1. Cell phones that let me talk to family often and long.
2. Craigslist--made a nice deposit of cash at the bank today from goods I've sold in the last week.
3. A co-worker gave me the last flower of the summer for me to have at my desk. What a nice surprise when I came in Tuesday morning. Apparently it pays to move the pot into the garage for the flowers to last longer.
4. A back massager at my desk. I found one for $8 at a local thrift store and I let the balls roll up and down my back almost all day long at work. So glad my co-worker doesn't mind the noise.
5. What a beautiful full moon last night. I've been enjoying my friend's hot tub quite a few nights recently, and last night the moon was so bright it was almost as if there were lights on outside.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Aunt Hulda
This morning my mother reminded me that our dear Aunt Hulda would have been 100 years old today. She was a single great aunt who was like an additional grandmother for me and my siblings.
She was well-traveled and brought back an infant dress for me from Egypt.
In 1968 she had a stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. I do not remember her before the stroke. When we visited in Illinois we would help her in the morning get ready for work and in the evening we would help her get ready for bed. It was quite an accomplishment to remember the exact count of her pills every night. Included in all of the pills were two "Buffern", which how I still think of Bufferin tabs today.
Since there was a wonderful drug store up town that we loved to get candy and comic books from, Aunt Hulda allowed us to earn the money for these items by helping her. I remember negotiating with her that every thing we did would be a penny but anything to do with her feet was worth a nickel. (Remember we could buy a comic book for 15 cents or a big comic for 25 cents way back then!) On a typical day we would earn about 30-50 cents.
When we visited she would always give us money "to eat on the way home" which was of course her way of just giving us a few dollars since obviously our parents would get us food. We were torn between wanting the money and the look our mother gave us to not take money from Aunt Hulda. The life lesson I learned then was Aunt Hulda's words--"No one offers you money unless they want you to have it. If someone offers you money you take it and say thank you."
Her therapists recommended taking up a hobby so she and my dear Aunt Louise, another single aunt who was also another grandmother figure to us, took up ceramics. With her one good hand, Aunt Hulda would clean the greenware and then paint it after firing. They actually started a small ceramics business to sell their completed work.
Last Saturday at my annual pumpkin pancake breakfast I had these pieces as my centerpiece. I told my guests about how my paralyzed aunt and her sister had made these. Telling them about her made me wonder how old she was when she had the stroke. I told them I could only guess as she was always "old" to me. Today I realized she was only 56 when she had her stroke and then passed away 8 years later.
I've been thinking about her today as she passed away the Saturday after Thanksgiving which was 3 days after her birthday. I've thought about how young she was to have a stroke is by today's standard. And, I also wonder how different her treatment and life may have been if she had that stroke with today's medical improvements.
She was well-traveled and brought back an infant dress for me from Egypt.
In 1968 she had a stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. I do not remember her before the stroke. When we visited in Illinois we would help her in the morning get ready for work and in the evening we would help her get ready for bed. It was quite an accomplishment to remember the exact count of her pills every night. Included in all of the pills were two "Buffern", which how I still think of Bufferin tabs today.
Since there was a wonderful drug store up town that we loved to get candy and comic books from, Aunt Hulda allowed us to earn the money for these items by helping her. I remember negotiating with her that every thing we did would be a penny but anything to do with her feet was worth a nickel. (Remember we could buy a comic book for 15 cents or a big comic for 25 cents way back then!) On a typical day we would earn about 30-50 cents.
When we visited she would always give us money "to eat on the way home" which was of course her way of just giving us a few dollars since obviously our parents would get us food. We were torn between wanting the money and the look our mother gave us to not take money from Aunt Hulda. The life lesson I learned then was Aunt Hulda's words--"No one offers you money unless they want you to have it. If someone offers you money you take it and say thank you."
Her therapists recommended taking up a hobby so she and my dear Aunt Louise, another single aunt who was also another grandmother figure to us, took up ceramics. With her one good hand, Aunt Hulda would clean the greenware and then paint it after firing. They actually started a small ceramics business to sell their completed work.
Last Saturday at my annual pumpkin pancake breakfast I had these pieces as my centerpiece. I told my guests about how my paralyzed aunt and her sister had made these. Telling them about her made me wonder how old she was when she had the stroke. I told them I could only guess as she was always "old" to me. Today I realized she was only 56 when she had her stroke and then passed away 8 years later.
I've been thinking about her today as she passed away the Saturday after Thanksgiving which was 3 days after her birthday. I've thought about how young she was to have a stroke is by today's standard. And, I also wonder how different her treatment and life may have been if she had that stroke with today's medical improvements.
Friday, November 23, 2012
A Few Favorite Stories
Yesterday I was reminded of three of my favorite stories from my nieces and nephews when they were little. Names have been omitted to not embarrass the speaker.
When visiting at my parents home one 3-year old nephew was sitting beside Dad at dinner. After the meal Dad complimented mother on what a good meal it was. The nephew turned to Dad and said, "She's a good woman."
