Tuesday

There is a ray of hope on the job front.   I cannot elaborate on it yet, but it sounds like a workable solution at least in the short term.  At least I am not staring directly at the soup line for the moment.  Also, sent my grandson's birthday card out today -- he will get it a day or two late (Sorry about that), but it's sent.  Sadly, the only contact with daughter, SIL and grandson seems to be when I send a birthday or Christmas card.  I think that we are all missing a valuable resource in the relationship that we are not cultivating, but I am lost as to how to make it happen.  There isn't a day goes by that they aren't on my mind.  My hope and prayer is that they are well and happy and that they know that they are loved.

What Next?

"What Next?" is usually a dangerous question to ask, because no sooner do we ask it than we find out the answer -- usually something not too exciting.  Well, I guess I asked the question this week and yesterday the answer began to unfold.  Before leaving for work I had a premonition that I was going to lose my job.  It did not happen -- quite!  However, imagine my mood when I read the email that said that my job will be moving to a site some 75 miles away sometime over the next few months.  Of course, I do have the "opportunity" to "transition" with them, but is that a practical choice?  I have to sit down and do the math on costs etc.  The trouble is that the employer is not providing the answers that we need to make an informed decision, but they want our answer on whether or not to go -- by Monday.  There's supposed to be a rep from the temp agency on site tomorrow, so we shall see what THEY have to say.  According to the unemployment office, if I don't go, it is viewed as a voluntary separation and benefit would be dependent on the outcome of an "investigation."  Again, no clear cut answers!   So the question of the day, like it or not, is "What's next?"  Only time will tell!

Monday Musings

I survived Monday somehow.  Had a very busy weekend.  Took part in AIDS Walk in Midland on Saturday and church twice on Sunday.  That all meant two long drives (totalling about 400 miles).  The rest of Saturday was spent getting ready for Sunday, so there wasn't much down time on the weekend.  I woke up feeling fuzzy and almost panicky this morning which made the first half of the workday a bit weird.  The fog started to lift about halfway through the workday.  Of course, by that time, the fog and panic were replaced by a bit of exhaustion.  Came home where Ben had dinner and a big tall cocktail waiting for me.  Doing laundry this evening and perhaps tomorrow will actually get some of LAST WEEK'S laundry put away.  LOL.  Life is always an adventure here at Happy Acres.

Emotional Ups and Downs

We've been back from vacation only a few days.  We had a wonderful time, doing our best to put the trials and troubles of day to day life out of our minds and to just relax and enjoy each others company.  It was wonderful, but ended way too soon.  We came home on Saturday, spent Sunday resting and doing laundry and stuff, and hit the work merry-go-round on Monday.  By the time we reached Wednesday night, we were both mental basket cases.  Our under-employment situations are no secret to long time readers.  Something has to give if we are to survive.  One or the other or both of us need jobs that use our talents and educations, that fulfill us, and that provide some financial rewards.  That likely means that we will have to re-locate and we are open to that -- the question is "Where?".  The answer to that is dependent on opportunities that may arise.  Of course, the preferences include warmth, some mountains (or at least hills higher than the freeway ramps), and reasonable travel time/distance to both families.  The lack of clarity and answers continues to leave us feeling confused and trapped in our current situation, which coupled with everything else, deepens the depression.  Thankfully, we have each other.  Ben is the bright spot in my life (and rumor has it that I light up his life).  Whatever we do, we will do it together.  I am not posting this to ask for answers, but simply to vent.  Of course, if someone HAS the answer, don't hesitate to send it ASAP.  Maybe God works through blogs too.

The Joy of Vacation Quickly Fades

We had a wonderful trip to Iowa, and the break was great. However, with two days of work under my belt, I am ready to go again.  I came back to a huge backlog of work and am putting in overtime trying to help catch up.  And strange as it seems, the BS at work hasn't gone away.  People are still people and problems are still problems.  We do have three days scheduled off together next month so we will find something to do with it.  Even though time off has a drastic effect on the budget, not taking time off has a worse effect on our emotional well being.  Ah well, life goes on -- and on -- long after the thrill of living is gone.  HEE HEE.

Home Again

Well, everyone, we have returned from a much needed and too short vacation. We visited with Ben's family in Iowa and had the opportunity to visit with friends in Illinois and Iowa. One thing I have never figured out is why people usually come home from vacations as tired as when they left. I truly believe that a one week vacation, while enjoyable, is too short. You spend the first couple of days unwinding from the chaos of routine life and the last couple of days gearing up to get back into it. That leaves four or five days to relax. Now a two week vacation would allow a week and a half to relax and have fun. I vote for more vacation time for most people. Europe seems to have it right -- people get much more "holiday" than we do, they are restricted on how much they can work. But it is wonderful to have been off for a week. Today is unpacking, laundry, groceries, and such. Can't wait for the next vacation break. Pictures may follow soon.

HELLO

I cannot believe it's been three months since I posted anything here. Guess I've been too busy at Facebook -- some of those social networking sites are addictive. It's been a weird summer -the weather has been okay but not great, we've had to put down two pets. finances have been a struggle, and so on. BUT -- we have our health, we have each other, we are both employed, and life goes on. We are heading to Iowa for vacation in a week -- a much needed break. Church stuff continues to both challenge and bless us both. That, in a nutshell, is a quick update. I will try to post a bit more often if I can tear myself away from FB-- hope to see you all there.