Martin Luther King Jr.

He had a dream and tomorrow that dream is realized that a black man can become the president of the United States of America (tomorrow). It makes me proud to be an American (as long as I don't think of how greedy, gluttonous and polluting we are). If you read this, pray that Obama can really make changes for our country and for the world. We all should have a dream. A dream that humankind can find peace, love and happiness!

Having a bad day...

Well, things are getting to me today. I've got a migraine so it's hard to tolerate life with the usual humor. I'd like to stay positive and focused but really I just want to cry! I know my life is like a lot of people's these days, hard times are here for most everyone, but I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you are reading this send me some positive energy, say a prayer for me or give me a call or email to cheer me up. I really need it!

A visit from the Crystalline Entity

On a recent morning, I saw we were being visited by the Crystalline Entity.

OK, this is the real Crystalline Entity. That was just all the snow we've been getting (turned upside down).

Christmas morning 2008

Thought someone might like to see some photos of the boys on Christmas morning!

And here's the Christmas tree!

New Year's Eve

It's the last day of 2008. I can't say it's been the worst year but it certainly hasn't been the best. With Alex being laid off a few weeks ago and jobs looking pretty scarce. We know folks who've been looking for months!

Christmas was nice this year. The kids said it was the best ever. My favorite moment was caroling (in garb) at the Cove Point Retirement Center. The folks' eyes lit up as we sang and many sang with us. It gave me the feeling I was looking for, that I could do something positive for the world at a time which is usually more depressing and stressful for me (the holidays). It made all the difference and even though we have done "Sub-for-Santa" for many years, this was much more emotionally fulfilling. We went to four different care centers on Christmas day with a total of 12 in our group all dressed in our medieval garb. After we went to IHOP which was the only place open. We did a good deal of visiting over the holiday but I think I could have enjoyed even more!

Tonight is up in the air for plans. We could go to the mall for "First Night" or stay home and play the new Wii or maybe some friends will call...

Here's hoping that 2009 is a good one!

Things come in threes?

Last week Alex was laid off. It was a new job he was hoping would turn into a new career in construction. He was learning building skills in preparation to learn to be a project manager. The contractor had 4-5 jobs lined up in September but one by one, they all decided that the economy was too unstable to go through with their plans. For the first time ever, this contractor had to report all his employees for unemployment. Needless to say, we are pretty upset. The job market is poor right now unless you want to work for $8.00 an hour or you are highly skilled.

We also found out a friend has bone cancer so I'm waiting for the final blow. Will it be a car break-down or the furnace goes out? I'm prepared cuz I know if it'll happen, it will happen to me. I'm living a Murphy's Law life.

Friday, my company gave away $25,000 in cash and prizes. I couldn't even dare hope to win (and I didn't) but it really hurt my Christmas spirit. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to be working for a company that can afford to give away $25,000. It really means job security for me. I know that many people are in worse shape than us BUT it stings none the less.

Keeping the magic alive...

Why is it so hard to keep the magic alive? Our favorite Santa (the REAL Santa) stopped coming to Provo Town Center a few years ago. We heard he went to University Mall but I don't know if that is true, we haven't been able to verify it. We went yesterday to see his royal red roundness and found he had just left for lunch (at 3:30pm) and wouldn't be back for a hour. The boys begged to stay and look around the mall, promising not to ask for anything, so we did. Of course they both asked for things and then we waited another 30 minutes in line for Santa once he was back. It defintiely lowered my Christmas spirit but here's a look at the visit.