December 27, 2008
Good to hear from you.
Charles
worked Christmas but we went early and I had Christmas dinner with him,
talked to a few locals, etc. The food on the buffet was horrible until
Charles was on the clock and he promptly fixed it. He has excellent
instincts in cooking which is so much fun for me. Finally a man who
really can cook! He worked until midnite and then when he came home we
visited as usual, and so forth. It was just another day...
I
like Charlottesville and all the places to go in Virginia. I miss it.
The woman who has a shop in Williamsburg is so anxious to have me there,
but the problem we are having is finding a place that fills all our
needs. She has a neighbor who has acreage in Matthews County, almost
twenty acres, with a barn, well, etc. but no house. He wants $125,000 for it
and it sounds like it would be perfect. I'd want to see it first. It
would be within a half hour to Williamsburg. She says I can make
$150/200 a day grooming easily. Charles will probably cook and not
manage. We also found a great place in Missouri but the location is a
little out of the way. I am just biding time until the loan funds.
Charles says we're leaving even if it doesn't. We would then list the
property and wait it out.
Some neighbors dropped by today and I told them some things that I would sell them and they are also interested in the sheep. They said "sold!". That was good...we have only nine horses now after the one I gave as a Christmas present is delivered to CA in February. That is much more do-able.
Sounds like your Christmas was really great. I hope to have a little more spirit next year. We didn't give gifts to each other because we are not able to do it financially as yet. But we gave Charles father a collectible rodeo silver belt buckle and his brother an antique sword from Japan that is about 200 years old. They were speechless.
So about relocation, we are not sure where yet, because I want to have the money in hand before I get my hopes up about anyplace. So its just at the serious idea phase. We will however, be travelling with three horses and I have lined up places for them along our trek. No one here wants to board a stallion, and I can't blame them as no one is set up for such a magnificent horse. No one wants the responsibility. Sabian is a gentleman while travelling though. He keeps his manners up for company. I'd rather have our most special horses with us at all times anyway...the rest will be okay.
So tell me about your little side trip to Charlottesville and share photos if you can. I really miss Virginia and all the sightseeing I did while there. Remember our trip at night to Washington DC? That was fun.
I love you very much too, and I only wish the best for you and yours. I think often how proud I am of you and what a fine woman you have grown to be. I wouldn't want it any other way. Looking forward to hearing from you again...
Some neighbors dropped by today and I told them some things that I would sell them and they are also interested in the sheep. They said "sold!". That was good...we have only nine horses now after the one I gave as a Christmas present is delivered to CA in February. That is much more do-able.
Sounds like your Christmas was really great. I hope to have a little more spirit next year. We didn't give gifts to each other because we are not able to do it financially as yet. But we gave Charles father a collectible rodeo silver belt buckle and his brother an antique sword from Japan that is about 200 years old. They were speechless.
So about relocation, we are not sure where yet, because I want to have the money in hand before I get my hopes up about anyplace. So its just at the serious idea phase. We will however, be travelling with three horses and I have lined up places for them along our trek. No one here wants to board a stallion, and I can't blame them as no one is set up for such a magnificent horse. No one wants the responsibility. Sabian is a gentleman while travelling though. He keeps his manners up for company. I'd rather have our most special horses with us at all times anyway...the rest will be okay.
So tell me about your little side trip to Charlottesville and share photos if you can. I really miss Virginia and all the sightseeing I did while there. Remember our trip at night to Washington DC? That was fun.
I love you very much too, and I only wish the best for you and yours. I think often how proud I am of you and what a fine woman you have grown to be. I wouldn't want it any other way. Looking forward to hearing from you again...
January 1, 2009
We did not go to Charlottesville....
Instead
I rejoined my local gym. The kids did seem to motivated to jump in the
car and drive 2 hours.... Brandon really wanted to hang with his friends
and I was just tired! So, My father in law and Jon encouraged me to go
back to the gym. I had a great time and saw a lot of friends. It lifted
my "cabin fever" spirits...
I am so happy that
I will never have to consider moving again. Because we had moved so
much - I often can not help myself to be curious about houses that come
up for sale/rent.... perhaps not so much as I have been in the past.
But, what I mean is that when I see a house for rent - my eyes wander, I
will often wonder about the house's layout and room arrangement is like.
I suppose all those years at viewing model homes has done something to
my brain - HA...
I thought everyone thought this. Anyhow like I said I
do not wish to move I am just always
curious. I still own the lots in Front Royal. I also bought a lot next
to it a few years ago. Jon surveyed and subdivided the lots into two
lots and we got 2 perk sites, a 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom site. We are
just sitting on it for now. The real estate market is overpriced and
people are struggling with high interest mortgages, most everyone
overspent the supposed value they had in their homes. My sister in law
works for a local attorney and they are busy with refi's and situations
with lenders where it's either foreclosure's or other arrangements. The
subdivision has greatly matured, a lot of builders were going in and
building nice subdivisions/additions to the area. I think it will be a
nice nest egg for us.
I have given up trying
to understand why people like yourself never stay put! But, rather then
trying to understand, I just accept it. I admit I warned you that I did
not want you knocking on my front door,
surprise! But, you moving to Virginia, sort of feels that way.... This
state is surely big enough that I don't have to feel that way, you're
not a monster... please do not take it that way. I just am unsure what
your expectations are and I really do not want any more heartache
regarding any displaced emotions.
I look on
Ebay often for places to stay via lodging.... I go under real estate and
type Virginia. I saw this listing, not sure if you would be interested.
Thought I would pass it your way - not impling that you move to
Virginia, just sharing.
Anyhow, have fun searching...
February 1, 2009
Yeah that's Mackenzie Astin. I had a crush on him when I was 12-13.
That was a fun experience. Thanks for letting me have that memory; not
many can say that.
Who did you have a crush on when you were a teen? Where are they now?
How are things going with you location search?
I
have an interview next week at the hospital! I put two applications in.
One for the gravy job nearby me and one for the hospital, which is
close too. Those two jobs have been the only two jobs of interest to me
so far. I did see something else in a local paper but, I think I will
wait to see how things go next week before I apply anywhere else.
The weather here has been wonderful. Yet starting last night it's been raining a lot.
Brandon
has a girlfriend. He has always had girlfriends but, I am waiting for
the one that he is sincere with - to appear into our
lives on a more regular base. I have taken him on trips to the malls
with a few other teens and he's hung out in groups with his friends and
girls. It's been interesting to see things evolve. He has many friends
that he has been tight with since Kindergarten. We live in a small town
where everyone pretty much knows everyone. I know his girlfriends
family, her mom was a part time realtor (when everyone was) and we
listed our house with her. She was unable to sell it : ( then we listed
it with a more experienced realtor and he sold it to the first family
that came to look at it. I was sad for her, but she moved on. Our house
was the first listing for her and it made her feel good then sad. But,
we had to move on. She is very nice and her sister is a friend too. His
girlfriend has liked him since kindergarten! So, I feel this to be more
meaningful, I've spoken to her on the phone and talked with her and her
older sister at the school when I sub. It's very important for me to
know the other kids values at school. Brandon is popular and gets
along with everyone he meets. He is very secure in being himself.
Sometimes that has it's trials. He is not a sheep, and public school in
general is a hard place to be different, but things have evolved
greatly. High School is a very social democracy in itself. I do think it
helps for me to be there. I subbed in his english class and we both
enjoyed it. It was a great experience. I am so proud of him.
Thomas
is just plain sweet. He has had a very close friend since preschool.
They have playdates often. They have never been in the same class
together : ( They call each other every year to see. Thomas has been in
the same class 2X with another little boy. I know their parents and they
are nice people. I don't care for the little boy that much. He is
indifferent to adults and I expect a bit of repor with my kids friends. I
wanted to say it was because he is shy and it may be. He
is a bit introverted but, he has no trouble taking Thomas' things.. so,
Thomas has had to build some new skills so that he is able to
communicate and speak up for himself without my direct involvement. The
friendship has tested Thomas' values and self esteem. Which is normal
and good in many ways. I guess this kid is a bit sneaky and tells long
tales. He threatens Thomas with the " I won't be your friend thing all
the time"...LOL. This friend is also very religious and gave Thomas a
hard time because he saw the Golden Compass and Thomas was getting
challenged by some views from his class mates in regards to seeing the
movie or not. His teacher even told the class that it was a bad movie.
