"I like you; I love you, and I'm sorry!"
That's what my "little" (8 years younger than me) brother always said to my mom at the supper table, whenever there was a tense moment, because she was upset with her family. While all of us "older' children (and my dad) sat silent, unsure how to handle the moment, he would simply say to Mom (in a soft, loving way), "I like you, I love you, and I'm sorry." It usually worked like a charm!
Hmmmm...maybe it should be used at all those difficult moments in a family setting.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
A Night of Celebration
Friday was quite a day! It was last day of working where I've been for the last three months, and the day that Larry accepted a job offer from the State of Oregon.
He will be a bank examiner, for State-chartered banks all over the State of Oregon, traveling at least two weeks out of four. He starts work on April 28th, and has his first trip away the following week.
As for me, I will be looking for another full-time job. I may do "temp" work at first, until our house sells, and I know where we'll be living. Larry's office is located about 30-45 minutes from home, so our thought right now is to live about half way between his office and our church. I'm thinking I would like to work somewhere in that area. For those of you who know this area, Larry's office is in Wilsonville, although the main office is in Salem (the capitol of Oregon), and he will also be in Salem sometimes.
Friday night we went out with our son and daughter-in-law. Our evening of celebration began at Jim and Patti's apartment, with Hors’ d’oeuvres. Then we twent to a little cafe where we managed to get a table by the windows, with a nice view for sunset.
The excitement began when I decided to raise the window blinds a little more to get a fuller view of the area. Nothing happened when I gave the usual light tug on the cord, so I tugged a little harder. Still nothing. So, Patti suggested I try a stronger pull. I tried, and that's the last I remember about looking out the window before receiving a good hard clunk on my head. The entire set of blinds had come crashing down on top of my head. When I realized I felt a strange wetness in various places, I began discovering blood dripping -- on my hands, face, glasses, clothes, Larry's jacket, on the table. I was suddenly the center of attention in the whole place! Servers came running to assess my condition, and brought a container of some liquid antisceptic to apply with pressure to my head. Somebody was keeping pressure on my head while someone else was cleaning up the blood. After while we realized I was fine, so I regained my composure, and we finished our meal. Little by little we were able to laugh about it and move on to the next restaurant for dessert.
(Oh, we found the blood came from a surface wound, rather than a deep gash, as it felt like. Head wounds always produce dramatic results!)
Next, we went to a wonderful little dessert place/bakery/chocolate factory. The desserts were heavenly--truly heavenly. Mine was called "A Slice of Heaven"--and it was! Just as we finished up, the master choclatier (owner of the place) came to our table and began some very pleasant conversation with us. To our delight and amazement, he insisted we come with him back into his choclate kitchen, and proceeded to give us a complete tour, explaining the entire process to us. By the time we left there we felt like old friends--very special and especially privileged! We have no idea why he chose to do that with us--maybe it was the blood all over my shirt. Anyway, it was just the perfect finishing touch (the "icing on the cake") to our evening of celebration.
He will be a bank examiner, for State-chartered banks all over the State of Oregon, traveling at least two weeks out of four. He starts work on April 28th, and has his first trip away the following week.
As for me, I will be looking for another full-time job. I may do "temp" work at first, until our house sells, and I know where we'll be living. Larry's office is located about 30-45 minutes from home, so our thought right now is to live about half way between his office and our church. I'm thinking I would like to work somewhere in that area. For those of you who know this area, Larry's office is in Wilsonville, although the main office is in Salem (the capitol of Oregon), and he will also be in Salem sometimes.
Friday night we went out with our son and daughter-in-law. Our evening of celebration began at Jim and Patti's apartment, with Hors’ d’oeuvres. Then we twent to a little cafe where we managed to get a table by the windows, with a nice view for sunset.
The excitement began when I decided to raise the window blinds a little more to get a fuller view of the area. Nothing happened when I gave the usual light tug on the cord, so I tugged a little harder. Still nothing. So, Patti suggested I try a stronger pull. I tried, and that's the last I remember about looking out the window before receiving a good hard clunk on my head. The entire set of blinds had come crashing down on top of my head. When I realized I felt a strange wetness in various places, I began discovering blood dripping -- on my hands, face, glasses, clothes, Larry's jacket, on the table. I was suddenly the center of attention in the whole place! Servers came running to assess my condition, and brought a container of some liquid antisceptic to apply with pressure to my head. Somebody was keeping pressure on my head while someone else was cleaning up the blood. After while we realized I was fine, so I regained my composure, and we finished our meal. Little by little we were able to laugh about it and move on to the next restaurant for dessert.
