Change is coming.....

So it is really Gina's news and not mine to share - but I'm home with Isabel tonight - while she is at a Church fireside/dance with all the teenagers who live at the house. So I'll share the news - Gina got the word on Wednesday that she is being laid off from work. The company - lumber brokerage - hasn't been doing well since the down-turn started. We were not totally taken by surprise - but she thought it might be later in the spring. Instead, they are having her work through February - to help with year end - and then they are going to give her a little severance package - not generous - but not entirely unfair. She's been with the company for 13 years - so it is a bit disappointing for her. At the same time - she hasn't been enjoying it either, and as one of the accountants you have a pretty good idea of how much money is being lost each month - so in some ways she is quite relieved and is enjoying have some certainty in our uncertainty.

We aren't really concerned about our finances - just have pull the horns in a little and be more careful. At the same time, Gina is going to have a chance to experience unemployment and staying home for a while. She's had at least one job, and sometimes two jobs, since she was 14 - so it might be good for her. We'll see what pops up after a while - but she only wants to work part-time, so it may be a little while before she finds something that is the right fit.

So, the Williams family is now a victim of the economic downturn.....but grateful for all our blessings and good fortune - and confident that in the end all things happen for a reason and we'll manage through this like everything else. We remind ourselves each day to count our blessings - and we consider ourselves very lucky indeed.

Oh.. and Aunt Susan...

I finished Six Feet Under last week and bawled through the last 4 episodes. I am sure you can imagine why. I am not quite ready to move on and have the discs still. I rewatched the last three and will rewatch the last one before I take them back. What a superb ending, eh? I thought it was done very very well.

I cant decide on what I am on to next.. perhaps the Mob. But maybe Dexter... I am undecided at this time. I am open to suggestions from anyone. I might need to move on to something a little lighter. A break from dark, death and doom might be good for my psyche.

Seriously... No, seriously!

This morning I left my house at 845... the usual time I need to leave for my short commute to work.

My first thought when I walked out the door was... OH MY GOSH! ARE YOU KIDDING!?! It was snowing. And sticking. I was annoyed as I rifled my umbrella out of my purse and trekked across the street. I threw my bag in my car and started it so it would warm up while I scraped the inch and a half off my windshield. I shared a look of disbelief with one of the construction workers across the street and hopped in my car. I mean, really. Is this actually happening... Again?

Halfway to work I decided to have an attitude adjustment. The city is so pretty with snow on it. The Broadway Bridge, which is normally red, was white with snow. The trees and building in the west hills were covered with sparkly whiteness. Pretty Pretty Pretty. I am able to get to work and go about my business... the roads are drivable. What is my problem? Maybe a little post traumatic stress after the Arctic Blast. But I am fine now. I am going to head out on my lunch and go for a walk. Maybe if the mood strikes me I will make a snow angel or throw a snowball.

A blessing.............................I think

I got news on Friday that I think could be good news but I am not quite sure yet. Haley has been coming to work with me for the last two months. It has been really hard. Having a crying baby in an office is tough, trying to keep her entertained in an office is extremely tough, then having any energy to be a mom to Taylor is just impossible. I have been feeling like something in my life needed to change because I just couldn't handle it.Then I got news on Friday I can no longer bring Haley to work with me. I have no desire to be away from my baby girl for 40 hrs a week. I just won't do it. They knew where I stood and have offered me to work from home full time. I would no longer be able to supervise my staff, (obviously because I am not going to be in the office)and I am not quite sure but I think it might involve a pay cut. I find out more on Monday. I am thinking that I would still go into the office maybe a few hours on Tuesday and Thursday to pick up and drop work off. I would probably want to have weekly meetings with my boss.I think I am excited about it but I am struggling with it. Part of me feels like I have let both my bosses down. (I know that this sounds dumb but I would be letting myself down if I worked full time with Haley in day care.) I would not necessarily get paid for working 40 hours a week but for accomplishing certain tasks which means if I wanted to go to play group on Friday's I could, if I wanted to walk the mall with some sisters from relief society I could. I no longer would have to get up at 4:00 to hit the gym, (which hasn't happened much lately anyways.) I am thinking that it sounds really good and am trying not to get too excited. Here is the funny thing I don't know why when I found out I cried and cried and cried. Maybe I just needed time to process the information but this sounds just absolutely amazing.Wish me luck and let's home it all works out for everyone involved.

