Sunday, June 10, 2007

Life in the fast lane....


Even with such a new busy schedule {I worked 6 days and ended up with 58 hours this week!} and Murphy's Law, I somehow managed to take some time to slow down and enjoy my life. This past week certainly came with its share of problems, one right after the other, in both my work environment and our home. Don and I are experiencing "technical difficulties" with our hot tub heating element, even after replacing it, running to Columbus after working 10 hours on Wednesday for a new flow switch system, it still isn't heating. Our Jeep is not running... even after filling it up with a full tank of gasoline prior to Memorial Day weekend, replacing the fuel pump and filter, a new crank shaft sensor, and a fuse for it on the engine. It seems there's a dead short somewhere in the electrical system... a new ignition control fuse blows whenever the fuel pump is hooked up, but works wonderfully whenever the fuel pump is disconnected --- but alas, no fuel, no engine running. Our poor '91 Ford Ranger isn't fairing much better as a brake pad became stuck one morning on my way to work and yesterday, the brakes went out all together... so we're now driving Shawn's Jeep. And to add insult to the financial injuries we've already sustained, Shawn borrowed our riding lawn mower and it now requires repair. Oh, and our cell phone needs to be sent off and repaired/replaced as the screen has somehow disappeared so you have no idea who is calling or your dailing, LOL! Every day, I've came home from work to deal with one of these things after the other, and yet somehow felt grateful to even have them and the new job to distract me and provide additional income to deal with them in the future.

At work, it's been hectic, as approximately 25 of us {yes, I'm one of the choosen ones!} are learning to operate and run a "new to us" line on a skeleton crew {in comparison to the 75 people it takes to operate on second shift}. Everyday provides us a new challenge and the opportunity to learn something new, even if it is "what NOT To Do", LOL! As I arrive home, with aching feet and a sore back from standing 10 hours a day, I breathe a major sigh of relief, even if it is quickly short lived. Somehow, I seem to be taking it all in stride, knowing that one day things will get better! I've simply refused to allow life's little obstacles to rob me of the joys that I experiencing in so many other little ways. I've met some wonderful people at work, made a few new friends, and am starting to love what I'm doing as I get the hang of my job more and more each day.

Chaos is adapted to my new schedule rather quickly. He goes to bed early with me and gently lays his head beside me in the wee hours of the morning as I am beginning to stir before the alarm goes off at 3:30 a.m. He's been there to greet me at the front door with his wagging tail and excitement when I return at 3:30 p.m. In the evenings, we enjoy a stolen hour on the rear deck relaxing in the shade, throwing ball, or taking a evening walk --- even if it is only down to the corner and back.

Don is doing an amazing job keeping up with the housework; throwing in a load of laundry and doing up dishes every day. He's been really supportive of me and my new schedule, taking into consideration I'm hot and tired when I return home; so we've either had dinner in, or out, or a quick bite to eat at home. He's not complained once about doing any of these things or the fact that I do very little as I continue to adjust and retire to bed very early in the evening. It somehow seems sinful as I lay down before the sun goes down, LOL!

The flowers that I planted in pots on our rear deck are thriving. The scent of lavender and peonies fill the deck with the most amazing scent, while the water garden's soothing sounds nurture and restoreth my soul in the coolness of the evening shade. I do, however, miss not working on my rubber stamping, paper arts, or quilting projects but know in my heart that one day I'll be a bit more energetic and able to work on them once again, even if it is in little steps along the way.

Alexxis continues to inspire and delight me as she grows and learns new things each and every day. She's not walking on her own as of yet, althought grandma knows she could once she learns to let go of the fear of falling. She's beginning to take a few steps, with the "running" total now up to five, LOL! but has learned to somehow climb on every available surface. She's learned to give and blow kisses when asked and in cooperative mood, and repeats, "I wuv you" a few times a day. Her smile is simply contagious as is her curiosity of the world around her astounds and continues to amaze us.

Don and I healthy and happy for the most part. We both realized through life's trials and tribulations that without one's health and the support of one another very little else truly matters in the grand scheme of things. So, we continue to deal with the little obstacles, refusing to make mountains out of moleholes, and thank God everyday for the much bigger blessings he's bestowed upon us.

1 comment:

lindaharre said...

What a great post! I love your spirit! I am not always as patient as you, but do step back and look at the big picture when things get tough:) Grandchildren seem to make every "booboo" better! All they do is smile and everything else goes away:) Life is good!