And Now On to New Year's...

Goodness!  Where has the time gone?  The past month has literally slipped right through my fingers!

Working 12 hours a day is going to kill me!  Thank goodness it will only be until April.  All I want to do in my off time is sleep!  I am losing all my muscle just sitting at work and sleeping.  I really have to find some time for walking inbetween... but it is so foggy and cold in the mornings, and dark at night when I am about to head to work.  The weather feels awful and is not conducive to a good attitude and just makes me want to crawl into bed!  Ugh!

* * *

I worked on New Year's Eve.  No where to go, and no one to party with anyway.  B. in Sweden, and G. out on the town with his girl.

I always try to reminisce about the past year on New Year's Eve.  2013 was some kind of year...

I got laid off from my Forest Service job two weeks into the year.  It was cold so I drove down to Arizona for a visit.  Got to thinking it might be a good idea to move down there to be closer to the folks... but after the summer's hot weather abated... maybe around October or so.  Came home and realized I could no longer be owing my landlord any more rent, so started having yard sales and getting rid of stuff.  Spring Break, the boys helped me move my car and a load of furniture down into storage in AZ.  We enjoyed the visit with Grandma and Grandpa.

Finally got completely moved out of our little green house at the end of April, in time to drive the van over for Mom's weekend at OSU.  From there I spent 6 weeks on the coast.  Back to Lakeview to paint a ceiling, left to travel to Joseph, then made my way up to Post Falls to visit my cousins.  Found out my mom was in the hospital but she kept saying that I didn't need to come down.  Then I got the call from my dad that she wasn't responding and I needed to get there.  I drove the 1300 miles in 36 hours.

My mother passed away, I spent a month with my dad, then back to Lakeview to help a friend move, and house-sit.  From there, I found a nanny job in Albany, while looking on Craigslist for a mobile home rental in the Eugene area.  Met the family and moved in in October.  Because I needed an income as well, I went through a temp agency and started working graveyard shifts at BetaSeed in November.  The boys and I celebrated the holidays together at G's.  B and I went on the Mexican cruise the first week of December, and then he left for Sweden mid-December.

Yes, lots of places, lots of new people, lots of adventues....  2013 was some kind of year!


:)

Heading Home and Saying Goodbye... MORE TO COME

The last day was spent at sea heading to home port.  Unfortunately, the wind was really cold so lounging on the chairs in the sun was not really an option.  That was sad.

Cruise Day 3 - Ensenada... MORE TO COME

Cruise Day 2 - Catalina... MORE TO COME

First port of call:  Catalina Island!

We took a little shuttle boat over the island and enjoyed looking through shops and getting a small bite to eat and a local beer at a funky watering hole.  Then we had to gather in a certain place for our kayak adventure!

We walked to the kayak area from the center of town, put on water sandles, rubbery overalls, life jackets and climbed in with a little bit of instruction and a group leader. 

What fun!  The water was so clear, you could look down 30 feet or better to all the seaweed and fishies.  There were seals who playing around us as well.  Ben was great to have paddling in the back.... he is strong! Here's a pic the leader took on my camera.

Took this one for my friend who LOVES my feet pics... lol

Afterwards we explored more and did a little shopping and caught the last shuttle back to the ship!

There was a place called the Taste Bar that served little bites. This was a pepper pot soup and a spicy pork meatball... Way yum! 

The Cruise...

I got caught up in this travel club a bit ago, but I also got a free 4 day cruise out of it.  So I thought it would be a nice "fond farewell" for my oldest son and I to enjoy together before he leaves to live in Sweden.  I booked it for the first week of December, between our holidays and his leaving, on Carnival's Inspiration.  Just a mini-cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico, from Monday evening to Friday morning.

We did have a lot of fun!  :)

We left Oregon Sunday afternoon, drove all night, and arrived at 6:30am... so tired, but so excited!!

We went back to the car to hopefully nap before boarding time, but we couldn't.  Got our bags and headed toward checking in around 9:30, and finally got on board around 12:30pm.  Wow!

They are decorating for Christmas.  

 

Our room was close to the main section and on a middle floor.  Perfect really, and every night they put towel pets on the beds with the calendar of events for the next day, and chocolate!

We explored a bit, then were up on the decks at sunset for the safety meeting.

Our Holidays...

THE PLAN:

We did this last year, and I am thinking it is a good plan...  We celebrate Thanksgiving AND Christmas on the same long weekend.  I know it sounds terribly frantic, but it isn't, really.  And then I'm done, and don't have to get all caught up in the Christmas rush.

We did this last year because my younger son was planning to go to Australia for the Winter Break from school.  My older son and his fiance' didn't know what their plans were going to be, so I thought, if we got everyone together, we might as well do it all.  It worked out well, and was fun.  I am also thinking that this relieves them of worrying about me when making holiday plans with the other side of their families as they get older.  