Truck

This is the new truck, liked the other one just fine though.

Hope is mine in 2009

I wanted to add my thoughts to those of Aunt Susan. I swear I started this yesterday. We were just mad crazy at work and I didnt get a chance to come back and straighten things up and publish.

Tuesday as I watched everything I felt overwhelmed with gratitude to be able to see this moment and participate. For the record, I count watching from my friend Kelseys couch in my pj's while eating pancakes and knitting as participating! :)

It feels great to see hope. I enjoyed watching the ceremony and I enjoyed watching everyones reactions. Regardless of politics this moment is really important.

In honor of all our recent talk about Beyonce: She sang, "At last" at one of the parties and someone interviewed her. She talked about how it felt to her and said "I can't even describe to you how I felt. I'm just so proud of my country. I just feel so inspired and so proud. I'm just so lucky to be a part of this history. It's probably the most important day of my life, and I'm so grateful. He makes me want to be smarter; he makes me want to be more involved."

I have friends and family on both sides of the political spectrum. Some rather conservative.. some as liberal as they come. The thing that I have appreciated most in this political season is those who have, regardless of political party decided to have hope. It is easy to support the president when he is the one we voted for... and it's easy to be bitter and angry when he is not. I admire those who did not vote for Barack Obama who have decided to be optimistic and pledge support even though he was not their first choice. If we all band together, set our sights high and take some actions to make this world a better place I think there is a better chance it can happen. I feel inspired. I want to be smarter and I want to be more involved.

To sum up.. I say let's all have hope and do something good!!

Isabel, better save your money.

I just wanted to inform Isabel that Taylor told me today that she was going to buy him a Wii for his upcoming birthday. Hope you have a large piggy bank.....and that it is full of cash.

Mr. President

Hope you all got a chance to see the inaugauration today. I came away so hopeful, inspired, joyous and feeling somewhat triumphant. I can't help but believe we are on the right track and with all of our love, prayers, support AND action --- things are going to turn around.

I also want to say that while I did not support a lot of the things that GW did in his presidency, I will never vilify or degrade the man. I remember how safe he made me feel after 9/11 and for that I will always be grateful to him.

I am so proud to be an American on this historic and monumental day in our history.

One small step for man..........

Since most of you undoubtedly have cable or satelite TV, I will give you my perspective as a low down bunny ears users on the switch to digital TV. In the interests of full disclosure, here is what I wrote in my personal blog about a year ago on the issue:

Why is the government getting involved in the quality of television broadcasts, forcing me to go out and buy an expensive new TV in the next year? When DVDs came out they didn't ban VHS, VHS gradually is dying out because of market conditions, which is the same way high definition TV should work. Market conditions should drive all this kind of new technology, not government mandates. Are politicians really worried about the quality of the picture of the television broadcasts I receive? Is that what they are voted into office to take care of? NO.

These feelings still hold true, but not having many other options, I went out and bought a couple converter boxes this morning. Government sent me two coupons for 40 each, the boxes cost 50, so it cost 20 to convert both of my TVs. It's actually pretty impressive. All the channels come in really well, no static or wavy lines. I get multiple channels (like 3 OPBs) and on screen program info. Closed Captioning. It is definitely an improvement.

Not the Best of Days

Hey Everyone,

As you can see by the pics, it is not a good idea to drive too fast on icy roads. Also you can never be sure even if you are the one driving slow enough for the conditions. Little Max, listen up, remember ;you can always control what you do , but not what others do. Now you may be able to see why your Mom and Dad were not crazy about you driving when it snowed.
I am doing ok, just a bunch sore, and feel like I've been beat upon by a rather large stick. Bummer part is our truck was paid for, so now looks like back to payment yuck!!!!!!!!!
Also as a side note, the woman driving the Volvo, is fine, slight cut on her hand from glass, but thankfully she was not carrying a passenger. However I am sure that in the future she may slow down when it is icy.

