This is a new blog I'm reading... and the funniest story I've heard in awhile!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
in the city.
Today was a beautiful day. There was like zero smog, the sky was SO blue, the clouds were SO fluffy and white. If it hadn't been 100 degrees with 90% humidity... it would have been perfect. I do love summer time in the city.Monday, June 22, 2009
working through the work.
It seems like no matter when it is that I stop to take stock of my life, it is always filled with things.
Last week I approached an anniversary that I would rather forget, one that changed my life and my husbands forever. June 19, 2008 I lost my job. To make a REALLY long story short, I had invested 5 years, countless overtime hours, not to mention blood, sweat and tears into my job. It was my plan, it was my future, and I was safe there. Or so I thought. Things came crashing down in such a way that is unreal even to me (the person who experienced it!).
What made it worse, was that my husband had just returned from a 2 week stint overseas entertaining the troops with a USO comedy tour. In order to take that opportunity, and to share his support with our troops, he had to leave his job the week before he left for Iraq. I was totally supportive, and we were totally secure. I was making more than enough salary for the both of us, and it was important thing in both of our hearts that he go over there and share some laughter with the people who need it most.
Within days of his return, I lost my job and we were beside ourselves. Both of us unemployed only a mere 3 months before our big Vegas wedding weekend. Needless to say, wedding aside, we were at our lowest point imaginable.
So last week and this I have been thinking about the last year and everything that has happened. This time last year we had nothing but each other. Luckily I had savings earmarked for the wedding, so we were able to keep up with bills, etc. and my parents generously supplemented the wedding fund to help us through. But we were at rock bottom, with only each other to cling to. I think that time is one of the most prominent in the "history of hubby and I" that really solidified our future in my mind. Don't get me wrong, I always knew I wanted to marry him, but after all that, I knew life could throw nothing at us that we could not endure together.
(The cat4 hurricane that nearly wiped us off the face of the planet on the weekend IMMEDIATELY following our wedding was another instance of that solidarity...)
So what did we do? The only thing we could do. We picked each other up and clawed our way back out. I took the first job that came along, and so did he. (in this economy, we were fortunate to get work so quickly...) Now, only a year later, hubby has established his own business that has him booked solid for the next 4 months. I have implemented a new division at my job that has subsequently allowed me to cut my office hours down to Tuesdays and Thursdays, and be at home the rest of the week.
Not only are we doing better financially than we were back then, but we're happier. We worked hard to get back up, and I think it means more now. It means that no matter what speed bumps we may come across, we know we are capable of starting over - starting from scratch if needed.
It's hard for me to look back and not remember the anger and betrayal we felt then. Nothing could have prepared us for what happened, but I am SO proud of us for getting back up, and getting going. Things have improved so drastically since then, and it's only been a year!I see terrible headlines about people committing suicide, killing their families, burning their foreclosed houses down, etc. and I think... my GOD. So many people are struggling, so many people feel that they have nowhere to turn. It is those times when we must look within ourselves and determine what we are really made of.
I pray more now. Hubby definitely prays more than he did then. And every single day I thank the Lord, my lucky stars, and any other higher power that will listen for giving us the strength, endurance and gumption to keep going and stay positive.
There are no dead ends in life. Only opportunities to make a new path.
Last week I approached an anniversary that I would rather forget, one that changed my life and my husbands forever. June 19, 2008 I lost my job. To make a REALLY long story short, I had invested 5 years, countless overtime hours, not to mention blood, sweat and tears into my job. It was my plan, it was my future, and I was safe there. Or so I thought. Things came crashing down in such a way that is unreal even to me (the person who experienced it!).
What made it worse, was that my husband had just returned from a 2 week stint overseas entertaining the troops with a USO comedy tour. In order to take that opportunity, and to share his support with our troops, he had to leave his job the week before he left for Iraq. I was totally supportive, and we were totally secure. I was making more than enough salary for the both of us, and it was important thing in both of our hearts that he go over there and share some laughter with the people who need it most.
Within days of his return, I lost my job and we were beside ourselves. Both of us unemployed only a mere 3 months before our big Vegas wedding weekend. Needless to say, wedding aside, we were at our lowest point imaginable.
So last week and this I have been thinking about the last year and everything that has happened. This time last year we had nothing but each other. Luckily I had savings earmarked for the wedding, so we were able to keep up with bills, etc. and my parents generously supplemented the wedding fund to help us through. But we were at rock bottom, with only each other to cling to. I think that time is one of the most prominent in the "history of hubby and I" that really solidified our future in my mind. Don't get me wrong, I always knew I wanted to marry him, but after all that, I knew life could throw nothing at us that we could not endure together.
(The cat4 hurricane that nearly wiped us off the face of the planet on the weekend IMMEDIATELY following our wedding was another instance of that solidarity...)