(Oh, we found the blood came from a surface wound, rather than a deep gash, as it felt like. Head wounds always produce dramatic results!)
Next, we went to a wonderful little dessert place/bakery/chocolate factory. The desserts were heavenly--truly heavenly. Mine was called "A Slice of Heaven"--and it was! Just as we finished up, the master choclatier (owner of the place) came to our table and began some very pleasant conversation with us. To our delight and amazement, he insisted we come with him back into his choclate kitchen, and proceeded to give us a complete tour, explaining the entire process to us. By the time we left there we felt like old friends--very special and especially privileged! We have no idea why he chose to do that with us--maybe it was the blood all over my shirt. Anyway, it was just the perfect finishing touch (the "icing on the cake") to our evening of celebration.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Changes
Today our house went up for sale. Tomorrow we expect to hear some important news regarding Larry's job possibility in Northern California. This week is my last week at work, after giving a two-week notice four weeks ago. (Yes, you read that right -- by the time I quit working, I will have worked five weeks, after my two-week notice.) They asked me if I would be willing to stay longer, so I did -- hard to resist a few more paychecks when their is no other income coming our way.
Larry is currently awaiting offers on two different jobs. Either way, we will be moving, so it's time to get this house sold. Even if relocation isn't necessary, we need to find cheaper housing. It's time for a change, whether or not we like it.
It's been a very long wait, and it's not over yet, but it's time for change.
Larry is currently awaiting offers on two different jobs. Either way, we will be moving, so it's time to get this house sold. Even if relocation isn't necessary, we need to find cheaper housing. It's time for a change, whether or not we like it.
It's been a very long wait, and it's not over yet, but it's time for change.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A Whole Month!
Well, look at that...it's been a whole month--exactly one month today since I last posted! Wow! How things change when one goes back to work!
My new job is going well. It has it's "up" days and it's "down" days -- days when I hope it doesn't last long, and days when I think it's a "keeper". It's hard going back to work at age 58, when one hasn't worked in several years. There are days I love being back at work, and days that I want to quit! Am I too old to do this? I don't know.
What I do know is that God gave me this job, and I will keep it until I believe He says it's time to quit. Until then, I'll just keep depending on Him to help me through each day and each struggle.
Larry flew down to San Francisco this morning to go through a series of "final interviews" -- eight, to be exact, after already having several telephone interviews. Hopefully we'll know more soon--maybe even by this Friday.
My new job is going well. It has it's "up" days and it's "down" days -- days when I hope it doesn't last long, and days when I think it's a "keeper". It's hard going back to work at age 58, when one hasn't worked in several years. There are days I love being back at work, and days that I want to quit! Am I too old to do this? I don't know.
What I do know is that God gave me this job, and I will keep it until I believe He says it's time to quit. Until then, I'll just keep depending on Him to help me through each day and each struggle.
Larry flew down to San Francisco this morning to go through a series of "final interviews" -- eight, to be exact, after already having several telephone interviews. Hopefully we'll know more soon--maybe even by this Friday.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The New Job
It's going very well, if you discount the stress of the learning curve. There's so much to learn! Some days I think, "Aha! Now I've got it!", only to realize the next day that I still don't! Fortunately, the good days and bad days seem to alternate with each other, rather than coming in succession with each other. And, it seems that the more I learn and begin to understand the systems and sequence of events, the more I realize how much I still don't know. I'm eager to know it all! I like being an expert in my job, and I dislike intensely a lack of expertise, which might cause other people to think I lack intelligence.
I like the people I work with, and I like the place and the "atmosphere" of the place. I even like the type of work I'm doing. I just don't like being new, and "dumb" at what I'm doing.
Even the getting up early and getting off to work by 7:30 A.M. hasn't really been as tough on me as I would have expected. However, I find that by Friday, I'm really looking forward to staying in bed longer on Saturday morning. And, I'm always really eager for the two-day weekend.
All-in-all, I'm happy to be back in the work world. It's been really good for me! I'm comfortable in this world, and it makes me feel alive and well. God knew what would be good for me, and what kind of job/workplace would suit me to a "T".
God is good, and my new work-world is good for me!
I like the people I work with, and I like the place and the "atmosphere" of the place. I even like the type of work I'm doing. I just don't like being new, and "dumb" at what I'm doing.
Even the getting up early and getting off to work by 7:30 A.M. hasn't really been as tough on me as I would have expected. However, I find that by Friday, I'm really looking forward to staying in bed longer on Saturday morning. And, I'm always really eager for the two-day weekend.
