What I've been up to....

Things have become pretty darn S L O W at work lately... Oh, I know... it's not just where I work... but everywhere. Not only has it just slowed down, but almost (at times) come to a screeching halt. I work in the steel industry, and YIKES! It's darn bad. Beginning of the year, we had an across the board 3% pay cut, along with our health insurance became one of those newer "High Deductible" plans. For a single person, the first $3000 has to come out of YOUR pocket... oh, but wait, only AFTER you pay that, you will have coverage at 100% (for the balance of that year... then it will start all over). Thankfully, they decided to offer us an HSA Plan (Health Savings Account) that allows us to put $$$ into an account (pre-taxed) for any medical expenses we may incur. NOW, to help reduce costs at our 3 plants, instead of laying more people off (which could begin happening again after Easter), they decided to actually CLOSE on certain days. We have the option to either take them as "unpaid" days, or begin to burn through our vacation time. HEAVEN FORBID they decide to close down for a week or two this summer (like they've been talking about). I don't know how I can go that long without a pay check. ALL that to say this....

What I've been up to lately...
I've been given the task (that I THANKFULLY accepted) of selling items on eBay. My Godmother is a recently retired Christian Pastoral Counselor, who had a HUGE library full of various types of reference materials... books, cd's, VHS's, bibles... etc. She "hired" me to research and SELL on eBay. I really enjoy this type of thing... Hey, every little bit helps!!!

A Pet's 10 Commandments * * Read with caution...(and a tissue)

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up for punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I only have you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I chose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I may have been in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

* * Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them!! * *

Another puzzle FINISHED...

Officially Trained...

Today was an unusual day at work. I went in, like normal, wondering how I could spread my work out to fill up 8 hours (yup, thats become "norm" for me lately). Shortly after starting up my computer, my boss sent around an email, asking if anyone in her department would be interested in taking a CPR/First Aid class today. It was scheduled to run from 8 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. I, of course, was interested. Not so much because my job is extremely S L O W right now, but because the last time I was trained in CPR was in 8th grade. Only me and one other person was interested in taking the class... and although I was going to suggest drawing for it, my co-worker insisted that I go. So, I went. How FUN it was to stimulate my brain with "out of the norm information"... and something that I have always had an interest in learning again. Not only did we learn CPR on "Annie", but also Standard First Aid. The hardest part of the class was actually getting down on a hard cement floor, and performing CPR for 5 minutes. If you know anything about me... getting down on my knees is one thing I dread the most. I really wanted to do this without causing any more distraction than I already did... HELLO, only female in this all male class... I'm sure you can imagine the comments now and then... all in fun. I just prayed that I could do this up/down, up/down without much pain or discomfort. PRAYER was first and foremost... then actually listening and doing. Needless to say, it all worked out. I had a partner that I am extremely comfortable with, and am proud to say I "ACED" the course with two 100% on the tests. All-in-all, it was a pretty good day!!!

RE-connecting on "Facebook"... how fun!

FACEBOOK - ever heard of it?? Who hasn't, right?? Well, about two weeks ago I decided to check it out. How fun it was/is to look up friends from my "younger" years. I tend to be a pretty private person, and have no intentions on making a ton of NEW friends from my past... but, the thought of reconnecting with a few of the older ones, ones that you somehow loose contact with - but aren't sure why... makes being listed on Facebook well worth it. I was able to locate a great friend I met in junior high that took me to his prom. WOW! Life really took him all over, but has ended up doing very well for himself (and his wife and 4 kids). That's the kind of stuff I was hoping to hear when I signed up. Re-connecting leaves me feeling a bit sentimental, and at the same time.... still wondering when's my story gonna start (or finish)... oh well, I still trust that God has a plan for me... whatever that may be. :-)

Inconvenient Debt - Glenn Beck

The amount of U.S. dollars in circulation is skyrocketing. What does it mean for you? Watch then share this video!