Help!!!!!

Madison's 1st Birthday is coming up on June 4th.  I've raked and scraped my brain trying to think of some really neat birthday present for her, but just keep coming up empty.

Any ideas for a 1 year old?

Sinful Greed

Life happens between empty and full.  Recognize that?  It's a major commercial on TV right now and the message is so true!  Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that the oil company that is behind that particular advertising campaign truly understands the average American way of life, and neither do any of the others for that matter. 

Last week I filled my car up with gas and it cost right around $30.  Yesterday I filled up and it cost $38.  What's that all about?  What I'd like to ask these companies is this:  Do you think we all are millionaires?  Nearly $40 a week for gas is absolutely preposterous!  How do our young families survive these prices?  Are they having to forfeit neccessities like food to fill a gas tank? 

The greed is absolutely sinful! 

 

Daily Affirmation..........

I have decided to stick
with love. Hate is too
great a burden to bear.

 Martin Luther King, Jr.

Help With Prescription Medications For The Elderly

Do you have a senior in your life that is having a hard time paying for the presciptions that keep them alive?  Here are two websites that you may find helpful!

http://www.needymeds.com

http://www.institutedc.org/prescrip.htm

Let me know what you think!

 

About Friendship.............

I keep my friends as misers
do their treasure, because,
of all the things granted us
by wisdom, none is greater
or better than friendship.
- Pietro Aretino

The glory of friendship is
not in the outstretched
hand, nor the kindly  smile,
nor the joy of companionship;
it is in the spiritual
inspiration that comes to
one when he discovers that
someone else believes in
him and is willing to trust
him. - Emerson
 

Daily Affirmation............

The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of
more importance to the soul than their simplicity
might suggest.       

Thomas Moore

The Triplets..........

Here's a note I received on Thursday from Daddy Kirk:  (sorry it's late-I kept forgetting to forward it from my work email to my home email).  We haven't heard anything since so must assume that no news is good news.  We continue to pray for these two wonderful people and their 3 unborn baby girls.  Please pray with us for their safe arrival!

Hello Yall,

   I had to take Kimberly to the hospital yesterday because she was having a lot of contractions.  Kimberly is on IV drugs to stop her contractions and keep her from going into preterm labor.  She has been admitted to Emanuel in Labor and Delivery Room #3, we will be moved tomorrow to the Family Birthing Center and I will let you know what room we end up in.
Kimberly and the babies are doing fine so far and we have an ultrasound tomorrow to check on the twins.  Thank you all for your support through these difficult times it brings comfort to us both.  I will be printing the E-mails from all of you so Kimberly can read them.  I am sorry but I do not have enough time or energy to answer you all back so don't be sad if you don't get a response.  Looking forward to seeing you all at the shower this weekend.


Thank you and God bless,
Kirk, Kimberly & The Babies

I need your input..............

Kim and I decided that we needed to get started on cleaning out Mom's house, so Saturday was the day.  This is a very emotional experience for us as this house has been in our family for nearly 50 years!  Eddy, Kim and I were raised in that house.  We played games with each other in that house, we fought like cats and dogs with each other in that house, and we were loved by each other and our two wonderful parents in that house.  Every room is full of memories.  I can walk into any room and my mind starts playing one silent film after another in my head.  We shared birthday parties, Christmas, Easter, 4th of July celebrations, family reunions, sleep overs, pool parties, BBQ's, and a host of other events.

Everything is just as Mom had left it that last day of her life on October 15, 2002.  Her purse is still sitting in the same place she last left it.  The only thing Kim and I have done up to that point was clean the fridge out, water her plants, dust and vacuum on occasion.  Other than that, nothing has changed.

I got to Mom's around noon and was messing around with some of her plants and my cell phone rang.  It was Kim and she wanted me to meet her for lunch first.  I rarely eat breakfast so I was up for lunch. We met Applebee's and then stopped at Starbucks for coffee before we headed back to Mom's.

Once at Mom's we took all the curtains down and washed/dryed them.  We cleaned out the freezer-that reminds me that I have to call and have the garbage service turned back on, and her kitchen cabinets-throwing out all the packaged food items.

It actually took longer than I thought and that's about all we got done.  We will need to spend at least one full day a week for several weeks to get this all accomplished.  We also plan on going over after work on some days, but to be honest I am so tired after work I don't know if we'll accomplish much. 

