Unemployment sucks....

We are currently four weeks from my husband being laid off for a full year. It has been a long year...full of ups and downs...sadness and joy. We have survived thus far on my $12.00 an hour job and his unemployment check. He has 460 (plus) applications out there and has had numerous interviews...but so far...no offers. He has been diligent and untiring in his search for a job...but it just isn't "our turn" yet I guess. We have begun to consider the possibility of selling the house if a job doesn't come soon...but it is an option that we hope never becomes necessary. Just in case it does though...we have begun to clean out closets, cabinets, and "clutter" in order to properly "stage" our home if a sale becomes our only option.



It is amazing what we have collected over the past few years! I boxed up 2 tall stacks of Eskimo Joe cups, tons of plastic silverware, disposable cups, and coffee cups of every description! I think my favorite though...was a box of assorted toys! Our kids have been grown for several years now...but I am an eternal child at heart. I have been tossing assorted playthings in a couple of dresser drawers in the guest room for years...and every once in a while...I pull something out and play with it! As I looked over my box of goodies, there were several kinds of bubble wands, a bubble gun, two potato guns, super balls, play doh, jacks, weebles, yo yo's, crayons, coloring books, water color paints, paint brushes, sidewalk chalk, giant ball point pins, whistles, bells, blow up toys and a couple of miniature chairs (that was the top layer).

After cleaning out closets, drawers, cabinets, and shelves...we met with the realtor and realized that there are MANY more things yet to be done in order to put the house on the market! The next few weeks will be very busy (provided mother nature cooperates and gives us halfway decent weather). The outside of the house needs painted, though we have not had any issues...we need to have the roof checked in order to insure that there is no need for replacement/repair, windows need washed and some screens repaired, and the final step (should we need to proceed) will be to put about half of our furniture in storage and take all personal items out of the house (except those necessary for day-to-day life).

Who knew selling a house would be so involved!

Hopefully, this will all be unnecessary and we will have simply done the best spring cleaning ever!!

Be well!!

It's been a long five days! I've observed some things this past week:

1-Family tragedy pulls people together in unexpected ways.
2-Family tragedy pulls people apart in unexpected ways.
3-People are unpredictable...at best.
4-Ignorance is sometimes the best protection against bad behavior.
5-Your family might be Red Necks if (a) the grieving widower almost dumps his dead spouse on the floor as he lifts the side of the casket (during the viewing) in order to ascertain the number of poll bearers needed to carry her (b) current family feuds must be considered during seating arrangements in order to limit the number of "guests of honor" to only the one mentioned in the obituary.

Be Well!

Here I am...back to blogger! I so love writing...but it seems that life has been so busy for so long that I have all but abandoned it. I was looking back over poems and stories that I wrote last year...and I realized that I had forgotten how good it felt to write them. I know that I will most likely never see my work on a best seller list...or even on the midway at Barnes & Noble...and that's okay. But I need to write. It's what I do.

This week has been odd and short. It really began to unfold on Saturday evening as I sat in the kitchen with the cell phone in one hand and the wall phone in the other. My sister was informing my left ear that my mother was in the emergency room and was very ill...while my cousin informed my right ear that my aunt had just passed away. And just to keep things interesting...my husband stood directly in front of me pointing frantically at the ring finger on his left hand...which was naked. The doctor appeared suddenly in the emergency room, so my sister hung up promising to call me right back and my husband raced off down the stairs in search of the missing wedding ring. Obviously...my aunt remained dead. The ring was later found in the washing machine, mom was given IV fluids and antibiotics, and funeral arrangements are pending (for my aunt).

In the grand scheme of things...the past several days are just a tiny glitch on the radar. Life goes on and in ten years...no one will even remember the emergency room visit, the lost ring...or sadly...my aunt's laughter. Isn't life peculiar?!

Be Well!