Thank you Isabel

Tonight Taylor and I were reading some good night stories. It was pretty fun. He decided that he would read the second line on every page. I was amazed how good he did. Then we called my mom to show her how smart her grandson was. (Yes, Sometimes I do think my son does amazing tricks, like a dog and enjoy showing them off.) He counted by himself by two and then by three's to 20 and 21. Then he read my mom the whole WALLE book. He got caught up on a few words but over all he did really well. When he finished the I was discussing with my mom how amazing it is because I haven't really worked with him at all he just kind of picked it up on his own. He corrected me, "I didn't learn myself, Isabel taught me."

SO......THANK YOU Bel for teaching Taylor to read. When he starts kindergarten and actually has homework I will be sending him up to P-town for some homework help from Bel.


On a completely unrelated note we have been using our family BOM for scripture reading at night and absolutely love it. Thanks for the great gift Williams family.

Kudos to the Administrator

Like the new format --- it's much easier to read and its nice that the title stays. Thanks kids!!!

Altho I miss Ben's bizarro word choices. What happened to them?

Facebook

So I'm totally addicted to Facebook, and believe it or not some people actually want to be my friends. Wonder of Wonders. Today before I came to work, I was surprised by a friend request from Scott Koho. For those who don't know, Scott's mom babysat me when I was three and even during the afternoons once I started kindergarten. I'm not sure if she babysat Susan or not. Anyway. It's been great to catch up with him. And his brother Dennis and his mom Dee. Kind of a fun blast into the past.
Also you may have noted that we have a follower to our blog named Joanie Baloney. Well...Joan is the daughter of Clayton Smith who taught at Kenwood with mom. She also was my friend in high school. So we welcome you Joanie as you peek in on us occasionally. Once again, I found Joanie on Facebook. Okay, I admit I probably shouldn't Facebook in church...but it's so addicting!

So... 2009, so far so good.

I haven't come up with a definite plan for my new healthy life. I have made a few rules and am implementing them. But I should probably find more structure. Working on it.

Spring cleaning came early this year. I am still working on my apartment a little... but have accomplished much. I get restless in my living space and in the past have just alleviated that by moving. These days I rearrange my furniture. (Pat me on the back next time you see me for living on the same block for 5 years!!)

I bought a huge bookshelf at Ikea:

And this cool lighting:

I put the lighting on top of my half wall and it looks fab. And I put all my bookshelves all together on my back wall and I will proceed to call that my library. :)

Next on my list is to completely reorganize my closet. I need a big trip to Goodwill.

Single Ladies (Ring on It)

So yesterday I was flipping thru the channels and happened upon the new Beyonce video. Have you seen it? Yowza!!!

It reminded me of a time we were visiting the Cranneys in Oakley. Called to dinner, I walked thru the living room to the kitchen. Grandpa was sitting in his chair in front of the television, watching "Solid Gold" on TV. Surprised, I told him I didn't know that he liked that kind of music. "Music!" he scoffed. "I just like the dancers."

Wonder what my poor old sainted grandfather would say if he happened to watch that Beyonce' video today? How things have changed!!!!!

Pajamarama!

Yesterday was pajama day at our little school. It was great fun. I wish I had gone to the grocery store on my way home from school Thursday, rather than going on my way to school on Friday. I told the checker he was just jealous that he couldn't wear his jammies to work.

We did a lot of reading and writing while cuddled in blankets. The kids loved it. I went around and read with children. At one point we were reading the journals we have been writing in since the beginning of the year. One of my boys began to cry. I went over to see what was concerning him. He was reading a piece of writing about his cat that has since died. I was comforting him while looking at his writing. Then I tried to distract him. I pointed to the page next to the 'cat' page. I asked him to read it to me. He recovered quickly and said, 'OK. ' He read, 'Everyone has armpit hair. It is very stinky.' Oh, the great works of writing in first grade.

