Ups and Downs

Attitude is everything. I have always believed that and continue to live by that philosophy. I am not responsible for anyone except me. How I respond to daily events and which choices I make definitely seem to move me daily into new paths of interest and experiences.

Supporting the AMA seems to be one of my more reoccurring events lately. This week was no exception. I had to have 6 vials of blood taken, see the dermatologist, and had 5 skin biopsies done. I really need to talk with that Dr about his bedside manner. And, he has absolutely no sense of humor. His statement was, "Well. I guess I don't have to tell you that you have skin cancer." I looked at him and said, "Ah, what?" "Oh." he said. I guess I DO have to tell you."

I also have a small "lump" on the inside of my right hand. I tried to show him that and his comment was "You really need to see a orthopedic guy for that." He said that that type of lump is usually just a type of blister for someone who usually shoots guns or does a lot of gardening. "Which are you?" he asked. I told him I was an undercover agent for the FBI and if I told him anything else I'd have to kill him. (Funny look on his face) His next comment was, "Maybe I should explain what we are doing here." My comment was, "Yeah. Maybe you should." (Results on everything next week.)

That was two or three days this week. But, today was a real upper in that I got a brand, new car. Isn't it beautiful? I consider it a "belated" birthday present for me. MUSTANG, of course. CONVERTIBLE, Duh. I can't wait to "take it on the road." Bob is soooooo jealous that he even talked with our salesman about trading his. I'm expensive, but so worth it.

And, today my son Tom sent me a new picture that is adorable. Guess who it looks like?
She's all ready for winter.

TRUTH OR DARE

Truth seems, at first glance, a mercurial word that can have numerous meanings:

1. the true or actual state of a matter
2. conformity with fact or reality; verity: the truth of a statement.
3. a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like: mathematical truths.
4. the state or character of being true.
5. actuality or actual existence.
6. an obvious or accepted fact; truism; platitude.
7. honesty; integrity; truthfulness.
8. (often initial capital letter) ideal or fundamental reality apart from and transcending perceived experience: the basic truths of life.
9. agreement with a standard or original.
10. accuracy, as of position or adjustment.
11. Archaic. fidelity or constancy.
—Idiom
12. in truth, in reality; in fact; actually: In truth, moral decay hastened the decline of the Roman Empire.

Sometimes, truth can even be "in the eye of the beholder" or on a sliding scale. When it comes right down to it, or as I like to say, THE BOTTOM LINE, you can't skirt issues just because you don't like the results. And, THE TRUTH IS WHAT IT IS.

I like honesty. I deal with issues better up front and bottom line. Sometimes it's harder; sometimes you have to make difficult choices, but that is just me. I have had to sign DNR papers for my father; I found my husband dead on the floor of our bedroom; I sat beside my mother's bed and heard her when she breathed her last breath.

As I face a new health issue in my life, I am trying to deal with it "HEAD ON" as I have tried to do most of my life. A preliminary diagnosis of Lupus is before me. I am educating myself on this "INTERESTING" word that has appeared in my vocabulary. It is also a mercurial word that is hard to diagnose and even harder to treat. I have chosen to go holistic and organic. I am taking "a kidzillion" types of vitamins, minerals, and remedies to try to help me feel better. For those like I used to be and aren't familiar with the term, it is an autoimmune illness and can be dormant or in remission for a time and then return with a vengeance. I believe I have had it for some time, as I look back over my years of symptoms, and it has gone into remission and then come back periodically, etc. This time it has hit harder than ever before. It takes very little to "wipe me out" physically at this time. I can never depend on what I will have the energy to do. It's hard to plan something and then not be able to do it. When I asked God why, His answer was "WHY NOT?" (I hate it when He's right)

As I dare to forge ahead, I am thankful for friends and family who support me and for all the prayers that surround me. It could be a lot worse diagnosis and I could be all alone. So now I dare to trust God for even more guidance. I dare to live my life to the fullest. I dare to "Live like I am Dying" , as Tim McGraw sings, because even without this diagnosis every day is just a gift from God. That's why it's called the PRESENT.

INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE

Life is sometimes exciting; sometimes not; but NEVER boring. My first husband Tom NEVER complained and OR had anything bad to say about anyone. I know people have "over used" those sayings, but with him it was true. Ask anyone that knew him. He also coined a phrase so that he did not HAVE TO complain or be negative. I have used many it times

"INTERESTING IF NOT ENJOYABLE."

The events of the last few weeks have been almost too elating and exciting to detail. I have been on a "sabbatical" of sorts-taking a month off from work. If I could have chosen the events, I would have left out all the probing and prodding, especially by Drs, and the crude, chaotic rituals of health care "vampires", intrusive machines (although I am working on a theory of mine for enjoying all this) but I certainly would not have given up all the visitations and individuals that have materialized within my daily on-goings.

Paula, and friends; Ms Soles and family; resting; a different restaurant almost every day; visits to the parks to let people enter; resting; presents; parties to celebrate my birthday; resting; looking at new houses; and today, one last present from Bob - He's taking me to a restaurant at one of the parks that has an anamatronic rat named REMY. Is that totally neat, or what?

All the medical garbage totals up to a "tentative" diagnosis, but that's another blog for another day. In the mean time, I'm basking in the afterglow of all the wonderful friends, relatives and magical events of the past few weeks. If I haven't told you, I am truly blessed.

Bob's Day

Yesterday was Bob's birthday. I promised him a day of anything he wanted to do. We had Breakfast at one of the more "upscale" restaurants on property. He wore his "birthday" button for the first half of the day. Then it "magically" disappeared, and he couldn't seem to find it. (Convenient was it not?)

Next we went to the park closest to the restaurant and saw friends, walked, walked, walked, got back on the monorail, picked up the car from valet (naturally) and went home to meet a friend from Pasco that came over for the day. She and I went to a movie while Bob took a nap. By then, it was time to go to the park where we had dinner reservations at an Italian restaurant. Bob also 'conveniently' found a "cell" (painted cellophane of a character and scene) that he didn't have. He wanted that for his present. This one was $225. (He has expensive tastes.)

We rode 3 rides Vicki had never ridden. (We've seen most everything at all of the parks.) And, ate at a restaurant she had never eaten at where Bob wanted to eat. (I had made reservations last month) and then went to see the "fireworks" they have. We got home about 11.

Evidently I did too much because I was sick this morning and had to cancel a Dr appt. I could hardly move and was nauseated. I have another Dr appt on Monday. We'll see what happens there. I BELIEVE IN SUPPORTING THE AMA.

Wiener has been beside me all day. She seems to sense when I don't feel well and sticks to me like glue. My cousin called and she is in town; 6 people from GA are coming tomorrow and want to get into the park Thurs and Sat. Bob has given them tickets to his park. He is becoming more generous with his tickets. He really has a big heart; he just doesn't want anyone to know. Charles says I'm just too popular. Yeah. That's it.

WHEW!

Because of increasing health problems and lots of "stuff" going on in my life, I have asked for and been granted a "Personal Leave of Absence" from work. During this time, I will be having testing, off and on, on an outpatient basis. I asked for 30 days and my manager has given me 20; more than I expected but less than I wanted. (It's called compromise) I appreciate her understanding and cooperation. She is great to work with and for.

There will be times I cannot immediately answer my phone, so if you can't reach me, just leave a message and I will get back to you when I am able.

Stay tuned for the next great episode.

Life in General

The shift "thingey" is unusual, to say the least. I like sleeping late, but I don't like working that late. Some shifts I have changed with other workers that needed a late day, so that meant that I worked until 11 and had to be back at work around 7:30 am the next day. That is hard for my and "Weens" bodies to get adjusted.
She usually goes to bed with Bob around 7, gets up to greet me when I come home, and goes "potty", eats, and goes to sleep with me when I finally get to bed. It's crazy. She is sleeping at all kinds of weird hours. In fact, these picture show how tired she was the other day. She couldn't decided whether to sleep "On her Mickey pillow" or "Under her Mickey pillow." Decisions are hard.

