Sweet Summer Time

I have to admit I love summer. I laugh when I see the count down to fall over on Linda's blog (Behind My Red Door). I am the opposite it makes me sad because I love summer and all that goes with it. Yes, that means even the heat! Plus I am a huge fan of the 4th. I love all the fire works, cook outs and togetherness that is associated with the 4th. In the past I always had the huge 4th bash. We always had the pool ready and the fire works popping. Things are really different for us this year. Jessica had to work and Ray, Eleni and I went walking around the mall and stores. There was no cook out just an early dinner at Arby's. It was a little sad because it seemed everyone had plans but us. I guess there is always next year! :)

As you know last week was my birthday and a good one it was not. My friend Donna took me to lunch but I felt so rushed. Then work really stressed me out that day. I came home curled up in the bed and cried myself to sleep. It was probably the worst birthday I can remember. I think the stress of work and not having my own home just all got to me and I had to let it out. I did return back to work on Monday. It's getting easier but it's still a lot to remember and learn. I'm just doing the best I can. On a good note should something happen and I lose my job again I will have a lot to add to my resume. :)

You know there is nothing greater than coming home and having a package waiting for you. I came home Tuesday and I had a package from Tammy(Country Girl At Home) and  her daughter Joy (Doodlebug). They sent me the cutest stitchery with the greatest saying. I have to add Tammy has been such a great friend to me through all of this. She emails me often and always lets me vent. I so appreciate her friendship! She has been my angel and the stitchery she sent me describes what her friendship has meant to me! They also included the cutest prim card. I love it! Thanks again Tammy and Joy!

It says Friends are Angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly. Thanks Tammy for always helping me back up on my feet. :)

Here is an update on Ray. He went to the cardioligist this past Monday. They said to give them the name of who is in charge of his SS claim so they can help rush it along. That was great news. Then they informed him that after his stroke in 07 when they did a doppler of his neck it showed some blockage on one side of his neck but it wasn't too serious. They are ordering another doppler to check the status of that blockage and to see if there is any blockages on the other side of his neck. They also said the test he did in May on his legs showed some blockages as well. They are not too serious but they told Ray to avoid long walks or being on his legs for long periods of time. I think Ray is going to have to take it easy and do what he is told or things could get much worse. I just hope that SS kicks in soon so we can get back on our feet. 

Well, I think that's all of the updates I have to share. I so enjoyed everyones Americana decor  for the 4th. I hope you all had a great holiday and made a lot of new memories.

Donna

2 Months

Well, it's been 2 months now and I'm really missing my own place. As I have said before you never know how much you miss something until it's gone. What do I miss the most my own quiet place. There is nowhere to go here and just enjoy a quiet moment. Even if you go to the bathroom you can bet someone is going to need in. :) 

Work is going ok. Wow, so much too learn. I work for a great company called VA Premier. We are a HMO for Medicaid. I am on the phone for 8 hours a day verifying information for the providers or helping the members with pcp changes etc.. The first few days were awful. I absolutely hated it and almost wanted to cry a few times BUT I knew no matter what I would not quit. Well, long story short the person training me was ok but made me very uncomfortable. They were out today and someone else sat in with me today and what a difference a trainer can make. My nerves were calmer and I actually had a much better day. I think once I get everything down I will feel better. 

Tomorrow I will be another year older. I think back to where I was a year ago and wonder where will I be a year from now. I can only hope and pray things just get better from here on and that my birthday is just the beginning. I'm definetly learning to be more patient. I will say these past few months have really changed me and my whole family. We have learned to be more thankful for what we have and know we can live without a lot of our wants. Now I will focus on what's yet to come. Thanks again for always including me and my family in your prayers. 

Donna

Hello Everyone

I feel like I haven't left a post in forever. Thanks to everyone for all the best wishes on my new job. I feel very blessed to have a job especially in this economy but I was really blessed to get a job with such a great company. I feel a little overwhelmed right now there is so much to learn. It's a very fast paced environment. I just hope I catch on quick and my typing skills improve. I'm sure I will be ok once I get the hang of everything. 

Well, still no word on Ray's SS. I have heard these things can take awhile but once again I don't have a lot of patience. I'm hoping they will reinstate him. If that all falls into place then maybe we can get us another place. We had to go by our storage shed yesterday to get me some more clothes and shoes for work. I actually got a little teary eyed. I miss my stuff so much. That may sound a little odd but to see everything you own boxed up is really heart wrenching. I know that God has a plan and I need to be patient. 

