Emotions in Motion

Dear Readers,

Today was a day full of emotions — ups, downs, and all the twists in between. It felt like I lived three days in one, each filled with its own rhythm and meaning.

I woke up feeling refreshed after a loving night spent with Bisa, the kind of rest that settles deep into your bones and leaves you feeling light. This morning was important — one I had been both anticipating and dreading with excitement and nerves alike. I got up early, feeling energized, thankful that I had already showered the night before. I took extra care getting ready — even putting on makeup, which I rarely do unless it’s a special occasion.

My outfit of choice felt perfectly me: a black and white polka dot jumpsuit layered with an emerald green turtleneck bodysuit, paired (of course) with my favorite white tennis shoes. A little polished, a little practical — and entirely Monique.

The reason for all the effort? My interview for the City position of Program Coordinator – Aquatics. It was a big one. Thirty minutes before it started, the nerves hit hard — I was running late, missed my turn, and felt that sinking wave of panic. But once I walked in, everything changed.

The interview went beautifully. Four people greeted me, I handed them my resume, and after some conversation, they gave me a tour of the facility — and I fell in love. The aquatic center was bright, clean, and welcoming, with a lazy river, lap lanes, a deep area, and a children’s zone all under a stunning dome ceiling. The HVAC was actually working (which made me laugh, because sometimes it’s the small victories that matter most). I answered every question with confidence, detail, and heart. When it was over, I couldn’t help but squeal with joy on the phone with my mom.

I’ll find out by Friday — or next Monday — if I got the position.

But the joy was bittersweet. As I was getting ready that morning, I found out that my dad had lost his job — one of the 30,000 laid off from Amazon Games. My heart broke for him. It was hard to celebrate my own moment of happiness while knowing he was feeling so defeated. He has ninety days to find something new, and while I know how capable he is, I could sense his discouragement through the phone.

Reality came crashing back quickly after the interview. I returned to my current job, only to deal with yet another round of issues. The pool I had closed the previous night for chemical imbalance still hadn’t been properly addressed. When I called, the Operations Manager, Hannah, mentioned that the gym’s contracted Pool Manager wanted to speak with me because he didn’t think I’d handled things correctly. She said she’d send me his number — but never did.

At that point, I decided to step away from work for a bit. I called Bisa, and we played Human: Fall Flat, one of those delightfully silly games that makes you forget about everything else for a while. We laughed until our stomachs hurt, especially when I unlocked an achievement for drowning ten times in one level. Even now, it makes me giggle just thinking about it.

When I finally returned to work, I went straight to Hannah to ask for the Pool Manager’s number. Once I spoke with him — his name is Matt — we had a long, honest conversation that lasted about forty minutes. By the end, he realized I wasn’t overreacting and that I knew what I was doing. We even came up with a long-term plan that might finally solve the pool’s issues.

On the way to my other location, the universe threw one last curveball. I had to call 911 because a fire had broken out on the side of the road — unattended and growing fast. So, I did my good deed for the day before heading back to work.

Later, as I was checking in on things, the company owner sent a message to all managers saying there hadn’t been any Google reviews in the last few days. I quickly sent him proof that my location — despite its struggles — had received three new five-star reviews in the last three days. I won’t lie, I did a little happy dance right there on the deck.

And now, here I am — ending my night, hair still a soft copper from yesterday, heart full, mind tired, but spirits high. Today reminded me that emotions aren’t meant to be neatly boxed up. They twist and turn, collide and bloom, and sometimes the only thing we can do is let them carry us through until we find our calm again.

With love,
Monique