No one had even seen it yet! So, it really tested Thomas at a young age
to be able to hear a variety of opinions, yet rise above to make the one
best suited for yourself, not because of peer presure. This is a
quality he is still working on. Brandon has had no trouble with that!
Brandon has a Science teacher that is an Atheist and he is a very much
liked teacher at high School. It's great to have that diversity.
Thomas did
however meet a new kid in school this year ( they moved here this year)
and I called his mom yesterday to invite this little boy over next
weekend for a play date. I went on a field trip last month to chaperone
and this boy was placed in my group and the other friend was not. I got
to see how he and Thomas related and they had a lot in common, so I
think it's worth investing in.
I don't ever tell my children
who to be friends with - I have found that not to work, i just do not
go out of my way to engage the situation away from school. It happened
to Brandon ( the mom told me she did not want Brandon to hang with her
child!) It was in 3rd grade and we all remember how painful that was.
They are still friends and her son is a jock and very sports oriented - I
am still unsure as to why she did
not let the friendship to run it's course other then brandon encouraged
her son to goof off in class and that's how she came to her decision -
that's what she told me, it was not major and it was understood - but it
did hurt none the less. I do try to encourage my kids to really take a
look at the benefits of any friendship. I suppose that was what she did.
I don't want my kids to be hanging with the druggies or dumb kids
because my kids are not dumb or into drugs. But, I just want them to be
safe. Parents are also a concern. Without the right supervision....
sometimes that's not the only factor....but, things can happen that
would not have happened.
All of our kids parents have been
married families. I am starting to see a few of single or divorced
parents with Brandon's friends. It does change things for me. I have
found the single parents not to be so strict. The ones that are married
have values that are similar to my own. I
tend to be a bit ,more protective when he visits homes with only one
parental figure. And when Brandon comes back from a visit from a friend
where there is one parent I do hear of a bit lax on the
supervision/values. So, I don't forbid it but I am watching.
Anyhow,
We got an aquarium and we are making it a salt tank... It's 46 gallons
and we are investing in it slowly. It is very costly! We do not have
fish yet! The tank is up and running and we have to buy a few things
every month.
Someday I would like to have some
birds, maybe a bird atrium. That way I could have chickens and a
parrot. We have plenty of room for many type of animals, land wise. I
just do not like the upkeep or responsiblity of it at all. Fish are good
for us right now. We are taking it on as a family hobby. The kids are
all very excited by that, they feel a great deal of ownership in it.
Brandon
had always wanted a horse, One
of his good friends has always had horses so, he was able to experience
that when he felt that urge, without all the maintenace of it. He also
rode at camp where they had horses. He got it out of his system. It's
all about skateboards and girls now! We did have chickens when he was
about 3-4 and he loved that. His other best friend had sheep for 4-H
till they ate them! and he got to see that. No one here fishes, yet we
live in a fishy area.
We love and spoil our Ms. Molly Boston Terrier. She is very important to us. She's the best dog I could ever have.
I hope I have shared with you a little bit more about my family. Have a great day!
I wrote:
I was curious the other day about "whatever happened to Mackenzie Astin"
and thought you might like to share that memory again. It was a
lot of fun for me to set that up. I had a crush on Micky Dolenz of the
Monkees. He was goofy and carefree and made me laugh. I had scrapbooks
of him and got to go to their concert in San Francisco when I was in 6th
grade. I was speechless. My mom drove me by his house in the Hollywood
Hills later on and I was so scared he'd appear. He ended up just being a
dad to his family and fell out of the limelite. I also had a crush on a
radio celeb, Tom Campbell for many years. When I turned 18 we had a
relationship that ended up lasting for many many years. He even met you
when you were four. In 1996 or so we had an interesting conversation on
the phone that was pretty emotional. He had remarried and had three
kids. I was pretty upset with him, but he was understanding and I never
talked to him again. He is now in his mid sixties and still in
broadcasting. I contributed to his bio on a website. It was all good,
but I still have a grudge about how he led me on for so
long.
Good for you with the interview!!! I have no doubt that you will land the one you want.
We
had snow the other day. I took pics and will send you some when I
download them. The weather today is in the low 70s and clear blue skies.
I am airing out the trailer and let all the cats out. Airing out
everything I can since it had been shut up for so long.
Fish are a
great family hobby. Remember the huge aquariums we had? The salt ones
are beautiful, but costly to maintain and a heartbreak when they fail.
We had one that was over 100 gallons, but could only have certain fish
together, as you probably have found out. When we are happy where we
live, we will probably set one up too. I love the serenity of fish...
The
relocation is at a standstill right now. There are places I really like
(I will send photos to you) but we have to get the terms on a loan that
we like and can live with. Or we will just sell. But either way, we
will NOT be here another
summer or winter. The hay prices are stupid and we need grazing. It is a
very low price, but we can get $150k out of this place pretty quick,
and since we want to pay cash or a large down for the next place, we are
limited.
Very good to hear from you, continue to just chat and
everything else will flow. we did some hand clearing of cactus
yesterday, then had a bonfire in our fire ring last night. It was pretty
with the black sky and loaded with stars.
Talk to you soon!!
January 15, 2009
I thought it was Micky but, I was unsure which Monkee.
Yes, I remember Tom Campbell - you said he was very friendly with the public sounds like he had boundary issues with fans.
We had some snow today too....but it melter after a few hours. The weather has been nice.
Yes,
I do remember the fish. In Sebastapol we had salt water. We just have
the tank going and we are starting slow. I have been testing the water
and just seeing it through. So, far everyone has participated. It seems
to be a good hobby.
I am sorry things are at a
standstill. I suppose something will eventually turn up for you. It's
hard though. I think things are definitely heading towards a recession. I
told my father in law that if I start replacing my hot coffee for hot
water to save me! ( something you had told me a family member? did
during the depression).
I am glad we don't have
to watch the looming forcasts about it on TV. Without the information/details it seems like it's comming. I am so glad not to be owning a business right now. Very Thankful for that!
I
went on my interview today and I have mixed feelings. I felt uneasy
about the way they presented the opportunity. The plan for the
job/facility is not going to depend on the hospital entirely- because
the hospital is non-profit. The facility is for profit and therefore
poses some risks and they are unsure if the concept can keep there
plans/goals with the recession in our future. They will be looking at it
yearly to see how it goes.... So this does concern me. It sounds like a
neat adventure but, a big risk if things don't work, plus would they
lay alot of the blame on me as a Director? I dunno.... I don't like
having just some control but the possibility of being a scape-goat
either.
The other
thing that really upset me - Is that here locally I can't get away from
being the former Coffee Shop owner..... Sometimes it's good but in this
instance it was a complete frustration. One on the interviewers asked
me why I sold the shop.... Understandable question but, it was asked as
if I was retarded to let something like that go. I really did not want
to have to go there and from there on I was pretty much off track. I
have over ten years in the medical field including 8 years of it with
the hospital and I brought in 3 reference letters written by my past
employers (doctors) and they did not even ask me a medical question!
I
guess I need to sleep on all this.... I am not even sure if they will
offer me the job, I have to question if I even would want it.
This is why I went to work out of the area before.... I feel like the Fonz from Happy Days and no one will hire me to be there Nanny.... because I am type casted.
This is why I went to work out of the area before.... I feel like the Fonz from Happy Days and no one will hire me to be there Nanny.... because I am type casted.
I am applying for a few other jobs but, there are few jobs that I like.
I
am sorry if I sound so cranky, I just wanted to focus away from the
shop. I have not owned it for over 2 years - 3 in April. To this day
people still place me there, it's if I have no other skills/interests.
Oh
well, like I said I will be better later, it's just my reflection of
some pain I have in selling it.... I have no regrests but, it was super
hard to do and I just want to move on.
Hey!!! It sounds like you STILL might get the position...so don't give
up. Maybe send the interviewers Thank You cards. Being third choice may
actually be a good thing. Because you are lacking in experience, they
would be more apt to help you fit into the position and mold you to do
it "their way", whereas the other women would have to break old habits
and might be a little bossy in the longrun. Your locality is a HUGE
PLUS! You should feel good that you are atleast one of the choices!!!
Maybe you should consider online classes towards an MBA. You can also
get grants for that. Did you specifically state your salary request? I
am sure that is attractive to them, and they can give you a good raise
once you prove that you are the person for the position. I did that to
get several positions I was not "educationally" qualified for, case in
point, McDonnell Douglas Aircraft hiring me as an electrical
engineer...go figure! But I got the
largest raise in corporate history after my first year. I went from
$460 a week to $980 a week in 1986. But the real reason nearly everyone
got huge raises was because they were trying to look good to sell to
Boeing! And then they worked everyone to death...with no overtime,
essentially. Corporate games...sigh. Regardless, we are VERY VERY proud
of you!!!