All-in-all, I'm happy to be back in the work world. It's been really good for me! I'm comfortable in this world, and it makes me feel alive and well. God knew what would be good for me, and what kind of job/workplace would suit me to a "T".
God is good, and my new work-world is good for me!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Business as Usual
At 8:00 on Monday morning I will be sitting in a front office, in training to be the new receptionist at a company called Idearc. (It's the publishing company for the yellow pages of our local phone company, Verizon.) The job is full-time, 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. They are looking for "stability" in this new hire -- getting tired of the young gals who come and go quickly, always looking for something better. Hmmmm....I wonder how "stable" I am. I guess time will tell.
On Tuesday morning during the ladies' Bible I attend weekly, I shared my dilemma regarding going back to work. We prayed that God would give wisdom and direction, and that He would provide the right job, if I need one. We prayed about it again in our Wednesday night prayer group at church. On Thursday morning I received an email from one of the gals in my Tuesday morning group. Her husband had just informed her that the receptionist where he works would be leaving, so there was an immediate need to fill that position. On Friday morning I went in for an interview and was offered the job, to start on Monday morning! How's that for quick?
The company I will work for is located only about three miles from home, and happens to the same building/suite that Larry worked in for awhile when he first began working in this area. How's that for "coincidences"?
When I first began praying that God would direct me in this matter of going back to work, I asked Him to make it very clear to me that it was in His plan, rather than mine. He clearly answered that prayer also. I know this is from Him, and I thank Him for it! And, that gives me joy and excitement!
When God answers prayer, it can be immediate, although sometimes we may wait a long time for the answer. Larry is still waiting and looking at job possibilities all over the country. He has now submitted about 70 resumes/applications for job postings he finds on the internet every day, since last August. Our wait for that one continues...
On Tuesday morning during the ladies' Bible I attend weekly, I shared my dilemma regarding going back to work. We prayed that God would give wisdom and direction, and that He would provide the right job, if I need one. We prayed about it again in our Wednesday night prayer group at church. On Thursday morning I received an email from one of the gals in my Tuesday morning group. Her husband had just informed her that the receptionist where he works would be leaving, so there was an immediate need to fill that position. On Friday morning I went in for an interview and was offered the job, to start on Monday morning! How's that for quick?
The company I will work for is located only about three miles from home, and happens to the same building/suite that Larry worked in for awhile when he first began working in this area. How's that for "coincidences"?
When I first began praying that God would direct me in this matter of going back to work, I asked Him to make it very clear to me that it was in His plan, rather than mine. He clearly answered that prayer also. I know this is from Him, and I thank Him for it! And, that gives me joy and excitement!
When God answers prayer, it can be immediate, although sometimes we may wait a long time for the answer. Larry is still waiting and looking at job possibilities all over the country. He has now submitted about 70 resumes/applications for job postings he finds on the internet every day, since last August. Our wait for that one continues...
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Picture Preview
Here's a link to our wedding photographer's blog, with some fun pictures of Jim and Patti, plus observation comments from the photographer.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year to One and All!
We have now been home from San Diego for just about 24 hours. Our son's wedding was beautiful and perfect! We're still reliving the scenes and memories of our week with family and friends. It will not soon be forgotten.
We have gained a daughter and a whole new family bunch. They are a fun bunch of people that we are delighted to know and call "family" now.
2008 has begun, and we are looking forward to the changes it will bring into our lives. Here's to a brand new year and a wonderful new beginning for us and ours! Here's hoping you also enjoy a new beginning!
We have gained a daughter and a whole new family bunch. They are a fun bunch of people that we are delighted to know and call "family" now.
2008 has begun, and we are looking forward to the changes it will bring into our lives. Here's to a brand new year and a wonderful new beginning for us and ours! Here's hoping you also enjoy a new beginning!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A Night of Celebration
Today is Patti's birthday. Isn't she lovely? This is what she wore (or should I say how Jim dressed her up) last night for her birthday party. It was a fun evening of celebrating birthdays (Jim and Patti's--both), and "Christmas Eve" for all of us!
Okay, now we can get on with the wedding!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Is it Christmas Eve yet?Sort of...at our house...
Tonight we will will celebrate Jim and Patti's birthdays (Patti's is Dec. 22nd; Jim's is Dec. 30th), and we will open our Christmas presents together. Tomorrow morning they will begin their drive to California, beginning their journey as two single individuals, and eventually returning to Portland as newlyweds (their wedding is Dec. 29th).