Another time the nieces and nephews had all stayed at my parents so their parents could have a few days of quiet and we could all enjoy the kids. Grandma brought out a sweater to one of the nieces to put on in case she was cold--Grandma always thought they must be cold and needed socks and more clothes. One niece looked at Grandma and said, "Grandma, I'm not cold, but if you are then YOU should put on a sweater.
One Christmas a nephew and I helped the grandparents by washing their cars and then decided to go get Aunt Mary's car at work and wash it too. In the office Aunt Mary offered our services to others and the owner's wife let us wash her car too. Several times on the way to the car wash, while we were washing the car, and on the drive back I went through this with the nephew.
"It is very possible that she will offer us money for doing this for her, but her husband has been very sick so why don't we just do a nice thing for her and not take any money. If she offers money just say, "Thank you for offering, but we are happy to do this for you and your husband. We do not want any money for this." We practiced it several times.
Back at the office the lady came out with a dollar for the nephew. He began, "Thank you for offering, but we are just happy" and then looked at me saying "Now what was it I'm supposed to say?"
When visiting at my parents home one 3-year old nephew was sitting beside Dad at dinner. After the meal Dad complimented mother on what a good meal it was. The nephew turned to Dad and said, "She's a good woman."
--------------------------------
Another time the nieces and nephews had all stayed at my parents so their parents could have a few days of quiet and we could all enjoy the kids. Grandma brought out a sweater to one of the nieces to put on in case she was cold--Grandma always thought they must be cold and needed socks and more clothes. One niece looked at Grandma and said, "Grandma, I'm not cold, but if you are then YOU should put on a sweater.
--------------------------------
One Christmas a nephew and I helped the grandparents by washing their cars and then decided to go get Aunt Mary's car at work and wash it too. In the office Aunt Mary offered our services to others and the owner's wife let us wash her car too. Several times on the way to the car wash, while we were washing the car, and on the drive back I went through this with the nephew.
"It is very possible that she will offer us money for doing this for her, but her husband has been very sick so why don't we just do a nice thing for her and not take any money. If she offers money just say, "Thank you for offering, but we are happy to do this for you and your husband. We do not want any money for this." We practiced it several times.
Back at the office the lady came out with a dollar for the nephew. He began, "Thank you for offering, but we are just happy" and then looked at me saying "Now what was it I'm supposed to say?"
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thankful Thanksgiving
1. Salvation. My uncle recently said he doesn't know how anyone can go through losing a spouse without God in their lives, and I have wondered how one faces job loss without faith.
2. Parents who have and continue to love and care for me.
3. Siblings and their spouses who no doubt shake their heads at my shenanigans but still love me and support me.
4. Nieces and nephews who are growing into responsible and mature adults who are just fun to be with.
5. I have so many possessions--some are needs, many more are wants, and some I look at and think "what was I thinking that I bought that?????"
6. Friends who include me in their holiday plans.
7. Friends who have reached out in the last couple of weeks in a variety of ways. Without realizing it they have been Omnipotence's helpers.
8. Health and knowing good healthcare is available.
9. A country that has had a "peaceful revolution" six times in my life. We can change presidential parties and while there will always be disappointment by almost half of the voters we don't worry about violence breaking out.
So many more . . .
2. Parents who have and continue to love and care for me.
3. Siblings and their spouses who no doubt shake their heads at my shenanigans but still love me and support me.
4. Nieces and nephews who are growing into responsible and mature adults who are just fun to be with.
5. I have so many possessions--some are needs, many more are wants, and some I look at and think "what was I thinking that I bought that?????"
6. Friends who include me in their holiday plans.
7. Friends who have reached out in the last couple of weeks in a variety of ways. Without realizing it they have been Omnipotence's helpers.
8. Health and knowing good healthcare is available.
9. A country that has had a "peaceful revolution" six times in my life. We can change presidential parties and while there will always be disappointment by almost half of the voters we don't worry about violence breaking out.
So many more . . .
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Grief
Last weekend I was reminded that losing a job is like a death and it's ok to go through a grieving process. My co-worker and I were discussing that as well. One day she said, "Today I'm in the anger phase." About Thursday I said, "I must be in the eathing phase of grief." She wondered if that really was a stage.
Hopefully I remember this for the future. When you don't know what to say, say you don't know what to say. However, to not say anything is worse. When someone says I don't know what to say they acknowledge that something has occurred and there is no easy answer. Not saying anything makes the one who has experienced a loss feel awkward. And no, don't expect that person to come to you to talk.
Hopefully I remember this for the future. When you don't know what to say, say you don't know what to say. However, to not say anything is worse. When someone says I don't know what to say they acknowledge that something has occurred and there is no easy answer. Not saying anything makes the one who has experienced a loss feel awkward. And no, don't expect that person to come to you to talk.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Day +4
It's four days since The News. This morning was rough at church. We sang I Stand in Awe of You and How Great is Our God. I was on the organ which was better and was worse. It was better that I didn't have to actually sing the words, and it was worse because I could hear the words and there was a big potential for a meltdown while playing. I made it with no tears until I tried to sing the chorus accapella with the audience but quit and then the leader repeated the chorus.