I have so enjoyed seeing everyone's Americana decor. I am so jealous and impressed at what you all do with those little flags. I'm getting so many great ideas so keep them coming! I am still trying to read your blogs and I hope to post more often.

Donna

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to me Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday to me Happy Birthday! Can you hear me singing? Can you see me smiling? I got it yes I got the Job!!!! I got the call today and I start next Tuesday. I am so excited I got a job and it is Monday-Friday with great benefits and the pay is not to bad either. 

Thanks to all of you for sticking by me. I started this blog after I lost my job last year. I never knew I would be so blessed with so many new friends. If it weren't for your kind words and your own blogs I think I would have lost my mind some days. I may not be able to post or comment daily like I have been but I will definitely be checking in from time to time. You know how it is once an addict always an addict.

Tomorrow we are driving Jessica's car to Greensboro NC. She won VIP tickets to see Taylor Swift she is taking her sister with her to the concert. Jessica was getting a hotel room because she didn't want to drive back to VA after the concert. She talked her Dad into driving her car and we will just hang out at the hotel while they are at the concert. If anyone knows of any great shops in that area please share. It will be nice to do some window shopping.

Donna

Wearing Your Heart On Your Sleeve

I wish for once I could post some good news or just some happy thoughts. Seems lately I have been wearing my heart on my sleeve. I feel myself getting angered by things that usually wouldn't bother me. Seems like the support I had from friends is slowly fading away. I feel really alone as if I'm a stranger on the outside looking in. It's been a stressful time with all the life changes but then there are the everyday life issues we have to deal with as well.

I have been really worried about Eleni doing well on exams and SOL's. She has 3 exams left but I'm happy to report she will pass everything for the year. Which is a big deal considering Science and History have been really tough for her. This time of year is also a reminder of my Nanny passing away on the 10th which has left me really emotional lately. Although it will be 2 years I still miss her and I would give anything to just see her one more time. Watching her take that last breath is something I will never forget.

Summer is usually my favorite season. I love the hot weather and longer days. If I was ever feeling down I would usually go outside and escape by my pool. I would spend every spare moment by that pool. It was like my own little vacation spot most of the time. I am missing that pool more than I ever imagined. 

I guess I just don't know where I fit in anymore. I feel like I am lost and can't find my way home. I was praying for guidance but now I pray for patience. Still no word on the job or Ray's SS. It's just getting harder as each day passes. I mentioned that I really wanted a job for my birthday. Eleni's birthday is in July and she told me all she wants is a house for her birthday. I sure hope one of us gets our wish.

Sunday I watched Marley and Me. Great movie but a real tear jerker. I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it.

Donna

Good Will and June Birthdays

I finally found something at the GW. Our prices here are not as good but for $3.50 I am pleased. I think I will just stain the cutting board a little darker. I'm not crazy about the hole in it so if you have any suggestions. :) The bowl I think I will paint. I was thinking a blue or mustard what color yellow do you use? I originally thought a red and stained but I want to put it on top of the red table bench Tammy sent me so I want it to stand out. Once again opened to suggestions. :)

Still no word on the job. They said it could take up to 2 weeks. I'm not very good at waiting. In my last post I mentioned that a job is what I want for my birthday. A lot of you have birthday's in June. Mine is the 26th when is yours?

On that note I wanted to mention my friend Donna. She was the one who got me the interview. Anyway her birthday is the 6th so I wanted to wish her a very Happy Birthday. Can you believe it she's 29 again. 

Donna

Interview

Well, I had my interview yesterday. WOW they drilled me or so it seemed. My interview was with a group of 3 people and about 12 questions. With each question you also had to give an example. I think I did fairly well and I made sure to follow up with a thank you email. My old boss/friend Donna got me me the interview and she was asked about me after the interview she really spoke highly of me. I am so thankful to have a friend like her. Now it's a waiting game. They are still interviewing so it may be two weeks before I hear back from them. Until then life goes on and I am still looking and putting in applications. Thank you all for your support. I will keep you posted. My birthday is this month and all I want is a job. I know once I get a job the rest will fall into place. 

Donna