SHIFT BID

When you are 153 out of 160, there isn't much of a "shift bid." But, theoretically, as a close relative would say, I did my shift bid last week. I still have Sun/Mon off, but I will be on a flex-shift of 1-4 pm; whenever I start I'm off 8 hrs later. I could be off as early as 9 or as late as midnight.

One good point is that I can sleep in. Another one is that Wiener will have 24-7 care. She will love it. Bob and I will wave at each other as we pass in the night or early morning hours. I'll be coming home about the time he goes to work and he will be coming home about the time I have to go to work. And, of course, we don't have the same days off. It will also impact my participation in the Christmas program. I will have this shift for about 6 months unless a shift becomes available and no one else wants it. Oh well. It's only life.

It was a privilege to be able to go to a new resort restaurant on Thursday. I think it might be a little too "limited" for the "usual" palate, but everything was interesting, at least. (The desserts are to die for) And, I had several friends and relatives with me. A good time was had by all.

On Tuesday or Wednesday, I will take a tour of the new resort. One of the advantages of my job is that we get to visit all the new "things" that open so that we are able to answer questions about the areas. I am looking forward to doing that also.

I don't know how my new shift will work out, but it is certainly something new and different. I'll keep you posted.

REALLY TICKED OFF

Dr Andrew has made a pronouncement - Wiener needs to lose weight. SHE IS NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. He also changed her brand of "dog food." (She hates it.) After a week of not eating anything, I called Andrew and he said to put her back on her regular food. Since that little fiasco didn't work, she has gone on a "hunger strike" and has quit eating dog food altogether, or two or three pieces of food per every second or third day. Rather than let her go without food, guess who caved in first. I'll give you a hint - It wasn't Bob. I bought some rotisserie chicken from Publix; separated it into several sets; put it in baggies and threw it in the freezer. I also had some roast beef that was frozen. The only thing she likes better than chicken is . . . you got it, roast beef.

I don't like admitting that a small, feisty, little thing like Wiener is so stubborn that I would give in first, but I couldn't stand seeing her NOT eat. Her stomach would make all sorts of rolling and grumbling sounds. She has this very pitiful look that almost makes you cry when you see her. I call that her "squinty-eyed" look. She squints at you, as if she is trying to find out just what you are thinking and then opens up those "brown-black" little marbles and looks so TOTALLY innocent and can't even imagine why you would be upset with her; throws herself on the floor and shows her stomach to you so that you can rub her tummy. She is such a brat. But, a cute one isn't she? even if she is looking more like a bratwurst than a wiener. The real question is - Is she sitting or standing? It's really hard to tell.

Davy has still got it.

One of my perks, is being able to have "ring-side" seats to concerts. At the Davy Jones concert in one of the parks, I was up close and personal or he was. We also went to another concert with the Turtles, but I haven't down loaded the pics yet.

Work is really crazy. We're probably one of the few departments on property that have overtime. I've already told friends there that if I EVER say yes to any more over time to just smack me up the side of the head. On Friday, I worked over and after 3pm, everything just went DOWN HILL with the calls. My last call ended with a man wanting to talk with a manager who could guarantee the temperature of the swimming pool because I couldn't guarantee it. (I really DO like my job though most of the time. I was just tired.)

I took off today because I didn't feel well. It was a (blustery day) yucky, windy, rainy day and even though this job is inside, I still was glad I was home and not out in it.

Bob took off some vacation days, but picked up 8 hrs at one of the parks to cover his "Seasonal" status. He's probably not happy it was so rainy. Although he is usually under cover, the wind has been so strong that he probably got quite wet even with a poncho. And, a person I'm not supposed to write about will be gone next week to GMA awards. I asked if he needed help. He assured me he didn't.

