Happiness is ...

There have been many stories, poems, sayings and songs about "Happiness is" ... "happiness is a warm puppy" comes to mind as well as the Sunday School song "Happiness is the Lord".  Perhaps happiness is not the right word for my present state of being ... but it is somewhere between satisfaction and excitement.  And it's about working, which is amazing.

Many of my friends are looking forward to retirement.  I myself have been bouncing between teaching on call and secretarial jobs for about 28 years.  However, extreme job satisfaction comes from being hired back to a job where people felt that you did well.  And that's where I am now.

Last summer, I answered an ad in the paper for a position as a "mature interpreter" for the Historic O'Keefe Ranch, just outside Vernon.  I had a house full of company at the time, and really wasn't even expecting an interview ... but I was short-listed and interviewed.  Then because I was busy, I hadn't checked my e-mail to read the message that I hadn't got the job, so the manager phoned to ask if I was still available, because someone else wasn't able to come back after surgery.  I had actually applied for a summer student job 30 years before, so I was delighted to be hired.

Those 7 weeks were incredibly busy and exciting.  In addition to learning all the information for giving tours of the O'Keefe Mansion (about 150 years of history ... in three days ... then I was giving tours!), there was cleaning that never ended ... bathrooms, dusting, cleaning windows, and sweeping ... and I'm sure there were just 2 seasons there -- dust and mud.  I survived the heat of summer and gained stamina as the weather cooled off.  My "mantra" seems to have become "dress me up in a costume and give me a story to tell, and I'll clean all day" ... between tours.  Anyhow, I was sad to see the season end, put away the costume, and go back to my regular life for the winter.

I sent off an e-mail when the ranch began advertising for summer students ... it took a while, but I got a call back inviting me to return.  Officially, work starts Tuesday, but I've already worked a couple of hours yesterday (Saturday) with a tour group of about 30 people.

The amazing thing for me is that my enthusiasm for the job was recognized and that I was remembered as doing a good job.  In all my years of teaching, I don't think I've ever heard the comment "we loved having you.  Can you come back again?" (Oh, maybe the occasional kid ... but not a serious employer comment).  I know I've done a good job in other offices that I've worked as well, but never has there been such a good fit between my abilities and interests and the job.  Never have I had a job that I've raved about (positively) for months afterward.

So for the next while, "Happiness is working at O'Keefe Ranch" ... though I know my feet will be tired; though it will be a scramble to keep up with laundry, dishes, and meal prep at home; though I'll probably miss a few important events that I would have liked to attend.  Yes, I could earn more teaching on call ... but the down side of being on call is that I never know when or if I will be called.  Steady employment at a job I love ... the pay cheque is just a pleasant bonus.

Come out and see the ranch if you are in Vernon ... we're open from Mother's Day to the Thanksgiving weekend.  I'll be the one in the costume with a BIG smile on her face.

This MAY be a busy month!

Spring has sprung ... we've even had sunshine and blue sky on occasion, and had to sleep with the windows open.
The grass has riz ... it has no excuse not to grow with the spring rains we've had.
I wonder where the birdies is ... I've seen robins, pheasants, and quail for sure.  There was a deer browsing our back yard the other day (I know, deer aren't birds, but they are wildlife) and marmots are out as well.  Oh and ducks and Canada geese.

I'm very excited to be returning to my job that I had last fall at O'Keefe Historic Ranch ... all the walking and drinking water will slim me down by Thanksgiving, I'm sure.  I love working with visitors, dressing up in costume, and telling stories, so this job is a great fit for me.

Other work related activities ... I had 2 days of teaching in April for School District 22, 1 day at Vernon Christian School, and worked along with the New Hope board to put on a 1 1/2 day retreat for widows and widowers at Emmanuel Baptist Church (aka "my church").  Now, to finish getting the NH newsletter out for May/June before I start on May 7th at O'Keefe.

I'm working on a philosophy of only doing fun things ... of course, my idea of "fun" is a little bit insane.  Working in the church library is fun.  Teaching preschoolers in Sunday School is fun.  Also hilarious.  Unfortunately, cooking supper and cleaning house is not fun ... but necessary.  Scrapbooking is fun.  Quilting is TONS of fun!  Visiting friends on Facebook is fun.  Going to bridal and baby showers is fun, now that I don't have to organize them all!!

What does May look like?  Work for New Hope, Canadian Kindness Society, and O'Keefe Ranch.  Attend Bible study.  Teach Sunday School, when possible.  Send sons to youth May Camp! A bridal shower is impending next week and a baby shower should follow soon afterward. Drive boys to youth group and one son to cadets.  One son is off on a band trip and will have an orthodontist appointment.  Both will have a driving lesson.  Daughter is looking for work (I remember how hard that was, in the days when I had no qualifications or experience).  Mother's Day (at O'Keefe Ranch ... that's their opening day)  Birthdays for mother-in-law and daughter.  Possibly guests for the May long weekend.  That's about all I can foresee ... and that already sounds overwhelming.

Perhaps I should relax and get ready for the onset of busy-ness!  Sounds like a plan.