It's been awhile since I've been on here and wanted to update the latest and greatest in my life.
I'm truly the wandering stranger now. My job takes me to multiple retail locations each day. Sometimes I'm building a display, filling a display, checking on displays, putting new products in and removing old products, pretty much anything. Is this where I expected to be at this point in my life. NO. But I am employed and ever so grateful for that. Now it's time to get my finances repaired and get my life back. I'm trying hard to get it right.
One thing all of this has reminded me of is just how hard I've worked during my life. I did this type of work when I owned my own businesses and when I started out with Hallmark. It took me a long way every time, but I moved forward and got better positions as a result of the work. I'm hoping to do the same with this. The corporate headquarters for this company is in Tampa, Florida. Admittedly, as the weather gets nicer here, the urgency is diminishing, but I do hope to someday be back in the warmth and sunshine. Who knows where the Lord will take me next???
Tricia and I are keeping busy with little things around here. The Donahues are a blessing for us and have been very welcoming to us. We don't know what we'd do without them. We try to give them "family time" on the weekends and we go visit someone. We've stayed at my brothers home, house sitting and dog sitting, when they were out of town. My Mom had us over for two weekends so far. We've talked well into the night, trying to catch up on the past and get reacquainted. Tricia and Mom have laughing fits which crack us all up. Life is good.
I guess life is designed to keep us wondering. Security and stability may be a lifelong goal for me, but I'll make it. They talk about the circle of life. I used to believe it was about living and dieing. Maybe it's about everything. It may just be a way to improve on how we've done things in the past. Funny how we often times find ourselves saying "if I could do it all again". Maybe we get the chance and just haven't realised it because the situation is different enough to challenge us. Well, if you know me you know I love challenge. I guess this is just another opportunity for me to get it right.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Mixed Emotions
Thirty-two years. Thirty-two years ago today I married the one true love of my life. Wow, was it really that long ago? I can close my eyes and it seems like today. I can close my eyes and remember when I first woke up that morning. It was a sunny, beautiful day. In a few hours I was going to be married! I was on the other side of the world. But I wasn't alone. Just a few months earlier I'd met the man who would change my life forever. We met on December 29, 1975, at four in the afternoon. On April 10, 1976, at four o'clock we would be married. Not ironic, planned. We were just kids, but without a doubt, we were in love. To think of it now seems like a classic romance novel or movie.
We were on the other side of the world in a small village. It was a place called Torrejon, Spain. There were no family members there that day. Only our friends to celebrate the most important day of our lives. Of all the people there, four families stand out it my mind: the Menzies, John was Dan's Best Man, Flora was my Matron of Honor, Annette was my junior Bridesmaid, and Mark was our Ring Bearer; the Croan's, Charlie Croan was my Dad for the day and walked me down the aisle; the Zaragoza's who's adorable daughter Rachel was my Flower Girl ; and the Nelson's, Bob was our Usher. The friends we had there that day were our family as well as our friends.
As the doors to the Base Chapel opened that afternoon, I saw three things: the cross, knowing God was about to bless us and our marriage... for life; Father Hargraven the Priest who would marry us; and Dan. I remember seeing them in that order. I remember just staring at Dan as I walked down the aisle. I don't remember seeing anyone else, once my eyes met his. In my head I was praying the entire walk. God please let me be a good wife to him. Mary, please let me be a a wonderful mother to his children, should God decide to bless us with a family. Lord, in the events of this day, somehow let our families back home feel that they are with us today. I loved our Wedding Day. I still have the small cassette tape we made of our ceremony. We wanted our families to hear it so they could , in their own small way, say they were there with us.
After the church we headed to the NCO Club for our reception. There were about fifty people there. That's the first time I really realised who all was there. We had a wonderful meal, topped with a four layer cake. The top layer was white, to represent us. Then came blue for our Matron of Honor and Best Man. Yellow was in the middle to represent the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. (We told ourselves that if we'd been in the States this would have been the brothers and sisters we surely would have had stand up.) The bottom layer was pink to represent the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer. It was a rainbow wedding. We cut our cake with a small, silver, Spanish sword we picked out earlier in the month. We drank champagne from a silver Champagne fountain. A small gift shop near the base is where we found our silver Champagne glasses. I still have the sword and glasses.
Everything was over by six that night! We left the Club and went to a beautiful hotel Dan picked out in Madrid. When we opened the door to our room we both burst out laughing. I guess Dan's Spanish wasn't as good as he'd hoped because there were twin beds! We must have stood there laughing for a good five minutes. We talked about the Wedding and the friends who spent the day with us. We were out on the terrazza just watching the city. Then, we both realized we were hungry and decided to change back into casual clothes and get something to eat. After remembering the "twin bed Spanish", we headed back to the Base to ensure we ate what we thought we were ordering.