So it works like this over a four-day weekend:  Thanksgiving Day is Thanksgiving.  Friday we eat leftovers and prepare for Christmas by decorating and baking.  Saturday is Christmas Eve dinner and traditions.  Sunday is Christmas morning, church, lunch, and travel home for everyone.  We also get some holiday crafting done, play some games, watch special Christmas cartoons or movies, and the general fun of being all together :)

This year however, there will be a twist at the end... On Sunday morning after our Christmas present opening and church, Ben and I are going to be driving south for a small vacation! A fond farewell for the both of us before he heads to Sweden.

* * *

AND HOW IT WORKED OUT:

Say what you will about the Christmas trees being out in the stores before Halloween, but it is surely handy for pulling off the Extravaganza! I have all the shopping done now. A little preparation, and I think it's a GO !! Whew!  Just have to squeeze in 36 hours of graveyard shift before then also. Hope I am not too tired to enjoy Thanksgiving Day... but dinner will be later in the day than usual.

B. came down from Washington, and we were able to spread out at G.'s since most of his roommates are away for the holiday weekend.

And then, THANKSGIVING:

Best time with the boys! Just fun for us to be together! Enjoyed the Cowboys win in football, had a great dinner, enjoyed highlights from the Macy's Parade (didn't watch the whole recorded event... mostly the Rockettes and Santa!), took naps, played video games, ate pecan pie, and watched a hit movie. It's been a great Thanksgiving!

And ON Saturday:

A fun filled Christmas Eve for us! Ham, marshmallowed yams, and green bean casserole, salad and rolls. Simple. Tree decorating, haha... look at our little tree! Some gift giving, holiday crafting, baking, and watching Mickey's Christmas. Soon the Christmas story and setting up the Nativity scene.

 Merry Christmas to All!!

:)

 

And November Begins...

It's raining so hard, I can't hear the TV show I was watching on the internet.  Guess I'll sit down and blog a bit then.

Am earning my keep this weekend by pet sitting while My Family is away on a cabin camping trip somewhere where they may be getting snow right this moment.  I thought that would be great fun for the girls... I just hope they are all safe, warm and well equipped.

Since I haven't been given any other duties, I have decided to pursue getting some income.  Since my plans seem to be a little here and there... not knowing if I have to show up for court on the 13th, and then wanting Thanksgiving off, and then the week following to spend with Ben before he leaves for Sweden, I think it best to sign up with a few temporary agencies.  I mentioned this to Papa New and he said his company would be using a labor temp agency for an upcoming moving project, so sign with them, and he would request me.  Ye-haw!

And just around the corner from that place is another office temp agency, so I will be signing up with them also.  I am pretty jazzed about this.  It will give me the opportunity to work exactly when I can, and hopefully as much as I want/need.  I am only concerned for my wardrobe as it is greatly lacking in the "classy" category.

* * *

Wow, time has flown!    Family was back for a few days, then decided to go fishing down south for a long weekend.  They came home and left again on a Sunday for a trip across a couple of states, and just arrived back today a week and a half later!  They will have plenty of stories I need to hear from the girls, so I am looking forward to seeing them.

Meanwhile, I signed up with both temp agencies.  I never heard from the one for the packing job, but the other one called me to come in for an interview.  They sent my resume to a company who "have been very picky about who we send for this position."  But, the lady said, "I think you will do really well."  And so...

I got the job!  I am an Order Coordinator in a beet seed company!  I am working three 12 hour shifts, graveyard, 6pm to 6am, and then only 6 hours on the 4th evening.  That gives me from Midnight Friday morning to 6pm on Monday off.  It is a pretty good schedule but takes a little getting used to.  So 42 hours a week, 2 of them overtime, and making $11 an hour.  At least it is not minimum wage.  The job goes until the plant faces the end of it's season in March/April.  I have yet to talk with the family about it, but I emailed I had the interview, and never heard anything back.

So we will see where this takes me.  I am prepared to move back into my van if need be, but it will be damn cold if I do!  Temps are dropping to below freezing this week... brrr.  I really, really, want to be somewhere warm in the winter next year!

An icy morning gift....

* * *

I had a birthday!

Had lots of birthday wishes on Facebook, my New Family gave me a basket of goodies in the morning, and then I went out to a delicious dinner at McGrath's with my youngest, G.,  plus got some "Face Time" with my oldest, B. from Washington.  Also got a gift from my Bestie!

* * *

I started work and it is difficult to get into the schedule... need to stay up all night, so I can sleep tomorrow, to start a 12 shift at 6pm to 6am.... just thinking about it makes me sleepy!!