We will fly to San Diego on Christmas morning and spend the afternoon with Patti's family. On Christmas night our daughter's family will arrive in San Diego also. From that point on, other family members and friends will be arriving for the wedding. What a grand celebration and reunion it will be! What a way to draw 2007 to a close! What a way for Jim and Patti to begin the new year -- as husband and wife!
Tonight we celebrate Christmas. Next weekend we celebrate the joyous wedding of our son and soon-to-be new daughter! Let the celebrations begin!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Four years ago . . .
Today I am back in Montana--in my memories. It seems like it was only yesterday, but it was actually four years ago today that my mom went home to be with the Lord.
While we were in Montana last week, I couldn't help but think back to the same time and place four years ago. We traveled there at the same time of year, across the same snowy mountain passes, and stayed in the same place--the home of our friends, Louis and Cary. This time they were gone and we were caretakers of their place and their animals--three horses, six sheep, two dogs (Golden Retrievers), one cat, and one bird.
Our trip of last week was for another funeral--the "home-going" of another mother. We buried our son-in-law Andy's mother just three days before the date we drove to Montana four years ago, for my own mother's death. Four years ago my daughter traveled with us from her home near us in Vancouver, Washington, to say her final goodbyes to her grandmother. This time we traveled to our daughter's home in Montana to join her in saying our final goodbyes to her "other mother". Four years ago our granddaughter Elliana went with us to pour out comfort upon my dad, her great grandfather. This time she was already there to pour out her comfort upon her grandfather, Andy's dad.
Both times were joyous family reunions, filled with tears of loss and grief, and hugs of comfort. The Bible tells us that when God's children are absent from the body, they are present with the Lord. What a blessing to know that these two dearly-loved mothers are "at home" with our Lord and Savior." We look forward to being reunited with them some day in Heaven.
"And, so shall we ever be with the Lord."
While we were in Montana last week, I couldn't help but think back to the same time and place four years ago. We traveled there at the same time of year, across the same snowy mountain passes, and stayed in the same place--the home of our friends, Louis and Cary. This time they were gone and we were caretakers of their place and their animals--three horses, six sheep, two dogs (Golden Retrievers), one cat, and one bird.
Our trip of last week was for another funeral--the "home-going" of another mother. We buried our son-in-law Andy's mother just three days before the date we drove to Montana four years ago, for my own mother's death. Four years ago my daughter traveled with us from her home near us in Vancouver, Washington, to say her final goodbyes to her grandmother. This time we traveled to our daughter's home in Montana to join her in saying our final goodbyes to her "other mother". Four years ago our granddaughter Elliana went with us to pour out comfort upon my dad, her great grandfather. This time she was already there to pour out her comfort upon her grandfather, Andy's dad.
Both times were joyous family reunions, filled with tears of loss and grief, and hugs of comfort. The Bible tells us that when God's children are absent from the body, they are present with the Lord. What a blessing to know that these two dearly-loved mothers are "at home" with our Lord and Savior." We look forward to being reunited with them some day in Heaven.
"And, so shall we ever be with the Lord."
Monday, December 3, 2007
Back at Home
It was a wonderful, sad, sweet, fun, tearful, beautiful, memorable week in Montana with family and friends from all over: California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Montana. Today my heart is still full of the sights and sounds of a bittersweet reunion for the purpose of a final farewell to one so dear to all of us. It still doesn't seem real that she is gone from our lives.
My son-in-law's mother (like a dearly-loved sister to me) filled our lives with grace and sweetness, fun and quiet laughter, inspiration and hope, peace and joy, dignity and poise, and, above all, the beauty of Jesus so alive within her and flowing out to all who knew her. She is now with the One who filled her life and enabled her to reflect Him to all around her. She seemed to love everyone and everything around her. We all felt special to her.
It makes no sense to us left behind, that God would call her home now. Perhaps, she had successfully completed her course of life, and God said to her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Now it's time for you to enter your well-deserved rest."
We will miss her greatly.
My son-in-law's mother (like a dearly-loved sister to me) filled our lives with grace and sweetness, fun and quiet laughter, inspiration and hope, peace and joy, dignity and poise, and, above all, the beauty of Jesus so alive within her and flowing out to all who knew her. She is now with the One who filled her life and enabled her to reflect Him to all around her. She seemed to love everyone and everything around her. We all felt special to her.
It makes no sense to us left behind, that God would call her home now. Perhaps, she had successfully completed her course of life, and God said to her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Now it's time for you to enter your well-deserved rest."
We will miss her greatly.