The staff at the Club were so great to us. We gave them a good laugh though. Dan insisted I order anything I wanted. We were kids on a small budget, but today was our Wedding Day. He wanted this dinner to be memorable. AND IT WAS! You see, I ordered lobster. They placed it before me, a whole, huge lobster, fully intact. Within seconds I heard Dan say "Oh no. I can't sit here with that thing looking at me!" He proceeded to get up and sit at another table. The waiters were laughing. They had served our Wedding Reception Dinner just hours earlier! Now they were watching the Bride and Groom dining at separate tables! They offered to take back the lobster and remove the head so Dan would be more comfortable. We were laughing as the lobster "Pedro", as we dubbed him, was returned to the table, followed by Dan. By now everyone in the Dining Room knew the story and was congratulating us. It was wonderful.
When we left the Club we went to the Service Center to call home. It was the first time I ever talked to my new in-laws. We talked to our families for what seemed like seconds because the call home was so expensive. I remember telling my Mom I was nervous about the night ahead. Would I know what to do? What if I messed up? Crazy things to say to your Mom on your Wedding night, I know. We both cried most of the way back to the hotel. We vowed we would have a 25Th Wedding Anniversary and have all our families there to celebrate the renewal of our vows. In all honesty, there was one good laugh still ahead. When we got back to our hotel room, Dan opened the door and we started laughing about the twin beds again. But it took Dan all of ten seconds, saying "no way", to rearrange that room. We laughed some more.
"Goodnight Mr. Haynes" was the last thing I said. "Good Night Mrs. Haynes" was his sleepy response. I'd give anything to hear his voice again...
Once we retired and moved to Florida it became an annual trip on our Anniversary to go to Disney. We always went to Epcot. The day would start in Mexico. (There is no Spain there, so we improvised.) We'd eat something small there, laugh about Pedro the lobster, Dan would move to another table for a minute, and then sit back with us. The kids had no idea what that was about, but we'd always laugh. At night we'd eat at The Rose and Crown Pub, in England, to remind us of the six years we spent living in England. We'd call our families to say hi that night, even though we never reminded them it was our anniversary. It was our own little "reenactment ritual" but it meant a lot to us. We did, however skip the twin bed part...
Our first anniversary after Dan died we went as a family to Disney. That day, however, we didn't go to Epcot. My heart was so empty feeling. I cried all night, and still do. I'm sure the kids heard me crying and even heard me laugh in the middle of the night as I remembered "Pedro"the lobster and the twin beds. I honestly wanted to die that anniversary. I couldn't imagine going on without Dan. Then, as God always show me, the sun rose and I saw my family quietly sleeping. I knew Dan wouldn't want me to leave them alone. I know we will be together again. So I put the thoughts of dieing aside and decided I'd have an anniversary day to remember.
I was out by the pool, by myself, just thinking. Kristy came up with the rest of the family; William, Tricia and Kaylie. She looked worried and handed me my cell phone. "Mom, Aunt Mary has been trying to reach you. It's important." At first I almost didn't call her back, thinking she was calling to say Happy Anniversary. I remember looking at the phone in my hand and knowing there was something wrong. I called Mary and she told me Dan's Mom had just died. God, no! How could you do that! Why today? How cruel could you be? We packed our things, checked out of the hotel and headed home. We all repacked our clothes and headed for Ohio. Just months earlier we had those same clothes for Dan's funeral. How could this be happening? I drove the trip up there trying not to cry so we wouldn't go off the road. We were all talking about Grandma, and death, and trying to understand why God took her home today of all days... We saw beautiful clouds on the trip up to Ohio. (I wrote about them in an earlier blog post.) We all swear we saw clouds formed like Dan with his arms open to welcome his Mom home. We were all crying then.
We got to Ohio in record time. Mom Haynes died three years ago today, on our Anniversary. That night when I got in bed at the hotel, as exhausted as I felt physically, I knew I was going to have "a talk" with God. I knew I had to try to understand all of this. A calm came over me as I layed in the dark, listening to my family sleep. I remember I was crying and just kept thinking "why?". Then as if God Himself were in the room talking to me, I knew something no one else knew about that day. I remembered the words Dan spoke 29 years earlier. "I wish I could be with my Mom right now. I really, really miss her." I decided that night, that God chose that day to take her home to Him, and so Dan would have his Mom there on his anniversary day...
