WHAT A ROLLER COASTER OF A WEEK !!

Finally, the current economic crisis has hit the company I work. Layoffs were inevitable and announcements were made this week. I knew at least 10 -1 5 of the impacted people. How terribly sad ! Several of the impacted people were folks I have considered friends. In fact, one was a guy I had dated a couple of years ago. Most of these people were high tenured people with the company, having given15 - 20 years of their lives. I'm sure they are feeling of a sense of betrayal. I know I would. It's hard to imagine that some of the people I have worked with and socialized with, will no longer be apart of our company.

However, the big news in my life.....I have reconnected with an old flame. He's someone I have not stopped caring for since our relationship had a sudden end in the fall. Brian made the initiative to contact me last weekend. He asked if I would have coffee with him on Monday, of course, I accepted. I was really interested in seeing him and my reaction. Well...My heart skipped a beat when I saw him standing in front of Barnes & Noble. We decided to have dinner, being neither of us had eaten. I really sat back and listened to him. He apologized for the fall and we discussed if there was enough between us to pick up and see where this relationship would lead. We, both, decided we wanted to move forward. We made plans for Thursday.

On Tuesday, Brian texted and wondered if I would be up for going to dinner. Of Course, I was up for it ! We had dinner at Carrabbas . Afterwards, we went to Starbucks and cuddled in the car. On Thursday, after work, we were back at a Starbucks again, and cuddling in the car. He asked if he could go to church with me. I am flattered, excited, nervous...etc. He's beginning to enter my world. After church, we will go to lunch and then he plans to spend the afternoon with me until his super bowl party.

I am trying hard to contain my feelings. It's funny. I cared for him deeply last fall and still do today. I truly believe in the goodness within him. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for us.

Where Does the Time Go !!

Wow ! It's been almost 3 weeks since making a post. Where does the time go ? ! Mainly, I have been working ...I've spending alot of time in software development training with my company. So, I have been working on my days off. I've really been enjoying it and feeling like I'm starting to catch on !! Finally !!!!! Of Course, I still have my part time job at Pier One. I still work their about 15 hours a week. The sales have been great...and I've spent quite a bit of money on Christmas for 2009. What can I say....75% off ....then I get 25% off that with my employee discount !! I'm a sucker for a sale !

It is January 19 and I still have the Christmas Tree up !! Most of the ornaments and lights are still on. I began undecorating last week, but, with work and all....didn't get it finished.

The weather feels alot like winter, now. Friday and Saturday morning, the temps were around 8 degrees. Brrrrrr !!!

I went to church again today. I really enjoy College Park. Jeff and Mark invited me to lunch again...They are the cutest couple ! I really like them and wish them the best. Christy and Jessica are another couple whom I have gotton to know. They have made me feel so welcome.

I'm looking forward to the week. President-elect, Obama, and vice president-elect, Biden will be inaugurated on Tuesday, Jan 20. It looks like the crowds are going to be of historic proportions. I am keeping the kids home from school so they can watch it all on TV. I feel that their schools will not spend the necessary time on the event.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!! 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Welcome 2009 !! What will you bring ? ! I pray for a year of health and prosperity. I pray for the health, wisdom and safety of our New President Elect, Barack Obama and his family. I pray for an Incredible Year of positive change in our economy and government !

I do know that 2009 will bring a High School Graduation in our family. Jessica graduates in early June !! She's grown up to be a beautiful, young lady. Not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside. Also, College for her in the fall at UNC-Greensboro.

I am hoping for a family vacation in the summer of 2009, if my job holds out ( no layoff). Jessica and Andrew have never been to Washington, D.C. and really would like to go. So, I'm planning to take them to DC this summer for a few days, fly Elliot down to be with us, and then we will all drive up to NYC to stay with Elliot for a week. I hope it will be a wonderful vacation !!

I, also, hope to get much more of the house remodel, completed before Jessica's graduation. I imagine we will be doing a bit of entertaining around that time.

If you look back, I deemed 2007 as the "Year Of the Tear". Looking back over 2008...How do I wrap up the Year? Hmmm? It was a good year....but it was a Year of Goodbyes. During 2008, My Aunt Katy died, as well as other friends: Cliff Bailey, Barry Shoemaker, and Betty Crotts. Each one of these people were wonderful in their own way. It was not only a loss for me, but for many. Good people, they were !

In 2008, I discovered a wonderful church to be apart. College Park Baptist on Aycock Street in Greensboro. It's a progressive church in the sense that it accepts all people....whether gay or straight. It's just not an issue there !! In so many ways, it feels like I've come home....but it's been kind of hard getting to know people. I work such an odd schedule...so of course, it's difficult to hang out with anyone.

We elected a new President in 2008 !! BARACK OBAMA !! The Country seems to want change. I pray he can provide the change necessary to make us a great country again !

As of yet, there is no significant theme for 2008...nothing clear cut. However, it will be a year to be remembered.