Spent the day yesterday with a friend that had surgery. He is in some kind of pain today. Men are such wimps. It's a good thing they weren't designated to have babies. And yet, if they were, the population would be less than half of what it is not. So, that could be one method of birth control. I think I'll suggest that for the next time God creates something.

WIENER OR ME?

Analogies have never been easy for me. I used them when I taught in 5th grade, but I had the answer book to check the real meanings so I would be able to use them in class. I rarely use them in conversation and I certainly don't advocate trying to use them if you don't know their meanings. But comparisons I can and do use, especially when I am trying to move to another level of learning.

Yesterday I saw my own behavior in Wiener (For the uninformed she is our dachshund) - Not a pretty sight. She is extremely stubborn, self centered or at best self absorbed, unwilling to listen, and manipulative. For some reason, she has decided to pee (at will) on the carpet in our apartment. I have rubbed her nose in it; put her in time out; cut off her rewards; and, spraying the areas with some unpleasantly scented sprays to no avail. She will come in from just being outside, and go on the carpet.

I want to clarify something up front - I DON'T PEE ON THE CARPET!!! But, at times, I can be stubborn, self centered, etc... I still try the same stuff and expect different results - go figure. I'm not totally stupid. I do have an education. I am fairly capable, most of the time. Wiener-like behavior gets me absolutely no where with anyone, especially not with God. And, unlike the aggressive salesmen on TV, true life is absolutely not like Burger King - God does not make deals and I can't have it "MY WAY." And, yet I still try. At times I hate being human.

AS I LOOK BACK

Life is usually "happening" so fast, that I rarely look back and try to analyze events. Within the last few weeks though, my employer has been "reducing" their work force. With having approx. 62,000 people to choose from, it has been chaotic for many people who depend on their designated income for mere existence and have very little left over for any extras in their lives. I have seen close friends and even slight acquaintances fear for their jobs and wonder continually - AM I NEXT? I can only imagine it must be similar to trying to walk on eggs.

I am truly blessed in that I don't "HAVE TO" work but I have felt the "air of fear" within our company and it makes me extremely sad and disappointed in techniques I have seen that are not customarily evident with leaders in the almost 4 years I have been here. This has caused me to take a look back at my experiences there.

So many times in the prior year I tried to change jobs. I probably applied for 30 or 40 positions that I was MORE THAN QUALIFIED FOR and was unable to move. I was more than disappointed and at times even depressed by the fact that I felt unqualified even with all my education and experience. These were emotions that I had not felt in a very long time and it scared me a little. I was able to move to my current position in September and have learned to start appreciating all the information that is necessary to run such a large company. (I had no idea and I have only moved to level 2 of the training.)

What causes me to look back now? All of the above, and probably the impending anniversary of Tom's death. It is unimportant WHY I am examining circumstances, just that God has reminded of each and every position that was previously available. Every one of the positions have either been eliminated or reduced in amount of pay due to the crunch crises that is now happening. ISN'T GOD GOOD. Even when I didn't know, even when I couldn't understand "WHY NOT", even with all the disappointment, God protected me and saved this job I now have just for me.

I am reminded of my experience in Israel where He told me He would take care of me - IF I LET HIM. Many times I have tried to take over and it never works. Why do I keep on trying? I am me, and HE still loves me, gently leads me back, and reminds me of HIS promise once again.

WHY DOES IT SURPRISE ME THAT GOD IS GOOD?

TOTALLY UNCHARACTERISTIC

For a few months, I had decided that my present husband was oblivious to many things that involve me. And, while that might be true, occasionally he actually notices that I am here. February 14 was actually one of those days. I was asked to work over, as we had a few call ins (for whatever reason) and I said yes. I worked 14 hours that day and when I came home I had some cheese and crackers and went to bed. That was about all I could manage at the time. He was already in bed as he has to be at work at 3 most mornings.