Until recently I don't think any of the Haynes family realised Mom died on our anniversary. That was understandable. This year, the loneliness of this day is compounded by the fact that for the first time, my anniversary won't be spent at Epcot. So today, Mom Haynes, can you please dance an anniversary dance with Dan for me? I know you loved to dance, and I know he hated to dance. But on our anniversary he always danced, for me...
Today is so full of mixed emotions. I feel joy when I remember you both alive, happy and dancing. I feel sadness, emptiness and loneliness without you. I love you. I wish we were all together again. Someday we will be, just not yet. Happy Anniversary Dan! I love you...
We were on the other side of the world in a small village. It was a place called Torrejon, Spain. There were no family members there that day. Only our friends to celebrate the most important day of our lives. Of all the people there, four families stand out it my mind: the Menzies, John was Dan's Best Man, Flora was my Matron of Honor, Annette was my junior Bridesmaid, and Mark was our Ring Bearer; the Croan's, Charlie Croan was my Dad for the day and walked me down the aisle; the Zaragoza's who's adorable daughter Rachel was my Flower Girl ; and the Nelson's, Bob was our Usher. The friends we had there that day were our family as well as our friends.
As the doors to the Base Chapel opened that afternoon, I saw three things: the cross, knowing God was about to bless us and our marriage... for life; Father Hargraven the Priest who would marry us; and Dan. I remember seeing them in that order. I remember just staring at Dan as I walked down the aisle. I don't remember seeing anyone else, once my eyes met his. In my head I was praying the entire walk. God please let me be a good wife to him. Mary, please let me be a a wonderful mother to his children, should God decide to bless us with a family. Lord, in the events of this day, somehow let our families back home feel that they are with us today. I loved our Wedding Day. I still have the small cassette tape we made of our ceremony. We wanted our families to hear it so they could , in their own small way, say they were there with us.
After the church we headed to the NCO Club for our reception. There were about fifty people there. That's the first time I really realised who all was there. We had a wonderful meal, topped with a four layer cake. The top layer was white, to represent us. Then came blue for our Matron of Honor and Best Man. Yellow was in the middle to represent the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. (We told ourselves that if we'd been in the States this would have been the brothers and sisters we surely would have had stand up.) The bottom layer was pink to represent the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer. It was a rainbow wedding. We cut our cake with a small, silver, Spanish sword we picked out earlier in the month. We drank champagne from a silver Champagne fountain. A small gift shop near the base is where we found our silver Champagne glasses. I still have the sword and glasses.
Everything was over by six that night! We left the Club and went to a beautiful hotel Dan picked out in Madrid. When we opened the door to our room we both burst out laughing. I guess Dan's Spanish wasn't as good as he'd hoped because there were twin beds! We must have stood there laughing for a good five minutes. We talked about the Wedding and the friends who spent the day with us. We were out on the terrazza just watching the city. Then, we both realized we were hungry and decided to change back into casual clothes and get something to eat. After remembering the "twin bed Spanish", we headed back to the Base to ensure we ate what we thought we were ordering.
The staff at the Club were so great to us. We gave them a good laugh though. Dan insisted I order anything I wanted. We were kids on a small budget, but today was our Wedding Day. He wanted this dinner to be memorable. AND IT WAS! You see, I ordered lobster. They placed it before me, a whole, huge lobster, fully intact. Within seconds I heard Dan say "Oh no. I can't sit here with that thing looking at me!" He proceeded to get up and sit at another table. The waiters were laughing. They had served our Wedding Reception Dinner just hours earlier! Now they were watching the Bride and Groom dining at separate tables! They offered to take back the lobster and remove the head so Dan would be more comfortable. We were laughing as the lobster "Pedro", as we dubbed him, was returned to the table, followed by Dan. By now everyone in the Dining Room knew the story and was congratulating us. It was wonderful.
When we left the Club we went to the Service Center to call home. It was the first time I ever talked to my new in-laws. We talked to our families for what seemed like seconds because the call home was so expensive. I remember telling my Mom I was nervous about the night ahead. Would I know what to do? What if I messed up? Crazy things to say to your Mom on your Wedding night, I know. We both cried most of the way back to the hotel. We vowed we would have a 25Th Wedding Anniversary and have all our families there to celebrate the renewal of our vows. In all honesty, there was one good laugh still ahead. When we got back to our hotel room, Dan opened the door and we started laughing about the twin beds again. But it took Dan all of ten seconds, saying "no way", to rearrange that room. We laughed some more.
"Goodnight Mr. Haynes" was the last thing I said. "Good Night Mrs. Haynes" was his sleepy response. I'd give anything to hear his voice again...
