Absence.....

It's been far too long since I've updated my blog.....it's been a busy two weeks.

I am loving my new job, and enjoying being able to get to know my new co-workers. I'm learning the ropes, those to trust, and unfortunately, even those not to trust. (sad huh?)

I'm doing pretty much the same type of work as I did in my last job, but with actual paper charts. It's fun, interesting, and challenging.

We also completed an application for a really nice house to rent. I am so hopeful that this works out. The house is huge for just the two of us and the pets, but it would be so nice to have all that room. I'm praying hard that this works out. I am so tired of this room.

Thanksgiving was quiet.....and turkey free........(we're making up for it once we get moved in somewhere)

Dear Lord, please watch over our kids, our friends, and our family......we give thanks for all those who enrich our lives.....Thank you for all the blessings you've given us....and those yet to be. In your Giving Name....Amen.

A new Phase begins

Tomorrow I start my new job. A new phase of my life begins. I'm nervous, excited, worried, and incredibly happy. Finally, moving forward. It's a great feeling.

My first thought was....."Oh crap, what do I wear??" Um....hello? Beck...you're a dork. But it's a legitimate question, right?

I feel so blessed and humbled. I've spent the better part of the last month or so searching, applying, interviewing and WORRYING about EVERYTHING. It's a nice feeling to finally be moving in the right direction, doing something new, and help Walt take care of our little family.

Oh...and the paycheck.....YAY!! We'll get to move into our own place...and the shopping!!

Dear Lord, thank you for the job I have; for being able to start and do something worthwhile with my time; I am grateful for caring people; I am blessed with good people in my life, thank you; Please watch over Walt as he comes home from work; take care of Holly and Sarah; embrace our family and friends; In Your Loving Hands I pray.....Amen.

Loving Life

I can't help it. I am loving life. ::::knock on wood::::: Things are going pretty darned good.

We've had some bumps since moving here, but overall, I think things have worked out really well. Both of us have jobs (even though I am still waiting to hear when my start date is), we've had a place to lay our head and keep our pets, food to eat, and we've even snuck in a little fun in between.

God is so good to us. Even when I was feeling depressed and concerned, He continually showed me the way. Learning patience and holding on to my self confidence helped me wait it out. I always knew something would happen.

Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have given us; thank you for watching over us and making sure we have everything we need; thank you for the love that is between us and for seeing the best in one another; watch over Walt as he heads to work; put your healing hands on Sarah as she heals from her illness; thank you for friends who love and support us; Watch over Holly and hold her close; In Your loving arms I send my prayers.....Amen.

God is Good.....

I got another call today for a job. For weeks I went without a single job offer and in the last few days, I've had two of them. I know that I made the right choice in working for the Retina Consultants.....but it sure feels good to be appreciated and wanted.

God has been so good to me....and to us. Not only are we both employed, we have had enough to eat and a roof over our heads. We are blessed beyond words. We made a special addition to our family in spite of having to make some hard choices regarding other furry kids. Again, I feel so blessed.

Receiving an unexpected check on Saturday really made me realize how blessed we are. We cashed it and have had extra money for the week. Truly a blessing.

Dear Lord, thank you for unexpected blessings and surprises. Thank you for all you've given to us. Please take care of Walt and give him patience and help him as he works both jobs; please watch over Sarah and Holly; thank you for loving people in our lives;
In You loving Name....Amen.

Waiting....

Not one of the things I am best at....but I'm trying.

Today I am waiting for word of when I get to start my new job. It won't seem "real" to me until I have a definite date and time. I'm just so ready.

I was very sad this morning. I had to find out my daughter was in the ER by reading it on Facebook. I feel terrible. I wish there was more I could do.

On a positive note, I've been knitting most of the day, and my blanket is really coming along. It's going to be so wonderful to give it away as a gift.....

Typical Monday I guess....hopefully next Monday morning I'll be heading to work with Walt.

Thank you Lord for all the wonderful gifts and blessings you have given us; thank you for watching over all our loved ones and friends; Please have a healing hand over Sarah as she recovers from the asthma attack; Watch over Laurie F as she recovers from surgery; In your Loving Name, Amen.....

Things NOT to forget.....