The next morning I noticed a dozen roses, a card and a present - all laying on the counter. I must have been more "out of it" than I thought. My present - wrapped in beautiful valentine paper- was a box of Girl Scout Thin Mints. It made me laugh out loud. He is paying more attention than I thought. Who else would have thought to get those for me?

What did I give him? Nothing then, but I took him out to breakfast today and dinner tonight - to places he chose. I think he enjoyed that more than anything else I could have done. He and another relative I know, are very hard to buy for on special occasions. If they want something, they buy it. That leaves me with nothing to buy. I usually end up giving gift cards or checks.

Wiener especially enjoyed the prime rib that was left over from dinner. Prime rib is one of her favorites. (She has a rough life) No cookies for her though. The cookies are definitely mine!

Next year

(Wiener trying to keep warm. She even has her "Tinkerbell" dress on and is still cold)

Almost 40 years ago, we moved to a wonderful area of sunshine and blue skies. Summers were balmy; winters were mild-usually in the 70s. It was great. The weather was unpredictable in that you never knew exactly WHEN it was going to rain-but it never lasted long and most days were beautiful. In fact, the main newspaper in the area gave away free papers when you did not see the sun some time during the day.

The change has been slow, but we now have a few "winter" days of "FREEZING" early morning hours. I actually had "frost" on my windshield yesterday morning. It took several minutes for my heater to melt it so I could see to drive. I have driven to work in 30 degree weather the last 2 mornings.

My hatred of cold weather started at a very early age. I had to walk to school in snow, "uphill both ways" when I was in elementary school. I had to "stand out in the cold" to catch a bus to school in my teens. My bones actually ache when it gets cold. I can NEVER get warm, even when wearing double sweaters, my "Pooh" gloves and jacket, I still ache all over. You can see why I must move from this area. I can't stay here another winter. Yep. I've decided. Soon I'm moving to Florida where it is warm all the time.

Life is so daily

Every day is a new set of discoveries and questions for me.

Question: How can a "Mini dachshund" take over the seating arrangement of a 6 foot long couch? (She can be very "pushy" for such a small creature.)

Discovery: Life sometimes doesn't go EXACTLY as you plan.

Okay, so I never claimed to be smart-just curious. It sometimes takes me longer to figure out things that are obvious to other people. Yet, I sometimes see things differently than other people.

I am on a schedule now that allows me to be off by 3 pm every day, and off on Sunday and Monday. Being the "genius" that I am, I decided to take 2 days off to "take care" of a few things that had transpired in the last few weeks. I'm working on a project for my sister and her granddaughter. I wanted to check out Tom's butterfly garden to see the condition that it is now. I wanted to see friends in Pasco, and I had not had great grouper in many months. I had my 4 days off planned and events scheduled so that I could complete all those activities. ( So much for schedules.)

Sunday, usually my rest day, I "filtered" through "hoards of people" at one of the theme parks to get pictures for one of my projects. I would rather avoid the crowds this time of the year, but a promise is a promise. I actually had fun doing it, even as crowded as it was that day. Let's just say I really know how sardines feel.

Monday I got to go to Pasco with an O-town friend and met another friend that lives there. I accomplished several of my projects. The grouper was all I remembered it was and the laughter was more fun than I had experienced in a very long time. We sat at a restaurant by the beach, ate grouper, shrimp, and a village salad then "waddled" off of the "outside" area of the restaurant over to the beach. It was great. (The top on my convertible was down all day; 82 degrees; Chamber of Commerce day.)

On Tuesday, at 4:30 am, I awoke and saw my husband was still in bed. That, in itself, doesn't seem significant; knowing he usually leaves for work about 3, meant he wasn't going to work on Tuesday. It also meant that he would expect me to spend the day with him, doing things he wanted to do. There went my schedule for Tuesday. I DID convince him to go back to a theme park to have more pictures taken and I even got to eat dinner at one of the signature restaurants. So, not too bad.

