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.