Although I wish we'd have started getting this done right after Mom passed away, I know that we did the right thing by waiting.  Time heals and today I am not as emotional about it as I would have been a year ago. 

QUESTION OF THE DAY (and I need your input on this):  Kim wants to pull everything out of the house that we aren't going to keep, and put it in storage for a garage sale later.  That way we can get the house on the market as soon as possible.

My thought is:  We need to deal with this now.  Putting stuff into storage is only going to cost more money (storage fees) and God knows when we'd get around to having a garage sale.  Chances are it would never happen.  We are all busy and you know how that goes.  I say have the sale at Mom's house now (or soon as we get it ready) and then put the place up for sale.  Once the house is sold then we are finished.

What do you think?

Weekend Assignment #6

Weekend Assignment #6: Tell us about your best friend in second grade (or the grade closest to that in which you remember having a "best friend"). Where is he or she now? Do you still keep in touch? (Extra credit: show any pictures of yourself from second grade.)

My best friend in 2nd grade was Cheri Leach.  We were both blonde headed and blue eyed and could have passed easily for sisters.  I remember her as being a shy and timid child, much like myself. 

I'll never forget the time (in 3rd grade) that we were talking (one of my favorite things to do in school, as is duly noted on most of my report cards) quietly and the teacher, Mrs Leittle (sp) became angry and gave each one of us a light slap on the face (it really amounted to more of a pat than a slap) for being "fresh" and disrupting her class!  I was never so humiliated in my life (well, to that point anyway),  That certainly got our attention and the talking ceased immediately!

After elementary school, Cheri and I attended different Junior High Schools and later different High Schools.  I did run into her after I graduated and got married.  I think we ran into each other at a Cub Scout meeting and funny thing was we both had "only" children - boys!

I wish that I'd kept in contact with her.  It's funny how we lose track of one another, when at some point we thought the world of each other.  I'd love to share some old pics but I don't have a scanner.

Update #3..........Triplets

Kim just called, she is getting ready to go the hospital  as she has been having contractions all day and even some hard ones.  There is a higher probability she will be admitted.  Kirk will either call or send a note out later with more info.

Update #2.....The Triplets

This one will be about Kim and Kirk's triplets.  I'm waiting for their email..........

Here's the update:

Hello!

Please forward to anyone I have missed.  Thank you!

Well, I had an appointment yesterday and today.  We have good news, bad
news and possible good news.  Better than all the bad news I seem to have
an endless supply of.

Good news is Katelyn is still with us.  She is a little trooper.  Your
prayers, I know, have helped her immensely.  Bad news is she is still
filling with more and more fluid, which is still causing her heart to work
overtime.  However, the possible good news is that the doctor is optimistic
now that she may make it past 28 weeks.

I am 26 weeks today and at 28 weeks we have options and choices.  She said
if Katelyn can hang on for at least 2 more weeks it makes things so much
better for the success of all 3 of them.  Please continue to pray that all
3 babies are still with us at 28 weeks and that Katelyn begin to stop
taking in the fluid but allowing it to be in the sack.  Once it is in the
sack we can do a tap and remove it.

We also found out today the the down syndrome test came back and it was
negative.  This means Katelyn and Kendra do not have downs and Kiersten
(although not tested) shows no signs of it.  So praise God for that - one
little hurdle overcome!

Kendra is also growing.  She is up to a pound now and they anticipate she
will be more in the next 2 weeks since it appears she is now getting some
nutrition from the placenta.

My cervix has shortened to 1.3 cm due to the uterus being stretched and
contractions.  The body thinks it is time to prepare for delivery ( a
common problem with triplet pregnancy).  As a result of this they will most
likely be hospitalizing me on Friday for the duration of the pregnancy.
Sigh!!!  This is good though because if I continue to contract and lose cm
from cervix they can stop pre-term labor in the hosptial and buy us much
more time (time needed).

Our baby showers here in OR are on Saturday 5/22 and Sunday 5/23.  Both are
still on whether I am in the hospital or not.  We have all 3 girls and we
are excited to celebrate this with our friends and family at the showers.
If I am in the hospital Kirk, my Mom and his Mom will attend the shower on
Saturday 5/22.  The shower on 5/23 (since only a handful of people) will be
moved to the hospital - just an fyi for those who were wondering.

Your prayers are still needed for all 3 babies that not only they all be
delivered at a good gestation but that they are healthy and can also
overcome any challenges they will go through once delivered and in NICU.
We also need prayer for continued strength and hope.

