A new ballgame

Monday, April 02, 2012

Today was Gary's first day on his new job as an IT Manager having been laid off on 8/31. We both got up at 5:30am since he has to hit the road by 6:30. I do all I can to help him get out the door. The morning did not start out smoothly for my poor DH. He was nearly ready to walk out the door in one of his new suits and ties. I handed him his his travel mug of coffee and he promptly proceded to spill it on his jacket and tie.

But wait, it gets worse. He's cruising along on his hour-long commute thinking about what good time he is making. Then KAPLOOEE! His rear tire blew out and caused him much difficulty in remaining control of the car. Fortunately both he and the car remained unscathed. However, he had to call for a tow because there's no spare tire in the trunk. That's because he is trying to convert his Mustang into a street-legal car that he can drag race at Bandemere Speedway. Then he had to call a cab to get him the rest of the way to work, where he was 45 minutes late on his first day. No one gave him any grief, though.

Aside from the rocky start, the rest of his work day went well. He found out that another one of the job's perks is a free luch buffet. DH says he hope he doesn't weigh 600 pounds in 3 weeks.

I wanted to accomplish more in my day, but I was up during the night and did go back to bed after DH left for work. I take Ambien for sleep and I an experiencing the side effects of doing things in a trance state. Until I got on my computer this morning and read some of my emails, I was unaware that I had been on the computer in the middle of the night. This is SCARY! I had posted an ad on Craigslist for a walking buddy AND I got on ebay and made an offer on an insanely expensive piece of pottery to give to my mom for her birthday. It was accepted and now I have to pay the piper. Fortunately I have been very frugal for the last 8 months or so and have a tidy sum in my savings.

After going back to bed this morning and regaining control of my brain, I did my yoga and exercise session on the Gazelle. It was pretty cold, windy, and overcast here all day, so I didn't do any gardening as planned.

I went out and bought another shirt and tie for DH at Ross. You really can dress there for less. Next I went to the fish store and got 2 clown loaches to add to my aquarium. Then I came home and did some cleaning, including the arduous task of undertaking the mess in my studio.

Hopefully, I will sleep tight all night long without any incidents that I'm not aware of. Good sleep and sweet dreams to you as well.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BOVEY63 4/3/2012 12:28PM

So happy to hear Gary made it to work and that all went well for him. Sure hope your sleep issue clears up soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

-POOKIE- 4/3/2012 9:47AM

Honestly, that kind of thing must be sent to try us! Report Inappropriate Comment

MATER88 4/2/2012 10:47PM

Isn't that just the sort of thing that happens on first days at work!! Add in the flat tire and some day (way in the future) it will be a funny story. I'm so glad he found work after all this time. It's scary. Enjoy your clown loaches. We had an aquarium many years ago. We clown loaches and a red-tailed shark that we loved. MaryAnn Report Inappropriate Comment

Today was still a day of celebration

Sunday, April 01, 2012

This morning we got up and went to church for the first time in ages. Although we pray several times a day at home, we thought it would be nice to thank God in his house of worship. We are hoping to get back into worshiping at church regularly.

We went out for a sushi lunch after church. Then we picked up a few more items that Gary will need for work. He used to carry a backpack, but now that he is in a management position in a ritzy hotel he decided he needed one of those rolling computer/brief cases.

We gave the aquarium a good cleaning this afternoon. Tomorrow I am going to the fish store to get my last additions for a fully stocked aquarium.

Tomorrow's the day I begin my mornings at 5:30. I have a good plan in my head of how I want my days to progress. This includes getting Gary off to work, doing a little gardening work each day, doing my yoga, Sparking, cooking and cleaning, doing an aerobic session each afternoon on the Gazelle (I just found out there's a Gazelle Spark Team and I joined it) then welcoming my DH home from work.

We sat on the patio tonight discussing the future. I told him that one or two days a week I would like to volunteer in a nursing home, hospice, or visiting a shut-in. We talked about all the home improvements we hope to make. I told DH that what I would really like is to fly to South Carolina to visit one of my best friends, from there fly up to Maine where I would spend a few weeks with my Mom, then fly home.

For the first time in a long time I feel life holds so much potential. I feel like DH is falling in love with me all over again. He told me how cute and good I looked numerous times today. I know that now his self-esteem has improved now that he is employed, he is acting much more like the man I originally fell in love with. We have such a connection and intimacy, we can tell each other anything. Just the oyher night I told him a secret I have never shared with anyone before (and never again.)

Everyone have sweet dreams and a wonderful week.



Judi

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BOVEY63 4/2/2012 12:41PM

I can't say enough about how happy I am for you and Gary - you deserve all the good that can come your way. Report Inappropriate Comment

-POOKIE- 4/2/2012 10:52AM

*smiles* Another wonderful smiling blog that I can feel your smiles through. Volunteering is ALWAYS appreciated by somebody, I used to do Brownies and the smiles I gave those girls always made the effort worth it. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANHELIC 4/1/2012 10:54PM

Great to have a super positive attitude and a very supportive husband. Keep up the great work. Love your pictures of your cats. I too am a cat lover. good luck. Report Inappropriate Comment

Still feeling that this is a new beginning

Saturday, March 31, 2012

This morning DH and I went out for coffee and Duffey (cinnamon) rolls. I think this could become a ritual.

Next we went to a contractor's warehouse to see what they had in stock. We are already envisioning our home improvements.

We had to go buy DH some new clothes to wear to work. I thought it was going to be a very challenging experience, but all went smoothly.

