Top stories of 2012

Marie Leech

-30- usually marks the end of a story. In this case,  

it marked the end of 125 years of daily newspapers 

in Birmingham. The fact that someone put this in
the paper makes me smile every time I see it. And yes,
I do know that someone!

I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a year go. 2012 sucked. Just plain-old sucked. 

1. We found out in June that Chris' last day at The Birmingham News would be Sept. 29. So he had to go to work with 60 other laid-off folks for THREE MONTHS with them all knowing it was their last days. Morale was awful at work and at home. I hated sending Chris off each day knowing how low everyone felt. But come October 1, things got better. For starters, we had daddy at home every night for dinner (as a page designer, Chris worked nights). That took some getting used too for everyone but we started to feel like a "normal" family by November. Despite still having some talented folks, I say the paper has suffered moving to a three-day-a-week publication schedule. 

2. Being free from the paper has let Chris focus on his other job — one full of fast cars. He's an internationally-known automotive journalist for Autoblog, one of the largest automotive sites on the big ol' Web. And now he has a title — social media manager. So go follow these fine folks on Facebook and Twitter. There is a standing agreement that if he goes the Paris Auto Show, I go to!

3. I stepped way out of my box this year by making and selling stuff at a craft show. And people bought the stuff. Then, I approached a local store with some of the leftovers and people bought the stuff there too. I guess I'll be making more stuff in 2013. Especially since there was a Dremel under the tree.

Sure there are more things I could write about, like a big trip with my side of the family to Oklahoma City to see a cousin get married. But most of the year was spent in daily routines and little things. I dismantled the nursery because it was time. Will was an Indian in the annual school Thanksgiving play. Joseph loved many, many trips to our science museum. Dishes were washed, clothes folded. Here's to the new year. Whether it is filled with big or little moments, it has got to be better!

Feel free to go back in time for 2011 and 2010 highlights. 

Life on hold

We got interesting news on Thursday. Then promptly left for the weekend to try and enjoy some summer time fun with the family on the lake despite the news. Cut and dry — Chris could be laid off and we won't know for a couple of weeks. We try not to talk about it in front of the kids but it seeps into every conversation, the elephant in the room.

I'm still processing the idea that The Birmingham News will only be published three days a week come fall. I think it's stupid. I'm also in denial and angry. Not so much depressed by the idea that Chris might be losing his job. More like waves of panic (Agghhhhhh!!!!!) followed by a detached calm (we'll be fine). Worst roller coaster ride ever. Maybe he won't lose his job. Maybe we'll just be facing a huge pay cut. Both turn our lives upside down.

This is our first time facing layoffs. I know this does not make me unique in today's economy. So many people are in this situation but it's raw for me. It's happening to me and I want to scream. But it's not my first time without money. I've been poor. It's no fun. Counting every penny. Not being able to give your child everything you want to give them. It's no fun at all.

I hate change. Big change especially. Chris leaving the paper would be a big change. My having to go back into the work force would be a big change. Heck, it took me a few years to get used to not having a "real" job. (Not that raising children isn't a real job ... it's a very important job with no vacation, no overtime, no breaks. And certainly the hardest job I will ever have!) So now that I'm this rockin' soccer mom, you mean I might have to switch back?! I'm not opposed to working. We've felt lucky that I have gotten to stay at home with the boys. I throughly expected to go back to work once Joseph started kindergarten. My expectations were to give him the same commitment I gave Will. That's two years of me Joseph wouldn't have.

So these thoughts and many more swirl around my head all day and night. But we can't start doing until we have some facts. Life is on hold ...

then again, there are dishes in the sink and clothes in the dryer. Life does goes on ...

we'll be fine, right?