Tuesday night, relatives called and asked if I could get them into the park on Wednesday about 10:00 AM; another schedule change. I had already decided to have lunch with a friend. She was working so we had to go on her schedule - 11:30. I made it clear I had to leave the park no later than 11 to get to the "appointment" that I "HAD" to keep. They called back later and asked if I could let them in on Thursday instead; weather forecast indicated it was going to rain Wed. I said no that I had to work on Thursday. We kept it on Wednesday.

Between the park and lunch, another schedule was "shot" to pieces. Needless to say, I did not get all my projects completed but that's my life. Changes and projects. If it didn't happen that way, it wouldn't be my life. And then, where would I be?

Today is January 4

Tom would have been 63 today, had he lived. Some times I temporarily forget he's gone and I find myself rushing home to tell him about the day. I can't imagine what my life would have been if he was here; totally different I'm sure.

Someone asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and the only thing I could think of was to have my car washed. I am truly blessed with "things" and have no needs at all, I have great friends, a good job, car, place to live, a little money in the bank and gas in my car. What else could I need?

Christmas is over

The chaos of Christmas is over and I am settling into a more "stable" routine. We all got too many presents, even Wiener. And, we all ate too much, especially Wiener. She loves Edward's Pumpkin Cheesecake, the roast beef, and almost anything else that happened to fall on the floor.

There WERE altercations with Joey, Edward's dog, but everyone survived, even Wiener.

This time of year always makes me a little sad for several reasons - Tom isn't here; all the decorations go away and everything looks "naked" for a while, and the presents aren't a secret any longer. The anticipation is sometimes more exciting than the reality.



This is a picture of the castle at MK. It is so beautiful and adds so much to the holidays. Bob and I took a "holiday" tour of all the hotels and decorations. There were some decorations that I had seen for the first time. Everything is so lovely this time of year. I enjoyed the tour.

For Tom's "40th" birthday, we had dinner at the one of the resort restaurants overlooking one of the parks. I had all sorts of his baby things on the table, booties, pictures, pacifier, etc. Charles bought him a birthday hat that lights up, and we all sang "Happy Birthday." I think we embarassed him enough. He seemed to enjoy it. I haven't received any photos that were taken, but I'll put them on when I do received them.

A friend and I are starting a new "organization", for lack of a better word. We are calling it - "Pay It Forward." I saw a great show on Oprah that inspired it. You simply help someone you don't know with something they need. It doesn't have to involve a lot of money, like hers, but just some sort of kindness to someone you don't know. It would also work with people you do know. Basically, you see a need and help someone. I will be reporting from time to time as we are given the opportunities.

I urge everyone to try it. It's amazing how great it makes you feel.

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE?

As you know, I have just changed jobs within the company where I work. Finishing 4 weeks of training with each week completed at different times of the day so my body is trying to adjust to my new time schedule which is 8-4:30. This is supposed to last through December. I asked for an earlier shift so I can do more candlelight performances, but I haven't heard anything about that. Right now, I'll probably be singing only on days off-Mon/Tues. So I have a similar schedule to my former position, only 5 work days instead of 4 ten hour shifts.

I worked on Sunday with the trainers beside us. I only hung up on 5 people, and sent some guest calls to the wrong place; all in all a good day for me. Wednesday I go back on the floor by myself with no trainer.

Everyone is so helpful and patient. I have really appreciated the encouragement from everyone, but we'll see.

We really talk with "interesting" people during the day. I am amazed at the questions people ask. Working in one of the parks, guests usually ask about that park. In the new position, they can ask any sort of question from A-Z and we are supposed to have the answer. Yes. It is positively time for me to write that book.

THE CHALLENGE

Changing workplaces is, at best, challenging. I had been in my previous department for over 3 years and, yes, I admit, I felt "comfortable" completing each day. And, there is a certain "safety net" with what you know, but it also can become boring and I become "stale" and lax when I don't have anything new to learn. I also have a tendency, as my family would say, to become "whiny" when I don't like the way things are done.

