Blessed and Thankful beyond measure......

Wow! I can hardly believe I have lots two months in blogging. My friends don't even stop by anymore because I have been gone so long. I don't blame them. What can I say, life is busy!

I am truly blessed. Not only am I busy and staying out of trouble, I have so much to be thankful for this thanksgiving. I have my woes like everyone else but life is good. I have my health, a job, a family who loves me and I can come to the blog world and read until my hearts content.

I had a fantastic day with my family yesterday. There was more to eat than should be allow in one day. I watched my grandson play with two game controllers for a video game that I would be hard pressed playing with one of. He even beat his sister and me twice at UNO . And my grand daughter is finally interested in crocheting. I have waited for years to see that happen. She actually stayed with it and finished half of a neck scarf. And watch my daughter be excited about quilting. Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Just good quality time with my family.

It was back to work today. But I didn't mind, the family is off to see relatives in Virginia and won't be back until Sunday. I went to work early and stayed late, putting up Christmas trees, I did. Well there are 6 to put up and only one got done today but it was a 10 footer. Tomorrow is another day. By the time I get around to my own tree, it may take some doing to get in the mood to put it up. The grandchildren are good motivators for that.

I hope everyone had a Great and Blessed Thanksgiving. God Bless.

Vanity may not be your best option.......

Something that has always puzzled me. It doesn't matter what walk of life you come from ...... What nationality ....... What race ......... Or even size, age, shy, or not........ It never ceases to amaze me how vain we are.

I sat for a long time today watching one of the seniors at work, struggle with how well she wrote her name. She sat talking with a social worker and myself, during a care conference, and was ask to sign her name when we were finished. This lady hesitated to sign, proclaiming her handwriting wasn't what it used to be. Wanting to preserve her dignity, we offered a piece of paper, at her request, to practice, of which she wrote her name several times, very slowly and carefully, before agreeing to sign the paper we offered her.

It's no different than watching yourself walk down the street and seeing your reflection in the store front glass, thinking to yourself that couldn't be you. You don't remember your profile being that out of shape. Or you hair style looking that as it does. Or your clothes looking that un-kept.....or the graying in your hair.....Or.....Or......Or............

When I first started working with seniors, one of them told me she didn't look like herself. What she said that day stayed with me a long time. I must say, I didn't quite understand what she was talking about at that time. As I age, I understand what she was talking about to well.

I was in the ladies room today washing my hands for lunch and looked up into the mirror to see someone I recognize, but it sure didn't look like what I thought I would look like when I got to be this age. What I felt on the inside didn't quite match what I was seeing on the outside. And no, I didn't just realize this. It sure helps me to be a lot more compassionate with our aging residents.

Isn't is wonderful that we are all unique and different. And no matter how much we age, our individuality and kindness can speak for themselves. The old saying that our grandparents used to tell us true after all. A nice young lady will be a nice old lady. And a beautiful young lady will be a beautiful old lady. Isn't it great that as we age, mellow, mature, what ever you want to call it, we are able to develop relationships with people for more than face value. Maybe watching our own bodies change, we hope others will look at us with a more forgiving lens and give us the opportunity to show them what we are made of too.

I've worked with seniors for a very long time and have learned there are a lot of wonderful souls out there, who have taught me what kind of person I want to be when I grow up. A little love, compassion and time go a long way no matter how old you are. What's that old saying, As we age we don't loose our beauty, it simply moves from our faces to our hearts. That senior I was working with today sure showed her beauty, and she didn't even know she was doing it.

Don't be too proud, to vain to show you true colors. And don't be too hard on yourself. God made us all is his glory. We are what and who he intended us to be. Living in his grace will be more that enough. Do all that you can and God will do the rest.

God Bless. Good Night.

After the storm.......

The incredible wind storm last Sunday. At first is was an inconvenience compared to what we where hearing about those poor people in Texas. Louisiana and even Florida. Then we lost power. Not just a few people but the whole city. Lots of trees down, no traffic lights, stores closed, gas stations closed due to no gas and / or power.

Usually you would hear a lot of whining and complaining. Not a whimper! Everyone knew, however bad it seemed for us, it was MUCH worse for the people south of us.

We worried about the trees in the backyard coming down with the strong winds, while in our warm, comfortable home, watching TV or using the computer.

They worried about leaving their homes and not knowing where they would go and when they would get to come back.

