Iowa

Iowa

Saturday, August 29, 2009

A Wonderful Place to Work

My first week has ended at Phipps.
I think timing is everything in life. Leaving one job, taking another. I left a job that was very rewarding and very difficult. Where life and death decisions were often made, and I am trying not to be overly dramatic here. It wears one down. It takes away the spirit.
I love working at Phipps. Among the plants, flowers and Frabel glass exhibit and Chihuly glass. Children dancing around the flowers, parents smiling, grandparents bringing small children and laughing with them. The excitement and wonder of it all.
It is a peaceful place to work, that is, until the G20 conference! Dinner and a tour will take place at the Conservatory, and the place is buzzing. Secret Service, FBI, delegates from other countries. Exciting for Phipps.
Ava has recovered from her flower feast. I think no more cut flowers for the house, which makes me sad, but I never want to go through that again. Very scary.
The party was a great success. People are still coming to me and telling me what a good time they had. Somewhere between thirty and forty people came. It was a beautiful night and people drifted between the house and the yard. Peg and I danced in the kitchen at midnight cleaning up, laughing...oh yes, and a little too much wine. But it was such fun! And the food was wonderful!
The Steelers lost last Saturday (surprisingly, no one really watched the game). They play again tonight and we will see how they do. I know, pre-season doesn't mean much. I look at the rookie players who get play time and I think how exciting for them..their first time on the field and some have been making excellent plays.
Went to the Pirate game against Philly on Thursday and Pittsburgh won in the eighth inning. Very exciting. The people in front of us were from Philly and one woman had on a Vick shirt. Say what you will, I am sad that he is a part of a team from my state, but glad the Steelers didn't sign him on.
It's been a wonderful week, with a major change for me. It was a difficult decision to leave my other job, I liked the people and the work was challenging, but as my supervisor there said...."you will know when it is time, and the time will be right".
Have a wonderful weekend!

20 comments:

Lori said...

I am so glad to hear about Ava! I was worried when you didn't post, even though you said she was improving. And I am so happy that you found work that is satisfying and doesn't take from your spirit. There comes a time when change is necessary, when you need to listen to your heart. Will we get to see lovely pictures of flowers?

Ben said...

A wise person knows when to leave something that is physically and mentally affecting them. I had to leave the white collar world and wasn't happy until I started renovating old houses. The idea of seeing a finished product and the satisfaction it brings to people is quite a reward. Good choice Mia, and I'm glad the cat feels better.

Cathy said...

Can I leave my parenting job for something less stressful? Your job sounds great Mia, and I don't even know what you do, but working around plants and flowers all day can't be too bad! Glad to hear about Ava. I got lost on my way to the party, so I sat in a parking lot and drank all night.

SassySam said...

Do they have a gift shop?

Bill said...

They do, Sam. Expensive, according to my wife. Preseason games don't count, Mia. Tim should wait till regular season. We don't want to waste his talent. Glad your cat is ok Mia. That was a good series with Philly. And someone would have picked up Vick if Philly hadn't..I thought the Raiders would.

Shelly said...

I am so glad Ava is okay. I was worried about her, and I don't even know her. I look forward to your posts, mia. They are always entertaining and thought provoking. I left my job years ago for my passion...painting. I sell some of it, enough to live, but I am so much happier now than I was in an office setting. Good for you. Be happy.

Twigs said...

I am from north of Philly, and not everyone is happy with Vick being here. I know he is supposed to be a great player, but I am tired of that being an excuse for acting like a fool. I wish Oakland had taken him. I am also glad to hear about Ava, got a little worried when you hadn't posted!

Tigger said...

Your post makes me want to make changes in my life, look at a new job, follow my passion. As soon as I figure out what it is, I'll do that! In the meantime, it is fun reading about yours. From one cat to another, glad Ava is okay.

Allie (cat) said...

I didn't make the party either. It could be because I didn't receive an invitation and didn't know where to go. I am sure it was an oversite, but I'll make the next one, if I am invited. And from another cat, I'm glad Ava is well and bouncing around.

Tim said...

I went to the party, sat under the tree and watched. No one would talk to me. They did keep looking at me. I wore my cheerleading skirt, but didn't have a chance to cheer.

SocialWorker2 said...

Oh, Tim, that is so sad. You keep going to these places and getting noticed in the wrong way. Perhaps you should seek an intervention. But we like you just the way you are, strange as that may be.

Elizabeth said...

Mia, you sound wonderful! How great to find something that you love and incorporate into your work.

Nate said...

I'm glad the cat survived. I know that some plants are poisonous, but I never had a cat, so I don't know what they are. Fast thinking, I'm not sure that I would have thought to call the vet, I would have just thought it was something she ate!

Matt, formerly known as Anonymous2 said...

Love that picture, Mia. that would be something to see in person. Glad you love your job, it sucks if you do something you don't like! I did that in high school. I bussed tables. Hope I never have to do that again!

Jessica said...

I was so pleased to read your post, Mia. Looks like all is good in your world, especially since your cat is better. You job sounds like something you are made for!

Shelly said...

No, I don't have a web site. I have shown in some galleries and have sold there as well as our Art in the Park shows. I have a show coming up in September, and I am working furiously to complete my last work.

Kevin said...

Football, my lounge chair and a beer. Makes me happy.

Kevin's wife said...

A beer? A?

Angela said...

How wonderful to have a talent and make that choice to make it your work, Shelly. I love photography, but am afraid to start selling for fear it will become work. Your job sounds like it is made for you mia. Glad you are doing something that brings you such joy.

ginger said...

Cant wait to see more pictures from Phipps although we should plan to go and see the flowers in their own habitat.

Always knew you loved flowers, Mia, so of course this was the best selection for you and so much more rewarding.

I haven't found my niche yet so I better hurry up as my "pail list" will have to change to a thimble.

Tim, I can't imagine you as being invisible in all the get ups you have worn. Someone saw you at the party, they just won't admit it.