We ended the day with a movie, donuts, and chocolate milk. (You notice I ended the day with the sweets and then sent them home to their parents.) Then I came home, got dressed and took the missionaries out to dinner.

Funny Stories

Last Saturday Taylor had a friend over and they were playing. He had to go to the bathroom. Cam should him where the bathroom was. We heard the kid say "scary". After no flushing or washing of hands Hayden came back out of the bathroom. Pretty soon he was dancing all around. Cam asked if he went to the bathroom and he said Yeah. He continued to dance and dance. Finally I was asked "Was the bathroom scary" I can't remember if he said anything or not but I walked into the bathroom lifted the toilet seat and thought "SCARY". So after a quick scrub of the toilet I descarified the bathroom and he was able to go pee. I guess I haven't been so good at cleaning the house lately with all that is on my plate.

Last night I fell asleep completely dressed while holding Haley at around nine o'clock. The funny thing was I awoke this morning at 8:00. I at least took my glasses off at some point in time in the middle of the night.

Happy New Year?

I think we are all in the same boat.  Busy with the kick off of the new year.  The kids are back to school this week - and are already having tests and projects.  I'm getting ready for the kick-off of the legislative session on Monday and am in back to back meetings all day - about budget and labor negotiations - and staffing changes - and all sorts of other issues.  Thankfully the predicted floods didn't hit us as hard as Washington - so I haven't had to work on coordinating inmates digging communities out of the flood.  But the new year has certainly demonstrated as one that will be full of challenges.  

Jen - I forgot about the ceramicafe pics.  I'll try to get Morgan to help me get them posted.

I am happy to say that I'm at the 9th - and most of my New Years resolutions are still in tact.  That is a little progress.....

Just To Say Hi

Getting ready to head home for the day but thought I'd give a little post to ssay hello.

Not much going on here. Cameron is coming in tomorrow and he and Brandi and I are going to our buddy Pete Wacker's retirement dinner. You know you're getting old when you have three retirement parties in a month for your peers. On a similiar note, the last time I was in Bend I stopped at Taco Bell and the woman behind the counter took my order and then said "With your senior discount, your total is ...." I was crushed. The bitch!

Not a lack of interest or thoughts

I have been at the gym, trying to get more sleep (don't look at the time of this post...just finished some math homework), working, spending time with my awesome little family, and starting a new term of school. Once the dust settles and the routine is squared away, I will try to post more. Till then, I love reading what all of you have to say. I might even throw in a comment or two.

Busy Busy Busy

Yes, Jen you are correct we are at the GYM! Dang it I hate this time of year. Well to say the least I am not meaning not to blog it's just that it is the end of the year in the accounting world and I am super busy so busy I don't know what to do with myself. Well I got to go get back. Love you all!!

Interesing Information

Just so Jen and I don't have to be the only ones to carry this blog all by ourselves, we'd appreciate at least a comment or two. (Hope I'm not speaking out of turn, Jen) What's up with the silence?

I thought I'd share a little piece of information that I learned at a workshop in December. I hope I can relay it sensibly. Only 7 % of communication is reliant upon words. 35% is the tonal qualities in our voice and the rest is body language and facial expression. Can you see why the intent of the written word can be misunderstood?

This really makes me think about how important it is to teach 'voice' when I'm teaching writing. (1st grade writing is such a crack up anyway--but you can already see how they are beginning to develop their own style.)

Anyway just some food for thought next time you write something.

Hello?


hello hello hello



It sure is quiet in here. Where is everyone? The gym maybe?


Uh... What happened to the pics of our amazing Ceramicafe art?

The New Year's Resolution Stress

I found myself sitting in Hometown Buffet for a brunch with friends on New Year's morning. When asked what my NY resolutions were I easily said, "I'm trying a different plan this year. I've always said that I was going to eat less, more healthy, and lose some weight. That didn't work well so I've changed my tactic. I'm eating more and less healthy food hence the beginning breakfast at HTB."
What is it that Weight Watcher's says? Craziness is when you do the same things and expect different results, so I'm doing something different. Wish me luck!