Week One of the new job.

I can't begin to tell you how much I'm enjoying my new job. My first day on the job I was being trained. I picked up on the accounting software so easily that by 10 a.m. I was told to just go to it. I guess they felt I had it down, and once they had me in the computer, I was on my own. The second day was my first check run, and after showing me the ropes on that, they left me to finish the job. It felt good to know that I really DO know what I'm doing, and that they recognized it so quickly.

I am afraid that the lady who's training me is feeling a little threatened right now. She told the controller on Tuesday that she'd shown me all the stuff he wanted her to show me, and that I'd completed the work. He asked if she had shown me how to do the debt service yet, and she had a funny look on her face but replied "No, I do that on the 20th - it's already completed". He then told her she should show me how to post revenue at which point she spoke up saying "What? You want me to train her on how to do my whole job so you can get rid of me?" It's human nature to feel vulnerable and I can understand her feelings. I don't know how to comfort her, and although I don't think they're even considering replacing her, they are concerned about her health and so that could be the reason behind the request. Hopefully, as time goes by, she'll feel more secure and we'll be good friends.

It's really been wonderful being busy and productive. It hasn't been wonderful having to get up at the crack of dawn to go to work. I set my alarm for 6:30 a.m., but more times than not I wake up earlier - usually between 5 and 5:30 a.m., so I just get ready and go. The commute isn't fun, but there's light at the end of the tunnel since they're thinking about moving and/or I might be able to work from home at some point. I'm not complaining, it's just part of the deal.

I AM EMPLOYED!!!!!

After much thought and prayer about the decision I needed to make regarding a new job, I took a leap of faith and turned down the job offer I received in the hopes of getting the position at the property management company owned by my friend. I was certain that the spirit was guiding me away from the first job, so even if the other one didn't pan out, that was the correct choice. Luckily, I interviewed Monday for the position, and was offered the job Tuesday. I start on Monday, September 27th. There are some definite advantages to this job, one of which allows me the opportunity, once I get trained, to work from home 3 days a week and in the office the other two. This is huge considering their office is a difficult commute for me. It's actually about the same distance from the house as the other one, it's just the route is heavily traveled and so it take more time to get there. They're hoping to change locations so that will be great if it happens. Another positive is the people who work in the office. From what I hear, the majority of the employees are LDS, but those who aren't are so nice you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. I'm sure that it will be a much more cordial situation than where I left.

I started this blog out of sheer boredom looking for ways to keep busy while off work. But, I do enjoy posting about my life and what's happening, so I think I'll continue with it even after going back to work. So, from this point on, you'll see more exciting, fun posts about my wonderful family including my adorable, exceptional grandsons, as well as pictures from trips and other fun happenings. I think it will be loads of fun!!! And, of course, I'll keep you posted on how the new job goes and what my future holds!! Whoo Hoo......I'm going back to work.

Here's some fun pictures for you to enjoy!!!

This is Porter in his "Sunday Dress" - Future Missionary!!!

Porter and Tyson together....loving brothers.

Tyson watching the world around him!! Cute.



This is what makes life worth living. Are they not the most adorable, lovable, wonderful grandsons you've ever seen in your life. No, I AM NOT prejudiced. I just call them like I see them!! Cute little kids.

It is NEVER easy........ugh!!!

So, last week, I had an interview that I felt went really well. I was intrigued with the position because it fell directly within my qualifications - it was for an accounts payable/receivable position at a property management company using Yardi!! The only drawback was the location - in Rocklin, a ways from home. But I felt like I totally nailed my interview and was disappointed when they didn't offer me the job right off the bat. The next day I was sure I'd get a call, but nothing happened. I got really bummed about it, but just moved on and continued to look for other options. A few days later I was advised to call and ask about the position, which I did and was told they were still interviewing. Obviously, they weren't as taken with me as I thought.
The next day (yesterday), they called and offered me the position!! I was thrilled and felt like I wanted to jump up and down to celebrate. The hourly rate was much less than what I was earning before I was laid off, but it was an average amount compared to what I've found while searching for a job. I hesitated to speak (allowing a moment of silence) and before I could respond to them, they said they'd give me a 90 day probationary period at which point I'd receive a performance review and increase. This sounded good to me, so they sent me a formal letter to offer employment outlining the job, rate, details etc. All I had to do was sign the letter agreeing to the terms of employment, and I'd be on my way!!!
I had been praying a lot that I'd find a job that I'd be happy with and love, so I didn't sign the job offer immediately feeling that I needed to pray for confirmation that this is the right job for me. But before I had the chance to put the time into praying for an answer about taking the job, I received a phone call regarding another job possibility. A good friend (a member and ex-coworker)who had left F.I.P.I. about 8 years ago, opened his own business in property management. Over the years, he would mention to me that if I ever left my job and wanted to work for him, he'd like to hire me. At the point when I lost my job, there weren't any openings at his company, but he was hoping a job would open up soon. I obviously couldn't wait for that to happen, but it was nice having that as a 'back-up option' if I didn't find work or if I didn't like the job I eventually found. So to get a call about a job opening with him on the very day I got a job offer (yet before I signed the agreement to work elsewhere), well, I don't think that was a mere coincidence.
I was asked to contact the controller at the company and set up an interview. In addition, I was asked to send my resume' and letters of recommendation as well. The controller was not available to meet with me until Monday (he was off work till then), and I had to give an answer to this other company by Friday. If I was guaranteed the second job and the interview and resume' were just formalities, I wouldn't hesitate to tell the other company that I'd accepted another position. I hate to turn down a "for sure" job, in the "hopes" I'd be offered the other one. But then I can't help but feel that the spirit is guiding me to do just that. Man, why can't these things be easy?? More to come......