Charles went in at 5 am to learn the books that a
General Manager must know. He already is very proficient, but his GM
(who used to WORK for Charles as a cook) instructed him this morning.
The GM has already given Charles the green light as recommended for the
position. On the 19th of Feb there will be the VPs of both T/A and Petro
(which is part of T/A anyways), and 11 Field Managers and others will
be at Charles location as part of an instructional tour about Kitchen
Managers and how they benefit the company by controlling food costs and
back-of the house labor. Charles is top notch in that
field, and was the past Kitchen Manager anyways. So in a long answer to
your question, the prospects are extremely promising!! We are both very
happy anyways, and even if Charles does not get the position of GM, he
will get the position of KM in Spokane, and then go after GM eventually.
So the chance that we are going to Spokane are excellent. Hopefully
there will be less snow.
I am trading one of my horse-youngsters
for an F-1 (first generation domestic) Safari cat. It is an exotic
created by breeding a Geoffreys Cat to a Bengal or Ocicat (domestic). We
are getting a female and will be concentrating on breeding her. Kittens
sell for $10-12,000. Charles and I both love cats anyways and he is
excited about building an indoor/outdoor enclosure for her. We have been
dying to get into exotic cats and we are trading a beautiful filly for
the kitten which will be born in the fall of this year. We are actively
reducing our herd which will reduce our hay
bill (Thank GOD) and concentrating on smaller animals which eat less! A
good choice. We will keep possibly just four-ish as the core herd,
which we can even afford to board out if we need to so we can do other
things, ie vacations! Another animal I have taken a fancy to is wildly
colored Chameleons. Charles does not dissuade this as it is in the
smaller scope of things. My dogs basically are little now and I plan to
get back into dog showing and have a pair of show quality Bichon Frises
on "layaway".
I finally have a really neat father-in-law. He is a
retired MP/Ranger/County Sheriff officer. Very tough nut to crack but
we all have a good understanding. Today he gave Charles another gun from
his collection. Why not????? LOL. Everyone needs an arsenal. How many
guns do you have??? (you know I'm being silly here...) Guns are what
Charles grew up around as his father is a top notch marksman as is
Charles. He is finally achieving his dream
of having his fathers guns. He very much cherishes gifts from his
father, and he treats them with such reverence. Charles' father actually
looks foreward to us coming by!! Now that may seem strange to you, but
this is a new thing for me and I am enjoying the heck out of it! Now
mind you, I am older than Charles' father (ROFLOL) but a few months, but
he is really cool and Charles is enjoying a greater relationship with
him than ever. Charles' little brother, Joe is 18 and is just about the
best eighteen year old you'd ever know. Charles is just so tickled at
how his life is...as am I. We both deserve it!! You know how it is to
have supportive relatives of your husbands, well, now I finally have it
too!! Charles' other brother (who is odd) will be an ordained Roman
Catholic priest in Phoenix in June. Funny thing is, though when I met
him, he seemed to be awfully gay. ROFLMAO. Charles then said, after I
told him of my feelings "...oh.
So maybe that's what his problem is." Sorry, I just thought it was
funny.
So how is Jon doing? I am so glad that he continued as a
surveyor. Remember when we discussed him going after that career? Let me
know how everyone is!!
Well, we are having a snack attack and
want to go to Carls Jr. and get hamburgers!! And then watch Alfred
Hitchcocks' Vertigo tonight. Hope all is well with everyone. Happy
(almost) birthday! Charles has three brothers and sisters born in April
(3rd, 6th and 13th). April is a great month. Charles birthday is March
1st. Liz's birthday is March 3rd.
<<hugs>>
Mommie
Hey there! I have been waiting to write anything, in hopes that I
would get a job and have great news to share! But, I didn't so I just
pasted the whole story below...
How is your plan going? I like both Washington and Oregon. Washington more for obvious reasons...
The administrator just called me.... and they offered the position to
someone who had much more experience but, they did not want to share it
with me yet because the person has yet to accept the offer. This
explains the wait....
She was very kind and stated that I was the "third" choice out of 20 (
that felt sort of good and sort of crappy?) Anyhow, she said they
wanted to go with me because of my strong personality and positive
spirit. Plus the fact that I had such a great local tie here was
important but, not enough...... In addition comparatively I
lacked the education in the specific field that these other ladies
had.... Masters in communications/ marketing...etc...
So I was the low end of the education spectrum... I knew that but, I was considered to be the best "local" choice.
She said the others had specific experience working in a health
medical spa ( this is what the job is for) the only negative part for
them is that the person is not local and the two other ladies live a
good distance out of the area. This seemed to be a difficult decision
based on where the person was from......Plus She said she was unsure if
they could match the other women's needs - speaking in money - I
dunno... she was not specific. They are still waiting to hear from her,
so she laughed at me waiting because they are doing the same....LOL!
But she did give me some hope that the other two may not take the job and who knows???
That was the craziest thing to hear .... a little disheartening to
hear that I may get a job after being third choice? I thanked her for
her honesty.
I also thanked her for finally letting me know - so, I could move on
in my job pursuit and that I would not hold on to any chance that I
would get the job by default. * head tilt*
I did however ask her for advice.... Will there be any other openings
that I could qualify for? She agreed that there was very little locally
to apply for. I said that I would be willing to start somewhere and
that from the interview, I realized I was a bit rusty and needed to get
my foot back in the door there. She agreed and stated that they would
post some additional jobs that would be posted next week...( hmmmm more
like next month! LOL) and I could look into those. I agreed and thanked
her and told her to keep in touch if there was any possibilities for me
to not hesitate in calling.
*sigh*..... so here I go again...
Yeah I plan on sending a thank you card to them.... It's funny my mother in law said the same thing.
I know being third was pretty cool and yet crappy.... I have thought
about going back to school. But I am not ready for the commitment right
now. My best friend has gone back to school and it's hard. I tried to go
back and went to Lord Fairfax for a semester I took Biology and a
lab.... I don't know what I was thinking! I was working full time and
taking care of Brandon and being a girlfriend to Jon. I was over loaded
and quit.
The desire is there - I just have some priorities to work out. If I
went back to work for Valley Health they would pay for my schooling....
I always knew that there was some funny story about you working at
McDonnell Douglas.. I remember you saying something about the verifying
your education from San Francisco and you did not complete or attend
your degree there?
I don't have my GED but, I can not prove I don't or I do.... I am in a
loop hole.
Whenever most jobs qualify me they either assume by the
reason I have transcripts from Bryman or once an employer called them
and Bryman has signed off on it with out proof of my GED because they do
not have my records any more.... the school has been purchased and the
records were stored in either two vaults and it was a mess... so they
made a statement to my employer that I had to have graduated or received
my GED because they would not have let me graduate from Bryman....
loophole.
I never requested a certain income.... I said open.
I am exhausted and I will write more later...
I hope everything works out well for you guys.... Spokane is pretty cool! Never been there but, I like Washington....
Cool about the cat. Maybe we would get a kitten from you for Thomas,
when ever you have them? Maybe not though. I just reread how expensive
they are and we would let it roam around... we could not keep it cooped
up inside as a house cat. He are planning on letting him get a cat next
X-mas. He still wants one.
I got the picture's about Chameleons - they were very interesting... boy you are all over the place.... chill out!
Going to bed.... talk to you soon.
I haven't written much... we had a few days where the computer was giving us a problem... ad ware and such. Jon brought the computer in to work. All seems to be well.
We will probably need to get a new computer this year. With everyone
using it so much... we all have our own needs for it and it is getting
bogged down with downloads and the memory is tight. Everybody has been
needing to delete files to stay afloat.
I have a job interview... I don't want to talk about it much... I
feel I could possibly jinx it and I just need to stay at peace and just
interview for it.... need the practice. I will give you more details
later.... hopefully lots of good stuff.... I honestly do not know to
much about it. It is farther from home and that is a big negative for
me. But, their could be some positives... I wll share later after I
confirm.
Your lambs are neat! How are they doing? Jon said something once
about getting some lambs, but I think we will stick with the fish for
now...HA! Maybe chickens down the road. We do have to worry about the
garden and pumpkins here with spring arriving soon... I wonder how I
will do it all if and when I return to working? So much to do, something
will have to give.
