Happy Holidays

What a wonderful time of the year!  It seems like everyone should be happy.  We had part of our family home this past weekend, the other half will be here after Christmas.  Schedules did not coordinate this year, so separate gatherings had to be planned.  We were all together at Thanksgiving and this makes our Christmas last a little longer.
We had so much fun Saturday.  It was one of those times that you did not want to turn in for the night because you knew you would never get those same experiences again.
The day started with everyone arriving and food being prepared.  The kids of course started to play without any hesitation. 
When the meal was over and things cleaned up, we played a grab bag game.  I had taken some new and maybe some older items and put them in separate plain paper bags.  Using Skittles for money and each player having possession of 10 skittles, players would bid on a bag that my husband would hold up.  Unfortunately, some of the players ate their skittles.  The others bid back and forth until one would end up with the precious brown paper bag being offered at that time.  It was a lot of fun and young and old enjoyed it very much.  My son who got a bottle of perfume in his brown paper bag enjoyed spraying it on everyone and everything.  We still have a vapor trail in the party barn!
Then the presents started being open.  In the middle of the opening process, I had a rousing game of musical chairs.  I always buy Yankee Candles for the couples and there is always a tussle about who gets first pick of the different flavors.  So, I had the men play musical chairs first and then the women with the winners getting first pick, the runner up second, and so on.  It makes me chuckle even now remembering how these grown people tried to be the last person sitting.
After all of the presents were opened, the children retired to the basement to watch some Christmas specials while the adults were in the party barn snoozing or filling up on some of the many appetizers that we had at our ready.  There was a football game on the TV and much talking and laughing in the background by those who did not want to watch the game.
Sunday came too soon and families departed for their own homes and their own holiday time.  It doesn't seem that long ago that my children were up in their beds waiting anxiously for Santa to make his flight to our roof top.  I am so blessed to have such wonderful memories.
Tonight is Christmas Eve.  We are heading out for church services soon and to see all of the many Christmas lights that houses and towns everywhere display.  May God be with you and your family now and into the New Year.  May your holidays be the best ever! 

Children

Too much has gone on in my life to explain my absence from this blog, just know that I am never totally away.
Today I would like to address the happenings on Friday the 14th of December, 2012.  One lone man, it doesn't matter if he was in his right mind or not, took it upon himself to destroy twenty-seven other lives.  How does someone get the nerve to take so much away from so many?  How do they then kill themselves to face God to try to explain the whole thing.
At first I felt very sorry for his mother because he blew her face apart, but then I heard that she had felt the uncontrollable need to teach her son to shoot a gun.  Did she even stop to think that this son should not have a gun in his hand anytime at all?  Why would he need to learn to do this?
The FBI are looking for answers to some questions, how about starting with, "Who in this country is learning to shoot who has no business ever knowing this feat?
I am angry!  I am tired of hearing about our precious little ones and our teachers being in danger.  Everytime it is more and worst than the last.  If someone wants to kill themself, why do they think that they have to take loved ones with them?
I know that I have gone on and it all doesn't make a lot of sense, but I just had to get this off my chest.