Our lawn is greening up very nicely and my garden looks good for what little attention I have paid to it. We are hoping to add a white picket fence around the front yard and a nice deck or screen-roomed enclosure or some fashion of a deck and a gazeebo.

What a wonderful world to be filled with hopes and dreams again. And since my migraines have lightened up significantly, I look forward to living a fuller and more rewarding life.

Goodnight all.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CRYSTALJEM 4/1/2012 10:22PM

Glad to hear things are going well. Wishing you all the best. Report Inappropriate Comment

BOVEY63 4/1/2012 7:33PM

So happy that you are seeing your hopes and dreams again - here's hoping they all come true and then some! Report Inappropriate Comment

BERRY4 4/1/2012 2:59AM

I so glad to hear encouraging news! -- Enjoy your week before Easter and the Spring in the air! God bless! And happy April! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 4/1/2012 12:26AM

Wow! it must be a well paying job to get so quickly into home improvements! So glad your life will be much better now. That is awesome you are seeing some nice greening up -all is dark brown, dirty and muddy here.. Have a fabulous Sunday! Report Inappropriate Comment

KNITTABLES 4/1/2012 12:25AM

What an uplifting blog. Have a great month. Report Inappropriate Comment

Great news and my spirit is truly lifted

Friday, March 30, 2012

This morning DH accepted a position as IT Manager at St. Julien Hotel and Spa in Boulder. It's a long commute, but it's another couple wrungs up the ladder and has lots of perks. Like spa services, dining, and rooms are 50% off. I LOVE spa services. When I reach my goal weight, I am going to do a full-day spa package. What great incentive.

I can't believe how big a difference there is in our attitudes and outlook with this news. It's like the start of a new adventure. It's a renewal of our relationship as we make plans for our future.

Along with the commute that DH will have to face, he has asked me to get up with him at 5:30am to help get him out of the house. He said I could go back to bed after he's gone. I think I sleep too much and am looking forward to how much I can accomplish by starting my day early.

For instance, the temperature will be relatively cool and the sun not high to allow me to comfortably groom my gardens. After that, I can do my yoga then hit the shower. I will also have time for house cleaning, cooking, and an afternoon aerobic session. Also, my laundry load will be lighter because the hotel provides free dry cleaning. Yeah! I hate to iron dress shirts. Oh, I can add in being creative and doing my art.

This job will require a more professional look. We began the clothes shopping process this afternoon. Before that, we did have a celebratory lunch with my MIL.

We spent this evening outside musing about all the home improvements we'd like to make, as well as vacations we'd like to take, etc.

I know there will be speed bumps ahead, but it feels so nice to be on cloud 9 for a while.

I look forward to sweet dreams and I wish you the same.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SANDRA2BSKINNY 3/31/2012 11:11AM

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BOVEY63 3/31/2012 10:04AM

I am so happy for both Gary and you! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 3/31/2012 2:21AM

That is fantastic news Judi!! So glad this burden has finally been lifted from you! Those certainly are awesome perks! Hope you can enjoy them on a regular basis. I always start my day early, you do get a lot done. If you get tired, you can always nap later on.. Sleep well with peace of mind at last! Report Inappropriate Comment

-POOKIE- 3/31/2012 2:03AM

I honestly have happy little tears pricking in my eyes reading this. I am so so pleased to feel the positivity just swelling in this blog. Im really really happy for you both xxx Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 3/31/2012 12:15AM

Congrats to you both. Lovely hotel. Report Inappropriate Comment

KNITTABLES 3/31/2012 12:13AM

I am so very happy for you and your Hubby. What a relief it is to know that your Hubby will be working again. What great plan you have for yourself. Sweet Dreams and again Congrats! Report Inappropriate Comment

Hope on the horizon

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

My husband had a job interview this morning. By the time he got back home they were calling him to come back in for a second interview. It is between him and just one other candidate. Besides this, he has three other interviews lined up. I have a good feeling he will land one of them.

I slept a little late this morning, but ate a light breakfast then went straight to my yoga. I can't believe how sore I am from yesterday's session, which was the first in about 6 months.

I did a good vacuuming of the house today. I swear I could build another cat out of the fur that collects in the vacuum bin. Also got a load of laundry done.

Gary and I went for a 45 minute walk this afternoon. I am going to miss walking together when he goes back to work.

I am starting to feel the urge to purge my art studio of all the clutter so I can start painting again. I'm a bit of a pack rat so it's no small job. I don't know what I will do with any of my future paintings, but I finally feel the desire to be creative again.

I'm sending out positive vibes into the universe in hopes I will attract some in return.



Trying to reach for the stars.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BOVEY63 3/29/2012 12:53PM

Lots of positive vibes coming for you and Gary! Great job on the exercise. Like you I could make a dog from all of Shadow's fur that I vacuum up. So happy you are starting to feel creative! Create On! Report Inappropriate Comment

-POOKIE- 3/29/2012 8:35AM

*smiles* I hope things work well. Is it your art in your avatar picture? Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 3/29/2012 1:52AM

Sending positive thoughts for good outcomes! That will be nice for you to get back into painting -its very soothing and relaxing and just plain wonderful to be able to create things! Best of luck to Gary in his interviews! Report Inappropriate Comment

KNITTABLES 3/28/2012 9:17PM

I have a good feeling about this. Still fingers are cross. Glad you are going back to your painting. Take care. Report Inappropriate Comment