We praise God for the blessing of good news he has given us this week!  We
love all of you and appreciate your support!!!!

Kirk and Kimberly

Update #1

My sister Kim's job situation:  Her boss has decided not to pick a lead person right now.  Instead, he is planning on giving both Kim and Cathy "projects" and will use the results he gleans from them as a determining factor in who he picks for a lead person.  So now it has become a true, bona fide CONTEST! 

He also decided that he'd hire another technician now, so he is having Kim and Cathy interview the applicants.  Neither one has ever interviewed before and has had no training in interviewing.  Luckily I have, so I gave Kim a quickie course and shot her off two pages of interview questions via fax.  So far they have interviewed two candidates this week with another scheduled for today.

Although Kim has worked there for 8 years, it goes without saying that she is now actively looking for another job.  She won't have any trouble.  Given the line of business that she is in and her education, she can afford to be a bit picky.  She has already started networking with others outside of her company and has at least three excellent leads.  I'll keep you up to date on what happens. 

Favorite Journals

Okay, Hans listed his "favorite journals that he reads all the time list".  I was honored beyond words (no, really!  I don't sit and write this stuff for myself you know!) when he included my journal on his list.  I must say that I am in the company of some great bloggers out there!

I decided that I may as well mention my favorites too.  But rather than rewrite all of them and include their links, I will direct you to kindly look to the right and under "Other Journals".  Those are the guys that I read almost daily.  There are a couple of private journals I read too, but no sense listing them because unless you are invited you can't get into them anyway.

Occasionally I will go through my list and edit out the ones who either don't keep a regular journal, and I add to the list if I find one that is interesting.  I must say though that I am about maxed out and probably won't be adding too many more to my ever growing list.  I mean, when would I have time to read them?  You all know what I'm talking about because you're in the same boat as me. hehe

So, if you find your journal listed here, you know that I am reading you.  Oh!  One other thing.  I leave comments where I deem appropriate.  Just because I haven't or don't leave them in your journal daily doesn't mean that I am not reading it.  It just means I don't have a comment.

Have a nice day!

 

Da Fish..........

I have a Betta Fighting Fish on my printer stand.  The little guy has been a member of my family for about two years.  Since they only live for 2-3 years, in theory he is an old man.

He lives in a big glass vase that is adorned with pretty colored marbles at the bottom, and a nice green houseplant sticking out of the top.

He is the nicest little pet anyone could ask for.  I don't have to bathe him, I don't have to walk him, I don't have to let him outside to do his business, he is unassuming and undemanding.  When I enter the room he swims over to greet me, and unlike his aquatic counterparts he doesn't have to have a heated pool to live in, or one that is aeriated.  His food only cost a couple of dollars a year, and he doesn't take up much room. He adds to the atmosphere because of his calming demeanor and overall beauty.

I have been careful to keep his living quarters clean, which takes all of a few minutes, and of course I use a chlorine neutralizer to prevent him from becoming poisoned.

What more could you ask for in a pet?  If you are interested in putting one of these vase aquariums together, here's the link:  BETA 

P.S  Never, ever, ever clean your aquarium with any cleaning potion - no soap or anything!!!!!!!  Just remove the fish (I put mine in a disposable drinking cup while I am cleaning his "home") and rinse the vase with water ONLY!!!!  Otherwise, you will be attending a fish funeral, and of course you have to be an ordained fish minister to perform the last rites, and THEY are hard to find!  :)

Weekend Assignment #5

Weekend Assignment #5: Recount your most memorable encounter with celebrity. If you haven't met anyone famous and don't know anyone who has, here's an alternate assignment: Reveal your first celebrity crush (and of course, for extra credit, do both).

The celebrity that I encountered once was Sally Jesse-Raphael. This was back in the late 70's or early 80's before she had a TV show. At that time she was a radio talk show host and I listened to her program nightly. She gave out wonderful advice to people with problems ranging from marital situations to work issues. I loved her show and so it was obvious that when she came to town I would go and see her.

She was one of the nicest people that I'd ever met. She was unpretentious and so friendly and nice. She walked around with my girlfriend and me for some time chatting and visiting like we were old friends.

I was very impressed with her before I met her, and I was definitely impressed after I met her.

I give a thumbs up for Sally!

My first celebrity crush was when I was in the 5th or 6th grade and they guy was actor John Paine. He was old enough to be my father for God's sake, but he was so handsome! Of course it was a one sided situation and didn't last too long. If he'd had only known that he sent this girl's heart to reeling just to look at him!

