It seems I begin many of my blogs by saying, "it's been a long time since I've written...."
I mentioned in the beginning that my blogging is mainly something I do when my work is done at work. It's been a long time since that has been the case.
I started a major project before Christmas which consisted of pulling old files from storage that should have gone to our off-site storage a long time ago, (before I was here to do it). Each, individual file had to be entered into the system as well as the box that each file went into. The storage company picked up my 17, 45 lb. cartons today.
P-A-R-T-Y!
With my exhilaration comes the realization that the work I found to keep myself busy for the past several months is now done and I must find some other project to keep myself occupied after my regular work is done.
Keeping busy is always a good thing, but especially so these past months. I deleted about 12 post-drafts a couple weeks ago...stuff that just couldn't suitably be put into words at the time.
On April 10th, we lost five employees to cut-backs with no, real warning...that was a tough one to witness. One of our UAs transferred to another department May 1st and our department head retired May 15th. The absence of these people has left a big hole, it appears, not to be filled.
o o o o o
I lost a dear friend here at work. We met late in the Fall and became instant friends. We spent all our breaks together from that day on. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in late March and passed away April 28th, presumably from heart failure, after only three chemo treatments. We knew she wasn't well; we really just didn't have any idea. She was only four months older than me. For as devastated as I have been, her husband and family were just getting used to the idea that Sheila had cancer and what may be ahead for them. To lose her so suddenly...well...who could put that into words?
I do understand the importance of a "visitation" or "Celebration of Life" service perhaps now, more than I ever have. Although Sheila and her husband had lived in the area for nearly two decades, they were originally from New Orleans where much of their family remains and Sheila's body was taken there. There was no local service, no visitation, no obituary, although a memorial mass was to be scheduled for a later date. It was very hard to wrap my head around the fact that she was gone.
Simultaneous with the service being held for her in Louisiana, our department gathered outside. A few words of scripture, a poem read and prayers lifted in behalf of her family who loved her so much. The release of white balloons...tears flowed, hugs shared with folks that maybe we didn't know that well, but the one thing we had in common was knowing Sheila. I gotta say, I felt some better...it was something.
I miss ya', girl. Unjustifiably, I get mad whenever I drive by your parking spot and someone else is in it. I can't see a commercial for "5 for $5.95" or think about a caramel frapaccino without thinking about you...I know how you loved Tuesdays! I miss your laughter, your stories, your recipes and the time we spent together every day at work. You were one of the most thoughtful, loving persons I had ever known and I was honored to have you as my friend.
o o o o o
Sometimes it's hard to find joy in this life, but my grandkids continue to provide me with an ongoing bounty of love, fun & entertainment. Braedon turned four years old May 10th; Lexi will be seven in September. Lexi just completed her first soccer season. Nothing is funnier than watching a kid chasing her shadow on the soccer field, forgetting that she's supposed to be focused on the soccer ball that just whizzed by her. It's been a blast attending her games and watching her progress as she finally "gets it." She's turned into quite the little soccer player.
Bob is doing fine. Still working at Bass Pro. He seems to have favor there and enjoys it so what's a wife to do?! He sold his Harley a couple months ago. If he's missed it at all, he's sure foolin' me! It was too hot to ride last summer; sweat and sunburn just isn't the fun it used to be...we are definitely comfort people. I think maybe he's ready to move on to some other retirement adventure! We shall see!
As for me, I'm doing the 10-hour days again. I have every Friday, Saturday & Sunday off.
Bob and I are headed to IL this weekend to celebrate Father's Day & be with family. We'll all be attending Destiny Fellowship on Sunday and Dad wants Joyce, Janet and I to sing. I told a friend in an E-mail earlier today that we'll probably be practicing around a sink full of dirty dishes Saturday night...just like old times.
Mom, Dad, Joyce, Janet, Jodie, Jennifer & I are headed to Winter Haven, FL on vacation in July. We know that July is an insane time to go to FL...it was the only time we could ALL go. No husbands, no kids....just Mom, Dad & the girls. Talk about an adventure! We've rented a big house on a lake and Dad's family is only a short distance from there so it will be a reunion of sorts.