I gotta go and take the recycling to the dump... and get some
coffee.... I am telling everyone about McDonald's Coffee... I LOVE it - I
am so addicted to it... have you tried it?
Well
I went on a job interview at Lord Fairfax today to teach a core course
for the Nursing program. The course was for Phlebotomy actually two
courses that interchange every semester. I was unsure about the hours
and days and I found it difficult to get any information before the
interview. I was thinking that there was a story....
A surgical tech staff/teacher is currently teaching the class but, I
think when they started the class someone else was teaching it... but
they are not giving any details... I suppose it's unimportant but, I was
just wanting to know.
The interview went very well I sat with the Nursing coordinator and
the dean of nursing - Both very nice ladies. My lack of a
higher education or bryman degree was acceptable for this course along
with my experience.... I had emailed them this info earlier to make sure
it was OK before I applied/interviewed.
The class consists of 5 hours a week... that's it! I believe it is
flexible to when that would be.... but, how do I fit it in when I really
need a full time job. It could possibly get in the way of scheduling a
regular full time job....
Right now the class is being taught between 5pm and 10pm.... I hate
driving at night - it's such a sacrifice - if it offered more "meat"
like benefits... but it doesn't. I was hoping for a more full time
status.... I suppose I will decide soon...what to do..
Lot's of other stuff about crazy stuff with the adoption stuff - but I
actually have found some solutions and have some meetings arranged in
the upcoming month to see that through... although that has to sit on
the back burner for a while.....need work - money!
Too bad the lambs are boys....
I would be getting a bit anxious about every thing with the
transfer... looks like you are accumulating lots of animals... that
makes moving more complicated.
When will you know, who will tend the garden? You will stay till? I
am about to hyper-ventilate when I consider the complexities of working
again and how much I will miss things here at home....arranging the
garden and then leaving it... gardens need a lot of attention - so does
my family...
I am not sure about the cat. I am sure Thomas would be real proud to
own such a rare kitty. but, we live here in the country and it would be
hard to contain it for us. We will see. I will definitly pass on a male -
if they are smelly - LOL. Not even neutering helps?
I have got to help put the kiddo's to bed and pick Brandon up at a Basketball game... talk again soon...
I just read about the earthquake out your way... Everyone OK?
I have not had the motivation to reply lately.... not much news to report.
I will write more when I have the "sit down" time to really share....
I do want you to know that I love you very much. I will write later......Thanks for your support ; ) just saw how you are posting replies on my public posts.... hmmmm
I guess it's OK... I dunno. Your posts are positive and I am learning a bit about you.
The post about Coffee.... I recall you saying you have fybrocystic
breasts? A friend of mine went through this and it caused her so much
grief every time she had a breast exam. At first we though the worst.
Another friend of mine who is a surgeon in town lost his wife to breast
ca. Many local women see him when they have lumps - he has researched
the heck out of it, loosing his young wife (she was also a doctor) to
breast cancer. He has since remarried and she and he have 2 children on
top of his other two from the previous marriage. Anyhow, we have talked
at length about coffee and other diets relating to it.
Diet is everything. It's true about the caffeine in coffee but, this
is an increased risk factor (and not the only reason) for those who
drink more then 4 cups a day, consistently. Did you drink excessively?
Starbucks coffee has a darker roast yes, but more caffeine - not
necessarily. It's the espresso (or the bean - being Robusta drip coffee)
it's the shots per cup that increases the risk- with many coffee
drinkers getting quad shots and doubling up on their daily coffee habits
thus producing a double amount of caffeine times more daily - 2 quad
shot mocha's twice a day is equal to 8 cups of drip Arabica coffee. It
was found that 2 shots of espresso in a 16oz latte was equal to a the
same as drip coffee. The Arabica beans are darker and
tannin better quality -resulting in less caffeine. A recent coffee study
showed that the cheaper coffee's ( mostly known as a Robusta
bean) found at truck stops, 7-11, etc (lower grade) were higher in
caffeine ( about twice as higher) and poor quality in tannin thus
showing an increase in more acidic health related conditions like
inflammation and intestinal issues, cancers etc - if you consumed more
then 4 cups- again an average. Most studies do not clarify where the
drinker consumes his/her coffee... but albeit that the point is the
amount not the supplier. I would not avoid Starbucks avoid Robusta
beans- just drink decaf in small amounts.... the decaf has small traces
of caffeine but it also depends on the process of decaffination that
is used, either chemically or the swiss water method that takes away
most traces of caffeine. This process is more expensive and it is not
the common method of any coffee shop I know... it's the stuff you have
to order for a few bucks more... I never carried it. Decaf coffee was
not a big seller for
me at all.
If anything could be a bigger threat it would be Alcohol.
Alcohol actually has proven a larger risk with fibro-adenomas - or
fluid filled cysts- more painful too and some breast cancers. Two or
more alcoholic beverages a day, over a longer time period can increase
your risk like 50%. There is many benefits to drinking certain products
such as red wine or dark beer in moderation- but a defiiate increase to
those who are more susceptable. Obviously you have been treated so the
risk is there.
I drink a large cup of coffee every other day. I used to drink 2 cups a day, when I was at the shop.
I also love tea, I do not drink soda, maybe a coke twice a year or so...
I have tried to drink red wine. But, I can't do it, I am not a wine
snob, coffee yes! Jon will get a beer every now and then from
a restaurant brewery. He likes one of there dark beers. One of the
doctors I worked with were sticklers about diet - I was really impressed
how the prescribed advice but, also used it... I remember seeing them
eat only healthy lunches and turning away from some of the lunches the
pharmaceutical reps brought in. They were a part of really influencing my
eating habits, after I saw so many people diagnosed with life changing
illness and disease.
Thanks for sending all the pics. I will be sharing them soon. I know
my picture are not private, so I suppose you have viewed/acess to those.
I was not meaning my reference about my male relations to compare to
yours, perhaps between the wake I attended and the comment about your
husband and adoption.... that probably pushed the opportunity to clarify
myself.
You know we have a lot in common. It may be different in many ways...
because you are not diseased- I hope you understand this
comparison... but, I had a lot of time to be on my own too. I grieved
the loss of our relationship, it was hard for the both of us. You may
argue that you were always available, that is true but, it was not an
ideal place for us.
Your balance has confused me. but, who says we have to "get"
each other all the time. I decided to contact you because I love you and
I felt compassion for myself, for you and for the troubles that have
festered between us. I understand some of your hardships and struggles
because I have faced some of those similar circumstances myself, your
mom moved you around a lot, making it on your own at 20 with a child, a
partial education, no relatives to lean on though we find some support
along the way, no father, success with your businesses, failures too- all at a
very young age.
I have admired you reslilancy in many situations that could seem
bleak, you made it an adventure, you did the best you could, that you
knew at the time. I will never and expect perfection. You know where my loss
in all the adventures fall. I am fine, I am ok, I have some things to
reflect on, as we all do.
My personal strife at the time depends strongly on putting
my attchment to my employment vs getting some addional income. I am
strongly represented by what I do or where I work... I have to work on
this. I thank you for seeing how hard it has been for me after having a
business and needing to flee that in a way.
I know why you tend to like a secluded life. It's funny when you said
that no one can drive by and see if you are home.... you used to say
that all the time. I feel that and get that, I am sure I have said that.
I too would not want to live in the city, however I can say that I
think I have strong attachments to where I live because I want to. The
shop was my biggest attempt to ground myself, and though I can say I
learned so much... It did not bring me the connectedness I sought, at
least completely.... some ways a strong yes... but not in all ways.
You know that it's difficult for me to "attach" to keys to my house, car, etc... I have no attachments to these things at all.
It was hard to lose everything we had when we did. I think the
experience really hurt us differently for a while. You being an adult
and me being a child, we will look at these things differently for sure.
But, it was a loss.
What I do find reassuring is that we have a lifetime to consume stuff over and over, there is no shortage of that!
Growing up, it seemed to be very important to you to be a big
consumer, to be and look wealthy. I can see that your self esteem was
so shattered from the dependence you put into your relationships with
other men. I was sad for you and I know I wanted to protect you, when I
thought you behaved badly or were treated badly..... The overdose on
valium when we lived on Bones road after Wayne, the following of
Gary outside of Sherries apt, the confrontation at the bowling alley,
Ivan's jealous alcohol rages,the confiscation of your furniture from
Wayne, Joseph holding you down and throwing a vacuum at me, Jason -
and the hotel stays- the night he got beat up and you you rescuing him, the
list goes on.....