We worry about loosing power and how long it would be off
They worried about loosing their homes and if they be livable when they returned
We were without power at work, I work in a nursing facility, for 4 days. Four twenty four hour days. We have 105 residents who live there and 149 staff member who work there. I spent the last 4 days watching people do what we should be doing everyday, working together, not complaining, doing what it takes to get the job done. All the while, my boss, the owner of the company, stayed all night and was right there in the middle of things,

We all know God does things for a reason. And while I have a hard time understanding the tragic things happening to those people in Texas and the whys. God doesn't always expect us to understand. God in his mercy handles things in his own way. Maybe it's God's way to make us all come together and help each other.

I think God brought Ike's ugly head our direction to help us see just how luck and blessed we are, power or no power. Money is tight for everyone these days due to the high cost of econ any, gas and food but prayer doesn't cost anything. Reaching out to your family, friends and neighbors, again free.

Do what you can for the people, here in your own city or in cities that continue to recover. god will bless you for your efforts. Maybe you don't have much. Maybe it doesn't take much. A smile. A meal. A helping hand. Do something for someone else. You won't believe how good it will make you feel.

God Bless.

Fun Facts about each other.......

So, I've been tagged by Gigi, at In The Throne Room. This is a little lighthearted game to learn some tidbits about your fellow bloggers.

The Rules:

1) Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
2) People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4) Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and to read your blog.So, I'm now sharing 8 random things about myself and then the FUN part (for me anyway!)...I get to tag 8 of YOU to continue this madness! Ready? Here we go!

1.) I have a beautiful daughter and two really awesome grandchildren.
2.) I hate to cook, and I'm not a very good cook.
3.) I'm a loner, but I love being with people too.
4.) I always stay up too late because I don't require a lot of sleep.
5.) I'm more shy than most people think.
6.) I love to crochet and can make almost anything.
7.) I have a cat name Charlie. ( I never thought I would like having a cat but I do)
8.) My favorite foods are: Fish, homemade Mac & Cheese and Broccoli.

Okay, who to tag with this Meme........hmmmmmm.

1. Andrea at Decipher the Fog
2. Flight Song
3. A Pink Carnation in Bloom
4. A Flyover Blog
5. Carolanne Outside The Box
6. It's a Mom's World
7. Why Tame My Mind?
8. Vera's Crafty Blog

You've been tagged. Don't forget to read and follow the rules at the top of this blog. Have fun.

God Bless America.

Come Home Safe Josh.

Only one month to go.

We Love you!

I was going through some of the many books I have and came across a most interesting one; "Courage for the Chicken Hearted". It's a book of humorous and inspiring stories for confident living. Guide Post published it but it is written by Becky Freeman and a host of other writers.

My friend Grova, who died several years ago, gave it to me. This book is so like her, full of knowledge, stories, scriptures, poems and even recipes. I think they have only published one book but I sure wish they would publish another one. It's cute, uplifting and gives you food for thought. I want to say the Chicken Nuggets at the end of each chapter is my favorite part but I like it all.

I found this great poem, (the only poem in the whole book that doesn't take a chicken's prospective.) I like it because it highlights the Simple things in life. I think we all take life way too seriously, too often.

Hope this poem lightens you day. It did wonders for mine.

Simple Things

Teddy bears and rocking chairs

are some of my favorite things.

Cookie jars and shooting stars,

and robin in the spring,

Fields of flowers and April showers,

velvet grass beneath bare feet;

Gentle ran on windowpanes.]

and ice cream sundae treats.

Country folks and silly jokes,

lazy summer afternoons,

Porch swings and songs to sing

and roses in full bloom.

Autumn leaves, a crisp cool breeze,

a golden harvest moon;

Afire place, a cozy fire,

a guitar with a simple tune,

Candlelight and winter nights,

long letters from a friend.

Cinnamon smells and fairy tales,

old quilts to snuggle in.

Fireflies and apple pies,

the laughter of a child.

Believing all things are possible,

and that even angels smile.

Simple things are favorite things-

gifts from God above-

Priceless treasures money can't buy-

acquired through hearts of love.

God Bless.

You Are Who You Hang With........

I just visited a new friend's blog. Gigi at The Throne Room. She wrote about the poem Reason, Season or a Life time. I love that poem. It's one of those poems you can read between the lines. And it stays with you more than the few minutes it takes you to read it. It makes you think about the people who inspire us....help us feel good about ourselves.....or who we can help or learn form. You find yourself going back and thinking about people who have come and gone in our lives.

I was always told, we are who we hang with. If you hang with people who are not wise, you will not be wise. If you hang with people who challenge you, you will grow wise.