1. Never forget to say thank you when someone gives you good customer service.....
2. Act as though you won a million dollars even if it's only $5.....it's more than you started with.
3. Pay it forward whenever possible......you may need a favor someday too....
4. Kittens attack everything.....toes, strings, balls of yarn....baby proof.
5. Laundry doesn't have to be an all day project.
6. Stop and smell the roses....or whatever fragrant flower you pass by....
7. Cherish those in your life.....break bread with them.....even at a buffet....
8. Make new friends whenever possible.
9. Counting your blessings begins with 1, then 2.....repeat as needed.
10. Persistence may not be a virtue, but it should be....
11. Patience is a virtue....I'm working on it.
12. follow your dreams......we're living examples of living the dream......
13. Surround yourself with positive people.....life will be positively delightful.....
15. Find joy....if you don't find it, let it find you.....

More to follow.....

Lord, thank You for all the blessings you have given to us; thank you for the unexpected gifts; please watch over our loved ones and friends; help my new employer to call me tomorrow and set a date for me to start; Thank you for the opportunity to shine and use my gifts; I thank you for all the love I feel every day from Walt and my friends/family; In your Loving Name.....Amen.

This is a picture of an "employed" person. Yes....I was offered a job! I cannot even say how incredibly blessed I feel to have been given this opportunity.

I went to have all the drug testing done yesterday, and will hopefully start my new job Tuesday or Wednesday. I am so excited to get back into the workforce and out there interacting with people.

Last night Walt and I went to the Excalibur Hotel/Casino to celebrate and have some fun. We ate at Dick's Last Resort......not your ordinary bar!! But the food was good and the atmosphere fun.

It was a wonderful end to a stressful week. I am feeling so incredibly thankful.....

Dear Lord, thank you for my new job and for the opportunity to show all my skills and experience; thank you for allowing me to help support our family; please watch over our loved ones and friends; keep watch over Sarah and Holly; Safe travels for friends who are here visiting.....In Your Loving and Gracious Hands I pray......Amen.

Smile makers: coffee in bed; dinner out at a fun place; Walt's support and reaction over my getting a job; new kitty love; puppies in the morning; Walt's happy face.

First book completed

I finished the first book of my 50 books in 1 year challenge. It took me a month to read, which isn't a very good start of reading 49 more books before the end of September 2011. I'd better get busy.

The book was a typical Jude Deavreaux book. Historical romance novels are her best. I've read almost all her books.

The book starts in old Scotland, and the main characters find themselves in early America. Ups and downs, twists and turns......typical romance novel.

For a book that I bought in both hardback and paperback, it was a 6 on a scale of 1-10.

I'm now reading Eat, Pray and Love.

Dear Lord, thank you for plentiful books to read about different worlds; thank you for all the blessings we have; please watch over our loved ones and friends; I especially hold up Holly and Sarah into your hands and pray that you help them and be with them; Watch over Walt.

In Your Loving Hands I pray.....Amen.

Life just gets better!

This is our new "friend". His name is Roscoe, and he's the most adorable little orange kitten I've ever seen. We went to the shelter to see if Katie had been adopted, and decided to go through the cat room.....This little guy chose me. What a little sweetheart, and has brought so many smiles to us. We are blessed and grateful to have our cute new little friend join our family. NYNY hasn't changed, but I still love the outside with the Statue of Liberty. I probably take a picture every time we're stopped at the Boulevard. Just love it.

Halloween was fun in Vegas. We walked the strip, and there were all sorts of decorations and of course people dressed up. It was really cool.

Then we went to Caesars and I was able to meet the baseball great Pete Rose. He is one of 3 people in the entire world that I wanted to meet. He wasn't as "friendly" as I would have hoped he'd be, but I was able to speak to him and tell him how much I thought of him. Even if it meant nothing to him, it meant EVERYTHING to me. What an amazing experience that was. He's been my hero since 1977 when I went to my first professional baseball game with my Dad.

The job hunting continues with interviews almost every day. Someone has to appreciate the twinkle in my eye......I'm so tired of sitting in this room!!

Elections are over....thankgooness. If I had to watch ONE MORE political ad on tv I might go insane.

Today's Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have given us, and may we continue to be blessed with all we need. Please help a prospective employer to take a chance on me. Please watch over Holly as I haven't spoken to her for awhile, and couldn't get a hold of her yesterday on her birthday. Please give Sarah peace and show her the way to happiness. Watch over our friends and family. Help Walt arrive to work safely and return to me. In your Loving and Gracious Name.....Amen.

Happy thoughts: A JOB; morning kisses; coffee; sunrise; kitten goofiness; furry friends; Walt.