Fun in the sun...

Today Pat and I went to the Edina Art Fair - highly recommend it! The nice thing was that many of the exhibitors where fairly local, we even found 3 from Champlin. Purchases were at a minimum, unemployment makes me a bit cautious on the 'fun to have' stuff. The only negative is a nasty sunburned neck.

We came home and I moved peonies (pray they live!) and lily's. The rain hit just as I was thinking I would need to water - perfect timing! We're all in now to watch Raider's of the Ark and eat the world's best egg rolls (Que Viet). I will probably get some knitting done as well.

Better Still

Today is even better than yesterday! YEAH!!

I accomplished little (rest & naps should count for more in life accomplishments) but did drive carpool, make a few appointments and felt all the FO's laying around. Was even trying to rest up for a short event this evening, but not going to make it - seem to have this lingering cough that conjures up throat soreness, etc, etc, etc.

Tomorrow I will take out "THE LIST" and try to knock a few easy things off there. Meeting with Christine the wonder accountability friend who will be checking that list twice! Off to bed and a book, night-all!

I'm back - sort of...

OK, the countdown has ceased for the moment. Last week I went from no voice/sore throat on Monday to can't swallow my own saliva on Tuesday. Saw doctor again. Guess what, famous physician words, "ITS VIRAL" - MONO!!! At least I was prescribed steroids to bring the swelling down in my throat so that I could 'stay hydrated'. It is now Monday, May 26, Memorial Day and I am still tired and coughing, but the sore throat only feels bad after a bought of coughing. I am sick of applesauce, but ice cream never gets old (especially a really good vanilla). Popsicles are ok, but a bit boring at this point. Today I actually felt like eating the dinner that was served - yeah - getting better!

Between naps and during odd wakeful hours I accomplished fun things like completing the following projects:

• Little Slip bag (still not felted - would have to get out of bed)
• Snowflake Coasters (not felted - see above)
• Snowflake Drink Holder (see above)

I have also read 2.5 novels, 3 knitting magazines (literally cover to cover) and a number of devotionals.

Tomorrow starts my road back to catching up, making some key decisions & appointments, finalizing some calendar items and hopefully felting all the knitting FO's sitting around on the floor by my bed.

Day 6 = nothing, not even a voice

I was quite the busy bee this weekend and completed a great deal of outside work in the gardens. Sunday I woke up with a terrible sore throat and leg muscles that I had forgotten existed. My hope was to just stretch the legs out as I continued outside, but after a couple of swallows, I knew I wasn't going very far. At first I figured I over did the nose in the weeds - I have terrible allergies, but alas no.

Today I went to the doctor's early. By this time, just swallowing hurt like I was swallowing knives (yes plural). Drinking and eating were too painful to even think about. I have strep. I got the usual antibiotic and Vicodin for the pain. Love the Vicodin, I could finally drink the much needed fluids. As for my voice - I would rather not say... it hurts too much. The Vicodin also puts me to sleep, so I didn't really accomplish anything but rest. Guess that is what I needed. Tomorrow I will work on physically moving - the leg muscles are worse - not much stretching or movement while sleeping all day!

Day 5 = decisions, decisions, work...

Well I was busy and productive today. Way too much time spent driving around. I have completed the 'to-do' list. My career coach provided me with some great ideas that I will look into over the weekend or Monday. I think I am taking the weekends off from the count. I only worked 3 days a week, I don't think I am going to work 7 to find a new job - for now. Took a Meyers/Briggs, I am both an ENFP, with an equal part of an ENTP. It is really cool how the test results for that never seem to change, even the F/T being tied - 4 times now.

We decided to stay in town, take advantage of the weather and try to get some of the 2+ pages of the to-do list done. No real news on the major decision, so we all will keep busy over the next two days.

Riverview Olympics update: Gunnar came in 136 in the 5K (that is good). His class also won the tug-o-war. Sunburns were had by all.

Finally, I am done with clue #2 on my May Mystery sock. Not only is the pattern and what the sock will look like a mystery, but also who will be the lucky recipient - they are too small for M or I and to 'girly' of colors for G. Will start clue #3 tomorrow right after I wind my ball for Mascot from Blue Hands Fibers/All Raveled Up sock club. I even have a pattern ready for the Mascot yarn. It is the Trystero by Cookie A. Really excited for that one!