There you have it. Not too interesting but 100% the truth!

Daily Affirmation

Imagination lit every lamp in this country, built every
church, performed every act of kindness and progress,
created more and better things for more people. It is
the priceless ingredient for a better day. -Henry J. Taylor

Update On The Triplets

This is the latest email received from Kim and Kirk regarding the triplets.  Please keep them in your prayers!

 

We would like to begin by thanking all of you for your calls, emails and
prayers.  It has been so appreciated.

Unfortunately, things have gotten progressively worse for our twins.  On
Friday they did an amnio fluid reduction and they took 1300 cc's of fluid
(over a liter) in hopes that this would help the twins.  Our next
appointment was this last Tuesday and from Friday to Tuesday Katelyn was
not doing well.  They did a 3 hour ultrasound and confirmed that Katelyn
had "Hydrops".  The fluid was no longer just in her abdomen and lungs but
was now under her skin causing her skin to thicken due to the fluid.  The
doctor said this is a severe case of Hydrops due to how quickly it occured
(within 4 days).  There was not enough fluid in the sack to do a fluid
reduction.

Our doctor talked with us privately and advised that she was going to be
completely honest per our request.  She advised that they do not expect
Katelyn to live more than a week.  In addition, if Katelyn dies Kendra will
most likely pass away within 2-3 weeks.  This was devasting news and
extremely hard to hear.  There were many tears and questions.  There is
nothing we can do.  All we could do is deliver early but the prognosis of
either twin living is slim and it jeopardizes Kiersten, who again is doing
fine (the single baby).

We were seen again today (Thursday) and again they were unable to do a
fluid reduction to help as all the fluid is in the baby-Katelyn, not in the
sack.  Unfortunately, today we saw that the fluid is so much under her skin
that it has caused her to balloon up and there is now fluid approaching the
heart cavity.

The doctor advised us today that in some cases the other twin will survive
but it is not likely.  If Katelyn, passes away then Kendra will feel the
drop in blood pressure and she will begin trying to save her twin by giving
her even more blood, which will in turn stop her life.

This has been so hard.  We want so badly to take home all of little girls
but unless that is God's will we will not be taking all 3 home.  We still
have hope that if it is in his plans we will make it to 28 weeks and be
able to deliver them all and have a slim chance to save the twins.
However, we are approaching the reality that Jesus may be calling them
home.  We don't understand why but we do understand that if that is to be
the case there is a reason for it.  We still cling to Christ for comfort
and support during this time.

We go in again on Monday (5/17) and they will see how Katelyn is doing and
if possible they will do a fluid reduction.

It is so hard to convey via email how we feel.  We are devastated at the
current situation but we are also comforted by Jesus and knowing that they
would not be going home if it wasn't for a good reason.  We ask for hope
and miracles and peace for us as well.

Many people have been invited to our upcoming baby showers.  We are still
having three babies!!!  If we lose Katelyn this week we are still having
two babies.  We will be having our baby showers to celebrate the lives that
have been given to us to love and parent.

Again - we may not answer your phone call or email immediately but we will
respond when we can.  Thank you so much for your love, support and
friendship!  God Bless!

Kirk and Kimberly

A Daughter's Love

The other day I was over picking Madison up for an afternoon of shopping with Grammy.  I have so much fun with that little darling!

While Danelle was getting Madison's diaper bag ready, Steve and I were talking about his beautiful yard and some of his and Danelle's plans.  I was holding Madison on my lap and she was listening intently to Steve and I.  At one point I looked down at her and she was staring into her father's eyes and the love that I witnessed in that child's eyes has not left me.  As my own eyes welled up with tears, I pointed out what I'd just witnessed to Steve.  He looked intently at his daughter and I could tell that when their eyes met, these two shared a love that is profound; a love like no other.  Suddenly, I felt like I was on the outside looking in.  I could see the love, almost as if it were a tangible thing, that this father and his daughter shared.   It was an awe inspiring moment!  

For once in my busy and unimportant life I was able to stop and smell the roses, and in doing so I witnessed one of the most touching moments I have ever been privy to!   

But that moment of enlightenment got me to thinking.  How many times had I missed that same look on my own child's face because I was too busy doing laundry or cooking dinner?  In all those years raising Steve, I don't think I ever stopped long enough to acknowledge that.  I knew he loved me, but did I ever take the time to really look into his eyes and SEE the love?  I don't recall that.  