Trying to stay positive!!

Life comes with so many ups and downs, sometimes it's hard to keep things in perspective. This past couple of weeks, I've been dealing with a lot of personal stuff that's been pretty difficult, emotionally. I am so glad to have my testimony to bolster me up during these trying times. Scott reminded me that we've had very little adversity to deal with over the years, so I guess my time has come. Again, I'm grateful that I have my Heavenly Father to turn to for comfort, to be able to hand off my troubles to, and to rely on for strength and clarity. I have worked diligently to improve my habits, and am proud of my accomplishments in that respect. It has helped me to feel the Spirit during these trying times, and has brought me comfort. I will continue to build on these improvements, and rely on my faith to get me through this and whatever future troubles are ahead. I can't imagine where I'd be without having my faith to fall back on. I took it for grated for so long.....never again.

The job search has been slow and steady. I had an interview last week that seemed to go pretty well, and I also went for testing at SMUD (Sacramento Municiple Utility District) on Saturday. The test was hard, but I think I did alright. I will get the results in a couple of weeks, and we'll go from there. I'm not sure I want to drive that far, but I am grateful for the experience of the testing. Of course, if I did do well enough to warrant an interview, by the time that happens, I may change my mind about the drive. The more time goes by, the less selective I may be (or so some of the ladies at the testing told me who had been out of a job longer)!! We'll see. I would like to stay in the property management field, since that's what I know, but the opportunities are limited. I know, deep down, that God has something in store for me, and I need to be patient. That helps. That, and the fact that I've been off work during such a beautiful time of the year. I can almost bet once I get back to work I'll start questioning myself as to why I was in such a hurry!

I forgot.....literally!!

I had a wonderful surprise last week with a visit from Stacy, Porter and Tyson, accompanied by Jeff!! What a great week we had. I was so thrilled to have the unexpected opportunity to see my kids and grandkids, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was especially happy to have Jeff stay around the house which he typically doesn't do when he visits. The boys (Rob, Jeff and Kyle) are on a fishing bug right now, so they did have fun going off fishing a few times.

Now I have this wonderful camera I bought specifically so I could take great pictures of my grandkids when they came. Do you think I even thought to take it out and snap some pictures?? No, I sure didn't. So here are some pictures 'Stacy took' while visiting California. Gee whiz, where is my memory lately?? Okay, there is ONE surprise one that even Stacy hasn't seen..... :-)











While they were visiting, they helped me spiff up my resume'. I have since gotten two calls, and an email for testing at SMUD, a utility company here in town. The first call didn't amount to anything, but I have an interview next Thursday at a property management company in Roseville, and I'm taking the SMUD test Saturday the 28th. I really didn't think I wanted to apply for the SMUD job, but it was paying so well, I thought 'what the heck'. Then, to be invited to test for it, I was pleased. I've been working on brushing up on my accounting knowledge (oh my gosh....I am so not ready for a test) in the hopes I can add to what I already know. I just started today and plan to work on it till my test, but so far, I'm really over my head. I just figure I'll keep working and working at it until it either sinks in or I die trying. I feel that the added information can only help me in any job I eventually land, but it's been so long since I've tried to do any book learning and study. I do great when someone trains me on something, but to try to read and absorb all I want to learn, well, it's been eye opening.