I believe the wisest of all is God and anyone who follows his teaching can never go wrong. I believe he brings people into our paths to teach us and help us grow in ways that are beyond our own understanding sometimes. My friend Grova ( who passed away in her sleep two years ago) was a Hugh example of that. Where she was strong, I was weak. And where I was strong, she was week. God in his wisdom always has a plan.

Growing up with a challenging background, I was always told I didn't have worth or knowledge. I grew up believing everyone was wise and I was dumb. I'm old enough now to realize we are all wise and worthy in our own ways. We can all teach much to many, while at the same time learn plenty with an open mind.


I have worked with seniors for many, many years and I can tell you they are itching to enlighten you with their knowledge. And they have plenty! This one lady, who was 104, started her lesson of wisdom with, "I'm at the end of my path here on earth and if I don't share what I know, how can I pass on the old traditions and experiences. Thus began my many years of listening and learning.

If you go in with an open mind, they can teach you plenty, even when your not looking. I can tell you the dept of wisdom these people have, is deeper than any ocean. That 104 year old lady, Bertha, could quote EVERY bible verse, word for word. She never went to bed without reading a chapter or two, (even though she could quote it), and when she got too old to see the word, she would have someone read it to her. Often that person would be me.


Quote for the day: Befriend yourself with people you can help and teach while allowing yourself to learn and grow at the same time. (I wrote this quote)

God Bless and Good Night.

Labor day and the Hurricane

Happy Labor day. Hope you have the pleasure of being off today.

And for those of you who had to work today, thank you. For caring for our seniors in nursing homes and our children so their parents could work. For making it possible for me to visit my local grocery store and for manning the phones so I could talk to my friends on the phone. And for being there at the gas stations and restaurants, so that we might have that quality family time, sometimes missing these days because we are all so busy.

I just heard on the television that Olive Garden delivered free food to several of out local police departments. I think that awesome! However, I wish they would have sent that money to the people who had to evacuate from their homes for food but the gesture was a good one.

As for my labor day, I had plenty planned and accomplished little. I guess that was God's way of telling me to be kind to myself. However, my bedroom still isn't painted. The bushes outside still look like they could use some TLC. and the vaccum is still in the closet and hasn't shown it face, as of yet (That still might happen).

I did manage to bathe the cat. Old Charlie didn't know what hit him. I just know he wished I would have allowed that chore to go undone. He even got has nail clipped and a good brushing. He looks good and even smells good, and I haven't seen much of him all weekend!

We (my daughter and I) went to Indianapolis yesterday to see my great nephew, who was born two weeks ago. He's really cute. Looks like his mommy. We went after the initial rush when everyone else was leaving and returning from the holiday weekend. We went on Saturday and returned on the same day. It's a little over 2 hours one way and we spent about 3 hours there. It was a beautiful day for a ride. I not only enjoyed the visit with my niece and great nephew, I enjoyed the quality time in the car with my daughter. With life so busy, getting away alone together is a rare blessing for us.

Today, I haven't done much. Poked around in the computer, did a couple loads of laundry, Hit the grocery for stuff for lunches this week. It's nice having the day off and not having to worry about anything. I had hoped to come together for a picnic with the family but I guess I can count my blessing. I had a nice day yesterday.

Before I close, I want to take a few minutes to ask everyone to pray for those poor people in the south having to, yet again, go through a hurricane. AGAIN! It's really hard on the adult but it's awful on the children. If I didn't have a new job, and had all the money I needed, I would be first in line to volunteer to help those people and more. Don't forget, the Red Cross is asking for help. We can all do something. I plan to call Matthew 25 tomorrow and see what I can do.

Lord,

Watch over those people who again have to move from their homes for safety. Help them to know you are traveling with them. Help them to find the things they need while avoiding the dangers of the weather. Help the people who can help, come forward and help. Watch over the service men and women and the police men and women who work so hard to protect the people and their unattended homes and things left behind that they treasure. Help them find the kindness and love in all the christian people we know are out there. Keep them in your care. Help the damage not be too great when they return home. Bless them Lord. Amen

God Bless.

Things are coming togetrher.......

The job is going well. It is a pleasure to have a job that allows me, on an everyday basis, to enhance the quality of another person's life. Now grant it, some days we are sometimes too busy to feel the impact on weather or not we made a difference, but today wasn't one of those days.

