Today was the first day of never having to return to what I had not so fondly called my job, the hell hole.

"Call me tomorrow, I'll be at the hell hole," was the message often left for Anne, or Jeanna, or Mary. I knew it was no way too live.

They knew what I meant, my job. So what did I do today, well I took my cutie pie niece to her dance class. Those little girls were precious as you can imagine. I text messaged a few pals just to let them know, "I love being fired." Then my Mom and I went shopping, had lunch and laughed our butts off about various things.

I'm no longer stuck in a place, counting the hours, wishing, wondering and feeling like I'm one of the few sane people there. What a gift I was given. After complacency (searching out another gig) managed to kick my ass for the past four years, something stepped in and did for me what I couldn't do for myself. (I kept going to school and upgrading my skills all along.) I want a full time gig that I can respect myself for in the morning. I want to use my skills (computer networking) and talents (humor, charm & brains, leadership ability). I want to be a colleague and not just a worker bee.

Jesus Christ, I'm so damned glad that I had this j*o*b in perspective all along. I used all my sick days and vacation days. I went to the beach with my nieces (see Footprints in the Sand), I stayed longer than expected in London and Miami and didn't punish myself for it, (thanks Anne). I stayed creative and worked on projects away from my employer. Man, I have really want to live and work each day, to it's fullest. I'm so grateful, for the wisdom to know that the real gift is today.