kudos for kids...and decisions made

6 was promoted in Karate tonight. She is now a very proud red belt and has reached a level where she is entitled to wear a blue gi. Quite a night for a girl who is usually very shy about performing in public! She practced her kata all week and did an admirable job!

And on another note, took out her homework folder tonight and found enclosed a note asking permission to submit a peom she had written to the annual school district publication! Her work was chosen out of many submissions by the staff of the school - not just her teacher! I am so proud of my girl!

4 will also be sporting a new belt to her Karate class tomorrow morning. She has completed a cycle of 12 classes and now wears a white belt with a yellow stripe! She feels promoted - despite the fact you are given a new belt regardless of progress after attending 12 classes. She's proud of herself too!

Stopped by her teacher in the hall on Wednesday. Congratulations for turning around her behaviour in class! She has been listening much better and is challenging herself in class more. Her teacher offered her congratulations to 4 in my presense. Something more to celebrate!

For myself, I have come to the conclusion that the promotion I took in July is more headache than it is worth. I heard about an expansion of my old department this week and went directly to my old boss to ask to be considered. He is thrilled to have me back (whew!). Spoke with my current boss later in the day and advised him of my interest/intent. He wants to have a discussion about my 'career' with me. They all know I have no interest in climbing the corporate ladder, but no one seems to understand my seeming complacency with doing a great job at a moderate level of manamgement. Struggling for competency in a higher paying job is not worth it to me. My kids are only going to be this age once. Why on earth would I want to be half committed to their development due to my job stress?!

Announcement made on Thursday. The company I work for has been sold. Could be an interesting ride!