Jobs - Fantastic Five

Before I write about my last two jobs, I would like to comment at this time that I have dabbled in many other opportunities that are too diverse to give much notice.  I have been a consultant for plastic ware, cosmetics (three different companies), home interior products (two different companies), and have also done catering.  Needless to say, I did not make a fortune on any of these ventures, in fact I usually end up in the hole.
The last two jobs that I have had, I have totally loved.  I was working with the public and being challenged everyday to use my brain power and to complete some very hard tasks.  The trouble I had with these jobs ended up being management.  I am not one to complain about work problems, but it has gotten to the point that I am going to use this forum to help heal from my experiences and maybe put all of this behind me.
I worked as a bank teller for ten years.  The first eight were in a smaller branch and I loved the people that I worked with and the customers that I served.  After eight years I was given a promotion and moved to a new branch, which was a longer distance from my home.  I should have turned this down, stayed where I was, and kept doing what I was doing.  I know my life would have been a lot happier.
My new manager at this new branch, who was a woman and I had a man before, did great for the first nine months that I worked with her.  She was new as a manager and we were all learning together.  The problems started when she started taking credit for ideas and suggestions that I would make.  She then went to lying about things and finally did something so unbanklike that I ended up talking to the higher up administration about it.  Thinking that I was doing the right thing and that what I said would be confidential, I had no qualms about report this activity.  This became my downfall.  I was the one who ended up being the fall guy and everything that I had told the authorities was repeated to my manager.  The last two months that I worked for this bank was spent in agony.  I hated going to work.  I would actually park in an adjoining parking lot and sob because I did not want to go in and face this bitch.  Of course I did and with a smile on my face.  My mother suffered a stroke and I took this opportunity to quit to take care of her.
For three and a half years I took care of my mother.  I enjoyed this time with her, but it didn't pay the bills.
I was given the opportunity to work for a rental company where I became a property manager for over 200 apartments.  I LOVED THIS JOB and I was very good at it, if I must say so myself.  For 14 months I did the best job that I could do, got along with my coworkers, and had the best office in the world.  I was doing a lot of extra work at home to keep caught up, but didn't mind in the least because I LOVED MY JOB!  Unfortunately management did not feel the same about me.  Out of the blue, they told me that I was not working out and they no longer needed my services.  They said they had to down size and since I was the last one hired, I got the boot.  I have to tell you that it sucked the air right out of me, but I went out in style.  I think they wanted to see shock and awe and I showed them grace.  I went over everything that I was working on and left my office in perfect condition, which was a lot different than what I got when I started there.  I had organized the whole office and made many improvements that I am proud of.  I got news from one of my tenants after I left, who got my home phone number off the internet, that she was told that I left the job in such a mess that they couldn't get her new apartment ready.  At this bit of information, I called their attorney and informed him that if there was any more rumors spread like this that I would be taking them to court and I had enough proof to stick it to the company.  I probably should have done it anyway, but that is just not me.  I don't like people who lie and I especially do not like it when it is people in power who do. 
I am back taking care of my mom and enjoying my life.  I run into customers from both of these jobs from time to time and they all tell me how much they miss me and I miss them also.  I miss my coworkers too.  I made many good friends but I am ready for the next chapter of my life.  I would like to write a book or own a shop, but I don't know that either of these would give me the fortunes that I need.  I don't know what will happen, but I know that I will end up on my feet.  I have a husband and a family that love me no matter what and these are things that will never change. 
If you have hung in there for all of this, I tip my hat to you.  Once again, I wish you joy and happiness in your life.

Jobs - Four

During my children's younger years, from time to time I would help at a local nursing home.  My mom and a couple of siblings worked there.  When my siblings would have conflicts with their school activities, I would work for them.  The work wasn't too hard, it mostly involved doing dishes.  I was glad that I didn't have to work full time.
The summer before our youngest started the first grade, while sitting at my husband's softball game, one of the ladies sitting in the stands asked me if I had a job.  When I stated that I did not, she asked me to come to her place of employment and take a test to see if I would qualify to work there.  So, I went in and sure enough I started to work for the local license bureau.  One of the funniest things that ever happened to me there was when a customer came in, and in the middle of me taking his information, he looked at me and asked if I had taken a questioner to work there.  Thinking of the test, I answered "yes".   He said that I could not have answered the questions correctly.  I became alarmed and thought that I was doing something wrong, but he quickly said that when I came to the question that asked if I was a bitch I would have had to answered "NO" and he knew for a fact that they only hired bitches to work in that office.  I thought that it was one of the best compliments that anyone could have given to me.  I only worked in this office for nine months.  Trust me when I said it was like going to a live soap opera everyday.  There was way too much drama for me!
Over the next few years, I worked part time for the local nursing home again and for our local middle school as an aide.  Both of these jobs were very rewarding as I got to work with the elderly and the young.
Believe it or not, I am almost done with my job resume.  I should be able to finish on the next post.  Until then, I pray that all are healthy and enjoying life to the fullest!