Perhaps Grandparenthood offers that insight, because now I either have a bit more time or I have matured and can see what really matters in this world.  Maybe a bit of both.   At any rate, I was touched by those eyes and the love that I witnessed that day between a father and his daughter. 

Simply put, it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. 

Daily Affirmation

If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life,
your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.

For Fun Let's ask the audience............

I am going to include a new entry every now and then called "LET'S ASK THE AUDIENCE".  This will be a place where you all can post answers/comments to questions/situations that come up.  Today will be the first one that I am requesting interaction from YOU!  Please try to be serious as the question that has been posed is of a serious nature to the person asking.

Someone emailed this work situation to me and asked how I would handle this, but I want to ask:  How do each of YOU think this should be handled?  Please post your answers in the comments area.

 

OMG Robyn, we have to chat.  I have a situation at work right now also, which is pretty similar.  Let me break it down for you.  Our unit is a very tight group made up of 10 people.  We work in the Consumer Affairs Department of an insurance company.  We recently hired another person named "Bitter Betty".

Our unit resolves complaints on behalf of the company.  We are very independent workers and work with minimal supervision.  With this comes much flexibility.  Now back to Bitter Betty.  She has observed one of my co-workers taking personal phone calls at his desk.  This was never a problem before.  She told our manager.  She also told the manager that this employee is leaving work early without documenting the personal time on our unit calendar, as we track our own time.   Bitter Betty has completely torn the cohesiveness of our department apart.  The major way that she did this was by gossiping about this employee to another employee in the department.  She should never have done this, as we are all more tenured than her, of course the person she confided in shared this information with all of us.  
I took my concerns to my manager.  I tell you, I felt like a male version of Erin Brockovich!  Anyhow, my manager appreciated the feedback.  And said that this is definitely an area of focus that she will focus on with Bitter Betty.  My manager told me that we will always encounter Bitter Betty's in our work environment, and that we just need to rise above it.

The problem now is that nobody trusts her.  We feel like she is a spy.  I am responsible for quality checking any correspondence before she sends it to our insureds.  Part of me wants to let the typographical errors slip by so that her quality scores will suffer.  Do you believe this to be unethical?  She has now taken it upon herself to run phone reports to check everyone’s availability, which was never done before.  We aren't really concerned about this, as the reports will speak for themselves, she can't alter them.  We are alltop-notch professionals and we can not tolerate this rude behavior any longer.

How would you handle this situation?    

 

Daily Affirmation

Sometimes I sits
and thinks, and
sometimes I just sits.

“Satchell” Paige 
 

Kim & Kirk have been married for 8 years, and have tried for nearly that long to get pregnant without any success until last November.  A little science and a whole lot of praying later, she found out that she was going to have triplets!  Three little girls: Kiersten, Katelyn & Kendra.  Kim is 25 weeks pregnant. 

Kim works with me, and she and Kirk stopped by the office last week after seeing the doctor.  I think they needed emotional support more than anything.  Kim sent this email which I am going to share with you in the hopes that you will each include them in your prayers.  Please pray for these two wonderful young people and their three little girls!

From Kim and Kirk:

I know I have missed getting some people and their addresses on this email.
Please forward to those that I have missed.

Today we received grave news in regarding the twins that share a placenta
(Katelyn and Kendra).  They are experiencing "twin to twin transfusion".
What that means to our babies is that Katelyn is getting too much blood
from the placenta, which is causing her to receive more fluid.  As a result
her heart is enlarged and having to work harder to pump the excess amniotic
fluid.  Kendra is no longer growing and is not getting enough blood or
fluid.

Beginning tomorrow (5/7) at 10:00 am they will be doing an amniocentisis to
remove the excess fluid from Katelyn's sack.  This will help Katelyn's
heart.  However, Kendra then has to (on her own) begin taking blood from
the placenta, which will give her fluid and allow her to grow again.  This
is BEST CASE SCENARIO for the babies.  If Kendra does not begin taking
blood and gaining fluid she is in jeopardy of dying in-utero.  If this
happens it will most likely (high odds) cause Katelyn to have mini brain
and kidney strokes.  They both may die.

Kiersten being in her own sack with her own placenta is fine.  Growing fine
and very healthy.  However, I have to have two amniocentisis done each and
every week.  By the end of next week we will have had three procedures done
and the doctor said by then we will know if they worked or not.  Please,
Please pray that they work.  If they do then we will do this until 32 weeks
(June 29th) and then we will deliver all three.  If this does not work or
is not working to the full satisfaction of doctors we have to make a
decision every week.

