the new job

Well, I just finished my second day at my new job. I am worn out. What was I thinking?

I took a nap Monday ( mostly because of the big weekend in Columbus- and very little sleep)- and I took another nap today. I was tired, grumpy, hungry and my shoulder hurt. . . . . . . Actually, I really like my job. It will be very interesting. There is some repetition. But for the most part- it should be fun.

Yesterday and today I re-framed 40 (yes-40. That's where the repetition part comes in) autographs and pictures (not to be confused with autograph pictures). They were all different. And they were different types of celebrities, some sports, some movie (Paul Newman), some music (Johnnie Cash), even coaches.

I learned how to use the double miter metal saw, and the wood saw and joiner. I've used the joiner before. Infact, I think it is the same kind I used to own back in Lima/Dayton. But, for some reason, I can't seem to get good joins on my frame corners. I hurt my shoulder trying to lift frames in place to join. It was frustrating. I've got to figure this out tomorrow because I have 20+ movie posters to glass and frame.

So, if you like sports, especially the Reds, it is a really cool place to work. It isn't uncommon for Pete Rose, or Johnny Bench to stop in. There are other former Reds that my boss represents. I need to go to the web site and really commit those guys to memory so I don't embarrass my self.

I like the people I work with. They are funny and fun. Lynne even made cupcakes for my first day of work. It is really non stop. Like I said, I am really tired when I'm done, but it goes by fast, and there is TONZ to do all the time.

Even more surprising (maybe not) is that I don't miss my old job. I guess that is the best thing of all. Although, my old boss DID A-L-M-O-S-T cry my last day of work there. I also got hugs from the delivery driver of one of our vendors, and the mailman (!!!). You never know. I was surprised how they all said they would miss me.

Well, I'm looking forward to going to work tomorrow. I'm going to master that joiner (or the saw- I still can't figure out which one is giving my the trouble).

And maybe- MAYBE I won't be quite as tired as I was tonight.

Tuesday night

It's Tuesday night and I feel the need to write something.

So, this is my last week at work. Thursday will be the end for me. It is strange and a bit surreal. I've worked for this company for almost 6 years. I haven't ever worked for anyone that long. And I have never worked with the same group of people for so long either. They all seem really sorry that I'm going. Now, that could be because I was a really good framer, or it could be because I got out and they haven't. Or- (and this is probably it) it is because the schedule is totally screwed without me there.

I called my new boss tonight. We were working out my schedule for next week. (I start on Monday). And he was so excited to have me come and work for him. It is really nice to hear that. It is hard to work and put your heart and soul into what you do- and feel no appreciation from your boss. My customers would be really pleased and grateful for what I could do for them, but my (new) boss could care less.

I'm taking Friday off from everything because I will be watching Little William for Katy. She had a conflict with the sitter, and needed someone to help out. My new schedule is Monday-Friday, no Saturdays or Sundays, so it will be hard to help her out.

I bought paint for the living room. I'm so excited. Right now, the walls, ceilings and trim are all painted a flat tan. I can hardly wait to start. The ceiling is going to be white (Yea!), and the walls will be a pretty yellow/green. Clean and a bit bright. I think in the mornings it will look more yellow, and the afternoon/evenings, more green. We'll see. And I have bright white for the trim, including the doors all along the hallway. It will be so nice.

Madeline has a competition in Columbus this weekend. She dances Friday night, all the way through Sunday. It will be a long competition, but it will be fun. We enjoy the time together. (I'd enjoy it a bit more if gas prices came down and I could find a hotel room for under $60 a night).

Well, it is about 11:30- time for bed- Oh I almost forgot- last night we were up really late (even for us)- because we were installing a new (for us) washing machine. Ours broke a week or so ago, and finally stopped altogether last night. We found a great deal on Craig's list, and picked up a Whirlpool front-loader for a fraction of the cost of a new one. It is a relief to have a working washer. One night Bari and I went to the 24 hour coin laundry mat. We had 4 loads. I wouldn't want to do that very often.

So- Happy Mother's Day to all those biological moms- and all those who by choice or cause, have become Mom's to others around them! Love you!

2 blogs in one day- - - this is good news

Two blogs today. Aren't you excited?

Well, this is news. I had a job offer today. Was I looking for another job? Kind of. Is this a surprise? Well, yes it is.

Last Thursday I was on Craig's List looking for something for Joey, and this Picture Framing job kept coming up. It sounded intriguing, so I sent an e-mail in response. The next day I received a call from someone I had met before I went to work for Ff. This person didn't hire me for his retail framing shop (although I would have been great there). Anyway. He called NOT because of my email- he called because he had hired one of my assistants from Kenwood and she recommended me- AND because he knew who I was and had always REGRETTED not hiring me before. Weird. So I told him about my response and we set up a time to meet.

We met for an hour and a half this morning. It is better money (a little more than I was earning BEFORE my pay cut), extra $$$ to be used for Health Care, vacation and holiday pay, and ( I can't BELIEVE THIS!) it is Monday through Friday - - - - -No SATURDAYS!!!!- - - . I don't think I have EVER had a job that I didn't work some Saturdays. Wow. - - - - I mean - -- Wow. It really seems like a nice environment to work in. I'm really excited.

So, now comes the hard part. I have to tell my boss tomorrow. I hope he doesn't cry.

My sister - - -

When I was growing up, my older sister Ellen and I were best friends. In fact, we were so close we were called 'the twins'.

This week I was walking through Kroger- just an average day doing average things - and it hit me. Somewhere, my sister was also doing mundane average things too. Somewhere she was shopping for groceries, picking up her mail, driving to work listening to the traffic report on the radio. I'm not really sure where she is.

Also this week I started thinking about a friend of mine who's sister had passed away 5 years ago, sometime around this time of year. It was a surprise, a tragedy for the family. I never knew the sister. But I do know how much she is loved and missed.

My sister is here- somewhere in Michigan- I think. She isn't talking to the family. Or my mom. It is a tragedy for my family. As hard as this is - we (my brother and older sis) and I have come to realize that this is her choice- not ours. She has to live with her choice. Unfortunately, we also have to live with her choices - even more so because it all involves my mom.

My friends sister will not return to this earth. I cannot imagine the feeling of loss - as a sister or as a mother. My heart weeps for them.

I miss my sister. I am in mourning for her friendship. I will always love her.