Jobs - take 3

Sorry for the absence, I had a terrible cold and today is the first day I feel human.  I think it might have been more than a cold, but we won't know now, will we?
Back to my jobs:- Immediately upon graduating from college, I moved into an apartment in a nearby city.  My job was accountant/receptionist/trouble shooter for a real estate company.  They were also contractors/builders so I had a lot on my plate trying to juggle everything.  I met some very interesting people, one who became a great friend and co-worker, and I had my first run in with a boss who was not what he should have been.  It seems that I run into these in almost every job that I have.  He thought he was a Romeo and even though his wife worked in the same office, tried to put the moves on me.  Thankfully my co-worker was my champion and put him in his place.  My friend told me that if I had any problems to just let him know and he would handle it, and he did!  Thank you Terry!
In the fall of that year, I met my husband.  I went home to attend my brother's high school football game and he happened to sit in front of me.  Little did I know that I was about to enter my best job of my life, wife and mother.  I love you Honey!
After several months of dating, we set the wedding date.  I moved home and started a job in a local town for a big insurance company.  I worked there until my first baby was born.  At that time I became a full time mom and loved every minute.
Next - post baby jobs!  Stay tuned!  Enjoy Life!

Jobs Two

With the beginning of my high school years, I was lucky enough to start working for one of the two family owned restaurants in out home town.  They weren't very big, but they did a good business and served great home cooking.
The first restaurant, The Dinner Bell, was owned by an older couple and treated me like a grand daughter.  We had good times together and I worked for them close to two years.  When they decided that they were going to stop having the diner, they gave my name to the other restaurant in town and they in turn hired me on for the rest of my high school years.  This new couple had a son who was a grade lower than myself in school and we became good friends.
You meet all kinds of people while working in a small town diner.  Most of the customers were people who actually lived in the area.  But every once in awhile, we would get an out of towner and they always gave good tips.  I loved to talk to these people and find out where they were going or what they were doing. 
When I turned sixteen, I took on the next job in my life of girlfriend.  Mom and Dad always made us wait until then to start dating and to this day, I really feel like it is a wise choice.  My children had to wait also and I don't think any of them suffered. 
I had many boyfriends, and some of them I thought that I was in love with.  I didn't know real love until I met my husband, but that is for another posting.
Also at the age of sixteen I became a driver for my brothers and sisters.  My dad passed away before I ever got my license so I had to help with a lot of duties around the house with my younger siblings.  Mom was a mess for awhile, but she brought herself out of her depression and once again became the strong hold of the family.
All too soon, my high school days came to a close and I started my next job as a college student and room mate.  I moved into an all girls' dorm and never before had I know such different trials.  Even though I lived with six sisters, this was an adventure that I was not prepared.  Most of the girls were cut from the same fabric as myself, a couple were on the wild side, and there was one that was extremely strange.  We did a lot of hanging out together, but did make sure that we had enough time to get our studies completed.
Along with my college job, I also joined a sorority and worked for a short time at McDonald's.  Although both of these jobs had nothing in common, they turned out to be very much a like.  Both were fast paced, they both had people who thought that they were more important than they really were, and they both turned out to be something that I never want to do again.
Well, once again I have rambled on for way too long.  I will write more about my next era of jobs on the next posting.  Have a the day that you have!