You were reckless for love. You were competitive and
then very loving with me. You loved so hard and so much -but had extreme
losses that made it that much harder for you to get through... but, you
always came around. That was my favorite
part of you. I wish you stayed away from men longer, I found you very
codependent at times. I remember the song "well be back in the highlife
again, all the doors that are closed this time will open up again" Steve
Winwood.... I remember you pointing out this in a song, I remember
agreeing...
It used to seem to me
That my life ran on too fast
And I had to take it slowly
Just to make the good parts last
But when you're born to run
It's so hard to just slow down
So don't be surprised to see me
Back in that bright part of town
I'll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time will open up again
I'll be back in the high life again
All the eyes that watched me once will smile and take me in
And I'll drink and dance with one hand free
Let the world back into me
And on I'll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again
You used to be the best
To make life be life to me
And I hope that you're still out there
And you're like you used to be
We'll have ourselves a time
And we'll dance 'til the morning sun
And we'll let the good times come in
And we won't stop 'til we're done
We'll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time will open up again
We'll be back in the high life again
All the eyes that watched us once will smile and take us in
And we'll drink and dance with one hand free
And have the world so easily
And oh we'll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again
We'll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time will open up again
We'll be back in the high life again
All the eyes that watched us once will smile and take us in
And we'll drink and dance with one hand free
And have the world so easily
And oh we'll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again
That my life ran on too fast
And I had to take it slowly
Just to make the good parts last
But when you're born to run
It's so hard to just slow down
So don't be surprised to see me
Back in that bright part of town
I'll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time will open up again
I'll be back in the high life again
All the eyes that watched me once will smile and take me in
And I'll drink and dance with one hand free
Let the world back into me
And on I'll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again
You used to be the best
To make life be life to me
And I hope that you're still out there
And you're like you used to be
We'll have ourselves a time
And we'll dance 'til the morning sun
And we'll let the good times come in
And we won't stop 'til we're done
We'll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time will open up again
We'll be back in the high life again
All the eyes that watched us once will smile and take us in
And we'll drink and dance with one hand free
And have the world so easily
And oh we'll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again
We'll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time will open up again
We'll be back in the high life again
All the eyes that watched us once will smile and take us in
And we'll drink and dance with one hand free
And have the world so easily
And oh we'll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again
You also used to say you were waiting for the "bomb" to drop. There were extreme highs and lows.
I always had this feeling that you thought you were never enough.... I am not sure what of?
I can only hope that for us as women we will feel more empowered to
be who we are in spite of hurting other people in the process.
I gotta go...
Thursday, March 20, 2008, 10:11 PM
Haven't heard from you for awhile...did you get a new job?? Hope so, and hope you are well!
Charles was hired for Golden Corral! At "Almost" what he wanted in reference to $$, but its alot more than his last position and the terms are good...
We also got a load of materials for our house construction today.
Charles is really excited going thru everything. He doesn't start for
two weeks (training out of state) so he is going to get a lot done in
the meantime before he leaves. DEFINITELY the 1st phase of the house
will be completed by fall/winter. He is building it by himself, mostly
with a little help and of course help from me. I'll send pics as we get
things done. We have about 100+ photos of all the construction we've
done so far...pastures, corrals, etc. Roadways, driveways, fencing. A
lot has been done in three years!! And all debt free!
Please let me know how things are...I am anxious to hear!
Love you loads,
Mom
March 22, 2009
Sorry I haven't replied.
That's horrible about the job lay off. It sounds like things are
working out. I suppose you all have a lot to do before he takes off. We
too took so many pictures of our first house we built. It was fun to see
how it progressed into our home. Sounds like you have a busy spring
ahead of you. Debt free is good. We added on to our home last year, not
debt free, I suppose that is why I need to go back to work! We really
needed the extra space, it's not ideally what we wanted, we converted a
carport into family room area/ computer cove/ laundry and additional
bath. It was more affordable then tearing it off and starting new - it
had the existing metal roof and that was the main reason to just make it
work. It cost us more then we projected. Jon calls it a 10 year
addition - it's not that bad! But, the ceiling is lower at one end and
it made us change our original plans because of space vs ceiling height.
It works for us, though. I would love to extend the
Kitchen with a bird atrium - something to look forward to.
How is your cat doing?
How is your job going?
How far and long will you be apart from each other - 2-3 months? Jon
was gone a lot last year with studying for his national exam. He went to
so many out of the area education and pre exam courses, plus staying
late at work to study. It was hard.
Things are going well for Jon at work. They just got a HUGE project
to survey. His boss has a lot of connections with state park stuff.... I
really forget what he said about this job but it will take a year for
the company to finish. Jon loves the research, he has a good position
that puts him in charge of some pretty neat projects, he rarely works
out in the field. He explains what he does, and I am horrible at math
and I really can't say I understand some of the historical terms he runs
into, but he loves researching the old deeds back to the original land
grants. He finds some really neat historical stuff.
This firm he works for is a great firm, medium sized. The project
they will be working on is about 2 hours away. So this means we will be
unable to commute with me everyday. Which stinks for saving on gas
expenses.
I emailed my old boss at the lab after our interview. I did not hear
from her, which made me curious to see if she had left for vacation. So,
I called her on Wednesday and left a message to "check in", I also
called a friend who I have been confiding in - who still works there.
She confirmed the date of when my boss was leaving - next Tuesday
Evening and also gave me some pointers about - the help her dept. could
benefit from -with me and the position. It was nice to hear. I then
received an email from my old boss that she was sorry she had not gotten
back to me, and that she has been very busy, in addition she confirmed
that she was leaving on Tuesday and would be in touch. It was quick but,
let me know that she and I are still on....to something? I hope.
I have a good idea about it but, the timing is driving me a little
crazy. I understand she does not want to fill the position till she
returns from Aruba but, I just hate waiting.
I went to a friends house for her annual Easter egg hunt... so many kids it was fun.
We also had a new family portrait done.... it was OK. Brandon got his
hair cut and has been driving me completely batty about the whole
thing. He is such a teenager, one minute he wants my advice and the next
minute I am a know it all nobody. HA! Teenagers... were we like that?
I am so thankful to have Jon as a husband, Brandon has been sweet
revenge for all the years I challenged you, well you know what I mean! I
have nothing to vent, he's great but, he's very smart and has his
challenges... I enjoy the growing pains along with the thought that he
will soon be on his way to adulthood. It will not be long!
Because I will be hopefully working, Brandon will be attending the
same camp he has attended for the 6th year. He does not want to go this
year. He seems to think I will allow him to run a muck...HA! I want him
to be kept very busy. The camp begins right after school ends http://www.maxwelton-lachlan.com/ It's
expensive but worth it. A family friend suggested it years ago and
payed for our first year, now we are hooked but it does cause a strife
to us this year and the last year. I am hoping the tuition has decreased
because of his age, I am waiting to hear something.
I also keep in touch with Mary from Oregon - Brian's mom. It's not
too often. Same with Brian, he's doing fine. I asked her if they could
help out with camp costs, specifically to a camp close to her. That way
she could spend some time with each other. The camp came about first
because Brandon loves to snowboard and skateboard.... so as I was doing
research I came upon a few camps that have exactly what he's looking for
( he's tired of hiking, horseback riding, fishing - he calls Maxwelton
"farm camp") - If she or Brian could help out financially( this is a
first for me, to ask for anything), it would be a great thing for
everyone. We are hoping Brandon gets a chance to meet Brian, he has
never met his bio-dad and I think this is finally the right time. They
have offered before and I was not ready. Brandon is old enough where he
is very much ready to get to know his dad and I am not fearful that I
will lose him at all - it will just fill in some
blanks for him or maybe not? I am not caught up in it, Jon and I have
pretty much established Brandon as who he is today, he's got the basics
to make mistakes and that's what it's all about. He does not know
yet...because we are unsure if and when it will take place. it's time.