I haven't posted in a very long time. I doubt that anyone even reads this anymore...and that's okay. I just feel the need to write tonight and my thoughts really aren't Facebook fare. Circumstances beyond our control are beginning to take a toll on every aspect of our lives. Depression and tension are becoming commonplace. This has been a particularly rough weekend...one that I am glad to put behind us. Hopefully next week will be better.
Be Well!

Change...again...

I feel it gently brush my cheek
Awakens me from fitful sleep.
Colors every passing thought
A heavy weight upon my heart.

Familiar things now teetering
Nothing lasts…so it would seem.
In this world of upside down
Temperate things cannot be found.

My soul accepts its time and space
Life proceeds with peace and grace.
Without a sideways glance…
Change begins its ugly dance.

And so I look inside myself
And pull from dark and dusty shelf,
Some things to get me through these days…
Of worry, fear, and grey malaise.

Copyright©2009 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved

Hmmm...

Well...things happen for a reason. I was really down about not bringing home a puppy that I fell in love with this weekend. In doing some research...I find that this breed is extremely hard to house break and hates other animals...I'm glad I didn't get it!

Be Well

They say it's my birthday....

Today is my birthday...and it has been wonderful!! I am so blessed to have the most wonderful, special, husband and kids on earth! We spent the afternoon together...which I absolutely loved! My favorite times in the world are those spent my family...those are the times that I treasure!

We started the day with church, and in fact, took a step this morning that is long overdue. We joined the church after attending for more than three years. I think it was a good move...but for some reason it has been a difficult thing for me to do. I like the church very much, and do feel comfortable there...so I really have no idea what my problem has been.

After church we went to lunch at Texas Roadhouse. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was fun and upbeat!! Then, on to Chas's for cake, presents and NASCAR. Unfortunately, no one told Jimmie Johnson that it was my birthday...so he didn't make that special effort to win the race! Oh well, maybe next week.

I spent all day Saturday and most of Saturday night with an infected gum, which drained continually and hurt like the dickens...it seems to have finally begun to heal now. The pain is gone and the infection and drainage have subsided.

The only down side of the weekend was saying no to something that I really wanted...in order to do the practical, responsible thing...as usual. All things being what they are...car repairs, dental work, and house painting in the offing...not to mention job uncertainty during the days ahead...it just isn't a good time to spend $300 on a cuddly pal. Sometimes...following your brain instead of your heart sucks. But...as a wise person once said..."It's what you do that defines you." So...here's to...definition.

The coming week has already shaped up to be long, and probably awful...but hopefully it will pass quickly. Council on Tuesday promises to be long and intense due to codification issues and impending elections, and the absence of several co-workers...some all week and some for a portion of it will ensure added workload and stress. That's life...this too shall pass.

Be Well

It's been a long, miserable weekend! After having a tooth pulled on Friday, I spent all night Friday night, all day Saturday and all night Saturday night in throbbing pain. The pain seems to have finally let up...for the most part...but the swelling has set in with a vengence. I look like a hampster with a jaw full of food now. I will be glad to be on the other side of this mess.

Meanwhile, I have Park and Rec Board meeting tomorrow night, so I really hope I look normal by then. My co workers were peeved that I was off on Friday...so on top of the whole tooth thing itself...I'm sure Monday will not be fun.

Sugar (our grandog) had an awful bout with pancreatitis on Friday night and I think we came very close to losing her. She is the sweetest Beagle you'll ever meet! The vet let her come home early and she seems to be doing well now...just worn out completely.

On the upside, the tempuratures next week are supposed to be 60's and 70's! I can't wait!!! I am soooo ready for spring!!

My wonderful husband has gone to the grocery store after taking excellent care of an ailing, weinie wife all weekend. He is awesome! The race starts in a couple hours...but the way this weekend has gone...the 48 car will probably bite the dust early.

Here's hoping for a better week coming up!

Be Well

This day sucked. I went to bed with a little discomfort in my gum and awoke at 4:30 a.m. with a toothache that led to having the tooth pulled by noon. The dentist was very good...and I felt no pain during the extraction...but now...IT HURTS! I go back in two weeks to begin the process of figuring out a partial of some sort. Holy cow!