I have to say, for as much as I've been whining about not working, I'm discovering that I'm getting kind of lazy as the months go by. I stop and ponder whether I'm nuts to give up my lifestyle of waking whenever I want, basking in the sun, reading good books, and being around when my kids visit. I know that I'm much happier when I'm productive, and in reality, unemployment won't last forever. But sometimes, when I'm really enjoying my time, I hesitate and think "What are you doing??". Of course, I was able to be off work at a really great time of year. The weather from the time I was laid off right up until now has been wonderful. I can't help but wonder how I'll feel when the weather changes and it's rainy and cold and I have nothing to do. I do feel very blessed, though, that I was able to enjoy the time I did have to just hang out and do nothing. I hope I can get a visit into my dad before I go back to work. It's been way too long.

One last note: I have really been enjoying my calling as the Young Women's President. I love the girls in our ward, and I'm loving this opportunity. We have three new girls who moved in this month, so that's fun too, getting to know new sweet spirits. I hope I can be a good example for them and help them to stay grounded and on the right track. What a fantastic experience this is, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Patience is a Virtue!!!

Okay, you'd think I'd be so happy having lots of time off, not working, basking in the sun and reading? Actually, it sounds pretty darn nice. And in fact, it is.



But I'm going absolutely stir crazy. How long does it take from the time you send in a resume' till the time you get contacted?? Now I know I won't get calls from every job I apply for, but goodness, shouldn't I hear from some?? I know, I know. It's only been two weeks at the most, and some are only days out there. But I'm getting really anxious and frustrated. I keep looking at the phone, willing it to ring!!!



I try to stay busy, and the fact of the matter is, I have probably read between 50-75 books since I was laid off. I love to read, and I love sitting in the sun. Why complain? I'm getting a nice tan, and I've discovered the uplifting experience of reading books written by LDS authors. It's really helped me increase my testimony. I don't mean to whine, I guess I'm just anxious to get back to work and start contributing to society. I need to finish a cross stitching project I started for my grandson, Tyson. But I just don't feel motivated to do any of that, and I feel sort of depressed that I don't have a job lined up. I know there are a lot of people in my boat, and I'm grateful that we're not struggling financially. I keep praying for a good job to come my way, and I know that it will when the time is right. Of this I am sure. And, of course, I am being fairly selective as to what I apply for. I guess I need to just calm down and wait for the right thing to come along. I hope I don't go crazy in the meantime.

33 Years and counting

Scott and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary yesterday. It amazes me that we've been married that long....it doesn't seem like that much time has passed. I feel so fortunate to have a man like him in my life. After all this time, he's still the only one for me. I love being with him, I enjoy sharing experiences together, and I'm still wild about the guy. I realize how fortunate I am, or should I say blessed? We get along so well, it's so unbelievable how blessed we are, and we truly recognize and appreciate those blessings. Heavenly Father has been kind to us, and we're so grateful for His influence throughout the years.
Last February, we had the opportunity to go to San Francisco for work, and we were able to see the show Wicked for the first time. I had heard great things about it and loved every minute of it. Afterwards, I enjoyed being able to re-live the experience through the Wicked soundtrack I'd been given. After months of enjoyment, I was ready to go back and see it again. For our anniversary, Scott and I went back to San Francisco and saw Wicked...and I loved it all over again. This time, I was able to watch closely to each and every aspect of the production, as well as sing along to the music. It was so great, and I am so happy I was able to be there one more time before they close in September.
I have to say, I'm pretty spoiled. If I want something, I usually get it. Scott has been really generous over the years, and although I'm not an extravagant person, I'm grateful for his generosity and love. I hope we have many, many more years to share and enjoy one another. Happy Anniversary my love.

That's Not Fair!!!

I'm a little bit peeved right now, and I need to blow off some steam. I've been going a little stir crazy lately waiting for my job to start in August. It seemed as if the days were dragging by. So, I ended up calling my new employer to touch basis and find out the details of my employment. I left a voice mail message, and two days later, I got a return call. The gentleman (and I use that term loosely) who hired me a month and a half ago called me back and basically told me that the job he offered me was no longer available, and I should continue my job search!! WHAT?? I was in shock at what he was saying, and ended the phone call with a very timid 'okay, thank you'. But the more time I had to digest it, the more upset I became. I can't believe a company would tell you that you have the job, ask you to wait to start for a month and a half, then just say 'never mind'!!! I keep trying to tell myself that it's not a big deal. I only applied because the job seemed so perfect, and I wasn't actually going to start looking till after the baby came, and maybe not at all, if our new business needed my attention. That is a really poor way to run a business.

