So even tho I have pictures from the Fall and Christmas. I will just begin here. In May and try and talk about what is happening now.
As many of you know, Jim was forced into taking an early retirement from Proctor & Gamble back in October. After taking some time to decompress, he has begun a job search. Nothing yet, no calls, no interviews. Rather than discuss the details which I feel are overwhelming to Jim. I just asked him last week, "should I be worried?" "nope" was his response and so I will try not to be. I make a point of not going down the road of fear and worry very often. Trying to stay in the present, in the today, and that works for me.
I am doing well at my new job. I hope that I have positioned myself for a long run. I work in a surgeons office. One of the few types of offices that are still making decent money. The work is the same work that I have doing for over ten years. I moved because of the people. Many of you know that the office manager at my old job was a bitter and spiteful woman who had absolutely no managerial skills. She created a toxic workplace of gossip and backbiting that affected me emotionally and had begun to affect me physically. Thankfully my new manager is a kind woman with a good heart. Unlike my my old manager, she is not on a power trip. I prayed for this and God has provided so much more than even I could have imagined. Last Friday, because we had met our goal of 1 million in collections for the month...she hired a massage therapist to come in and give us all 1/2 hour massages. Paid for it herself, and was so excited to surprise us with this treat. She has created a caring and positive environment that trickles down to the overall tone of our dept. I have learned that the work is the work, what matters is the people that surround you all day long.
John and Cassie have begun house hunting. We are so excited for them. They have done their homework and are armed with so much more knowledge than Jim and I had when we bought our first house. I wish that they were hunting in CT, closer to us. I will always pine for my sweet boy. I wish that they could pop over for dinner or to watch a Giants game. Having said that, I am so happy that they will live close to Cassie's family, John's family now too. I believe that it is so important for families to be close geographically. I long for those days when it was that way for us. I am sad that I did not realize then how great that was and try and make more time to be together while we could.
Kate is still pursuing her dental hygienist degree. She is having much success at school. Her goal is to begin the hygiene program at UNH next Fall. She has endured some hardship financially, having been laid off from her job several months ago...but she will not be deterred. I am in awe of what she has accomplished and her upbeat attitude!
Zachary graduated from UNH in December, summa cum laude and with many more accolades, with a degree in Criminal Justice. I guess that may sound braggy, but it's not. It was his accomplishment, not mine. He was on the Dean's list every semester! My children are all very bright. It's just a plain fact. He is in the process of securing a job in his field. He has turned around bad genetics and is the most physically fit person that I know. It is such a blessing to Jim and I that he still lives at home. It is a glorious thing to really know your children as adults. To live side by side with them. To have grownup discussions.
My dogs are here laying next to me. One on either side. Hazel has really settled down and is the sweetest little thing. If it is possible Tofu has become more sedentary. Not knowing how old she is, she probably is advanced in age. Our lives are so enriched because these two sweet girls.
Believe it or not, we are at the end of a long kitchen remodel. We had a small leak from our ice maker that warped the floor. Because of this, new floors and counter tops have to be installed. It is just crazy to think that we have always thought about our dream kitchen and now even tho Jim is unemployed, thanks to homeowners insurance, it has actually happened. If we have to eventually sell our home, the updates will be a big plus. In the meantime, it will be fun to create good food in this beautiful space!
With all of Jim's new freedom, he has turned his attention to home projects that have been put off. Painting the front porch, replacing leaky faucets, yard rehab and maintenance. He has made the job search a priority, but everyday when he concludes the search, he is very busy with home things. Blessings still.
.JPG)