We have to decide to deliver the babies or not.  This may save the twins
(it may not) but it does jeopardize Kiersten.  She is a happy, healthy baby
and if we choose to deliver early to try to save the twins she will be
premature, which could cause problems for her as well as the others.  We
will be touring the NICU (Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit) tomorrow and
speaking with the NICU doctor's.  They will show us babies born at 24, 25,
26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 weeks.  They will show us the positive and
negative ramifications of having the babies come at each of these weeks to
help us make our decision.

If our "best case scenario" is not to be the case, then we have to decide
when it would be safe to deliver all three.  If we wait too long Katelyn
and Kendra will die in-utero.  We need to be informed by doctors if the
twins will have long term birth defects or not...we may not be able to
jeopardize all three for the possibility that all 3 will live and be ok.

Our doctor advised we were not to go home with guilt.  She said this is not
a result of anything I did or did not do.  Nothing I overdid, underdid,
didn't eat, did eat, etc, etc.  It happened unfortunately.

We have had a turbulent day full for tears and fear but also filled with
hope due to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We ask that if you believe in Jesus that you pray for the safety of all of
our babies and that God's will be done.  If you do not believe, we pray
that you investigate the truth and love of God's word.  We do not blame God
and we understand that we live in a fallen world and sometimes bad things
do happen to good people.  God knows why we are walking through this valley
and we have faith in knowing that the outcome will be his will regardless
how difficult it is to handle.  Please forward this to your friends,
neighbors, churches, etc and ask that they lift our 3 little miracles up in
prayer.  God hears!!!

If you choose to call us that is ok but you will get voice mail.  We may
return the call or we may get in touch via email with you.  It is just too
difficult to talk to everyone on the phone.  Thank you so much for your
love and friendship!!  You all have meant so much to us and the support you
have given us has been so, so, so appreciated.

Our next email will not be until the end of next week after we have had the
three amnio's and have more detailed info to give you.  Once again - thank
you for your prayers and support and God Bless!!!!

Kirk and Kimberly

 

Happy Mother's Day to each and everyone!

Weekend Assignment #4: Share the most memorable birthday present you've ever gotten -- or given (extra credit for both).

I guess the most memorable birthday present was in 1985.  I received an unexpected telephone call on April 2nd, just 3 days before my birthday informing me that my Dad had died of a massive heart attack on the job. 

I was shocked!  My Dad was only 59 years of age and in excellent health - or so we thought.  He'd just had some minor surgery on his hand a few months before that and the doctor had given him a physical.  He'd walked away with a clean bill of health. 

My Dad was very active.  No laying in bed for him!  He was up at dawn working, golfing or doing something.  In retrospect, death had to sneak up on him while he was busy at work because he just never sat around waiting on anything.    

The irony of his early death is that he had just bought a new 5th wheel trailer because he was going to retire later that same month. 

He never got to use it.  Not even once.

The most memorable birthday present that I ever gave?  Well, I guess that is relative now, isn't it?

My sister, Kim (God love her!) thinks I am the smartest person on earth when it comes to dealing with people.  She thinks my soft skills are excellent and turns to me for advice in handling people situations.  It's nice to be the big sister with the little sister who thinks the sun raises and sits on ya!  ha!

Unfortunately, she doesn't always follow my advice to the letter.

Kim works with the co-worker from hell.   I'll try to condense 4 years into this entry and hope that you get the jest of the story.

Cathy (the co-worker) is a very troubled young woman in her early 30's.  Kim helped Cathy get the job she has.  When an opening came up she encouraged Cathy to apply, and recommended her to the hiring manager.  Kim only knew Cathy from talking to her on the phone, but felt this would be a good opportunity for Cathy. 

Cathy was hired and they became friends, doing the things friends do.  They went to lunch everyday, bought each other expensive birthday gifts and shared their innermost thoughts with each other about the job and life in general (all against my advice).  I tried to explain to Kim that business is business and should be kept separate from personal friendships.  Afterall, I tried to reason, what if a management position became available?  It is often difficult to transition from personal friendships, especially in a small department, to being someone's boss. 