Well, for tomorrow: GOT TO FIND SUNSCREEN!

Day 4 = baby steps

Today was just a bit more productive than yesterday. I had a wonderful drive with a friend who listened, empathized and gave me some great ideas. A few are:

• I am fully capable of handle what needs to get done
• TAG (Time Alone with God) is a necessity, not optional
• Have I ever thought of instructing? College level?
• She will help me with consumer science learning
• Listen to the professionals
• Keep knitting, I could get my Christmas gifts done before I go back to work!

From there I dialed into a conference call on Career Objective and then one on Resume Writing. I have tons of work to do! I also saw Heidi tonight. It was good chatting, but I don't always like to hear what she has to say. Too bad she is usually right ;)

Tomorrow I won't get much done on the job front because G's school is having Olympics. I even have to cut out after lunch due to a phone meeting with my career coach BOB and a vet. appointment for Mocha. I get to top it all off by picking M up after school - but she is bringing home her art - YEAH!

We are bit undecided about going to the camper - lots of other decision need to get made first.

Good Night.

Day 3 = beyond denial...

Well, I think it has finally sunk in. I am not really angry, but the enormity seemed to stop me in my tracks today - overwhelmingly under productive. I did check on some insurance stuff, not all bad news. I have a few people asking for resume - tomorrow I will be working on that through an outplacement tele-course and lab, so that should force some forward movement.

Sometimes I think that I just need to lay low for a few days and get my head & heart together. The next minute, I am overwhelming myself with all the things that have to get done. Balance is true need (prayer request). Tomorrow I am starting the bible study, that along with the Al-anon readings, I pray will get each day off to a better start.

We had 'true confessions' tonight, next steps will be difficult and I just have to wait and see if they occur. I will get to talk it through more tomorrow & maybe get some 'professional insight'.

Finally, today we had the Jr. High Girls Baby Shower for Rawney. It was a really nice affair. It makes me so proud to see these young women so full of energy, giving and a love for God and each other. It was also super fun to see how surprised Rawney was and how hyper/jumpy Dave the future Papa was. It was a sweet way to end the day.

Day 2 = oddities and HOMEWORK?!?!

Oddities:

• Yesterday, my first day home, unemployed, I received a phone call asking me to participate in a taste test. So, yesterday I earned $26.
• Trust issues are still there and was able to confirm worst fears last night. Why now?

Homework:
I went to the outplacement program this morning. Was basically what I expected, except since I am still trying to figure out the best way to utilize my project management expertise going forward, I wasn't ready for the homework. I have until Thursday, May 22 to complete - I should be able to do that!

In addition to the outplacement work, it looks as if I have work to do to ensure that I receive my severance. Kinda frustrating that I have to take the lead on that stuff, but there is a rather large sum of money they get to keep if I don't. So, I have to:

• 'get permission' to transfer my cell phone number to a personal account
• once (if) that is approved I have to chat with phone company and an administrative assistant at MDT (know idea who that is) to get everything moved around.
• I am responsible for getting any additional property back to them based on a checklist I don't have (2 keys, secure ID & probably phone & ???). I wonder which is cheaper, driving them in or mailing them?
  
• Sign some sort of separation document within a certain time frame, that I don't have yet. Will they mail it? Do I have to request it?

I guess I won't be relaxing too much on this unplanned summer vacation.

Day 1 = what do I want to do when I grow up?

Today is the first day of not being 'totally' employed. I decided that it would be interesting to blog this experience. I will be using a notebook to keep track of my to-do list, but this will be more of the how am I feeling, what am I thinking space.

