Happy Contracting Anniversary

I logged in to the remote workspace for one of my two contracting gigs this morning (the big one) to find out that I could not get in. I called the Systems Administrator to check things out and we found that because today is my one year anniversary, and because I signed a contract for one year, my contract had officially expired.

And I was officially locked out.

The Sys Admin called his boss, I called my boss, and mayhem briefly ensued. By the end of the hour, we determined that, while my boss was certainly on board with keeping me on, and while she actually had every intention of renewing the contract sooner, I was officially unemployed until her boss's boss and all the powers that be in the Human Resources Department in Los Angeles were in agreement that my contract should be extended.

Then papers had to be pushed.

And then I could have my gig back.

Gulp.

Worried? I was. Even though I know I've done a great job, and even though I know my boss is pleased with my work, and even though I know the company is doing well, I still had a pit in my stomach the size of a small dog.

But now it's six hours later, and I just got word that I should be back online within the hour and I can sign a new contract the next time I'm in the office.

Whew. Thank you, God. Thank you, my boss. Thank you, powers that be in Los Angeles.

More little things that give me immense joy:

• A regular paycheck.


• Making my own schedule.


• Working for a very cool boss who lets me do my thing the way I like to do it. She guides me when I need guidance, leaves me alone when I want to be left alone (which is most of the time), and goes to bat for me when I need her to. She rocks.


• Working at Starbucks, or from home, or from any of about six coffee shops that I love.


• Getting to spend two days a week with my kids, all day.


• No longer having the big fat pitty little Chihuahua in my stomach that's been there all day.

Now I'm going to get something to eat...