Kim was quite taken with Cathy, both personally and professionally.    She felt bad for Cathy that she didn't have a loving and nurturing relationship with her mother.  Cathy had marital and financial problems.  On the other hand Kim felt that Cathy was extremely bright, but didn't really trust her because she caught her going through the bosses desk on day.  Slowly some of Cathy's personality defects started surfacing, and slowly but surely Cathy started turning on Kim.

First she was jealous of the relationship that Kim has with her two kids (Cathy admitted it to Kim),Cathy is insecure about herself - she has a weight problem and Kim tried to help her start dieting and exercising, taking an interest in Cathy's  well being. 

Once Cathy felt secure in her job position, she started pointing out Kim's errors, always making sure that others heard her (including the boss).  Although Kim has a few years of senority, Cathy wanted to start sharing in some of Kim's responsibilities.  I could see what was happening and warned Kim, but Cathy is a master manipulator and pretty soon, she had wormed her way into the bosses office with complaints about how the department was being handled and how inefficient some of the employees were - Kim included!  Kim admitted that Cathy had some good ideas, but no one was slacking in their job performance, least of all Kim (who is a Type A personality and perfectionist-I know because not only is she my sister and we lived together for years growing up, but I've also worked with her professionally!)

Pretty soon, a new girl was hired into the department (that makes 3 plus the boss) and Cathy turned her back completely on Kim, taking this new girl under her wing.  Cathy and the new girl are both young enough to be my sister's daughters.  Kim didn't think a whole lot about any of this because she chalked it up as immaturity and figured it'd work itself out.  It didn't.  Cathy took it to another level and started reporting to the boss when Kim would take personal phone calls and the like.  It got down to spying on Kim.  There are so many incidents that it would be impossible for me to recite them all.  The whole situation just got so out of hand, and the boss didn't help matters any.  Instead of stopping this mess before it got started, he kept the fire fueled by listening to all the tattle-telling. And even though he didn't believe it and never took action on it, he lended Cathy support to continue the behavior by listening to it to begin with. 

Now let's bring you all current.  There is a Lead postiion up for grabs and guess who are the only two who will be considered for the position?  You guessed it, Cathy and Kim.  The company is only going to hire within and Kim and Cathy are the only two who hold this particular degree, therefore they are the only ones being considered.  Can you imagine working in this atmosphere? 

The decision will made this week.  We are on pins and needles.  Who will he pick?  My sister who has proven herself with this same boss for 8 years; who is mature and extremely good at her job?  Or Cathy, who obviously has mental problems, but in all fairness knows the job well too?  Either way, it is going to be a difficult situation to work in.  After arguing that the position wasn't needed in the first place, Cathy says she will quit if she doesn't get it.  My sister feels they need a Lead, but also feels that since she has senority she should get it.

Want to place bets?

May Gardening Schedule

It's May already and here is the Pacific Northwest Gardening Schedule by Master Gardner Ed Hume!

Daily Affirmation

"Fear nothing, for every
renewed effort raises
all former failures into
lessons, all sins into
experience."-
-Katherine Tingley

My Girls, My Best Friends

"Aquiring a dog

may be the only opportunity

a human ever has

to choose a relative."

No truer words have ever been spoken.  My two little Westies are the best relatives that anyone could ever wish for.  They are unassuming, unpretentious, undemanding, do whatever I ask, mind pretty good (better than most kids I've been around-including my own), and they love me unconditionally!  They don't care if I'm in a good mood or bad mood, they don't care if I smell from being outside working, they don't care if I put on weight or fail to take some off, they don't care if I walk around without makeup and my hair a mess, they don't care if I wear old tee shirts with holes in them around the house, they don't care if I occasionally rant & rave, and they are totally loyal and trustworthy, and never tell on me for anything-not if I say something unkind about someone or something, have an occasional drink (which would be very rare-but a nice piece of gossip just the same), or even if I run naked from the bathroom to the utility room to fetch a clean shirt out of the dryer. They don't care if the house is clean, or the yard work is done; and they don't care what I'm fixing for dinner, or when I fix it.  I know that I can trust them completely - I can leave home alone for the evening and never have to worry about them throwing some wild party and inviting a bunch of friends in to trash the place.  Last but not least, they never criticize me for anything - not even if I forget their treats at the store!  They are truly my best friends.

Now how many human relatives fall into that category?  

 

Weekend Assignment

John Scalzi's weekend assignment is recounting the worst piece of advice that we've ever given, and the worst piece of advice that we've ever received.  The answers are simple for me.