Once we retired and moved to Florida it became an annual trip on our Anniversary to go to Disney. We always went to Epcot. The day would start in Mexico. (There is no Spain there, so we improvised.) We'd eat something small there, laugh about Pedro the lobster, Dan would move to another table for a minute, and then sit back with us. The kids had no idea what that was about, but we'd always laugh. At night we'd eat at The Rose and Crown Pub, in England, to remind us of the six years we spent living in England. We'd call our families to say hi that night, even though we never reminded them it was our anniversary. It was our own little "reenactment ritual" but it meant a lot to us. We did, however skip the twin bed part...
Our first anniversary after Dan died we went as a family to Disney. That day, however, we didn't go to Epcot. My heart was so empty feeling. I cried all night, and still do. I'm sure the kids heard me crying and even heard me laugh in the middle of the night as I remembered "Pedro"the lobster and the twin beds. I honestly wanted to die that anniversary. I couldn't imagine going on without Dan. Then, as God always show me, the sun rose and I saw my family quietly sleeping. I knew Dan wouldn't want me to leave them alone. I know we will be together again. So I put the thoughts of dieing aside and decided I'd have an anniversary day to remember.
I was out by the pool, by myself, just thinking. Kristy came up with the rest of the family; William, Tricia and Kaylie. She looked worried and handed me my cell phone. "Mom, Aunt Mary has been trying to reach you. It's important." At first I almost didn't call her back, thinking she was calling to say Happy Anniversary. I remember looking at the phone in my hand and knowing there was something wrong. I called Mary and she told me Dan's Mom had just died. God, no! How could you do that! Why today? How cruel could you be? We packed our things, checked out of the hotel and headed home. We all repacked our clothes and headed for Ohio. Just months earlier we had those same clothes for Dan's funeral. How could this be happening? I drove the trip up there trying not to cry so we wouldn't go off the road. We were all talking about Grandma, and death, and trying to understand why God took her home today of all days... We saw beautiful clouds on the trip up to Ohio. (I wrote about them in an earlier blog post.) We all swear we saw clouds formed like Dan with his arms open to welcome his Mom home. We were all crying then.
We got to Ohio in record time. Mom Haynes died three years ago today, on our Anniversary. That night when I got in bed at the hotel, as exhausted as I felt physically, I knew I was going to have "a talk" with God. I knew I had to try to understand all of this. A calm came over me as I layed in the dark, listening to my family sleep. I remember I was crying and just kept thinking "why?". Then as if God Himself were in the room talking to me, I knew something no one else knew about that day. I remembered the words Dan spoke 29 years earlier. "I wish I could be with my Mom right now. I really, really miss her." I decided that night, that God chose that day to take her home to Him, and so Dan would have his Mom there on his anniversary day...
Until recently I don't think any of the Haynes family realised Mom died on our anniversary. That was understandable. This year, the loneliness of this day is compounded by the fact that for the first time, my anniversary won't be spent at Epcot. So today, Mom Haynes, can you please dance an anniversary dance with Dan for me? I know you loved to dance, and I know he hated to dance. But on our anniversary he always danced, for me...
Today is so full of mixed emotions. I feel joy when I remember you both alive, happy and dancing. I feel sadness, emptiness and loneliness without you. I love you. I wish we were all together again. Someday we will be, just not yet. Happy Anniversary Dan! I love you...
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
It's A Start
Something finally broke in the area of employment for me. Today was the weirdest day. My first interview call came from Marshalls in Melbourne. Go figure! They are discussing whether they will pay for my flight back for the interview. If they do, I'll go give it my best.
My second call was when I was hired for a part time position not to exceed 40 hours per week. It's a merchandising position but there are no benefits because it is part time. At least I can bring in some cash. But here's the weird part: Due to my experience and the fact that I owned my own merchandising company, they are interested in hiring me for a full time corporate position... in Tampa, Florida. I don't know all the details on it yet, but I'm looking into it as well. The key is to be employed. Tricia and I are flexible as we need the job and the benefits. So I will wait to hear more on it and let you know. At least now I can start working again and begin to once again feel valuable. Unemployment is a horrible place to be and can truly destroy your self confidence and feelings of self worth.
I've completed all my paperwork and am waiting for my first work assignments list. The cool thing is that you can pick and choose which jobs you want to go on. This company os perfect for anyone wanting a flexible work schedule!
I'M EMPLOYED AGAIN!!!! Thank you Lord!
My second call was when I was hired for a part time position not to exceed 40 hours per week. It's a merchandising position but there are no benefits because it is part time. At least I can bring in some cash. But here's the weird part: Due to my experience and the fact that I owned my own merchandising company, they are interested in hiring me for a full time corporate position... in Tampa, Florida. I don't know all the details on it yet, but I'm looking into it as well. The key is to be employed. Tricia and I are flexible as we need the job and the benefits. So I will wait to hear more on it and let you know. At least now I can start working again and begin to once again feel valuable. Unemployment is a horrible place to be and can truly destroy your self confidence and feelings of self worth.
