corey resigned and accepted a new position in Kennewick, WA, and Brian was named the Interim General Manager. Already in his short stint, he's had some incredibly challenging days, but also some really good days. We knew Corey's announcement was coming, but is still difficult. More than sadness over losing our friends to the State of Washington, we both feel very strongly that we want Corey's leaving here to be a positive thing, instead of what the media wants to make it, which is running away. It's difficult to see the local media and other critics who don't know Corey say some really offensive things. And the offensive comments have transferred over to Brian too. That has been especially difficult. I finally decided to stop reading the comments people leave. I don't mind if people have comments to share about what is happening financially, or their opinion on whether or not they want an arena to continue to exist, but to make personal attacks just makes me so mad. My instinct tells me defend my husband by attacking back, but I won't lower myself to their level. Thus far, being even more in the media spotlight has been interesting....invasive. It's strange to start a new job, have everyone know who you are, who your husband is, and how much money he makes. When I get paged at work, they page "Mrs. Brian Luther" just to tease me.