So now, I have looked once again to see what jobs are available out there. I haven't come across anything that is quite as perfect as this one...but I'll keep looking. I know that my Heavenly Father has something in mind for me, and so I'm comforted with that thought. I'm trying to stay busy, once again, but there's only so much time taken up with looking on-line for jobs and checking my email. I'm reading like crazy and have really enjoyed the books written by LDS authors. They are so uplifting for me and many times educational. I have been able to buy quite a few good books at the Deseret Thrift Store both here and in Utah, and I've probably gone through close to 50 books by now. I'm trying to keep a positive outlook. One good thing to come out of this is that I was really hoping to be able to travel with Scott to Los Angeles and visit my dad, and I didn't think I'd be able to - beginning a new job. Now, unless something changes very quickly, I think I'll be able to do that. Hey, maybe if I'm still out of commission in September, I'll try to get in a visit to Disneyland and
Disney's California Adventure (one of my favorite places on earth)!!

Checking in!!

As you can see, it's been awhile since I've updated my blog. The reason for this is the birth of my beautiful new Grandson, Tyson. I was able to go to Utah for 2 1/2 weeks to help take care of Porter, when my new Grandson arrived. He came to the world on June 21st, 2010 weighing in at 7 lbs. 0 ozs. and was 20 inches long. I have to let you in on a secret....I discovered that I was really nervous about the delivery of this sweet baby, because I knew 'my baby' was going in for surgery. The closer the date of arrival came, the more apprehensive I was. Surgery isn't something small, and the thought of my daughter going under the knife was difficult for me. I prayed a lot for the surgeon, my daughter and my grandson, and my prayers were answered. Isn't he just the most adorable little guy?? Here's a picture of him right after he was born:


I had a great visit with Stacy, Jared, Porter and Tyson. I was also able to spend time with Jeff, as well as Scott and Kyle who came for the birth a bit later. We missed having Robbie there, but we were grateful he was home taking care of the house and the dogs. He has two jobs which made leaving difficult.

We had the opportunity to attend the semi-annual Porter Family Reunion. Scott, myself, Jeff and Kyle all attended, as well as Scott's Mom, sister, nephew Kevin and his wife Sara and son Kade. We were just a sprinkling of family members because Scott's mom was one of 13 kids, so you can imagine the numbers. Of the 13 kids, there are three still with us. Scott's mom, who's 94, Uncle Jay and Aunt Elaine. I don't know their ages, but they're somewhere close I'm presuming!! :)

Just prior to leaving for Utah, I got a call regarding a job. Because I've been on unemployment, I've been looking out for jobs so I could truthfully say I was actively looking. BUT...I wasn't planning on getting serious until after the baby came. But when I saw this job description (A/P, Property Mgmnt. Yardi software, in Folsom) it was as if I wrote the perfect job for me. I sent a resume' and went for a job interview a couple weeks before leaving, but thought I didn't get it since I hadn't heard anything. Then, a couple days before my flight out, they called and offered me the job. There has been a hold on a property they were acquiring, so the job is on hold until August, but it's mine for the taking. I need more details, but I was happy to be offered the position on the first (and only) job I applied for.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying my time off. I have been spending my time sunning, and reading, and relaxing as best I can. I'm actually getting some color on my legs that I don't have to wear stockings to church anymore. Oh, and speaking of church....I was just called to the Young Women's President. I am excited about that because I love the Young Women in our ward, and enjoy the program very much. Guess my blogspot name of "Trying to stay busy" will soon change for me. Whoo Hoo.

Ups and Downs

After this past weekend dealing with death of a young person, I'm feeling very grateful for all my many blessings. I have a wonderful family and such strong faith, it's truly a comfort during these times. Besides the reality of dealing with this loss, I am also watching and praying for a family who used to be in our ward who recently learned that their 8 year old son has cancer. I can't imagine how that must feel for those parents, his siblings, trying to stay positive and hoping for the best. It's at times like these that our testimonies and faith become so priceless to us. Knowing that we can be together with those we love in the next life brings such comfort and hope. I wish that everyone knew of this wonderful gift, which gives me pause about my missionary efforts. I've got to do better.

Monday morning, I learned Jeff had made it back home to Utah, safe and sound. I gave a prayer of thanks and my heart was happy. I spent the day shopping for gifts - friends and family who are celebrating soon or while I'm away in Utah. My oldest son, Rob, will celebrate his birthday this week. The daughter of a gal I visit teach will be baptized on Saturday, and I won't be able to attend. Another good friend who I also happen to visit teach will be having a birthday next week, and there's a bridal shower planned for my friends son, and a friend of my son. Things continue and the world goes on. I enjoyed shopping and picking out those special items for each of these wonderful people, which made me stop and think about how true the saying "This too shall pass" really is. I find comfort in this, although I know if I were grieving a loss, it would mystify me. I guess it's God's way of helping us through. We hold those we lose in our hearts, and then we go on. We take what we can from the experience, both good and bad, and we learn from it.