I've completed all my paperwork and am waiting for my first work assignments list. The cool thing is that you can pick and choose which jobs you want to go on. This company os perfect for anyone wanting a flexible work schedule!
I'M EMPLOYED AGAIN!!!! Thank you Lord!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Let's Talk Snow...
OK, it was inevitable. Sooner or later I'd have to talk about snow. Why was it so much fun as a kid, and now, as beautiful as it is watching it fall, the stuff gets down right ugly. Example: It's a few days before Easter. Tricia and I are in Wisconsin as we decided to go see my Mom. The weather guy said,"some snow possible" so we head over to my Mom's house. By that night they were saying "severe weather warning- strong snow storms heading our way".
We spent the night rather than driving in snow. The next morning only lead to heavy snow fall. Within 24 hours we had over 11.5 inches! Now, come on! Needless to say, we didn't head home that day. The next morning I moved cars in the parking lot for my Mom and helped another neighbor uncover her snow filled car. By noon it was melting nicely so Tricia and I headed back to my sister's house.
It's true, as we drove back we were talking about the warm weather in Florida and missing it a lot. But as promised, we took pics for the Florida friends and family. So here you go!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
It's Been Too Long
It's been too long since I saw my nieces and nephew. I last saw them at Dan's funeral, so seeing them for a happier occasion was great. We didn't have anything special planned, just hanging out together. Kendall, the oldest niece, was the perfect hostess. She baked brownies and a cake for us! Those brownies were gone as fast as we could get them out of the pan! Grandma treated us to Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner. Grandma was watching the kids while my sister and her husband were out of town.
Sammi, my youngest niece, was determined to teach me how to play Wii. Of course I won my first bowling game with a 222! (I'm so good! LOL!) CJ, my nephew, was such a nut! He was trying all kinds of crazy moves...
Tricia was out photographer and was laughing as hard as the rest of us. Let's face it gang, I'm getting old and it's just what the kids need to see if they want a good laugh. We had a great time just laughing, talking and hanging out.
Grandma, Tricia and Kendall, and Sammi and I were on teams for a Scrabble match. I blew them away the first game, but Grandma, as always, beat us all for the last game. It was so nice to be with everyone again. I missed seeing all of them and am anxious to spend more time with them. Next week Tricia and I are going to spend time with my Mom at her place. Seeing her with the kids was fun, but we'll do a little "girl time" just the three of us next week.
At one point in the night I was just watching the kids. I loved living in Florida and would love to be back there. But being around family can make the chill of the cold weather warm you in a heart beat. I wish I'd been able to spend more time with them in the past, but now I have the time to change that as we move forward. I'm looking forward to posting about the other kids too. We finally found the camera and I want to post with pictures so you can see our fun times. There are three more sibling families to show and of course, time with my Mom. Watch for the posts!
Sammi, my youngest niece, was determined to teach me how to play Wii. Of course I won my first bowling game with a 222! (I'm so good! LOL!) CJ, my nephew, was such a nut! He was trying all kinds of crazy moves...
Tricia was out photographer and was laughing as hard as the rest of us. Let's face it gang, I'm getting old and it's just what the kids need to see if they want a good laugh. We had a great time just laughing, talking and hanging out.
Grandma, Tricia and Kendall, and Sammi and I were on teams for a Scrabble match. I blew them away the first game, but Grandma, as always, beat us all for the last game. It was so nice to be with everyone again. I missed seeing all of them and am anxious to spend more time with them. Next week Tricia and I are going to spend time with my Mom at her place. Seeing her with the kids was fun, but we'll do a little "girl time" just the three of us next week.
At one point in the night I was just watching the kids. I loved living in Florida and would love to be back there. But being around family can make the chill of the cold weather warm you in a heart beat. I wish I'd been able to spend more time with them in the past, but now I have the time to change that as we move forward. I'm looking forward to posting about the other kids too. We finally found the camera and I want to post with pictures so you can see our fun times. There are three more sibling families to show and of course, time with my Mom. Watch for the posts!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Back At It
As the week began I was back at the job search grind. Some things are the same regardless where you live. I've got a Kmart interview on Saturday, and delivered my resume to the Kohl's Corporate HQ yesterday. I know I should be patient with all of this, but please... I just want to get back to work.