Some of this experience has been amazingly positive. I have had flower's delivered by a good friend "just thinking of me", many hugs and listening ears, a long distance call from a co-worker in Memphis and an e-mail from another (the latter is a knitter so contacted me via Ravelry). Calls and e-mails from others at Medtronic, checking in on me, a call from a dear friend in WI, my sister in OR, dad here in MN and aunts in IA and GA. My sister-in-law in ND dropped me a line as well as many other friends near and far. I received a card from the Jr. High Pastor and one of my local knitting buddies gave me a gorgeous pair of earrings - miniature origami cranes. Also, all my friends on Ravelry have been very supportive - what a fun group! This outpouring has really helped me keep things in perspective - I don't want to land in a couch potato, depresses state. Even my daughter had some advice - an online career quiz - which I will be taking today. I have even had a few people already ask for my resume (yes, that is on the to-do list).

This morning I am going to find a bible study to work through on my own. I really want God to show me where I am supposed to go next. I am also hoping to get some taste testing cash this week. Today I also hope to clean up some gardens and find our main floor - laundry is every where (clean, unfolded) - and get our older computer over to a friends house to get it up and working so I am not fighting the kids for the laptop.

On a completely different note, this weekend was GREAT! I watched 'Underdog' with my son on Friday night - it was cute. Saturday my dh took off to open the camper - said it went well but the weather wasn't really great. While he was heading to WI, ds and I (along with some knitters from Amazing Threads) went to Shepherd's Harvest. We had a great time. I got my fiber fix and he got to visit and photograph goats, sheep, llama's, alpaca's, bunnies and watch herding dogs in action. His only regret was that I didn't let him bring home a bunny. The Ravelry groups congregated around 2pm at the Kettle Corn, but by then it was raining, so I didn't get to chat long. Saturday evening, ds had a friend over for the night, so I knit and watched a 'mama' movie while they entertained themselves. I was made breakfast in bed on Sunday (thank Dylan!), and spent the rest of the day relaxing. I even finished my Monkey socks (another whole story for later - maybe).

Life is Good!

It's official, I have a teenager in the house...

Today my first born is 13 years old. She is really 13 going on 21, but don't tell her that! If you would stop over you would not be able to tell there is a birthday girl here - cuz she isn't! She is off on a retreat for the weekend, family celebrating has been postponed until Sunday evening. I guess the fact that she really has a busy social life is another sign she is growing up!

Tomorrow ds and I are off to Shepherd's Harvest. I can't wait to see the fiber, he is going for the animals!! DH is going north to open the camper - praying no animals found their way in during the winter!

Finally, thank you to all who have called, sent notes, stopped by, etc. about my job loss. It is wonderful to have such a great support network! For those who have asked, I am getting a severance, so finances are not worrisome for the immediate future. Next I will start thinking about 'whats next' more.

A new season in my life...

Well, today I was laid off from Medtronic. I had been there 12.5 years. I suspected this was coming, I get these 'feelings' and I have learned to trust them.

I think the worst part was how the process occurred. It was very impersonal - actually COLD. Guess my boss didn't have much to say to me, probably wasn't a fun day for him either. Another regret is that I am leaving my internal customer with a huge project, unfinished and with no project manager. I am not one to leave commitments uncompleted.

So, at least until Monday, I am on a break. We will celebrate Marissa's 13th birthday (late cuz she is heading off to a retreat tomorrow), relax for the weekend & I will enjoy Mother's Day.

The biggest question I have at the moment is "What do I want to do when I grow up?" I am praying for a clear answer.

NEWSFLASH! IT'S A GIRL!

I am officially a GREAT AUNT today. Our niece Carrie & her dh had their first child today. Avery Marie was born about 6:30pm today. She weighed in at 7lbs 10oz. According to Grandma, mom and baby are doing fine!

(hope I got the spelling correct)

Hiya Hiya Monkey Socks...

I finished up my first ever Cookie A. Monkey sock. I knit it with a 9" Hiya Hiya 1.5 circular. Loved it, the Pagewood Farms yarn looked awesome! After the first few rounds, really liked the needles too. Ok, onto sock #2 (no 2nd sock syndrome). So after 5 rounds of the monkey 11 row pattern, I hold it up to the 1st soc, and my gauge is totally different! It was a really frustrating FROG! I moved up to size 3 and am working with 2 circulars - I think it is going to match, but still need to complete full pattern round. UGH!

Well, here's hoping my gauge has stablized on the Hiya Hiya's, I want to knit more socks with them. More soon....