I am especially excited because I will soon be with my family in Utah as the arrival of my new grandson is literally days away. I learned today that I will not be able to be along side my daughter as she gives birth via C-Section, but although I want to help in whatever way she needs, I revel in the knowledge that I'll be able to hang out with Porter and enjoy our time together. It wasn't that long ago I was there, so I'm expecting he'll be excited and happy to see me this time, and not so hesitant. I guess I have some 'racing' ahead of me, and that's just fine. I hope I can help him accept and enjoy his new baby brother, but knowing his personality, he won't need help at all. What a loving child he is. A joy to my heart.

Reality Bites

My #2 son came home to California today after being away at school in Utah. Normally, this would bring me such joy and happiness, but today was different. The look in his eyes when he arrived was difficult because I could see he was tortured. He had come home to attend the funeral of a friend he had grown up with. This friend played youth football with my son, attended the same high school, graduated the same year, and now he's dead. The reality of this was apparent in my son's eyes.

There comes a time in everyone's life when they have to accept death in one form or another. For me, it came early. When I was 6 years old, my baby brother died at 7 1/2 months old. I didn't really grasp the meaning behind it, but I hurt non-the-less. As I remember the young man they are burying today, it makes my heart ache for his parents. I struggle with the reality that this didn't have to happen, but I pray those who knew him will think long and hard about the decisions they make from this point on. Young people sometimes believe they're untouchable, that it couldn't happen to them. Sometimes they take foolish chances and make stupid decisions. It's nothing new, and it will continue on from generation to generation. But hopefully, after this result, it might help someone make a better choice in the future.

I believe that when you die, there is more. I believe in eternal marriage and eternal families. I feel comfort in this knowledge knowing when we lose someone we care about, we'll have the opportunity to see them again. I hope my son believes this too, and can feel some comfort from this belief. I'm sure that his sorrow stems from losing a friend much too soon, and the reality that it didn't have to be this way. I admire his determination to be there for his family, and to focus on the good aspects of the person he was. I'm sure the family will be comforted by his insight, and I am proud of the loyalty he shows to those he cares about. I look forward to spending these next couple of days with him, and I'm grateful that I'll have more time to spend with him in another week once the shock and grief has softened a bit. It comforts me to know that those who die will live on forever in our hearts.

The Beginning

So, what does someone do after being laid off from work after years of faithful service?? Well, once the shock wears off and the joy of having some time to do 'whatever you want'...you start a blog. This is all new to me from this side of the computer, but I have enjoyed my daughter's blog (and some of her friends) for a while now so what the heck. I'm as adventurous as the next gal.

I've really enjoyed my time off, although I found home to be quite different from when I left it over 10 years ago. I started working after being a stay home mom for years. It was a fluke to take on this job, but it worked out beautifully in the long run, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity. When I first started working, I had four children still at home ranging from ages 17-9. Upon being laid-off, I soon learned that those 10 years took a toll, and I no longer have all the many duties I had before starting that job. Plus, I hired out the housekeeping duties long ago (and don't really want to change that!!), so it was a challenge to stay busy.

Initially, I walked around in a daze, but soon I started doing some simple work on the computer for my son (we've been building a website so I helped complete that...and now have helped to get our second one finished). I appreciated the busy work, but felt I needed to do something more. We (my sweet husband and I) started looking into opening a business of our own. He has wanted to do this for years, but I came on board when I realized that I'd never be safe from losing my job again if I worked for anyone else. So, we've been contemplating and working toward opening a business. It's all going well, so hopefully things will progress and we'll be business owners soon. In the meantime, I've been doing a lot of reading, cross-stitching, and basking in the beautiful sunlight with these gorgeous early summer days. It's a life I've grown accustomed to all too well. I have gone on one job interview - a job that seemed to be written expressly for me. My thoughts are if it pans out, I'll decide from there and possibly work AND open a business. But, I feel fortunate to have the choice in the matter. So many people have no choices, and many are desperate. So sad.

I am totally looking forward to the next few weeks. I'm going to visit my daughter soon as she is giving birth to my second grandson. I absolutely adore my first grandson, Porter. He is so much fun to be around and my only regret is that we don't live closer. But, I have been able to spend 15 days with them after losing my job, and will be with them another 15-16 days when she delivers. I don't think I could have been able to take that much time off had I been working, so obviously, this lay-off has been a blessing in my life. I am totally looking forward to what my future holds. I am so blessed in so many ways, and for that I am truly grateful.