Routine

I need to start posting again on a regular basis. Things are actually going quite well. Monday's are usually good days. Tuesdays...not so much. I really am grateful for a LOT of things. I need to keep remembering that.

Ups and Downs

There are a lot of emotions involved with getting laid off from work. Some days are "Up" days and other days are "down" days. I have had one of each this week, and it's only Tuesday. The keys to having an "up" are 1) Get sufficient sleep at night. 2) Keeping busy during the day 3) Taking a walk every day and 4) Sneaking a nap in every day...especially on days that I don't sleep well. (which is most.)

Today has been a really good day. I had a really good job possibility come in from a friend over the weekend. I sent my resume along and received a reply today. It would be an amazing company to work for.

I also started "services" with the outplacement agency my former company has contracted with. I'm amazed at all the things they have available! The have online webinars for resumes, interviewing and so many others. Then there are SkillSoft online classes which could keep me busy for a long time. I like to keep learning new things.

Tonight I made chocolate chip cookies. My middle son said "mom, are you sick?" Meaning, I don't make cookies very often and he was glad I'd made a treat. He happily ate some as did the daughter who said it was just what she needed. so fun.

Tomorrow's another day. Two weeks post L-day. I think I'm going to pull through.

Answered Prayers?

You know, we had a tough financial year last year. I won't go into all the things that "helped" with that state. Recently I added a more fervent prayer asking to be "financially blessed" this upcoming year.

Then I got laid off from work this week. Hmm. Not quite what I had in mind when I asked for financial blessings.

I worked for the company for 12.5 years. Software companies usually have nice benefits. I received a nice severance package. I also received my PTO (vacation) pay out too.

So, "windfall" isn't quite what I'd call it. I'm hoping I get a job soon. If I do, the prayer is certainly answered. I have also had a LOT of job leads this week so I'm quite encouraged.

I also feel very calm knowing that somehow things will work out.

Today I'm feeling blessed with all the friends I've made the past 12+ years. They are some incredible people and I will miss them a lot.

The way computer/tech jobs go in this valley ... our paths most certainly will cross again.

Now THAT is an answered prayer.


Addendum:
I truly feel my prayer has been answered. Of course, it was not in the way I expected. I expect in the coming days and weeks it will become more and more apparent the blessing which will come because of this event. I fully accept what has happened and I'm looking forward to looking for that next adventure!

Christmas Eve Eve

1. I am grateful I was able to clean my room today. It looks a lot better.
2. I'm grateful my daughter wants to learn how to make Christmas Candy from me. We made toffee tonight. She likes it when it's grainy and soft. Most of the time i make it it doesn't turn out, but she likes it anyway.
3. I'm having fun listening to "The Robe" by Lloyd C. Douglas. This is is a good time of year to listen or read that story. I checked it out from the Pioneer Digital Library.
4. I'm grateful I've had a week off of work. Although, i can't say it was a take-it-easy week. I worked harder physically than I have for awhile. Now I'm very worn out which isn't a good thing. Sometimes it takes me longer to recuperate than I'd like.
5. Grateful I found some money today while cleaning...a substantial amount.
6. Grateful that Chris's heart slowed down today. He's having issues again. Also grateful for Dr. Hooker at Utah Valley who takes good care of the inmates ... and the ailing deputies too. Grateful I didn't have an ER visit today nor an ER visit co-pay.

1. I'm thankful I slept well last night. Some nights I don't.
2. I'm thankful that I only have two more days of work this week. But yesterday was busy. I hope I can keep up today. Why is it always like that right before a break?
3. Grateful for my nice warm house, especially on a cold night.
4. I'm thankful Jessica's project for ASL seemed to go together well. Even though she wanted to put ME into the video to. :-) She was "talking" about me in ASL and then had to have me show up on the video too.
5. I'm grateful I get paid today. Sweet!

1. I enjoyed driving through the neighborhood last night with Jessica. We enjoyed the lights and decorations. The frosty-the-snowmen reminded me of Grisham's "Skipping Christmas." It helps to remind ourselves once in awhile that Christmas is more than trying to keep up with the neighbors.

2. I'm glad that Chris has some overtime shifts this month. I miss having him around, but the extra money in December is always welcome.

3. I'm glad the county commissioners agreed to have no layoffs. That's always nice to hear right at Christmastime.

4. I enjoyed our work party yesterday. It was a mini-reunion of sorts with those I used to work more closely with who are now working in other groups. Thanks Angel for putting it together. The lasagna completely disappeared too.

5. I'm grateful I have a dependable vehicle to drive. I know it needs some attention, but it still runs. It does like the garage better than sitting in the driveway. Jessica calls the van "Vanessa."

6. Clam Chowder was yummy for dinner last night. I'm glad Chris enjoys it.

7. I had fun listening to FM 100.3 while making dinner. It plays Christmas music all the time. I usually get annoyed with all the repeats of the same ol' Christmas songs. This station plays a wider variety.

1. I am glad I didn't blog last night between 6:30 and 7pm. I was NOT happy. Jessica's call time at the school ended up being earlier than I expected...and traffic was bad on the freeway. I got her dropped off then went to the school at 7pm to pick her up...only to find her still performing. Mary, from the front office, let me in the front door and suggested I sit on the bench in the Commons area (even though it was a faculty party.) I had a great time listening to the choir sing. The acoustics were amazing .... and left my soul singing for joy! How I LOVE Christmas music!!

2. We hit our final milestone at work and will ship our product before Christmas. I'm grateful that we've reached our goal.

3. I'm glad that my batch of lasagna last night turned out ok (Sunday's batch didn't do so well). I hope mom and dad are home this morning so I can cook it in their oven before our party at work during lunch.

4. I'm glad all of Jessica's performances are complete for the year. She can now focus on homework and projects due before Friday.

5. There is snow on the ground, and although it was icy driving to work...it feels more like Christmas.