Still Unemployed

It must be nice to have a job..... When will it happen for me?

Little Oliver

My newest grandson, Oliver was born October 18, 2009. How exciting it was to see him as he was being born. He was born at Tacoma General Hospital, where I was born and my daughter Ginger was born as well. My son Tony and his girlfriend Christina are so excited to be parents. I am so happy for them as it is not always easy being a new parent. The sleepless nights, feeding, cries, trowing up, taking a diaper bag, bottle and change of clothes every where you go - all of this can be very trying for a parent. It was hard for me, I know. I felt very alone in taking care of my children when they were babies.

I am happy Oliver is part of our family and I look forward to spending time with him as he grows.

Good Morning

It's early for some and not so early for others who do not have a "9 - 5" schedule. I enjoy getting up early, checking email; responding to email; looking at Facebook and reading The News Tribune. I am often anxious to get the day started, seeing the sky turn light, looking for a job, networking, meeting with friends.

I am hosting a dinner party this Sunday with a few chums from high school as we are planning our reunion for 2010. It amazes me that we graduated 29 years ago.... it just does not seem that long ago but at other times, it does seem like a long time ago. So much has happened during that 29 years and not always good things.

My son Adam is coming home for two weeks after being in Basic Training and schooling in the Army for the past ten months. He has been in South Carolina and Virginia. It will be so wonderful to see him again and to spend time with him.

Seeking

I have several friends who are looking for a job. Many of us have been out of work for a long time. Why? We are smart, reliable, capable business people. We network at local events, volunteer in the community and pray. We support each other, pray for one another, go on interviews and still feel disappointment. We are often asked: "What do you do all day?" We stay busy, of course, we have to. But it seems like such an odd question to us. I am so thankful to have the support of my friends around me. Friends who can truly understand the darkness of looking for a job, the affect of this terrible economy and the genuine prayers which keep us from feeling more discouraged.

Long Beach, WA

I love Long Beach, Washington. This darling town of 1300 residents is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean not far from where Lewis & Clark made their pivotal journey in 1805 and discovered they had "reached the coast".

When I was a child my parents took us to Long Beach several times over the years spending several days in Cabin #7 at the Long Beach Motel. While the motel still stands today - I believe it is called the Boulevard Motel now. When I escaped a few precious moments from my over-protective parents, I would play in the sand behind the cabin, think about all the treasures and freaky items they had on display at Marsh's Museum, or swing on the swing sets. It was my favorite place to visit as a child. An innocent time with home cooked meals in the cabin, sandy shoes and wet bathing suits drying on the line.

In today's edition of The News Tribune there is an article about a woman who was shot and killed by her former boyfriend in Long Beach, not long ago. This reality is not as sweet as playing in the sand or searching for salt water taffy among the assorted bins in the candy store. This reality brings me great sadness. Another true story of a woman trying to escape the horror of domestic violence; an abusive boyfriend from whom a restraining order does not protect. I pray for protection of other nameless women - to be protected for such a tragedy. It is my passion to continue to support the YWCA Pierce County who assist women and children who have been able to escape domestic violence. I pray for happiness in flying kites, visiting Jake the Alligator Man, making sand castles, riding the Go Karts and buying donuts from the Long Beach Bakery - which is all that should happen while you are visiting Long Beach, Washington

Grandma Jo

From my doctors office window I can see many Tacoma landmarks. The Port of Tacoma, St. Nicholas Church, Puget Sound Bank Building (I know, I know its the Heritage Bank building now) the Rust Building and several new condo buildings. Each time I am in this area of Tacoma I think about my grandmother Josephine. She grew up in a house at 1516 South I Street which is in the very same neighborhood where my doctor's office is. Yes, I have the address memorized. I am enamoured by how my grandmother lived as she did not have a mother, as her mother died in childbirth. She was raised by my great grandfather until he remarried. From what she told me, it was very lonely growing up without her "real" mother. Still, I am enamoured by her life - where did she shop? where did her friends live? where was her doctor's office? It was a different life than we know it - no Fred Meyer grocery store, not many cars on the road and most everyone attended church. The house no longer stands as it is now a parking lot of the St Joseph Medical Center. I think and wonder and have so many questions of what my grandmother's life was like when she was a young child.

Julie's inspiration

I have never met Julie, the woman who the movie Julie/Julia is based on but she did inspire me. What a darling movie it was - so full of humanity - disappointment, mad love, friendship, distrust and heartache. Emotions we all have encountered in life, well unless you are a lion :)

I feel inspired now to write on my blog more often and share with the friends and the world - what my thoughts, feelings and emotions are. A daring task - even for Julie when she first started. Julie has inspired me to cook. My husband and of course my family knows - I rarely cook. Why would I want to when someone else would cook for me? Now I am inspired to cook delicious gourmet meals. Last night I made "Fingerling Ghost Potatoes" and "Carrots with Dill Sauce" YUM!

We also celebrated Lexie's second birthday! Marissa made the cake - otherwise I would of had another reason to bake too : )