Be Well

Great lunch hour...

Half of a sandwich, then I changed into shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes and took a mile walk! The wind was warm on my skin...the sun brightened my soul! Now, THAT is a fabulous lunch hour! Gotta get back to work!!

Be Well!

Blah blah blah...

So...last night, in the midst of what seemed to be an interminable meeting I typed a random text to several people "blah blah blah..." it said. I received messages back confirming that they had been thinking the exact same thing. I chuckled, thinking it funny. This morning I realize that they were listening to the president. I usually google those speeches and read the text afterward...if I have missed hearing them...I think I'll skip this one.

Be Well

The world is in chaos, the economy is in the toilet, this country is searching diligently for someone new to fight with...and what does the local media focus on...? A temporary, routine, precautionary boil order affecting only a tiny portion of a tiny town, following an ordinary main break that was repaired immediately. Ridiculous!

Be Well

Something isn't right about this...

There is something decidedly wrong when your supervisor shows you a project that can't possibly be completed in less than three days....states "My goal is to have this finished by the end of the day," then...hands it to you.

Be Well

Finally home...the end of a long, sucky day. I'm struggling lately not to give in to the blues...some days it seems almost futile. I determined today, not to let the idiots get me down, so I kept a smile on my face and a lilt in my voice and made light conversation with customers. The saying goes that "you get what you give"...but that's not always true. It was true...from the strangers that I connected with today...I smiled and they smiled...even some who came in with an obvious chip on their shoulders. But the "bevy of biddies" smile not. I sometimes wonder how exhausting it must be to be that nasty and negative ALL the time.

On the upside, the temperature was in the upper 60's today, and it was beautiful! I sat outside on the curb during a late break this afternoon and just enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine on my skin. After we got home from work, I put a meatloaf and potatoes in the oven and we took off for a mile walk...it was fabulous! There were ducks on the pond and folks walking dogs and kids playing...! I could have walked for hours...or until it began to get chilly again!

Well, the trash is calling...we forgot to empty it week before last...don't want to do that again!

Be Well!

To whom it may concern,
Isn't it odd how time passes? Just when you think you have a handle on life...it comes off (the handle I mean) and you can't find the super glue. Sometimes I think I'm losing my mind...and then I realize that I'm just running too fast. I realize new things about the world, humanity, and myself everyday...actually...every few minutes. More and more I realize that we simply cannot control anything. All we can hope for is the ability to control how we react to things...and even that is a crap shoot. My brain races to embrace everything...and then it's too tired to use anything. The elusive dollar becomes more a dream than a possibility, and "Can't get no satisfaction" seems to have become a subconscious mantra. When is enough...enough. When is it time to enjoy...to be. Wouldn't it be nice to have forward hindsight.

Be Well.

Please help...

I don't give to a lot of charities, but there are a few that I do feel strongly about. One of those is March of Dimes. When my kids were small, we went door-to-door every year collecting for March of Dimes and when they changed to a "pass the envelope to your neighbor" strategy...I did that too.

On December 4th I will report to the All American Indian Center for an hour of "incarceration" as part of a fund raiser called Jail and Bail. Although this event will be done in a spirit of fun, the reality of the purpose for it is profoundly serious. Every year more than 460,000 babies are born prematurely, many with devastating birth defects and lifelong health problems.

The March of Dimes began in the 1920's in an effort to combat polio (which affected mostly children), and continues today in the fight against premature birth, birth defects, and low birth weight in infants. I believe in this cause and hope that you will join with me in supporting this effort. Contributions may be made via this link Jail and Bail. Thanks in advance for your help!

Be Well!

Hell in a handbasket...

Good morning world! It's been a while! Whether I blog or not, the world keeps turning (thank heavens) and there are a couple of things that caught my attention this morning!

