At last...

Does a good outlook lead to good fortune, or is it the other way around? I don't know, but either way, this has been the best week I've had in months.

- In the spirit of following my bliss this year, I have acquired a sewing machine in order to make good on my long-standing desire to learn how to sew. I originally purchased a fairly simple Kenmore from Sears: it's small, it's cute, it's shiny and new. Perfect, right? But my stepmom, who's an expert seamstress, insisted on sending me one of hers, which arrived the day before yesterday. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this-- a Viking 6460, which I'm certain is at least as old as I am. The machine pictured on this page (second from the bottom) must have never been used, because mine looks like it's sewn through Hell and back-- it's yellowed and dusty, the stickers are wearing off and the knobs have no labels. Honestly, I'm too intimidated to actually plug it in and make sure it works properly. But hey, free is a great price for a sewing machine, and if I can learn on this one, I'll be ready for anything. Bring it on!

- My mother called me on Wednesday to tell me that my grandmother has spontaneously decided to give all of her grandkids $1,000. I'm still kind of stunned by her generosity, not to mention the serendipitous timing. I haven't accepted any kind of financial support from anyone in my family for several years, but seeing as it's a family-wide gift and I'm still working part-time for what amounts to a handful of beans, it absolutely could not be coming at a better time. I can't describe the relief it will be to help me cover my bills until I'm promoted, which brings us to...

- ...the news my manager gave me yesterday, which is that he's given his two weeks notice to move on and because of this, has recommended me for immediate promotion to Asst Manager so that I and the current Asst Manager could share the duty until a replacement is found for him. I've really enjoyed working for him and will be truly sad to see him go, but hopefully this means that I'll be promoted within the next couple weeks and this months-long waiting game will finally be over. He hasn't yet gotten a confirmation for my promotion from the regional manager, so this is still up in the air, but the gears are at least in motion. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

- The gift money I'm getting is going strictly to bills, but I did allow myself one exception: a much-needed new digital camera. I'll be brightening up my posts with a lot more pictures once it comes in.

Here's to hoping the good fortune keeps coming!