Yes. I have changed departments. I thought I would probably know about 80-90% of what I was going to learn. HA! I say "DOUBLE HA!" I am guessing that I knew "Maybe" 2% of what I need to know for this position. (That may be rating my knowledge too high) But I have met some new people in the transition.

Two are a little older than me and the other three are younger. (Ah, youth) I think being younger these days is a lot harder than when I was a young wife and mother. Maybe I had more help; maybe I just didn't notice it at the time.

All three younger colleagues have young children ranging from 8 to 2. One mother even works 2 jobs. I see how tired they are and I wish I could help alleviate their weariness. I hear all they have to do and it makes me tired thinking about it. Could I "juggle" all the "balls of responsibility" they have each day? I'm not sure. One thing I do know - They work hard just to keep their financial "heads" above water. They are more than brave. They are the true heroes of our country. But I have no doubt they will make it! They are strong and determined, and they love their children more than themselves. Yes. They will make it.

SHOES?

Shoes are highly overrated. I am supposed to be completely in shoes by now and I'm not quite there yet. Yesterday I wore my shoes all day-BIG MISTAKE. Today, instead of going to church I'm home with my foot propped up, taking aspiring, and icing my foot and yes, Wiener is by my side.

I thought Wiener was just going to be Bob's dog, and she is, but she has been a lot of company to me while I have been off. She's entertaining, she HAS to taste everything I eat, and of course, she has to be walked, which is also good for me. She even knows she has to wait sometimes until I catch up with her.

My time of being off is almost over. I go to the Dr on October 21 and I expect him to release me back to work. I can't stand, of course, but I'll have to take the wheelchair. I'm not really sure where I will be. I'm assuming at the park, but maybe not. I only have 4 days there and then I go to my new job. Yes. I got the one I interview for on Tuesday.

I won't be in any park, but in an entirely different area of the whole company. I'll just be answering phones from guests and other cast members. At least I'll be able to sit down. It will, of course, be hard to let guests into parks now. I have 3-4 weeks of training and then I'll get my schedule. I know I will work 5 eight hr shifts, but I don't know when or what days. I'm also trying to work in candlelight practice and then performances, so we'll see how all this goes.

I will miss the people I now work with at the parks. I will miss the "one-on-one" interaction with the guests, but I will not miss the 10-hr days, the hot/cold weather, nor the standing all day. I'm not good at doing new "things" with new "people". I'm much more comfortable "in my ruts" of life, but one thing for sure-I won't have to take my work home with me in this job. And, if something interesting becomes available, I can always change. Stay tuned.

WHAT DAY IS IT?

Today is Friday. I know because my husband reminded me. I went back to the Dr on Tuesday and the Dr took out the stitches. It looks very clean and healing nicely. It is difficult to work w/o the brace. I just tried on my shoe. Dr Funk said I should try to do that when the swelling went down. It is still swollen, a little, but I wore the shoe to lunch and I definitely had a hard time walking. But, just like the whole process, I get a little better each day.

I have applied for a new job at my present employer. It would be totally different than what I do now, but it would be inside and I would be sitting down. Five days a week; eight hr days; answering phones. I would be low on the totem but still retain my seniority within the company. I am hoping to get an interview for this one.

Wiener is still being protective and staying by my side. She is not very good at making sandwiches, but she is good at letting me rub her stomach. I believe that she would let me do that 24/7. She's sleeping right now; Another thing she does well. She DID try to help me type, but I assured her that I was fine so she flopped down beside me and decided to catch some zzzzzs. (She has such a rough life)

I'm studying up on my trivia about the company. I have to be super knowledgeable. Being off, I feel as if my brain has become a sieve, but I'll keep reading and hope some sticks. You never know. i MIGHT JUST remember something.