We also planned our week vacation already, for Jon's schedule and
also to get things ready if and when I should be working. We are going
to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Here's where we are staying - in a 2
bedroom Villa we rented it for a week - we are staying in the two
bedroom lock off which is bigger. I am pretty excited! We do not own a
time share - it's just a rental. http://www.starwoodvacationownership.com/sheraton_broadway_plantation/villas.jsp
We visited there 3 years ago when I was very pregnant! It is the
longest I would prefer to drive anywhere. The kids have been wanting to
visit the beach. James has never gone! We attempted Virginia beach this
past Summer and I tried to save money ( plus I booked too late, with few
options) at a cheaper hotel - It was a complete dive in a less then
acceptable area. Too close to the Navel base... it was scary. It was the
worst weekend trip ever, we could not find any vacancies on our way
home towards Williamsburg ( we stayed there too, years ago - it was
nothing great) so, we ended up driving back home - it was pretty bad. I
am usually pretty good at selecting hotels but, the places we are used
to staying in are harder for us to afford during the prime summer
season, simply one room is not enough. So, we have to get a suite or a
condo or something with at least two rooms. We are reserving a Two
bedroom suite this time - on top of that
gas, food and everything for our large family increases so, it's just
hard to do. I prefer to stay at an embassy suite where breakfast is
included or a place that has a kitchen for longer then 3 days... So you
can imagine how selective our choices get. Plus he pool has to be great
or everyone complains! We had a great time when we went to Orlando - No
one cared for Disney - that was a disappointment ( you read about that
on CafeMom) but, the hotel was excellent - Check out the pool http://grandcypress.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp That's
where everyone wants to go again. This hotel has been impossible to
beat - the kids will never forget it and make comparisons all the
time! Maybe later.
I really look forward to planning our vacations. Do you have any vacation plans?
Thomas is just the sweetest thing. He is such a middle child - He's
got the worst of it - Brandon who is always picking and James who is
always getting into his stuff and breaking it. I said to him that I can
understand why he gets frustrated with his brothers and he replied "
it's Ok mom, I really like being in the middle!" - He is one versatile
kid.
James is a mountain goat. He is soooo two. I have no idea how I get
out with him let alone all three. Sometimes life is so full of wild
moments, I can hardly believe it's my life!
He is definitely the charmer, screamer and take off naked kid.... He was so good for the picture sitting. I was amazed!
No news on the adoption front. I got some emails about a sibling
group that they are looking for a home for just one of the kids - they
are splitting them up.... but they are out of the state.
We are going to my mother in laws tomorrow for Easter lunch... Well, I gotta go and get the kids Easter Baskets together.
I will send you the pictures we had done - like I said they are ok,
They shot them with a black background - You can barely see by head!
It's very dark! I liked the last ones better. I do not have your
address....
April 5, 2008
How is everything going with work, being on your own and all?
I sent the picture's out to you recently and I have not heard
anything.... Have you gotten them? - I sent them close to two weeks
ago....
Nothing has been going on here, just the usual. Thomas spent
the night at his best friends and is still there. Brandon had two
friends over and then they just left to go to a soccer game... Jon and I
were working outside with James.... he was catching bugs and worms.
very cute. Just the usual stuff. We were planning on going to a Kite
festival but, it's a little chilly... plus with my allergies I do not
feel like running around in the grass....
My old boss is in Aruba... before I left, I got one email from
her that she would be in touch... she is gone for two and a
half weeks.... I hate the waiting.
My father in law will be leaving for Yellowstone next month and
it will be the first time he does not plant a garden... so, he tilled
it for me and about the time he is gone is about the time I will get
started with it. I can't wait to get that going.
I can't remember what the last email said but - I remember you
mentioned the Easter Egg hunt in Los Gatos at old Town and yeah I
remember that... I do recall that event whenever my kids are looking for
eggs at public events. That was a nice place.
What do I remember about my baskets? I remember you filling my
baskets with all the nicest things - I don't remember ever being
disappointed? Once, I remember getting White chocolate and I was not so
keen on it - I think I gave it to you... Materially -you were very
generous with buying me stuff.... probably when you didn't have the
means sometimes..... "spoiled only kid".... some would say.
I am pretty tight - though I like to refer to it as being
thrifty.... I reuse,recycle and renew anything I can (something that has
not changed - You recall naming me the little Jew) Although I have no
nicknames to refer to... I allow everyone else to do their part which
does not give me as many opportunities to spoil them. For example Thomas
and James go to my father in laws house for Oreo's and grape juice. So,
I don't have to buy any cookies! My mother in law always buys the
candy.....Besides they enjoy it.
I am very thankful for some of the things that you have shown
me... for instance I know how to crate train a puppy for potty training
purposes.... A friend has just gotten a puppy and they are in the dark
as to what to do.... They are not very comfortable around the whole pet
thing. Not that I am, I don't like too much animal life to care for....
You either live with pets or they live with you.... Molly has been with
us for over a year and I have just warmed up to the idea of her sleeping
with Thomas. He really likes it and that's more important then the dogs
desire to sleep with a family member so, in that respect he's lucky.
Animals do track in lots of dirt... but so do kids - Ha! I suppose I prefer kid messes!
I am thankful that I am comfortable with shopping from thrift
shops, consignment shops or other outlet type of places..... I think
most people are but, I don't mind looking for a bargain if needed....
There is a great discount Grocery store in Harrisonburg called Smart
Shoppers http://www.sharpshopper.net (
mygrocerydeals.com is interesting too) - we go about twice a month.
It's in an old grocery store, nothing fancy - but they have some great
bargains! You have to check the experation dates on everything but, it's
cheap and alowed us to sustain a good grocery budget. For example I
bought a whole organic chicken for 2.99, yougurt 6 pack for 79 cents,
cereal like Life and some organic honeynut cherrio's for 1.49. I find
some other stuff that is usually priced 40 - 75% less then the grocery
store. Most of it is about to expire - or expired and frozen or some not
with months to go... you have
to check and if it's freezable then I stock up... I bought a whole
bunch of Pork tenderloins recently.... so far we are not sick of Pork,
yet! Lots of top brands....The place is just bare bones, few signs on
items and people are often picking things up as they are being put away (
boxes stacked on floors, next to eachother - no signage just a red
sticker on the item) I once got a family size frozen lasagna (we do not
ususally buy) but, it was marked 2/1.00 so, I got 6! The kids dislike
going because it is a little crowded and there are a lot of strange
misfits/characters shopping there... I always laugh when Jon points out a
certain somebody.... cause I always remind him that we too are shopping
there - HA! I recently ran into a doctor that works at our local
hospital there....so, really it just goes to show that it has nothing to
do with where your are on the job/food chain - a deal is a deal.
Well, James is messing with with worms and I gotta get them
back outside before they die, I doubt he will want to give them up....
we already have a 10 gallon bug aquarium going on with spiders, sow bugs
and anything else that is found - in addition to our salt water
aquarium, next will be worms....again like I said do the animals track
in more rubbish or the kids, I dunno? - HA
I hope you get the photo's soon....
August 6, 2008, 7:53 PM
Well, we've been here for a couple of months now, almost. Worked at Petco now for a little more than a month. Everything has been good. Haven't had time to spend with the horses like I would like to and our days off are not always on the same days, but we are managing. Our garden is spreading big time, we even have two pumpkins that came up outta nowhere and we're babying them. Discovered that I too am sensitive to poison oak and get it pretty often. Walmart is eyeing Charles for management. Aggressively. He is so well liked by all and he's gonna play the corporate climbing game. At Petco, it seems that if you hang in there for a year or so they take you into management as well...lol. Never played the retail game...its interesting. Pays for the hay. Charles advises though that I should stop referring to dogs as "the other white meat". Someone asked him if he likes children, and he commented "...yeah, they're great with catsup." I told him to say that one...ok ok so its a different sort of humor.
Our chickens are still laying copious amounts of marketable eggs. We'll expand the flock by 200% this fall. Have a number of steady customers.
Have you heard Snow Patrol's song "Chasing Cars"? I like that one.
Well I suspect that you went on your vacation to the coast. Did you have a good time?
Not really much to say. Maybe you have more...
Love,
Mom
Well, we've been here for a couple of months now, almost. Worked at Petco now for a little more than a month. Everything has been good. Haven't had time to spend with the horses like I would like to and our days off are not always on the same days, but we are managing. Our garden is spreading big time, we even have two pumpkins that came up outta nowhere and we're babying them. Discovered that I too am sensitive to poison oak and get it pretty often. Walmart is eyeing Charles for management. Aggressively. He is so well liked by all and he's gonna play the corporate climbing game. At Petco, it seems that if you hang in there for a year or so they take you into management as well...lol. Never played the retail game...its interesting. Pays for the hay. Charles advises though that I should stop referring to dogs as "the other white meat". Someone asked him if he likes children, and he commented "...yeah, they're great with catsup." I told him to say that one...ok ok so its a different sort of humor.
