The Sweet Smell of Victory

The past couple of weeks have been out of this world crazy, but amid all the chaos we've had a few shining triumphs that I just had to share.

Victory 1- Jeremy realized he is an asshole. I say this with all the love I have for him, but he is undeniably an asshole. He's also generous, kind, a good husband, and wonderful father. So maybe I should define asshole and how it came to be that he realized it. Jeremy is painfully honest, abhors stupid people, and doesn't see the need to be tactful-this is the reason he gets labeled an asshole. For example, last week at work he told an FRA inspector that he didn't know what he was talking about and should go read his rule book before showing up and inspecting our railroad again. For those that don't know -the FRA is the governing body of railroads-they can fine the railroad mucho money, fine individuals mucho money, or just plain shut us down. This is the guy that Jeremy told off. His reason? And I quote, "the moron didn't know what he was talking about, so I set him straight." At any rate, Jeremy had a longtime friend tell him what an asshole he was and for some reason this one time it really got to Jeremy. He came to me and said "Am I an asshole?" (He took my laughter as a yes) and told me that Stephen had said he was condescending and cut people to the quick with sarcasm when he didn't agree with them or thought they made a stupid remark. When I agreed he said, "Well, they shouldn't be stupid and I wouldn't be an asshole." If you're wondering why I consider this a victory it's because I know now that Jeremy is aware when he's being an asshole. He chooses to be that way, and being aware of it makes all the difference. And let me reiterate-I love my husband. One of the things I admire about him is his asshole qualities, aka the ability to say whatever he wants to whomever he wants and not fear the consequences. I would imagine it's very liberating-but I can't do it!

Victory 2- I overcame my lack of a penis at work! Working for the railroad is an enlightening experience because around 70% of the railroad workforce in America is reaching retirement age. So what we have are a bunch of men in their sixties that are still struggling with having women working by their side. This is more prevalent in smaller railroads like mine versus the biggies like Union Pacific. When I got my job the General Manager who hired me actually said "Well, all of the Class I RR's are bringing females into marketing positions so I'm wondering if maybe they're onto something there and maybe we should get on board." You would have to know him to realize it was not meant to be offensive but that is just the mentality of some of the "old timers." So, I manned it up for a little while, cut down on the flash and femininity, and absolutely did not wear any skirts to work. I worked my way into the RR cliques (which are a very small and tight community believe it or not), and I decided 4 years was more than enough time to gain a little respect so I busted out a skirt twice in the last two weeks. And other than the occasional "why are you wearing a skirt, you never wear skirts" the RR didn't screech to a halt, I still closed some major deals, and life continued on as though my legs weren't bare. I broke the railroaders!

Victory 3- I survived three days of Emma being sick. Poor M had an ear infection and an eye infection that were making her miserable and even more temperamental than normal. She is prone to dramatics (crumbling to the floor in tears when she doesn't get her way) and has a bit of a stubborn nature (no idea where she came by that!) but the past couple of days were unbelievable. I was fighting a cold myself and a series of migraines so that didn't help. But I think my child is getting close to those terrible 2's I keep hearing about. She got mad at me yesterday when I took something away from her and bitch slapped me in the face. Serious Time-Out over that one. She finally started feeling better last night and insisted on wearing her tutu Mollie made her over her pajamas. (She's become more assertive and independent now too!)

My sweet little angel/hellion!

Victory 4- I fit into a pair of pre-Emma pants. And I define "fit" as the complete and total lack of a muffin top. Granted, these were the jeans I would have considered my fat jeans, but it's a start. If I would just plan ahead a little so that I can cut fast food completely out of my diet I would probably have more success. And, I've also decided to cut my hair, which hasn't been seriously cut in over three years. Jeremy is a big fan of long hair (and his definition of long is boob length), but it's got to go. After fighting with gnarly tangles, Emma's hair pulling fits and some serious migraines I've made the decision. The cut I've picked out is super cute, I hope, but you'll have to wait until after Saturday to see it. P.S.-I'm not telling Jeremy I'm getting my hair cut until I'm walking out the door so if anyone spills the beans they're in big trouble!

Victory 5- ( I hope) I may not have a penis but I did find a set of something to grab onto and ask for a very well deserved raise at work. The outcome is still pending (please cross your fingers for me) but if it doesn't get approved it will be a very serious bitch slap in the face. And not because I was told no but for a lot of other extenuating circumstances. It could be the defining answer to very tough career choice.

We have a lot planned for next week so stay tuned. Next weeks activities include a bathroom remodel and a trip to Memphis! Not to mention a post on my stylish new 'do!