I had the pleasure of interviewing a resident for our newsletter today. (Our company puts one out monthly. I get the pleasure of writing it.) The only reason I bring this part into my blog is because I was so in awe at some of the answers she gave. Before telling you about the interview, I have to give you a bit of history on this person. Doctors have given her less that two months to live due to cancer. It has already been two months and two weeks, so according to her doctor, she is living on borrowed time, and she knows it.

She has the greatest attitude. I learned she was born in Tennessee. Married when she was 20. Loved being a wife, cooking and cleaning and taking care of her home. Listening to her talk, I thought this sounded pretty ordinary until she started talking about her husband going off to the war. And about having to go to work to support her family. Now being the tiny little lady she is, when she talked about running a saw in a sawmill, cutting lumber, my ears perked up. Then she said after there was no more wood to cut, she went on to work operation a kick press (whatever that is) and working as a maid in the wealthy part of town. She said she wore the same uniforms you see in the movies - black dresses with crisp white collars and sleeves.

She also talked about her and her husband making 50 pounds of candy every year at Christmas time to share with the neighbors. She talked about how hard money was to come by and how long she saved to get enough to make the candy. She said she couldn't let her neighbors down. They might not get anything sweet because they may not have any money either.

Can you imagine what kind of world we would have if everyone had the same mind set now she did back then. There are a lot of really nice people out there who honestly want to help but there are a lot of me people out there too, only focusing on themselves.

Another good thing happened at work today. The new girl I hired started in my department today. She has about 8 years experience in working activities with the residents. I can tell you it was a pleasure watching her interact with the residents. You could see she knew the needs of the different resident almost before they voiced them. I think she will be a real asset to our facility and to the activity department.

Unfortunately it showed how bad one of the other girls is. I knew she needed coaching and teaching, however, she has not been open to learning and growing. The other team members have been complaining about her a lot. As you remember I wrote in another post , she was the one I had to write up on my first day alone on the job. She had a pretty ruff day today. I hope the new girl can help her come around, otherwise, her days are numbered. There's too many good people out there who need a job and are willing to do what is necessary for the residents.

On to a happier note. Our student volunteering program is beginning to take shape. There are two high schools willing to offer our facility as a good place to earn their community service hours. I'm excited. I have worked with one of the schools before and know the experience will be a good one for both resident and student. The other school may take some work but I know will be well worth the efforts.

I'm glad things are coming together in this job. I think it is a better fit than either of the last two jobs I have had.

I hope everyone is having a great week. God Bless.

Quote of the day:The best things in life aren't things.

We should never be too busy for family time......

We all live is such a busy world. We let the days, weeks and months slip through our fingers. Then we sit back and wonder where the time went. How the kids could possible be that big. How your child could possible have a child old enough to be entering junior high in a few days. Man, I feel old.

Today I spent a lovely day with my daughter and family. All I can say is, I am so blessed. She is such a great mom! And let's not forget how good the dad is too! Not that we need to be reminded, or maybe we do need reminders. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses. Spend that quality time with the family. Do what you can to be happy and do whatever you can to ensure their happiness too. We may not get tomorrow. And none of us are getting any younger.

Today we went to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game. They had been on a loosing streak but today they won 7-3 today! I just know it was because they knew there was a Mercy Me concert scheduled immediately after the game.

The game was really good, the seat were almost on the field. We got signatures of several players and even high fives for the Reds mascot. The concert was Great! We were able to keep the seat from the game. There were maybe 10,000 people who attended the concert. It was the greatest feeling listening to that many people sing Amazing Grace, and we sang it twice! Awesome! They gave us opportunities to sing a couple other songs too. It only lasted about an hour, but it was a powerful hour.

The lead singer talked about dealing with problems and how God intended for us to have them. He talked about the book of Job and how problems are a part of life. And how God sacrificed too. He gave his own perfect son. It was deep in there for a while, but I came away refreshed and renewed. You can't help but count your blessing, problems and all.

Take care of yourselves. Be good to yourselves.

Quote of the day: The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise man grows it under their feet. James Oppenheim

Where does the time go?

In coming into my blog, I resisted the temptation of going into some of my favorite blogs. Every time I do I end up spending several hours getting lost in reading about everyone else lives and decide to blog on my life another time. Pretty soon you realize three weeks or a month has gone by.........

The summer is quickly getting away from me. It's hard to believe we're moving into the second week of August already. Wasn't today just a beautiful day! God is so good!

