Changes ....

Changes are a coming.  Life is full of Change.

Changes in the past couple years have been the loss of my dad and grandmother.  Death is a big change in the family dynamics, relationships and how I think about life and how I plan my life now.

Work changes.  I took off my nanny hat of 20+ years and have successfully transitioned to Household Manager / Personal Assistant.  This is a role I have played over 23 years with all the families I have worked for, but the official transition to stop "nannying" and be full-charge HM/PA was a daunting one.  One I found to be much more difficult than I ever imagined.

So having taken off that nanny hat, I find myself trying to balance it all - nanny relationships/friendships and nanny industry responsibilities.   I often feel disconnected with other nannies now that I am not in the trenches - or playgroups / playgrounds as many of them are.  My charges are 16 and 18 - the oldest graduating later this month and headed off to college.  My role stays the same. Maintain the household and provide the services of HM/PA.

With the changing of the guard - taking off my nanny hat, I've decided to step down from my long-standing position as president of the local nanny group here in DC.  That's not the only reason, but a big one.  It's also time for new blood to come and lead the association.

But I'm not going far.  Never one to sit and relax, unless I'm reading a really good book - I'm heading over to the local chapter of the Domestic Estate Managers Association.  This group came along at the perfect time while I was in transition and I feel a real connection to it and its members.  

I hate change.  It takes me forever to decide on new glasses or a new haircut.  I like things calm and routine.  Every now and then life throws in a few shakes.  I've had some health issues this past year - appendicitis, and 11 days of kidney stone HELL.  I also discovered I have low thyroid.  Nine months of medication adjustments have finally got my levels to where they need to be and the biggest change is a work in progress.  I'm losing weight for the first time in years.  YEARS!!!!   Down 28 pounds and still going strong.   I attribute this to the thyroid meds, eating better, wanting to take care of myself and my own personal trainer - a puppy named Riley!  Our daily walks - from 1-3 hours have made a big difference.  And the change is noticeable.  I look better. I feel better.

So as the changes continue, life continues.  I'm sure there will be more shakes in my life, but I'm ready and able to face them head on.