Blessing #19 - Blackberry Pie

'Nuff said.

Blessing #18 - Lucky Days

For the most part I believe that each person creates their own luck.  Having said that, today was the first really lucky day I've had in quite a while.  I was roused from bed early this morning with a phone call asking me to come in for an interview at the Canteen Lunch.  I went in for the interview which was a very quick, truly enjoyable encounter.  I was home no more than an hour when Shirlee called and asked me to start immediately--as tonight.  While I was on the phone with Shirlee, Jason from Manpower called to inform me the law office I interviewed at last week wants me to start one week from today.  The schedules for both jobs are compatible, and I genuinely enjoyed my interaction with both employers.  I decided to accept both jobs.  Granted I'm going to be bringing home less money that I did in Columbus (the Canteen position won't even cover my child support), but I have officially rejoined the work force. 

I also "won" free tickets to Richmond Funny Bone, but, since I moved out of Virginia over a year ago, I don't think I'm going to get much use out of them.

Blessing #17 - Peaceful Easy Feelings

The family took a walk along the Des Moines River today.  We had more good moments than painful ones during our excursion, so I have to call it a success.  We were escorted by butterflies and dragon flies.  We climbed down the river bank and under a bridge, and there was a moment where for the first time in years it felt like we were all seeing the same thing. 

Blessing #16 - Variety IS The Spice of Life

My mother and I, de-stressed and recharged, can find quite an interesting adventure when left to our own devices.  Today we hit up a local art festival, tried to do some shopping (I'm way to picky with other people's money), and most importantly hit up the local library.  Call me crazy bu,t from the looks of these book, perhaps we were a little late getting out.

She picked out the top two....I'm just sayin'.

Blessing #15 - Logan Pennington

Today marks the 4 year anniversary of the untimely passing of my high school friend Logan Pennington, his brother Ben, and their father.  Instead of going over the tragedy of that moment, I'd like to take today to remember what a wonderful guy he was.  Logan was one of those classmates that I saw everyday, but never got tired of seeing.  He was always quick to smile, and I always felt this "little brother" draw from him.  No matter what was going on in my life he always had my back and would let me drone on and on without judgement or censure.

 I wish I had been able to carry his burdens.  I wish I had been able to protect him better, but I will NEVER regret the time I had with him.

I love you, Log.  You are one blessing that will always be in my heart.

Blessing #14 - Hope

My interview today went very well.  This time I really do think I'm going to get out of this house and back into the working world.  Yea Me!

Blessing #13 - New Beginnings

Ryan and Libby getting ready for her first day.

Libby started kindergarten today.  That means all of my babies are officially growing up on me.  With 13 years ahead of us of science projects, spelling tests, and, eventually, boy/girl dances, her father and I both had to take a breath today and realize that her story apart from us is beginning today.

I have an interview tomorrow for a job that would be a outside of the call center world all together.  I don't know that I'll get the job, but I have a feeling that that chapter of my life is over and going forward any job I get will require that I start from scratch building a new identity outside the call center/collections world.

Tomorrow is 5 years since I left my husband.  I can't say that my life is better today than it was back then, but it is definitely different.  I'd like to think we have both grown because of what has happened since then, but for now I can take comfort that I have faith that I did make the right decision.

So here's to new beginnings....they may not always end the way we expect, but they always open up a new adventure.