*Great* Week

So, the week of my birthday (1-11 to 1-17) was an up and down week. My birthday was good - thankfully. Monday the 12th was pretty ordinary - nothing too special on my end. My dad had cataract surgery in one eye, and now is able to use absolutely no glasses whatsoever (except for driving). It's awesome that the pain in his eye is gone, and the vision is back. Wahoo!

January 13 is my mom's birthday. I know my Gramma planned a little surprise birthday party for her at the church council meeting. Mom and Dad drove back from Williston, and it took over twice as long because of icky weather. Their youngest daughter called them that morning to tell them she had lost her job. Yep. I lost my job. I was so utterly shocked, I can't even describe it to you. I wish I could tell you they were doing layoffs or something. But no...the company is doing quite well, and they are still hiring people. No...they were just unhappy with me. It was such a bummer. My hubby was outstanding - letting me cry when I needed to, be pissy when I needed to, and he did his best to cheer me up when possible.

The great thing about this, though, is I'm a survivor. I got right on Monster that afternoon, and was job searching. I had an IM conversation with a former colleague of mine, and she let me know that my old company (Lighthouse1) is using temps in my former job because they were very behind. So, I emailed another former colleague of mine, asking if they have room for another temp. She said she thought so, and to email the HR person. I did, and two days later, she called me and asked me to come in right away the next day to help out. She also said they would see what they could do about just bringing me back on. Oh man...I hope and PRAY this will happen. I did not leave Lighthouse1 because I was unhappy in my job or anything negative. I left for an opportunity closer to home. So, I'm glad to be back. I hope I can go back for good. When I got there last Friday, it felt like coming home. People hugged me, for Pete's sake! It was so great, I can't even tell you. And, I'm just right back into doing a lot of the things I did when I was there 8 months ago.

The week started with my birthday, which was great. Then I lost my job and was hoping not to hit a huge depression rut. Then, by the end of the week, I had a temporary job lined up, and a possibility of a job. I am doing all I can to impress the hell out of Lh1 so they see how lucky they are to have me back. =)

Love and peace
Denise

Cards

Do you like to play cards? I love it! It's such a nice way to pass the time on these cold winter days, and most card games do not take a ton of thinking. I have a few favorites to play, and have been trying to teach my new in-law family some of them. Unfortunately, only a few are interested in playing cards. =( Oh well. For those who learn to play, it's fun to teach them, and fun to have them ask to play again.

I recently taught my sister-in-law (SN), niece (HS), and nephew (ZS) to play Hand & Foot. I learned this from a very good friend of mine in the cities (KA). She taught me how to play, and we used to go to her aunt's house for homemade pizza and cards. I've also taught AM and DM how to play. The differences between all of these people is fun. AM and DM like to play nice - making sure everyone has a chance to play lots of cards and get lots of points. Games with them take a long time, which is fun because we thoroughly enjoy our time. Playing with KA and her aunt - there is no mercy. If you don't play your cards right, you will get hosed. It's frustratingly awesome! So, I have taught SN, HS, and ZS how to play in a cutthroat way as well. It's good fun. Well...only when I'm winning, I guess. =) Just ask HS... there is harsh retribution when I get stuck in my hand, and there is a red three in my foot.

Anyone interested in learning to play Hand & Foot, I'll be happy to show you (or tell you somehow if you are far away). A word of warning - Hand & Foot can be a time consuming game...Be prepared to spend an hour to three hours playing, depending on how you play. Enjoy!

Love and peace
Denise