Vacation in Put in Bay was great with the family. There is nothing like good quality time with the family. The weather could have been better, but at least it wasn't a wash out. I think everyone got to do all that they wanted to. My favorite parts were riding up and back with the grandchildren in the back seat chattering and singing songs like "BINGO" at the top of "our" lungs..........or maybe it was carrying our tent, assembled, to another camp site, as the camp ground was ( ) full.........or maybe it was reading the Gazette (that's the local news paper) and finding out more about locals and the old houses...........or the early morning sneak away with my granddaughter and going downtown......or when my grandson caught his first fish (before dad or grandpa). Do you get the idea it was a good time for all.......I hope we can do it again next year.

The new job is going great! I've been there just over a month. I have learned much and know I still have much to learn. I have a awesome activity staff. This fall should bring some challenges with several staff members going back to college but hiring new staff isn't anything new to me.

This job is a lot different than the last one. The meetings and paperwork are still there but I can make the resident my main focus, the other stuff secondary, which is the way it should be. My first shin-dig last Thursday went well. I hired and entertainer and had not yet heard her and was a bit worried but I soon realize I had nothing to worry about She was good! I like it when things work out.

Vacation bible school was a big hit with the neighboring children. I think we neared 70 this year. I 'm glad VBS is a mission our church can offer. Kids today need all the help we can give them. I didn't sign up for a class this year because I wasn't sure of the employment situation. As it turned out, Andrea (my daughter) needed a pinch hitter for the toddler group so she could take care of some needed business.

I want to share one more thing........
As a blogger you didn't know your were famous and an author did you? I read a nice article in the August RedbooK magazine about blogging. Good Stuff! On the cover, it said "Spill your Secrets". I just knew the article was going to be about blogging. It's a really good article. I liked how it said "finding the right blogging community is like finding the right pair of jeans". I guess that's true, we click better with some than others and we all have different interests. I learned blogger.com isn't the only blogging place (which I already knew wouldn't be but I didn't know the names of any). There is livejournal.com and wordpress.com. If you don't want to have a blog page and just want to put your two cents worth in, there is "divinecaroline.com" or "tokoni.com". Go check it out, I think you will all get something out of it. Let me know what you think.

Quote of the day: Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. Doug Larson

God Bless. Good Night

Work that brain!.........

Well my second day on the job is gone and things are going well. It sure is a lot to take in at one time.

The person I am replacing is still on the job and has been doing her best to remember everything that she can think of to make my transition go as smoothly as possible. This should make my job easier after she is gone. I really appreciate that! The last job, I went into, I went in blind.

Thankfully, most of what she is sharing, I have already done before. I just need to brush up on it because I haven't done most of the paper work required in over seven years. Hopefully it will be like riding a bike, a little practice and I'll be off and running. In the mean time, prayers are appreciated.

It didn't take long to realize the job consist of 20 percent staff and resident interaction and 80 percent paper work. The state has to have their part. I'm okay with the paperwork. My only hope is that I can keep up while in the relearning process.

Learning the new computer systems, residents, staff names, new policies and procedures and the like.............Aren't new jobs fun? Maybe I'm getting too old for all this job jumping thing.

It is nice to be back to work and I know this for sure.........If God takes me to it, He will see me through it.

Have a good night. God Bless.

Looking forward to my new journey.........

I came to my blog over two hours ago. I almost always start by spending time visiting and reading some of the great blogger so I can catch up on what everyone is doing. Andrea's daughter (my granddaughter) is getting braces. Judith is writing a book. Kim been on vacation and making crocheted food for her niece. And Stephanie, has a new baby! And there is plenty more to read but it will have to wait for another night.

I have some great news. I'm not unemployed anymore. Yippee!! I knew God had a plan. Besides, seven weeks is long enough to be unemployed.

I got the final conformation call today about my new job as an Activity Director in a Care Center. A job that is more in line with my experience. I start on Monday.

The company is young, only two years old. They own several other communities in our city that have been around for a while. There are about 100 residents, with a potential for 20 more. There are 6 activity staff not including myself.

I'm looking forward to beginning my new journey. How quickly I have forgotten how much I like working. The days can get long. Besides, I like having a job that enhances and aides in healing individuals loves. I appreciate being need by others. Being an Activity Director is often referred to by other staff as the "Fun Job". And most of the time, they are right! I say most of the time because there is a lot of paper work involved in a job like this, but believe it or not, I like that part too.

Quote for the day: Most of us lead far more meaningful lives than we know. Often finding meaning is not about doing thing differently; it is about seeing familiar things in new ways. When we find new eyes, the unsuspected blessings of work we have done for many years may take us completely by surprise.
Quote comes from the book, "My Grandfather's Blessings" by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD

A coincidence or a small miracle........