The worst piece of advice that I have ever given:  well, since I have selective memory (this is a good thing because I don't have to endure reliving uncomfortable moments over and over), I honestly don't remember the worst advice I have ever given. I can tell you that I know I have given my share, I just can't remember any one piece specifically.  

The worst piece of advice that I ever received:  I am a classic Type A personality and without trying to be pompous I must admit that I listen to advice that is given but have rarely taken it.  I instead chose to walk the beaten path of the damned and make my own decisions.  Sometimes that has been good, other times (and probably more often) it has been not so good.  (the frustration that my poor Mom had to endure!)  Unfortunately, selective memory doesn't play a part in this one and I have had to relive my bad choices over and over and over again in my head.  Great on the old self esteem!

So much for that weekend assignment!

Daily Affirmation

Only I can change my life. No
one can do it for me. 
-Carol Burnett

The journey in between
what you once were and
who you are now
becoming is where the
dance of life really
takes place.
~ Barbara De Angelis ~

Potpourri

Against my better judgement I "played" yesterday instead of working around the house.  Jeri talked me into going to a couple of garage sales and some thrift shops, then we went for lunch at the Olive Garden - one of our favorite spots to eat.  I really enjoyed it, but now it's time to pay the piper, and I am once again playing catch up and trying to get everything done today so that when Monday morning comes I can start a fresh week without running around like a chicken with its head head cut off!  ha!

Hopefully Kevin will call and ask about mowing - that would be a Godsend!  Rain is forecast for Tuesday through Saturday so it is an absolute must to get done today.  Besides, I need to put more fertilizer on it and spray the perimeter of the property for weeds.

I haven't done any serious shopping for flowers yet this year, but will need to plan that very soon.

Another cloud that is hanging over my head is working on my Mom's house.  I've got to get over there and things going so we can put it up for sale.  It's obvious that if I don't make the first move my siblings aren't likely to.

Hope all is going well in your neck of the woods.  I've been reading journals in what spare time I have, and must say that I love them!  You guys are so darned talented at writing and expressing yourselves!  And the photos that some of you post are fantastic!  I am in good company, if I do say so myself!

I continue my evening prayers for those of you who want and need them.  I think of you all often.  Have a wonderful week everyone! 

Prayer Request

A prayer request from Cathy Mitchell, Batesburg Leesville S.C. area, whose husband, Tony, is an Air Force Commander in Afghanistan. She received an urgent email from him this morning. It said, "We need Christians to pray, pray, pray." Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders.   Considering the increase in terrorist activity in Iraq, this prayer is more urgent than ever.  PLEASE pray always for our military men and women.


"Lord, hold our troops  in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.   Amen"

When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground, air and navy personnel in every area of the middle east.

Daily Affirmation

"Kill the snake of doubt
in your soul, crush the
worms of fear in your
heart and mountains will
move out of your way."
-- Kate Seredy  

If you don't like something
change it; if you can't change it,
change the way you think about it."
-- Mary Engelbreit
 

When I came home from work Friday evening Brian and his 5th wheel trailer were gone - for good.  Brian, as you may recall in this entry, was in the process of losing his home back in October.  Since he didn't win the lottery his unfortunate fate was determined a few days ago when he was served with an eviction notice.  I think it probably gave him 3 days to vacate.  He knew it was coming though and was ready to leave. 

Karen, his wife left him last October and rented a nice little home for herself because she wouldn't let him continue to drag her down as he did himself. 

I spoke with them last winter for an hour or so when I noticed Karen was over helping Brian get packed up.  I took them a couple Krispy Kreme doughnuts and we stood around talking.  They told me then that if I had anything that I wanted to take to the dump just throw it in their yard.  Can you imagine?  They both seemed bitter toward the bank for taking the house back after they'd stopped making their payments 2 years before that.  I remember looking at them and saying, "You know, I am still going to live in this neighborhood after you are gone.  Why would I want to trash your yard?  You live next door to me, for God's sake!"  They just looked at me with blank stares and didn't say anything.  I was so shocked because they'd taken such good care of their place.  How could they stand to have people trash it?  It didn't make sense then, and it doesn't make sense now.

I'll miss them though as neighbors.  They were kind, thoughtful and respectful.  It saddens me that people let themselves get into these situations - at least Brian did.  There was opportunity for him to save his place, but he made the wrong choices.

Now I wonder who will buy the place.  Will they be nice and thoughtful?  Will they take care of their place like the rest of us do?