The 'ol j.o.b.

Daddy Daycare is officially closed and Grace has started her new daycare this week. We opted to go with in-home childcare this time, as we are hoping to cut down on the number of sick germs she picks up at "school".  Also the provider has a two year old girl and three year old boy who Grace is going to LOVE. She adores big kids and I'm hoping she picks up on some of the things they do early...like, umm, potty training. That would be sahhweet. :)

Day 1...things are looking good!

I don't talk about the specifics of my job very often. It's not that it is super secretive or that I don't enjoy it. I just really hate boring people with the details. :) But since I talk about working from home and needing Grace in daycare and the ins and outs of my daily routine, I thought I'd take some time to elaborate.

Grab your coffee, peeps...and I'll try to keep you awake.

I work for a three letter Government agency. Probably the one that gets the most bad rap, but my work really has nothing to do with the specific purpose of the organization. I work on a management team for the travel program that the agency uses. Basically an Expedia-like database that is used by the Government. Every time someone has business travel, they get to log on, make reservations, and estimate their expenses for the trip. Then it goes through a chain of approval before they are authorized to travel. When they return, they use the system to receive a reimbursement for anything they are owed.

No, I am not a travel agent.
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No, I can not find you cheap tickets.
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and No. I do not get a discount when I travel. (Haha...wouldn't that be nice though?)


I get to play around with several different areas of travel. I work with Training. Developing it, whether it be virtual or face-to-face or maybe even just written instruction. Sometimes I teach. My group creates communications that go out to the traveler when system changes or updates occur. We work with the vendor on enhancements that may be needed for our agency and we report on how travel is being used and look for cost savings opportunities. Some of our group handles calls from travelers needing assistance, others focus on more specific functions of the system. I get to do a little bit of everything at times.

One of the perks of my position is the ability to work from home. My counterparts are all over the country, in fact, I've never met any of my teammates face-to-face since starting this job in June 2010. Prior to being married I worked for the company that owns the travel system and I did meet some of the people I work with now, just in the role of a contractor.

I am lucky to have a very supportive boss, who is prior military herself and understands the lifestyle associated with being a military spouse. She has made my transition from Louisiana to Georgia do-able and seamless. When I was hired, I was 6 months pregnant and so afraid of it being an issue. It never was. In fact, I was thrown a virtual baby shower in mid-September, right before Miss G came into our lives 3 weeks early!

First Day of Work - June 2010
Hi Belly! :)

I love working and I love that I am able to provide for my daughter. I can have bad days, busy days, or slow days, but I always feel so lucky to have this opportunity. Do I think twice about being able to stay home and focus solely on raising my family? Absolutely. Often. But for now, this is what is working for us and I'd be silly to give up the ideal environment. Also, I'd have to drastically cut back on my online shopping. ;)

Hope you enjoyed a little look behind the scenes into what goes on during my 9-5 7-3:30. I think this is a perfect segway to introduce everyone to our little office, next. :)

xo,
H