So many people at church were very encouraging, and I know many of them are praying for me.
Best comment I got yesterday: If you need or want to talk, stop by. We may not know much but we're always willing to give our opinion.
Best comment of today came from a missionary I was giving a head's up that the little financial support I give them monthly may discontinue after February: This morning I was thinking that I had too much work but my perspective on that has changed.
So many people at church were very encouraging, and I know many of them are praying for me.
Best comment I got yesterday: If you need or want to talk, stop by. We may not know much but we're always willing to give our opinion.
Best comment of today came from a missionary I was giving a head's up that the little financial support I give them monthly may discontinue after February: This morning I was thinking that I had too much work but my perspective on that has changed.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Day One
Day one of getting ready for unemployment.
In some ways today was worse than yesterday. I was prepared for yesterday, but I really hadn't thought about going to work today with Renae's office being empty. It's a bit bizarre in that I don't know who knows and who doesn't. No one in the office said anything.
Today I made a few calls to get advice, stop 401K contributions to help build up cash, made a doctor's appointment for while I still have insurance, and talked with an HR person. I also called two people who work virtually but I've really enjoyed working with and connected with even though we've mostly e-mailed and occasionally talked on the phone.
Two meltdowns today. One was after I talked to the financial advisor and wasn't too big, but the one after I walked out of Menards was pretty bad. I have no idea what triggered it, but thanks Mom for talking me through it!
Funniest moment of the day. Grocery shopping and spending way too long trying to decide which was the best buy on toilet paper.
In some ways today was worse than yesterday. I was prepared for yesterday, but I really hadn't thought about going to work today with Renae's office being empty. It's a bit bizarre in that I don't know who knows and who doesn't. No one in the office said anything.
Today I made a few calls to get advice, stop 401K contributions to help build up cash, made a doctor's appointment for while I still have insurance, and talked with an HR person. I also called two people who work virtually but I've really enjoyed working with and connected with even though we've mostly e-mailed and occasionally talked on the phone.
Two meltdowns today. One was after I talked to the financial advisor and wasn't too big, but the one after I walked out of Menards was pretty bad. I have no idea what triggered it, but thanks Mom for talking me through it!
Funniest moment of the day. Grocery shopping and spending way too long trying to decide which was the best buy on toilet paper.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
November 8, 2012
November 8, 2012. I'll remember today.
51 weeks and 4 days after I started a new job I found out my job would be eliminated at the end of February. I knew it was a possibility at some point, but when you walk into a conference room with the finance director and the head of HR you know it's not good.
It could be worse. My close friend and work team leader was told her job was eliminated effective today.
It's interesting that this came down 2 days after the election. I'd like to say it's the result of that but it's not. The official reason is the department is moving to Minneapolis.
So today I begin to find out what my faith really is.
It's easy to say God is in control, God knows, God will take care of me.
I know all of that.
I also know that I have a strong, loving, and very supportive family and a strong support network of friends.
But I cannot say I'm not scared, and I cannot say I haven't had a lot of tears today.
So tomorrow morning I go back and finish the job.
51 weeks and 4 days after I started a new job I found out my job would be eliminated at the end of February. I knew it was a possibility at some point, but when you walk into a conference room with the finance director and the head of HR you know it's not good.
It could be worse. My close friend and work team leader was told her job was eliminated effective today.
It's interesting that this came down 2 days after the election. I'd like to say it's the result of that but it's not. The official reason is the department is moving to Minneapolis.
So today I begin to find out what my faith really is.
It's easy to say God is in control, God knows, God will take care of me.
I know all of that.
I also know that I have a strong, loving, and very supportive family and a strong support network of friends.
But I cannot say I'm not scared, and I cannot say I haven't had a lot of tears today.
So tomorrow morning I go back and finish the job.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thankful Thaturday
My Thankful Thursday, written on Saturday and completed and posted on Monday.
1. Finally got all my outside stuff in the garaGe for the winter. It's a rather sad feeling.
2. Sleeping until 9:25 this morning put me far behind, but that extra sleep was wonderful. I apparently relly needed it!
3. I get to watch all of the Alabama football game tonight because we get an extra hour of sleep tonight.
4. Last night I talked with my uncle. It was so refreshing to hear him tell how God has blessed for the last year.
UPDATED LATER:
5. I have blogger on my phone so that I can post from my phone but found it rather difficult to make any corrections. I started this on my phone Saturday night but am now finishing on a computer. EDIT: I've tried to get these points to separate into a line for each point, but I can't get it done.
6. The end of the AL game was so exciting I couldn't get to sleep.
7. Happy Birthday to one of the 3 best sisters in the world.
8. Did some shopping at the Michigan City outlets and stopped at Fannie May on the way out of town. They aren't what they used to be. Goodbye Trinidads and Chocolate Toffee.
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