Superstar

I'm finally back in Dallas, as of late last night, and I must say, while I enjoy my breakfast, that I can't wait to get to work today!

I've been buried lately, and I know today is going to be hectic, but I'm walking into the office as a superstar.

My biggest case was in mediation yesterday, and we settled for what we considered to be a VERY favorable number. 

It made me almost physically ill.  On advice of our local attorney there, he and I walked out of the mediation.  Not good, but ordinarily, not something I would worry would cost me my job or anything.  But here, when I walked out, the number proposed by the other side was well within my acceptable range.  It's very scary to walk away from that, even if walking away will likely mean buying the case for an even lower number. 

The thought of telling my boss though that I walked out on a number that was fine with us... aye, aye, aye.  While it's reasonable to assume that the offer would remain on the table for another week or so, it's not guaranteed. 

As we walked out, we decided to grab a bite to eat and then to call the mediator back and see if the other side would split the difference.  Risky move.  But they said yes, and it all paid off!  We bought it for even less than that original acceptable number. 

That means that I'm walking into the office as a superstar today!  Woo-hoo! 

The tough part was being at the mediation and knowing hubby was home from Italy.  I mentioned that at the mediation at one point -- I was there in good faith to settle this case, and I didn't want to be.  Hadn't seen my husband in nearly 3 weeks, but instead of being at home, I was there, negotiating, working hard to reach a deal. 

Whew!  Unfortunately though, I won't have much time to revel in my stardom and get the high 5s that I expect -- I have two other cases that have been on the back burner and are both getting quite hot and need to be addressed.

Oh, I love my job sometimes!!!  I love that I've decided to do something that keeps me thoroughly mentally engaged, but still gives me time to do non-work things that I enjoy.  My first job (big firm) did the former, but not the latter.  My second job (small firm), did the latter, but not the former.  I love that I feel like I've found the right balance.  And I love it when I feel like I've done my job well!