I went back to my hometown as a kid. Lots of changes there. I heard the other side of town is now where all the new businesses built. Will have to make a day of hitting just there. Got a stack of newspapers in front of me to get through today. It's a bit harder up here because I've never heard of some of these companies, so I have to research them first to see if they would be somewhere I'd fit. Looks like today is going to be more of an indoor job. Tricia is sick, so I think the timing on this will be good.She's gotten a cough that keeps her up most of the night. Now her ribs are getting pretty sore just from coughing.
We've settled in to our new room very well. Everyone here is very nice about our being here. We know it's hard having someone in the house, but they've sure been great to us. Tricia and I are learning how to play WIII (the "we" game system). It's pretty funny to watch us, which keeps the boys laughing at us. It's been a flashback of memories for me so far: remembering the relatives here, or when our kids were this age, or David (he's 5) reminds me of the Kaylie and Makenzie, or being called Auntie again, instead of Tricia being Auntie. (We both get a bit confused on that one.) Sometimes I even get called Zamma so I'll answer. We're adjusting to the weather fairly well. Face it, it's cold here, weather-wise, but the people here are more than making up for the temps.
Now, back to the job search...
I went back to my hometown as a kid. Lots of changes there. I heard the other side of town is now where all the new businesses built. Will have to make a day of hitting just there. Got a stack of newspapers in front of me to get through today. It's a bit harder up here because I've never heard of some of these companies, so I have to research them first to see if they would be somewhere I'd fit. Looks like today is going to be more of an indoor job. Tricia is sick, so I think the timing on this will be good.She's gotten a cough that keeps her up most of the night. Now her ribs are getting pretty sore just from coughing.
We've settled in to our new room very well. Everyone here is very nice about our being here. We know it's hard having someone in the house, but they've sure been great to us. Tricia and I are learning how to play WIII (the "we" game system). It's pretty funny to watch us, which keeps the boys laughing at us. It's been a flashback of memories for me so far: remembering the relatives here, or when our kids were this age, or David (he's 5) reminds me of the Kaylie and Makenzie, or being called Auntie again, instead of Tricia being Auntie. (We both get a bit confused on that one.) Sometimes I even get called Zamma so I'll answer. We're adjusting to the weather fairly well. Face it, it's cold here, weather-wise, but the people here are more than making up for the temps.
Now, back to the job search...
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Florida 76, Illinois 23 Hmmmm...
Well, we finally made it!
We left early Thursday from Florida. It was 76 at 6 am. The weather was great and the traffic was awesome. No problems anywhere really helped us move along. May I say, Georgia is one long state! We ended up stopping 31 miles south of Indianapolis. We would have gone farther but we were getting slap happy and laughing so hard we had to go to the bathroom. So it was check into a hotel time.
I knew when we stopped I should have tried to get at least to the north side of Indy. We woke up to snow, blowing winds and winter storm warnings... But we only had rough weather for about 45 minutes and we were out of the bad stuff. One thing all southerners need to remember: your windshield washer doesn't work below freezing. You need to get the weather conditions type. Our washer was and still is frozen. I'll be getting new stuff to add up here to help it keep from freezing. My poor car is frozen stiff. To top it off, I opened the window to talk to my sister in her driveway. For some totally dumb reason I only closed the window half way after we talked. It snowed overnight... snow in the front seat. Ughhh!!! This is going to take some getting used to...
So we're here, safe, and a bit chilled. My sister has given us a room on the main floor of her house. It's plenty big and easy for Tricia to use. Thank you, thank you. I talked to the DC for Kmart here and have and interview scheduled with her for next Saturday. I'll keep you posted. Tomorrow I'll be going into the Kohl's Corporate HQ in Menomonee Falls to get in the door there. Wish me luck. My goal is to be working by the end of the month.
I'll keep updating this, but it may not be regularly for awhile. Getting work is a must. I can't keep this up much longer. I need to take care of us myself. I'm so grateful for the help everyone is giving us.
We left early Thursday from Florida. It was 76 at 6 am. The weather was great and the traffic was awesome. No problems anywhere really helped us move along. May I say, Georgia is one long state! We ended up stopping 31 miles south of Indianapolis. We would have gone farther but we were getting slap happy and laughing so hard we had to go to the bathroom. So it was check into a hotel time.
I knew when we stopped I should have tried to get at least to the north side of Indy. We woke up to snow, blowing winds and winter storm warnings... But we only had rough weather for about 45 minutes and we were out of the bad stuff. One thing all southerners need to remember: your windshield washer doesn't work below freezing. You need to get the weather conditions type. Our washer was and still is frozen. I'll be getting new stuff to add up here to help it keep from freezing. My poor car is frozen stiff. To top it off, I opened the window to talk to my sister in her driveway. For some totally dumb reason I only closed the window half way after we talked. It snowed overnight... snow in the front seat. Ughhh!!! This is going to take some getting used to...
