Um...hi there. :) 

I've worked for the same company for over nine years now. I enjoy my job. I used to love it, but now I say enjoy. I work very hard for this company. I work in my home which means if I'm home, I'm at work. I hear the fax machine go off at 3 a.m. and I walk into my "office" to see what it is. I've been known to check my phone messages at any given hour of the night when I hear my phone ring once before heading down the line to our 24 hour 'hotline', just to make sure it's not an emergency that I need to handle 'right then'. My office takes up one of my two bedrooms and my second is full of my craft stuff so I sleep in my living room. But I don't complain about it because it's just the way it is...and besides, my recliner is comfy.

In the nine years I've worked for this company I have taken a one-week vacation, ONCE. Usually I just take a day or two here and there, to keep on top of things...to keep from having to play too much catch-up upon my return. I get three weeks of vacation a year, now, and still I take a Friday once in a while, or use my vacation for sick time (something of which I am right now...sick). Two weeks ago I was 'volunteered' to head up the organization of all of our Hurricane Ike claims. I did so without complaint and even enjoyed it for a bit, although my hours went from 9-10 a day to 12-15, seven days per week.

I knew, with the onset of those claims and my new, albeit temporary duties, that it would be a long-shot that I be able to take a week's vacation in early October for my mother's milestone birthday, but I asked anyhow; not surprised that I was turned down. "It's not a good time for this." "If only we weren't dealing with all of these storm claims." Yadda yadda. I bucked up (after a short cry) and went back to work. Deciding to just let it drop until it was closer to time and see what the work-load was when the time got closer.

Well this morning I was told that the storm claims were over with, and that we most likely wouldn't be getting anymore. Okay. Green light. Or so I thought. I contacted my boss and again requested the time off. "It's not good to take a week off in your position." Meaning, because I am the only adjuster in this office (my home), I shouldn't be gone that long. Um, well, I was sent to school for TWO weeks last year with no such concerns. "Can't you fly there? Wouldn't that be faster and you could just take a couple of days?" Well, number 1, I have a dog that goes with me, and NO, she's not going on a plane at her age (18). Number 2, the airport closest to my mother is the most expensive airport to fly into.

And most importantly, Number three. I HAVE THE TIME COMING TO ME!!!!! I have worked tirelessly for this company and I feel they don't know the meaning of the word loyalty. They sure don't demonstrate it.

Well, guess what. Since they don't know the word, I am no longer going to demonstrate its meaning...to them. Anyone want to play hooky with me today?

I was just sent this link ---> HERE

If you watch it, pay attention to the engineer. That's the husband of my best friend ever since 7th grade!

G

I've had the most wonderful last few weeks, that I simply have to share it with you. I only wish that my words could convey the utter bliss that is in my heart right now.

It all started with a birds-nest. A dove decided my porch was the perfect place to start her family. Nestled softly atop my barren garden hose holder, she worked away until a suitable shelter had been created. Then, with love, she set two simple eggs inside the structure and perched herself gladly atop them. She shared her bounty with me and allowed me (albeit with a wary eye) to photograph the sight over the next two weeks as we both anticipated a healthy result. Then, when I had begun to give up hope, she showed me that the wishes of us both had been granted and two spartan, tiny creatures appeared from beneath her. I watched, enraptured by the sight of the struggling naked creatures as they began to grow, and to feather, all the while documenting the occasion with photos and video. My heart stuttered when, on more than one occasion, mama dared to allow me to come closer and closer, until I was granted the ability to stroke her tail to convey I meant no harm.

It seemed so sudden that the babies grew large enough to fill the nest almost to overcrowding, their slight fluff becoming wider and stronger until I knew it wouldn't be long before the adventure would come to an end. I continued to gaze at them with mixed emotions; both joy and trepidation, worrying for their survival, as well as the loathing the idea of them growing up and leaving their haven. I grew more nervous by the day, as their mother's oft-made trips to forrage for nutrition for the fledglings took longer and longer, knowing she was giving them time to spread their wings and test their limits of self-sufficiency.

Last night became a horror, as I watched the twin toddlers fall from their precarious perch atop the twigs and debris and fall heavily to the concrete below. Their wings fluttered and they lifted off, only to fall short of their goal of returning to the nest; their flights stuttered and unsteady as they tried desperately to learn to soar. When mama didn't return shortly after spying the scene, I took matters into my own hands and returned the young ones to their home, hoping desperately that my fingers had not marked them for death or neglect from their wild parent. But I sighed a breath of relief and release when mama did indeed return, snuggling down with her children for a well-earned rest.

This morning I was awakened by the soft coo-coo of the mother and I gazed out my door to see her perched along the porch railing. I stepped out the side door, so as not to frighten or startle the children and repeat the events of last night. To my disappointment, the nest was once again empty and my heart broke that I had not had a chance to say goodbye. Mama looked at me, seemingly unperturbed that I had joined the scene, and then looked down to the concrete of my porch. My gaze followed, and I again saw the two little ones, gazing up at both their mother and myself. And then mama flew away to a nearby tree branch; not far, but just far enough to prompt her children to follow.

My heart in my throat, I watched as Junior and Missy began to stretch their wings, testing them once again, this time with permission from their mother. And then, one by one, they lifted off into the air and flew...and flew...going higher and higher until they reached where their mother was waiting patiently for them. They settled less than gracefully, but arrived none-the-less. Their goal; the goal of their mother; and mine as well, complete and utterly satisfied.

And mama cooed again, as if biding me adieu.

We just had another after shock...4.5. SOOOO cool!

My taxes are done!!!! Yes, I waited until the last minute (almost), but I have been working on it. It's just taken A LOT more time because I have to file as a business owner for the first time ever. OMG...I have to pay State (as usual), but I'm not even upset over that, because...

MY TAXES ARE DONE!!!!!!

Now, if I still drank, I'd have a beer. But since I haven't touched alcohol in almost a year, I'll just keep sipping away at my sugar-free kool-aid. :)

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

I can read over a year's worth of my postings on one page. *meep*

Just ignore that message. Somebody made a terrible mistake and called the wrong phone number, got my mom who isn't 'all there' at times, and she thought they were talking about her daughter. My sister is fine. I'm still shaking from adrenaline, but she's fine. *snugs*

I know I haven't posted here in months, but please PLEASE do me a favor and pray for my sister? I just got a phone call from my mother that my sister, Vicky, has had a massive heart attack. According to her son, she was completely gone for a while but they got her back and are now transporting her to a bigger hospital in Kansas for treatment (likely surgery). Again, I'm so far away and don't know if I can get over there (to Kansas). I'm scared to death. Thanks.

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes!!!! I loved the adorably funny card from MOS, the virtual party hat from Heuradys, and the nice messages from Moonie and Batty! You guys are the best!

*snugs to all*