Jobs

It seems all I do anymore is to look for a job.  I am not sure what is wrong with me, other than my weight and age problem, that I can't get a job ~ but I know that somewhere out there that the perfect job is waiting for me.  I have had several in my life, some good and some not.
My first job that I had was being a daughter to my parents and a sister to my siblings.  We didn't have a lot growing up and it was easy to be good at both.  Our home was filled with children and we were close enough in age that we had to get a long.  The first home that I remember was a two bedroom and I shared that kids' bedroom with six of my brothers and sisters.  Mom, Dad, and another brother were in the other.  There was no running water inside and an out house.  Looking back, it was an outstanding childhood.  Your imagination came into play a lot.
The next job I had was as a student and a friend.  Once again I did great in both categories.  I had the best group of girls in my class.  Every other year I had to be in a split class with the best in the grade below us because of the class sizes.  We got a long with those girls as well.  We were one happy group.  For the most part my teachers were fantastic.  It was a time of wonder and innocence.
During this time I started my first paying job ~ babysitting.  I got paid very little for too many children to watch and too long of hours.  My first babysitting jobs were for fifty cents and hour and I had to split that with one of my brothers or sisters since mom didn't trust us to be by ourselves late at night.  I have so many different stories to tell about those jobs but that is a blog of its own.
We moved when I was getting ready to start high school.  It was extremely hard on all of us, but my dad had to be in a different part of the state for his job.  (I still to this day keep in touch with my best friend from my elementary and I have a daughter named after her.)  Once again I was thrown into other types of jobs, but I will save them for the next posting.  Have a great day!

New Outlook

I can't believe that I can go so long without writing on this blog.  So many times I create the perfect post in my mind, but I am away from my computer.  By the time that I get to sit in front of this thing to write down my thoughts, the ideas have escaped.  My new outlook for this is problem is to carry around a notebook and write down these thoughts.
Another new outlook is to organize my house and to get rid of unwanted and unused items.  I have way too much clutter in my house and I think this also makes my life unorganized.
The last new outlook actually started a few weeks back.  I have a friend who is helping me with my weight loss.  We take turns adding different elements to our weight program.  We started with fifteen minutes of exercise for a week and no potato chips.  The next week she added five more minutes to the workouts.  I got her the next week with no flour (this was an extreme challenge, but I made it and am still trying hard to keep this going).  My friend was not the happiest at the end of this week and she got me with adding more water drinking (I thought I would drown).  This week I added the extreme vowel and arm exercises.  I can't wait to see what she adds to our list.  This new outlook is making me feel better in more ways than just one.  I love having the challenge to see if I can do each new element. 

Memorial Day

It has always been a tradition at our house to observe Memorial Day in some way. When the kids were younger we would pack them up on Friday afternoon and head for a nearby campground. We would be sure to take a long plenty of flags and decorations to make our camp one of the best looking ones in the park.
Then when the kids got into high school and the band, we went to the different Memorial Day parades and listened to the speeches. We would hold the flags proudly and listen with awe at the playing of taps. We went to so many of these that the kids started knowing the speeches by heart.
Then when our last one graduated, we found a new way of celebrating. We decorate our yard with a row of flags - it makes a grand display! We travel to see family, in one state or another and we have a Memorial Day picnic in a park with whomever is available in the family to be with us.
I feel like you don't have to go to a lot of expense to celebrate Memorial Day. I think it could even be done by visiting a nearby cemetery or by thanking a service member for their sacrifice. 
But whatever you do, travel and play safe.  We all need each other around for the next Memorial Day.

It's been awhile!
It has been way too long since I have written in this blog. 
My life this past year was a whirl wind event and I am very glad that it has changed once again.  It is strange that you can think that you have the perfect circumstances in your world and that this is truly what is making you happy, when all of a sudden everything is turned upside down and it was none of your doing.  At first things seem unbelieveable and you are sure that nothing will be right again.  And by a snap of your fingers, you take a deep breath and find out that things may be different, but that it is okay and actually may be even better.
Don't be afraid to try new things.  Make everyday count far more than you think that it possible can.  Stop and give thanks for every little thing that you have.   Smile at someone!  It may be the only one they get for the day but don't let it be the only one you give away.