Special note:  The company I am working for has a birthday buffet each month. After enjoying some Panda Express, I finally got some birthday cake. .. 20 days later... but I am a happy girl :)

* * *

I also wanted to remember a wonderful event in our lives that happened just a year ago... B&Z, engagement moment...

 

:)

 

As October Comes to An End...

Sunday morning found me going to yet another church in the area.  This time I tried in the other town near me.  I figure I need one in each town, depending on what my plans are for the day.  In one direction if I am going to visit my son also, and the other direction for a quick trip and home for a nap.

This was a bigger church, with two services, lots of classes and it all felt very familiar.  I liked the pastor and the music.  I went to the earlier service and to an adult Sunday school class for the second session.   We'll see how it all goes.

Came home for a nap, then joined the Family for a celebration of MA's birthday :)  Nice to meet more family members and enjoyed watching the dynamics and the fun :)  MA liked my gift...

pic here

Afterwards I went into the craft shop and watched National Geographic's presentation of American Blackout.  A docu-drama of various people's experience if there should be a cyber attack on the nation's electrical grid.  Very interesting.

* * *

Monday I headed into town for my new address!  Got a post box because I just feel better about dealing with it all myself than having my New Family have to dig through my jazz.  Yay Me !  I also picked up the paperwork I needed for my passport now that I had an address.

I also was trying to find my bank, and first went to one town because Yelp told me there was one there, but there wasn't... then went to another, and I found a branch there.  It was a pretty drive through the countryside anyways.  I figured if I was out this far, I may as well get a geocache... so I did.  Santiam Bluffs.  My phone GPS is garbage and never is able to figure out where I am for me to find a cache with it, but luckily I had my Magellan in the van so was able to put in the coordinates.  Pretty spot.

I ended up heading back into town, taking a nap by the Goodwill store, picked up a few items at Safeway, checked out the Grocery Outlet store, and stopped to do my clothes at a laundry mat before heading home.

Fun day!


* * *

Today I was back at the post office to send off my passport renewal, and turn in forwarding mail notices.  The weather was so autumn-y... warm, sunshine-y and clear, pretty leaves in the trees.

I went to the Carnegie Library in the Historic district of Albany to see this display that was featured in the local paper about two weeks ago...  dead squirrels.  lol

Totally whimsical creations by a taxidermist who truly loves her subjects...

So as a friend of mine on FB commented, "Ok cute but kind of weird."

For sure I'm going to think it's great, because it is out of the ordinary right?  Right!  :)  The reflection on the glass was difficult to shoot around, but I hope you can see them well enough.

When I leave my little home, I can't help but spend money, so I stopped for some lunch at a Mexican place.  Chips and salsa for one, por favor!

I also visited the Albany Carousel and Museum, right next to the Post Office.  This project has been 10 years in the making so far.  An awesome endeavor, and such beautiful creations...

Not all the pictures I shot actually took, but all of the animals are in various stages of completion. After being primerd, and reworked if necessary, they are painted using the stipple technique so there are no brush strokes at all.  When all the shading is completed, they are covered with a car lacquer finish.  The man said they still will fade a bit.  They need volunteers to sand, etc., so I may find some time to spend there :)

* * *

Wednesday I ended up staying hidden all day.  I am having issues with the toilet, and issues with the hot water tank.  I just did not want to get myself ready to face the world.  I worked on two very important emails.  One to someone who needs to find Jesus, and one to the Women's Ministries Pastor at Albany A/G asking for a scholarship for the Joy-Fest coming up in November.

Pastor Cheryl called me back right away and said to stop by and turn in the paperwork.  They would be happy to have me tag along.  We spent a few minutes talking, and I felt so welcomed.  So I am totally jazzed to be going on a retreat... I so need to be filled.  I am really looking forward to being in fellowship with other like-minded ladies :)

Watched some Castle episodes, ate some sardines... life is good :)

Oh, and BIG NEWS...  B. got his approval for the Resident's VISA for Sweden!!  This starts the ball rolling for his departure.  Z. just wants him over there as soon as he can get there, so he will work a few more weeks, join us for our Thanksgiving/Christmas Extravaganza, do some visiting, then get things in order for Samson to go with, and head out.  He now wants to get there about the second week of December, in time for celebration of an anniversary they have together.  Wow, can't believe my son is going to be so far away for such a long time... like forever.



:)

Visitors...

Today I had my first visitors...

G. and E. came over for a quick visit, and met my New Family.  Showed them my little house, and I gave them the bracelets I made them :)

They had a Halloween party to get to, and later texted this pic to me...  Mickey and Minnie !!

(and I noticed G. was still wearing my bracelet... awwwww  <3 )

:)