Well, I went for a second interview with a retirement community that is only two years old. They own several in our city, but this one is new. The Administrator is young enough to be one own son, ( those are his words, when he found out how old my daughter was). Funny thing, I interviewed with him two years ago, almost to the day. He was willing to hire me then but the company wouldn't be ready for opening for 10 weeks and I couldn't wait that long. Having this same job available at the same time I am once again looking, I think it is a sign from God.

The first interview went well. Having interviewed with him before, there were no butterflies or anything like that. I was relaxed and it made the interview go quickly and smoothly. As it happens, the ad had just been running one day when I sent my resume in. After the interview he said he had several interviews scheduled and would get back to me 4 days later. Early on the 4th day he called and scheduled me in the very next working day.

With being called in for the second interview, I knew the job was mine if I wanted it. We toured the facility, again. Not knowing I was being tested as we moved through the four units. He ask me to observe and provide feedback when we got back to the office. As we toured, he excused himself several times various reasons, staying gone as much a five minutes each. While he was away, I joined in the activity on two separate occasions.

When we returned to his office he said I pasted his test. I told him I didn't know I was being tested. He ask if I knew what the test was. Of course I knew but I didn't tell him I knew. The test he was referring to was becoming involved with the resident and not staying on the side line while waiting for him to return to the room he left me in.

When he offered me the job, I didn't take it right away. I told him I had another second interview scheduled the following day (which wasn't the complete truth, I had a first interview scheduled). After finding out the interview was scheduled at 2:00, he ask me to call him at 3:30, after the interview.

I ended up not going on the interview and just waited until 3:30 to return his call. I accepted the job. I go for orientation in seven hours. ( I better get my bones in bed). I start on July 7th.

Soooo, I guess I can say, I am not unemployed anymore. I have a week and a half to get my ducks in a row then it's back to work. I can't wait!

Quote for the day: A coincidence is a small miracle where God prefers to remain anonymous.

Rescue me.....or not!

Someone better rescue me soon. I have been working myself to death around here. I was up at 6:30 this morning. I did my regular stuff but I didn't stop there. I cleaned the pantry, sorted out a closet in my bedroom that had way too much junk in it, compiled a nice big of clothes for the goodwill and did several loads of laundry and mopped and waxed the kitchen floor.



Yesterday I installed a new sink in the bathroom. Well, truth be told, Tim down the block and I installed it. I found that the pipe was leaking and the sink was long overdue in replacing. One thing I did realize in putting the sink in, there is a job for everyone and plumbing isn't it for me, no matter how much I need a job.



Tomorrow if the weather holds and it's not too hot, I have a lot of bushes and grass outside that need some grooming. I used to frown on the old couple that lived next door. They were retired and kept the yard so beautiful and well groomed. Heck, he sometimes mowed the yard twice a week. I sure wish they were back over there. The new young couple that have lived there for the past three years make the little work I do in my yard look good, and trust me, I could do so much more.



I continue to be unemployed and the interviewing process continues, and life is good. I got a call today. I thought it was a call to come again for a second interview. What it was, was a call for a job reference for my friend, who is also looking for a job. We talked several minutes, the lady shooting multiple questions what kind of person she was and the work habits of my friend. Who would ever give someone a bad reference when you know it may change the outcome of weather or not that person got or didn't get the job? They would have to be really bad.



When I thought the conversation / reference call was about finish, this lady then told me she had been told I was out of a job too and that she had several more openings and to submit a resume if I was interested. It would be working with children rather than seniors and it's not really what I was looking for but sounds interesting and worth at least an interview.



I got two more calls about employment. One to schedule a first interview, one to come back for a second interview. The one that is a second interview if working only with health care residents. Assisted living and Independent residents are my favorite but the need is greater for good activity people working with the more frail resident. I almost got a job with this company a couple years ago but couldn't wait 10 weeks to start. Him calling me back, he must see something in me that he likes. I have the weekend to think about it. I have several offers in the wings but he is the first to call for a second interview. I just want to make sure not to jump to quickly just because I need a job.

Quote for the day: You can accomplish more in one hour with God than one lifetime without him.

What's important and what's not.......

Interesting how important paper work is when your up to your eyeball in it. I just spent several hours sorting through papers that used to be a big part the job I had. I used to bring home several hours of paper work each night, and. now it lays in a heap on the floor, ready for the garbage.

