The Bipolar Gulp

I’m in recovery from a bipolar week, and Kate’s disorder is not the culprit this time.

“It” is still there, lurking as always on the surface of our lives. But the extreme highs and terrible lows that took place within a few short days pushed even her disorder to the periphery — a rare feat.

The adventure our family has been on for the past year has taken so many twists and turns that I thought I was prepared for anything. But as I sort through a series of events that occurred over a 48-hour period earlier this month, and the potential long-term effects on our family, I have only one (non-profane) word to describe it:

Gulp.

In short order, here’s what happened:

• “Ragtime” received multiple Drama Desk and Tony Award nominations, further validating the artistic success of a show that should still be running on Broadway.

• My magazine was named a finalist for six national education publishing awards, including Periodical of the Year, validating the hard work, dedication, and experience of our staff.

• Ben went to a final callback for a role in “Billy Elliot,” the show that has frustrated and challenged him in so many ways.

• Budget cuts at my office meant two of my staff had to be let go.

• My boss — a longtime friend and one of my career mentors — announced she was leaving in a reorganization that shakes up the top management of the association.

Gulp, indeed.

The purpose of this blog is not to examine or evaluate my professional career. Suffice it to say, my organization has suffered from the same economic smack down as others in the non-profit and for-profit worlds, and next year is not looking much better than the previous two. Sticking our proverbial heads deeper into the sand is not the solution; managing our way through an economic crisis is.

The result: A reorganization of some kind had been promised for some time, and that time is now. From a business standpoint, it's easy to understand why these events occurred.

From an emotional standpoint, things like this are never easy. And reeling is the only way to describe my initial reaction to everything that happened within those two days. From euphoria to sadness, with little to no equilibrium, I can only imagine this is how Kate feels in the course of her daily life, never knowing what’s coming next.

Gulp.