Our chickens are still laying copious amounts of marketable eggs. We'll expand the flock by 200% this fall. Have a number of steady customers.
Have you heard Snow Patrol's song "Chasing Cars"? I like that one.
Well I suspect that you went on your vacation to the coast. Did you have a good time?
Not really much to say. Maybe you have more...
Love,
Mom
August 8, 2008
Sounds like things are going very swimmingly. Yes, you know all too well about my allergies to poison oak/ivy.... I have to be very careful too.
Sounds like things are going very swimmingly. Yes, you know all too well about my allergies to poison oak/ivy.... I have to be very careful too.
We have some pumpkins in the garden - plus the usual we plant every
year. The garden looks horrible... because I just do not have the time
to weed it. I am beginning to think that the weeds are a good thing for
the pumpkins because they tent to shade the area.... although I have
seen a decrease in the amount of "fruit" on the other plants ( peppers,
zucchini, melons etc) - I believe it's mainly due to my lack of
"maintenance". My father in law is usually here to help keep things in
order - he is on an extended vacation and his absence is clearly a large
void in our life. He will surely have a lot to do when he returns -
rototilling. I suppose Jon and I could do it. But our weekends are just
gone with the kids... weekends are catch up time mixed with entertaining
and carpooling kids to friends and such.
Thomas turned 8 last weekend and his best friend turned 9 so, we had a birthday weekend.
Kids are good with ketchup? have not heard that one, funny.
We still plan on getting some chickens.... I am not sure when that will come about. It's hard to get the garden done.
My priorities have had to shift since returning to work.... I
suppose you are feeling the same in comparison to the time you have to
spend with the horses. It's hard to work and enjoy the things you work
so hard to enjoy... again your job pays for the hay.
No clue about "chasing cars?".... is this on the radio??? I don't
keep up with that type of thing. I listen to NPR most of the time.
We have not gone on our vacation yet. Brandon is going on vacation
with one of his friends families - they are taking him to Disneyworld. I
wish I had a friend that would fly me too!
He's been very busy this summer... We rarely see him... er alone?
he either has a friend over or he's over at their house.... He has had
such a full summer agenda. It will be interesting to see how much he's
changed this this school year. He is just growing up too fast.
Jon's Dad is in the hospital and we visited with him this week. He
has Kidney Cancer. Not sure about how that is going.... it's alot.
My best friend just returned from Scotland. She lost her mother
last year and her father last month. She has been gone overseas for 3
months dealing with everything to do with that.
We all seem to be doing well. I got over whatever the " strep"
thing I had, if it was that? I just feel pretty tired and ready for the
weekend.
I hired two new employees and I am really looking forward to having
some more staff... although the more we grow the more staff seems to
call in sick/ request time off and such.... really gets complicated when
3 people are not working..... which happened, and caused a lot of
craziness.....
Love you very much,
Veronica
Thursday, September 18, 2008, 10:43 PM
Sounds like a lot of drama.
I hope you enjoy working for yourself. You have always enjoyed that better.
So, do you still like it there in Richmond?
We have yet to buy our chicken coop. I have my expectations set a
bit too high. I saw a really nice coop already made and it was 1100.00! -
I suppose we could buy plans on line and build one as a family project
next spring.... it sounds good but.... I think I am much interested in
getting the chicks and coop ASAP rather then building the coop!
I have been through Hershey to go to New York City. I have thought
of bringing the kids to Hershey Park but, Never really thought much more
about it.
Funny about the reality show.... Actually I tried out for
"Survivor" in PA at a mall up there a few years ago.... it was
interesting. Yes, A lot of strange- weird people show up for those
things.
Work as usual has been keeping me away from the computer - be it
house work or my job! I have a few moments to read the headlines and
surf but, it's difficult to do.
Piedmont Labs has been sold and the due diligence period will be up
at the end of this month. All the managers (me) were called to a
meeting last week - because there was a rumor spreading through the
Medical Center, where one of our Pathologist works- ( a share holder) -
It's a bit more complicated then that. However to sum things up... it
looks like things will be changing and many positions will be cut. We
are now told that many will have to re-interview for their positions. On
a positive note, I am told that they desperately need phlebotomists and
couriers... so we mostly feel secure. But, there is a general fear
about what exactly will happen.
Many may transfer into positions through Valley Health Systems, so
they can keep their same benefits etc..... Valley Health is the main
employer in the area and a difficult employer to get in at... Two years
ago they decided to go through elaborate background checks that make it
difficult and lengthy to pass. In one way I really like their pickiness -
it has weeded out some really hard decisions to make when hiring on the
other hand it makes it difficult to get help soon. The hiring of a new
employee can take as long as two months... they have two background
checks ( past employer references, criminal and residence), credit check
and a full health screening, drug screen and sometimes even blood work -
we all have strict policies about smoking too... which I like - I can't
stand smokers.
So, anyhow I don't think my job is in jeopardy - but, I am just
unsure about the new lab and who will be in charge, and working along
with me, the benefits, wage....etc - do I want to transfer within the
Valley Health system or go and work with this new lab???
Most likely we will not know anything till next month and even with
that there will be a transition period... and who knows how long that
will take?
I'm just waiting to see... I really like my job.
Everyone else is fine. Lots of doctors appointments....
Brandon has his first cavity. GRRR! Not because of brushing but,
flossing. I took Brandon to the foot doctor for a ingrown toenail, then
to the orthopedist to check his ankles ( he injured himself
skateboarding) and then the dentist.... then we will be back at the
dentist next week for both he and Thomas..... Thomas is fine - just
routine. Busy, busy...
James is fine. He is enjoying preschool.
Jon is working a lot in Rappahanock county - big job he's in charge of.
My Father in law is back from Yellowstone and he has had some
really neat stories and presents from his trip. We are so glad he is
back home.
My work is terribly busy - just the above I mentioned.
Nothing else to report on : )
Love you very much : )
September 2, 2008
Hey there - how are you doing? Job going OK? Animals fairing fine? We just came back from our family vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was a long drive but we weathered it well. The weather was wonderful at the beach and the break was desperately needed! However it was so nice to get back home and get back into the groove of things.
Hey there - how are you doing? Job going OK? Animals fairing fine? We just came back from our family vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was a long drive but we weathered it well. The weather was wonderful at the beach and the break was desperately needed! However it was so nice to get back home and get back into the groove of things.
Took some time to drift around the beach, went to "Broadway on the Beach" where Thomas went to the "Magi Quest" themed indoor place ( for
more info.. http://www.magiquestmb.com/about.html#Scene_1 ) ....
I was pretty bored with it.... Jon and Thomas loved it. I basicly
chased James throughout the whole place for an hour - he tried soooo
hard to get away from me! So, we played hide and seek!
We also went to the 3-D show at Imax.....love the Imax!
Spent alot of time at the pool and the beach!
My most favorite time was when we visited BrookGreen Gardens
I loved the estate gardens with over 300 sculptures.... There was
lots of opportunities to just "be" with my family and I devoured each
minute of it.
You will always find me where-ever the bugs are!!!
School is starting this Tommorrow and I am anxious for the routine to begin!
Summer has been busy and lax at the same time. With the kids
differing in ages - I find it's getting harder to appeal to all the
different age groups into some 'family" activity...
However many different directions we go in .......we do still eat together!
Brandon wants to see the latest movie with his friends, shop....
with his friends......skate... with his friends..... he is a young adult
and I feel him maturing and becoming even more independent then ever!
He's super cool to just talk to. I am addicted to hearing his ramblings
on current affairs, politics and religion......I am so lucky to just
know this young man! It doesn't take long does it???
Thomas is still the mountain goat .... attempting to do the most
daring feats - whenever or wherever we go - he's not quite suited for
fine dining! LOL He makes me smile and laugh when I should be giving him
the evil eye! I am addicted to his naughtiness, his constant curiosity
on finding just the right moment to jump off the fouth step the stairs,
jump on the bed or get into the cookies without asking. His curiosity is
healthy and yet exuasting!!! He got a Jeep to drive for his birthday
and he was reckless - here he is driving it! That's my sister in law and
Jon's mom.