When I quit my job 4 weeks ago, I brought home my work bag and the few items from my office. Before today I haven’t touched that bag. Funny thing is, that paperwork was of such an urgency to be completed, then you let the job go and are immediately freed from it. Does that mean the job was of no value? No I don’t think so. I believe the company thought it was asking for what they thought was of the best service for their residents. The only problems with that is that the management teams are often so far removed from the true aspects of the job that they don’t really know what is needed. We often get so wrapped up in paper work, we don’t get enough quality time with the residents.

I thought I would feel lost and worthless when I left my job, and maybe that was true for the first couple days, not any more. I thought about the residents and miss them at times but that is only because I cared.

In the first week, after posting about 10-1 2 resumes, I went on vacation to see my friend Pam in South Carolina. If anyone could build me up, she could. I spent five days with her and her husband. Both knowing my situation and knowing I would talk about it if I wanted to neither mentioned it, not once. She has a true way of making you feel the worth and value of just being yourself. She kept me busy enough to stay engaged and gave me enough space and alone time to work out what my next plan of action would be.

The hardest part of being out of work isn’t what you think it should be, the money, it’s the waiting until things start happening. I haven’t been as anxious as I thought I would be. Then again, it has only been four weeks. I have had some positive leads.

And so I began the interviewing process this week. I had three. Each followed by lunch out with an old friend, (one of which I had not seen in five years).

Now I know your supposed to be nervous when you interview, but I wasn’t. I could tell by the first interview that this was going to be one of many. The job sounded great. It wasn’t enough hours, (can you imagine I’m saying that), and it wasn’t enough money, Tt was also a lot farther from home that I want to travel every day. The AD read full time but by the time I got there they had hired someone from within and it was down to part time. Having lunch with a friend afterwords, it was nice to have someone to talk to about it.

The second one was better. She turned out to be an old coworker. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go there, but it turned out really good. The third one sounded interesting, but not what I wanted at all.

I attended a business meeting on Thursday for activity professionals and got several new leads to move on next week. As long as the leads keep coming I will remain positive and upbeat.

I used to not like change. I think the older I get the more I think like it. Or maybe it’s just that I needed a change so bad, I welcome it. The thought of getting back into working hands on, enriching the quality of lives for residents with activities sounds very satisfying to me.

I believe God has a plan. I pray daily that he will guide me in my search and help me find that job that will both enrich me in my delivery of service, while enhancing the quality of lives of the seniors I serve.

I was looking forward to going to my grandson’s T-ball game today but with the rainy weather it was cancelled. Instead I spent a quite day at home cleaning house and moving furniture around. We (my grandson and I) spent the evening together, as Saturday is date night for his parents. We played cars and watched the Cincinnati Reds Baseball game, then went out in the yard and played base ball. He is soooooo cute. He can hit that ball better at 5 than I could ever hit it.. Wonder why they have to grow up so fast?

Quote for the day is from a new book I found – “Sunsets with God”
Remember the things He has promised and that regardless of your performance today, as you give your whole heart to Him, He makes up the difference.

One Word

Your can cnly use one word in you answers. Thanks Stephanie.

1.Where is your mobile phone? Handy
2.Your significant other? no
3.Your hair? short
4.Your mother? uninvolved
5.Your father? Heaven
6.Your favorite thing? Family
7.Your dream last night? different
8.Your favorite drink? Pepsi
9.Your dream/goal? contentment
10.The room you’re in? Den
11.Your ex? nope
12.Your fear? Pennyless
13.Where do you want to be in 6 years? Florida?
14.Where were you last night? Target
15.What you’re not? emlpoyed
16.Muffins? Blueberry
17.One of your wish list items? computer
18.Where you grew up? Cincinnati
19.The last thing you did? dishes
20.What are you wearing? glasses
21.Your TV? big
22.Your pets? devoted
23.Your computer? old
24.Your life? calm
25.Your mood? content
26.Missing someone? John
27.Your car? Matrex
28.Something you’re not wearing? earrings
29.Favorite Store? Michael's
30.Your summer? exciting
31.Like someone? Lots
32.Your favorite color? Orange
33.When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
34.Last time you cried? last night

Work and God's plan

I believe God has a plan for all of us. I think He stirs us up sometime to allow us to focus on what’s important in life. I think working hard at a job is important however, a job that continues to suck the life out of you, pushing you to spend more and more time away from family and the things you love doing is not the right job.