So we're here, safe, and a bit chilled. My sister has given us a room on the main floor of her house. It's plenty big and easy for Tricia to use. Thank you, thank you. I talked to the DC for Kmart here and have and interview scheduled with her for next Saturday. I'll keep you posted. Tomorrow I'll be going into the Kohl's Corporate HQ in Menomonee Falls to get in the door there. Wish me luck. My goal is to be working by the end of the month.
I'll keep updating this, but it may not be regularly for awhile. Getting work is a must. I can't keep this up much longer. I need to take care of us myself. I'm so grateful for the help everyone is giving us.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tricia Ann
"We're going to have another baby Dan."
"God will give us someone special. He always does."
Twenty seven years ago today God blessed our lives with Tricia. She fought to stay here and still fights for equality today. Tricia has brought so much joy to our ENTIRE family. There have been times when we worried that God had another plan for her, but thankfully He has kept her in our lives, hearts, and souls still.
When she was first born, she was so tiny. Kristy was mesmerised by her presence. My baby sister... Those two were inseparable. If you messed with one, you messed with both of them. Wherever one went, the other quickly followed. Watching them and their relationship was a blessing every parent cherishes.
Life changes and people grow. Tricia has grown into a beautiful woman who is as sensitive today as she was as a child. She wants to please everyone and wants to make everyone feel good about themselves. She understands what being different means. She doesn't see it as a crutch, but rather as a way of connecting with people. All they have to do is take the time to connect back. She would do anything for anyone who was genuine and sincere. It is sometimes very intimidating to be around her because she forces you to be a better person because of her true concern for you. Family means so much to her. Being accepted by family is a fear of hers. But don't worry Tricia, all real and sincere family members love you for who you are and just the way you are.
Today is your day Tricia. Don't let anyone take it from you. You earned it and definitely deserve it. YOU BEAT ALL THOSE DOCTORS ODDS BY 24 YEARS! For those of you who have the opportunity to spend it with her, in person or via email, celebrate with her! She's a one in a million and we are so lucky to have her in our lives. We love you Tricia!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
"God will give us someone special. He always does."
Twenty seven years ago today God blessed our lives with Tricia. She fought to stay here and still fights for equality today. Tricia has brought so much joy to our ENTIRE family. There have been times when we worried that God had another plan for her, but thankfully He has kept her in our lives, hearts, and souls still.
When she was first born, she was so tiny. Kristy was mesmerised by her presence. My baby sister... Those two were inseparable. If you messed with one, you messed with both of them. Wherever one went, the other quickly followed. Watching them and their relationship was a blessing every parent cherishes.
Life changes and people grow. Tricia has grown into a beautiful woman who is as sensitive today as she was as a child. She wants to please everyone and wants to make everyone feel good about themselves. She understands what being different means. She doesn't see it as a crutch, but rather as a way of connecting with people. All they have to do is take the time to connect back. She would do anything for anyone who was genuine and sincere. It is sometimes very intimidating to be around her because she forces you to be a better person because of her true concern for you. Family means so much to her. Being accepted by family is a fear of hers. But don't worry Tricia, all real and sincere family members love you for who you are and just the way you are.
Today is your day Tricia. Don't let anyone take it from you. You earned it and definitely deserve it. YOU BEAT ALL THOSE DOCTORS ODDS BY 24 YEARS! For those of you who have the opportunity to spend it with her, in person or via email, celebrate with her! She's a one in a million and we are so lucky to have her in our lives. We love you Tricia!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
Friday, February 29, 2008
We're Off!
If you've been keeping up with this blog you know things haven't been the best lately. So it's time for a change!
Next week Tricia and I will be moving to Illinois/Wisconsin for a new start. We will stay with my sister Candy initially, but hope to get out on our own as quickly as possible. The job market hasn't been very good here in Florida and I've basically exhausted all my leads. I need to support us and want a career that will be permanent, not "just for now".
Honestly, the thought of heading back to cold weather is far from enticing, but reality is reality. My family has been supportive and responsive to our needs. I only hope I can somehow repay them all. This will also put us back within a day of Ohio and all the Haynes side of the family. I really thought I could do this all on my own. Now I see that there is nothing wrong with turning to family for help. But the key there is HELP, not SUPPORT. I need to be the one who can support us. They will be helping me and I will be ever indebted.