The middle child....ahhhhhh - Thomas seems to adjust to whatever
the situation is at the moment... he's pretty even tempered - he still
thinks his parents rule- Gotta love the age of eight! I look at him and I
know why we had baby number three..... I am addicted to his postive
spirit and his sweet nature towards everything and specifically towards
his little brother, even when the stinker just destoyed his lego
masterpiece! This kid has a heart of gold and is the most honest soul I
know.
Hope all is well with you : )
September 18, 2008, 2:11 PM
Haven't heard from you for awhile.
I started grooming out of my house, calling it The $25 Groomer and advertising on Craigslist. It's been very successful. Some days better than others, but beats working for a place that cheats you out of everything. Where would I begin to tell you the horror that went on at Petco. OK the worst thing, or one of the worst things was that the appointment book was written in pencil, and one of the other people there (as well as the Mananger) would change the appointment from me to them (now this was a customers' request for me to groom their dog), call the customer and tell them I was not going to be there, out sick, whatever...I was always booked 6-10 a day, and mainly requests/repeat grooms, and their client-load was nil. The manager started being assigned to training bathers from other stores to be "groomers" and taught them how to steal my customers. I never would have guessed until one of my customers came in and said to me, "I was told you were sick! I requested YOU." She was visibly upset, as was I. The groomer that had done the switcheroo got caught as she was there, she confessed what she did and nothing was done about it. The manager also changed my pricing on my customers - giving them a lower price than was in the price book. Many other things happened, so I filed a complaint with the General Manager. A meeting was scheduled and a few days later, the Grooming manager lodged a complaint against me, saying that I was being insubordinate and demanded that I NOT be given a day off that I had asked for. At the meeting I was told telephonically that if I take that day off, I would be written up with six points - seven points and you are terminated. The punishment I was given was just as severe as if I had smoked dope or came in drunk!! So I quit later than day because the Grooming manager took away all my appointments and I overheard one of the twentysomething bathers tell the Grooming manager that "women who are her age have issues..." I was devastated, and it was then that I started my own grooming business. It's been a little to juggle around, but its paying the bills. Have about ten inquiries a day. Some people I wouldn't want to groom for - they try to chisel your price lower than the $25, and their dog is a Cocker that is matted and needs to be shaved down. Lotsa work for nuthin'. I got tired also of all the flea bites I got from the flea infestation. Atleast here I can flea treat and know it was done. I'm pretty sensitive to flea bites.
We went to Hershey, PA last week to a Grooming trade show. Bought a few necessary tools and premium shampoos. Had a good time, but it was a long drive there and back. Left at 5 am to go and got back at 10 pm. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring the camera, or it was in the truck somewhere and didn't feel like looking for it...would have been a great place to take pics. I tried out for the "Groomer Has It" reality show and it was fun. I probably won't be picked because they want some really different kinds of people and I'm too straightlaced to be weird. After really researching the show, they aren't very realistic anyways...I'll stick to bathing the common dog and cat...
So anything new?
We're winding down the garden. I'll be preserving the grapeleaves soon and trimming down the vineyard. Got someone coming over for four dozen eggs this afternoon, and a Cockapoo to shavedown. A repeat customer...
Love, Mom
October 8, 2008
Well, Not much.....of anything has happened with the other lab purchasing us. The weeks ending into the due dilligence, clashed/crashed with the economy - So, everything has slowed down. Horrible timing for any risk.
Well, Not much.....of anything has happened with the other lab purchasing us. The weeks ending into the due dilligence, clashed/crashed with the economy - So, everything has slowed down. Horrible timing for any risk.
I guess things will just remain the way they are. When the time is right something will happen.
I don't have much else to report other then - I am trying to keep
my head above all this troubling news from Wall street. The housing
bubble, the subprime loans and people going above and beyond their
borrowing means is horrific in numbers. I don't believe in a depression
per se like the one many years ago.... I think we have a lot of
different factors to consider..... however, the gloom is startling to
see how many type of income "classes" it affects. No one is alone in
this watershed. This will be forever edged in my mind as being a
"wake-up" call for many Americans who relentlessly pursued bigger and
better for so long.... consume, consume and more.
I put myself into that group here and there. But, not to the degree I have seen around me.
Well, I hope you are doing well. I have not heard from you since the last email below.
I know I have not been the best at emailing regularly. I just have
very few opportunities to email. You may write me as often as you like
or feel. I am here for you to write to, whether you realize it or not.
Love you very much : )
Date: Monday, October 27, 2008, 3:23 PM
I read the article in the (on line) paper about the McDonalds thing. You sure do stay involved...LOL. Was nice to see a candid pic of you. Charles noted that you definitely looked like me. You look good...I am so proud of you. But I am biased.
Grooming has been picking up, already have customers who are coming regularly. Like a close knit family. Their dogs are getting easier to groom and are looking/feeling much better. Everything here is pretty good, everyone healthy, except a spot on my lower back/side that is from a strain that I just can't get the rest-time to heal. It keeps re-injuring everytime I have a large dog that struggles...so now I pretty much specialize in smaller dogs. Charles has a small hernia from catching a tree that had already fallen, but we were knocking it down the rest of the way and then toting it to border the garden area. The log was about 30 feet long and wet, so it was heavier. It re-injured me and gave Charles the rupture...The first week or so he was agonizing, but he forcefully pushed it back in and it has been actually slowly healing itself...he is not one to trust going under the knife. We take a holistic, albeit sometimes risky approach. Don't worry, I watch over him like a hawk and if I felt he needed surgical intervention, we are minutes from three major hospitals.
I reluctantly gave away two of my horses, the remaining three are of way too much significance to ever part with and we can manage the expense of three. I had so many responses and inquiries I was a little overwhelmed. They were great girls but had to move on since the uncertainty of hay still looms over me. We do have a good source and a few back-ups but it is much easier to care for three, than five. Working out of home, I am earning between $25-$200 a day depending on the appointments. Atleast I don't have the commute expenses.
Well, just wanted to say hi and let you know what is happening on this end...please keep me updated with pics too.
I love you,
Mom
November 9, 2008
Wow, I am surprised you saw that. You read the NVD on line? Are you googling me?
Wow, I am surprised you saw that. You read the NVD on line? Are you googling me?
Anyhow, yeah it has been a fun thing to participate in.
I will share more about that with you later - I really would like
to find some time to write and send some pic's to you. I just can't find
the time to do stuff : ( Let me explain, what I have been up to.....
I wanted to send out a brief email to let you know that I am here... sorry it's in small bits.
We did finally get a kitten! Actually two! AHHHH! What was I
thinking? Oh, I know the kids! They are super happy about it and I feel a
little overwhelmed with it for now.
A friend of a friend knew we were planning on getting a kitten and
they called me up one day and left me a message.... "my friends got some
Blue Cream Himalayans - would you like one?"
After a few weeks of thinking it over - I picked them up this
Friday. I decided to get a brother and sister pair! They are very laid
back and easy going. James thinks it's a stuffed animal - Poor kitty!
Thomas is liking the whole responsibility of caring for a kitten,
Brandon has stated the girl is his.... and Jon enjoys them
cuddling on his lap. So, everyone is fine. I suppose I just feel a
little overwhelmed - Halloween is over, the elections are over and now I
have a 6 month review at work and I just need to get through this and I
then I think I will be ready to handle the holidays.
Good to know you are enjoying your grooming business. Back problems
are not good, but I suppose expected in that line of work. I would do
everything possible before going under the knife for back problems -
sometimes changing work or losing weight helps "cure" people who suffer
from back related injuries. Hernia's should be fixed surgically - not a
good thing to delay. Holistic medicine is not a good option - I think
it's a lot of hebegebe - such as magnets and reflexology. I
like a good massage. but - You won't find me taking any herbs to cure my
heart problems (not that I have one) I know plenty of people who are
into that sort of thing and I can't say I believe in most of it -
perhaps it's just as good as placebo sometimes.....
Sorry you had to give up a few of your horses. It was probably a
good decision. I am sure they are pretty expensive to keep. We still
plan on getting chickens - but, not now!
Everyone else is doing well. Brandon's grade's dropped for the
first time. He has been distracted by his current girlfriend - not
making time to study. He has seemed to get more serious with this
girl then any other girl. She came over for dinner and that was really
nice to have another girl in the house! She is a senior and a
cheerleader. I really like her - we get along very well. James would not
leave her alone! Thomas is doing well - good grades and he's happy.
Not much to really report on. But, I will update you with pictures
soon... I just have to look through the pictures and attach them -
something I don't have time for right now.
I hope you are well and I will catch up later - I love you very much.