I quit my job three weeks ago and. I spent the first week catching up on some long lost sleep, and feeling sorry for my self, wondering if I had done the right thing in leaving when I didn’t have another job to cover the missing income that would surely be missed.

As I sit and wonder what the next move would be in my search for a new job, I can’t help but to let my mind drift in all sorts of directions. Knowing that retirement is not an option at this point in my life and with the internet at my finger tip, the search is a lot easier than it once was. Is this the time to make a change in the direction I want to take?

No, I want to go back to being an activities director but there is a problem…..

As an Activity Director for seniors, the job field is not a big one, and what is out there fills fast. I tell myself I’m not worried because God has a plan for me. On days when I go into the computer and see several listings for my job qualification, I feel encouraged in God’s plan and am willing to wait for the direction He wants me to take. Then several days go by without a call or response and I pray that God won’t have me wait too long and become too discouraged in my search.

In that prayer for patience, I am moved to get up and make that follow-up phone call, attack that closet that has been begging for attention or take that long overdue walk in the beautiful sunshine. And if I am still discouraged, I call a friend to reconnect, go to lunch. It’s been too long and I have a lot of catching up to do. Thanks, Pauline, Linda, Carolyn. I even took a long weekend with my dear friend Pam in South Carolina. Thanks Pam.

Life is too short to be in a job that continued to take advantage of my willingness to work as many hours as it takes to get the job done. I tell myself if I don’t do it, who will? Who will be there for these wonderful seniors, who have worked so hard all their lives and deserve the loving care and quality service I can provide. We can all be replaced.

When I would come home after a long tiring day, the sun long past setting, I would wonder why I have let yet another day get away from me, without much to show for it, I would feel guilty that I have again not done what I could for my own home and family. Not fulfilling my family obligations, especially to the grandchildren, who seem to be growing up right in front of my nose. And my house. Oh my house. It calls out to that motivated, energetic person who moved in ten and a half years ago, egger to spend quality time and energy making it beautiful, inside and out, (I’ll be back!)

Keep me in your prayers. I’m not discouraged about not having a job, yet. It’s only been three weeks and I still have much to do around here. Besides, I believe the scripture that

….If God takes us to it, He will see us through it.

A little taste of my world.....

A Little Taste

Stole this from Chelsea: who stole it from Mel

Tomorrow: Is Tuesday. And after working the grave yard shift I will go out to lunch with a bus load of Alzheimer's residents from work, who really appreciate being able to go out and do something different, even if they don't know where they are.

Happy Because: I am loved, I have a job, My family is healthy and happy.

Today I: worked the grave yard shift, again (last night). Came home and slept a little, worked around the house, got some stuff together to donate to Goodwill, spent some quality time playing around in the computer, re-entered the blog wold - made some homemade soup, clipped the cat's toenails, talk to an old friend on the phone, and went into work AGAIN tonight, ( I hope those trainees hurry up, I don't like the grave yard shift).

Something(s) I know: I have a great family! - My brother needs a hair cut - My work is very rewarding but sometimes keeps me from spending quality time with the people I love - Pam in South Carolina needs a visitor because I need a vacation - Did you hear that Pam?

Currently reading: Lots of Blogs. I have a lot of catching up to do. Plus I have 3 new magazines and 4 new books I got for christmas, (that call my name every time I look in the direction of the book shelf.)

Wanting: My brother to find that perfect job that makes him shine like the wonderful person he is.

Favorite Gadget: New small appliances I got for christmas, a smoothie maker and a two in one toaster oven.

Thankful that: I have my family so close to me. Because even when I work crazy hours, they still find time to spend quality time together with me.

Wondering Why: Most people don't have the work ethic that their parents had. ( I don't mean that for everyone but there sure are a lot of people out there who want a paycheck for doing a shoty job. I know, I had to fire two of them in the last couple months)

Quote for the day: Families are forever.

God Bless

I've always been told, the older we get, the faster the time goes by. I think I believe I'm getting really old. Are there really only 27 days until christmas? Where's my cane?



Need I say, life is crazy busy and there are no signs of slowing until at least the end of the year at this point.



Life is good. Way too busy to appreciate all that has been coming my way the last two months.



Halloween



Women's Faith Conference and visited with my friend in North Carolina



Babysitting the grands so my daughter and son in law could get away for some quality time



Many, many hours of overtime and weekends at work to ensure a good time for the residents over the thanksgiving holiday



Son in law's Birthday and dinner at their house. More quality time with the family, my favorite.