We will finish things up here by midweek, say our goodbyes, and head up north. If all goes well we should be at Candy's by Friday night. It will be hard to say good bye to people here, but I plan on keeping in touch with all of them. Saying good bye to family is going to be killer.... :(
Next week Tricia and I will be moving to Illinois/Wisconsin for a new start. We will stay with my sister Candy initially, but hope to get out on our own as quickly as possible. The job market hasn't been very good here in Florida and I've basically exhausted all my leads. I need to support us and want a career that will be permanent, not "just for now".
Honestly, the thought of heading back to cold weather is far from enticing, but reality is reality. My family has been supportive and responsive to our needs. I only hope I can somehow repay them all. This will also put us back within a day of Ohio and all the Haynes side of the family. I really thought I could do this all on my own. Now I see that there is nothing wrong with turning to family for help. But the key there is HELP, not SUPPORT. I need to be the one who can support us. They will be helping me and I will be ever indebted.
We will finish things up here by midweek, say our goodbyes, and head up north. If all goes well we should be at Candy's by Friday night. It will be hard to say good bye to people here, but I plan on keeping in touch with all of them. Saying good bye to family is going to be killer.... :(
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Feelin' Old and Lovin' It
So, I'm tired. But it's a good tired. It's from being busy the past few days.
Friday Kristy had somewhat unexpected gallbladder surgery. Tricia and I played with the girls all day and tried to keep their worried minds busy so they wouldn't be too upset. We played. A lot. We made get well cards for Mommy and talked about operations. They asked good questions and I hope I answered them well and correctly for their ages. We played dodge ball in the hallway with all the doors closed. I wore them out! We made get well popcorn and ate it for Mommy so she wouldn't get too hungry from the operation... Kaylie's idea.
Saturday I found out that Kristy and William were still moving to their new place. Their friend helped William do the physical moving. The girls played moving day and helped carry stuff and watched everything. Too cute. They were in and out of the truck area almost as much as the guys. Kaylie was basically William's shadow for the day. The best part for her was getting to ride in "the big truck". "See Zamma, I get to sit way up there with Daddy" she told me. "It's big up in the air because you have to be big to go drive the truck." And we all know Kaylie is big now. LOL again, too cute!
I tried to make Kristy take it easy, but she was up and going, letting me know what to pack. Finally the pain meds kicked in and she slept a short bit. I tried packing and staying ahead of the guys, but they were moving at a pretty good clip so they kept me busy. When Tricia and I took Kristy and Makenzie to see the new place Makenzie and Kaylie gave me the tour. Their favorite part was their new playroom. "Zamma, it even has a bathroom stuck to it!" LOL...
Today we finished up the majority of the packing and William loaded a big truckload. He worked his butt off and really got a lot moved. Now as they empty boxes we bring them back over here and refill them with the last odds and ends.
Tricia and I have their old house to ourselves until their final closing date. It will give me time to help them clean the house and go through some of my things that were stored in their back sunroom. I'm tired, but like I said earlier, it's a good tired. I didn't move much, only pack. But they are in their new place and can focus on the future now. Time flies when you move!
Friday Kristy had somewhat unexpected gallbladder surgery. Tricia and I played with the girls all day and tried to keep their worried minds busy so they wouldn't be too upset. We played. A lot. We made get well cards for Mommy and talked about operations. They asked good questions and I hope I answered them well and correctly for their ages. We played dodge ball in the hallway with all the doors closed. I wore them out! We made get well popcorn and ate it for Mommy so she wouldn't get too hungry from the operation... Kaylie's idea.
Saturday I found out that Kristy and William were still moving to their new place. Their friend helped William do the physical moving. The girls played moving day and helped carry stuff and watched everything. Too cute. They were in and out of the truck area almost as much as the guys. Kaylie was basically William's shadow for the day. The best part for her was getting to ride in "the big truck". "See Zamma, I get to sit way up there with Daddy" she told me. "It's big up in the air because you have to be big to go drive the truck." And we all know Kaylie is big now. LOL again, too cute!
I tried to make Kristy take it easy, but she was up and going, letting me know what to pack. Finally the pain meds kicked in and she slept a short bit. I tried packing and staying ahead of the guys, but they were moving at a pretty good clip so they kept me busy. When Tricia and I took Kristy and Makenzie to see the new place Makenzie and Kaylie gave me the tour. Their favorite part was their new playroom. "Zamma, it even has a bathroom stuck to it!" LOL...
Today we finished up the majority of the packing and William loaded a big truckload. He worked his butt off and really got a lot moved. Now as they empty boxes we bring them back over here and refill them with the last odds and ends.
Tricia and I have their old house to ourselves until their final closing date. It will give me time to help them clean the house and go through some of my things that were stored in their back sunroom. I'm tired, but like I said earlier, it's a good tired. I didn't move much, only pack. But they are in their new place and can focus on the future now. Time flies when you move!
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