1) We recently had a very tragic event in Wichita...a drunk driver slammed into a mother and daughter as they crossed the street on the way to a preschool, killing them both. This was the drunk drivers fifth offense...and it looks as though he may keep his license even after conviction due to a loophole in the law. This makes me sick. I strongly believe that drunk drivers should lose their licenses upon the second conviction, and if they are caught driving without a license after that...they should get life in prison where they won't hurt anyone else.

2) A high school coach seems to be getting a 'wink and a nod' instead of being fired, after he let lose with a tirade of language during which he used the "F" word at least 17 times. One of the comments sited was that his language was no different that what students hear and use in the halls on a regular basis. Does no one else see a problem here????? Since when did it become okay to allow teachers or students to use that type of language??

We wander why no one has any respect for themselves or anyone around them anymore...there really isn't a mystery here. There are no standards for behavior...and apparently no consequences. Wake up people.

Be Well.

A bedtime story for Charissa...

A Mouse In The House

There is a mouse in the house…
I said to my friend,
And here is a story…
Of making amends!

The saga began
On a mid-winter day,
I set out a trap…
In the usual way.

Now…I’m not a cranky,
Angry old hag…
But he gnawed a big hole
In my favorite bag!

Ate the middle right out
Of three loaves of bread…
Then munched a big hole
In Teddy Bear’s head!

He didn’t stop there,
If only he had…
I might not have gotten
So gosh darn mad!

The cheesecake for brunch,
He adorned with his feet…
Then he danced on the chair
Decorating the seat!

I nailed shut the door,
To his tiny abode,
Not knowing…of course,
That no one was home!

Far from discouraged,
As I hoped he would be…
He decided to sleep
In my bed…with me !

Deep in the midst
Of a wonderful dream
I sensed an intruder…
And started to scream.

My eyes opened wide
And what did I see?
Two tiny brown eyes
Staring at me!

He stood on the tip
Of my quivering nose...
In his white fluffy cap
And teensy bedclothes.

I lay there in fear
Awaiting his bite…
Instead he just ran,
With all of his might.

In a flash he was gone
I couldn’t find where…
But under the covers
He’d left a note there.

A truce he proposed…
With one small concession,
I must let him live…
Among my possessions.

I considered his offer,
I admit with disdain…
But then I conceded,
It was time for a change.

So I drug out my dollhouse
And dusted if off…
I cleaned all the floors
And made the bed’s soft.

I then put a sign
On the tiny front door…
"Come home Mr. Mouse",
This I implore!

Soon he moved in
And low and behold…
Best buddies we’ll be
Until we’re both old.

Copyright©2008 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved

Gentle Dreams

There is a place
That’s so devine.
It’s warm and happy
All the time.

The grass is soft
And green and lush,
A gentle breeze
Moves through the brush.

The sun shines bright
Every day…
When last it stormed
Who can say.

Ocean waves
Roll slowly in
Revealing now…
A dolphin fin.

Children dance
And sing and play,
And laugh that
Special childlike way.

When nighttime comes
The stars appear,
Though darkness reigns
There is no fear.

Few find this place
And so it seems…
Perhaps it’s only
In our dreams.

So close those eyes
And let it come…
Your passport to…
The land of sun.

Copyright©2008 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Ode to Summer...

I know it's 100 degrees outside...but I have begun to notice the signs lately...of impending seasonal change. In the air...just a hint of fall. The trees beginning to droop, preparing for that annual surrender, children getting ready for school...so many things. I so love summer...and I so hate to see it go... so...

Goodbye My Friend

Days still long and gentle,
In the offing…signs from afar.
Summer sun is fading…
Autumn door…now stands ajar.

In the goodbye month of August
Come the warnings all too clear.
The air so subtly changing…
From the time I hold so dear.

Hint of fall now on the breeze…
I treasure every day.
Winds of change blow through the trees
Moving silently this way.

Soon…and very soon…
A chill will find my soul.
And settling there
To my despair…
Will leave its winter cold.

Copyright©2008 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.