So what did we do? The only thing we could do. We picked each other up and clawed our way back out. I took the first job that came along, and so did he. (in this economy, we were fortunate to get work so quickly...) Now, only a year later, hubby has established his own business that has him booked solid for the next 4 months. I have implemented a new division at my job that has subsequently allowed me to cut my office hours down to Tuesdays and Thursdays, and be at home the rest of the week.
Not only are we doing better financially than we were back then, but we're happier. We worked hard to get back up, and I think it means more now. It means that no matter what speed bumps we may come across, we know we are capable of starting over - starting from scratch if needed.
It's hard for me to look back and not remember the anger and betrayal we felt then. Nothing could have prepared us for what happened, but I am SO proud of us for getting back up, and getting going. Things have improved so drastically since then, and it's only been a year!I see terrible headlines about people committing suicide, killing their families, burning their foreclosed houses down, etc. and I think... my GOD. So many people are struggling, so many people feel that they have nowhere to turn. It is those times when we must look within ourselves and determine what we are really made of.
I pray more now. Hubby definitely prays more than he did then. And every single day I thank the Lord, my lucky stars, and any other higher power that will listen for giving us the strength, endurance and gumption to keep going and stay positive.
There are no dead ends in life. Only opportunities to make a new path.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
ode to dad.
Today is for the fathers. And though I'm 600 miles away from mine, I still think about him every single day. Until my husband came along, he was "the" man in my life. I compared every other man to my Dad, each one required to be at least as smart, at least as funny, and hold me in the very highest regards. I expected nothing less from any other man who wanted to be a part of my life than I receive from my Dad. I knew within a couple of dates what my Dad would think about the boyfriend of the moment, and it always played at least a minor part in my decisions to move forward in relationships. I'm sure that's why I ended up with such a great husband. ;) I know he was proud the day he walked me down the aisle towards the man who would vow to take care of me for him forever.
My Dad taught me nearly everything I know. He prepared me to be a well-educated, well-rounded individual, and spared no affection in the process. He never let any preconceived macho manly instincts overshadow his affection for his little girl. My Grandma tells me now that he was never that way until I was born. Back then, people just weren't that affectionate I guess. He taught me that no matter what, you should never fail to let the people you care about know that you love them. Hugs were always a priority.
He's spent his life making sure that I did not go without, no matter what that meant for he and my mom. We never knew any of the stresses of being an adult, because they never put that upon us. Even though we never went without we were still raised to appreciate the value of the dollar, and had jobs as soon as we were old enough. We were never spoiled, but were as happy and well adjusted as 2 kids can really be.
I know once I do have my own children, it will be one of the great joys of his life as well as mine. No matter where life takes me from here, no matter how old I am or how many of my own children I may have, I am truly and eternally his little girl.
So today, I say thank you to my Daddy. Thanks for always being everything I needed, and everything I could have ever asked for. :)
XOXO
Monday, June 8, 2009
flash in the pan.
Well, as things often have a tendency to do, they've changed again already. Upon further inspection and discussion of my newfound "opportunity," things were not quite what they seemed. Not necessarily in a bad way, but in a way that sort of made the whole thing a load of crap. After much thought, prayer, and discussion with the hubby I feel pretty good about the the fact that things didn't work out, as well as the imminent change in my other job. We've decided to go with the changes with the company I'm with, and I'll work from home and adhere to the new schedule they've set forth for me. God has mysterious ways, and I know there is a reason for all of this.
The extra time at home will certainly make for less stress, and allow me to tie up some loose ends as we're still trying to get pregnant. Hopefully the new schedule will be a blessing in the future if we ever do get pregnant. I would love to be able to be home with my baby any amount of time that I can be.
So for now, we'll tighten our belts a little bit and replenish our savings while we can. Thankfully, the hubby's business is doing well, so at least we don't have to worry there. :)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
when life hands you lemons, make lemonade!
One of my very favorite bloggers, Harmony of Harmony's Travels, sent me the lemonade award yesterday! As this is my first award as a blogger, I am very grateful! I am grateful of ALL of the people who read my blog, and those of you who allow me to read yours as well.
I love the prospect of reaching out into cyberspace and connecting with people who have positive, insightful outlooks on life, and who I can relate to on a personal level as well. I find inspiration and determination reflected through Harmony's blog, and am always looking forward to the next installment. :) If you have not checked her out, you definitely should! I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Harmony for the recognition and her continued support of my blog! :)
I believe the protocol for this type of thing is to pass it on to someone new who makes a difference in your blog world. For me, it's going toThis blogger is always sharing positive information, wonderful stories, and spectacular photos. I get a perspective from her that I always enjoy, so Lover of Life at LIFE IN THE SECOND HALF, this one is for you! Thank you for the inspiration and the continued support!
Actually, thanks to EVERYONE for their continued support & love. :) It always makes my day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)