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Quote of the day:

No matter what our troubles, when the earth turns on its axis one more time and we see what appears to be the sun rising, I feel it's the universe calling for a change in ourselves. You have one more day. Rise with it! Oprah Winfrey

Yesterday I opened the door of my new office. It was time to unpack my boxes of books and hang pictures on the wall. Feeling a bit anxious about the work that awaited me, I must admit I was a bit reluctant even though T. was standing right beside me armed with a fully prepared tool box.

After switching on the light and becoming acquainted with the freshly painted walls of my new digs, I noticed a burgundy colored paper bag sitting in front of the computer screen. Attached to it was a note with "Welcome!" written as clearly as could be. "First things first," I thought to myself, as I opened the bag to find a large college mug, emblem on the side, ready for my first cup of coffee. I could not believe that the Department Chair had taken the trouble to leave me a surprise gift before he headed out for his vacation. Welcoming indeed!

All of a sudden I had all kinds of energy and before we knew it, the office was up and running, posters and pictures all measured, lined up and hanging just right ... just the way T. loves to do things. Books all in rows on the shelf.

Such a small act of kindness, but one that meant so much to me. It reminded me of my first day at my last job when I reached into my mailbox and found a card nestling there welcomely. It had come all the way from England, from a blogger friend who had taken the trouble, unbeknown to me, to find out the address, greet me, and wish me luck first thing, somehow knowing how fearful and excited I truly was.

I switched out the light and closed the door breathing a sigh of relief. "it will be all right," I thought, "Everything will be all right."

Now I cannot wait to return to work. New office, computer, pictures on the wall, books all in rows, and ... a fine new coffee mug waiting right there to welcome me.

Comments

[tamarika]

Hello there, Jean, you dearest, old blogger buddy! Thank you for these good wishes.

Yes, Joy, it was - such a fine welcoming gesture! I appreciated it very much.

Aine Livia, it is the little things indeed. So important.

MaryB,
Yes, in fact, that quote is quite inspirational for me at times. I like how you describe your start to each day. Thank you.

By the way, I want a copy of the book you write about in your blog. Can you e-mail me details so that I can buy one? I keep meaning to stop by your blog to tell you that and then something happens and I don't get to it!!!

[Jean]

What a good start - definitely bodes well! All best wishes for the new job. Your clarity about what you want and moving on in order to get closer to it are inspirational, and your positive energy infectious. Happy, happy new job, Tamar!!!!

[Joy]

It's funny where we find our moments of peace and security, isn't it Tamar? What a nice moment for you. What a nice welcoming gesture....

[MaryB]

My feelings exactly. In this little studio apartment I'm in, the bed is next to one of the windows. I position the blinds so that I can see the sky every morning when I wake up. Just that little act of confirmation starts my morning prayers, which always begin "Thanks for another new day, another chance to try again." (Your post makes me miss teaching, Tamar. Ah, well.)

[ainelivia]

Oh that is so wonderful Tamarike; it is always the little things that matter most, everythings gonna be alright....