But… on this particular Saturday… there was no time for sleeping in or curling up with a good book – or a bad one for that matter!  I had to work.  Normally  I don’t mind the every-other Saturday duty, but it was pouring!  The 30 mile drive to Tifton on the construction prone interstate took twice as long as usual.  And that was the good part.  You see, we have a security gate at my workplace — it’s not exactly what one might call “high tech” — it consists of two chain link affairs on rollers that come together and lock with a chain and a combination padlock.  

There I was in the downpour — not an especially good hair day , to say the least.  After fumbling with the slick, wet combination, I gave one last yank on the chain (literally!) and it was free.  Then the real fun began.  I did my upper body workout pushing the gate open on either side.  Sprint back to my car.    I figure this can easily suffice for my daily exercise routine (which is non-existent.)

I toiled away at my computer and answering the unrelenting telephone.  It was 11:45.  I only had to work till noon… and the rain was beginning to subside… there was a God and She loved me! 

12:00!  I turned off the coffee maker, shut down my computer and ignored the phone that continued to ring… I went outside and turned to lock the door when it happened… Yep.  Thunder and lightning joined in the chorus of yet another round of pounding.   

 Sloshing out to my car, my hair clung to my neck and face like seaweed — but not nearly as attractive.  I made my way out the driveway, and repeated my “upper body workout” to secure the rolling gate once more.  I took my place in line with the rest of the “ducks” swimming down the Interstate,  and found myself humming a song from an old Steve McQueen movie… “Baby the Rain Must Fall…” 

Rain or shine –  I hope you’re having a great day!

Take Care, Keep Smiling & Keep Georgia on Your Mind!

The past three weeks have gone by in a haze… like one of those fluid paintings where one image runs wildly into the next. 

I went to Atlanta for a few days for some practical testing and certification for two major focus areas of my new job.  That Friday, I left downtown Atlanta and the unbelievable traffic in the pouring rain!  The downpour accompanied me all the way south to beautiful downtown Hahira.  I had one day to spend with my family before I had to leave town again.  

That Sunday I drove down to Jacksonville, FL to catch my flight to Lincoln, NE via Chicago.   More training, meetings and the obligatory “mandatory fun”  dining out!  It was a great trip overall.  I met some incredible people and learned a lot! 

I saw snow again for the first time in several years!  It was beautiful – at least it was when I looked at it from inside the warm comforts of my hotel suite!  Outside in the elements, however, the beauty lost much of it’s allure.  Somewhere between the freezing wind and the slip-sliding of my feet on the icy walk, the glorious vision was replaced by cynicism and the phrase “What am I doing here???” kept creeping into the last traces of my brain. 

But oh, did I mention the “mandatory fun?”  What a great time, or, I should say times!  Every lunch and dinner was an adventure!  Our first evening meal was at a restaurant called “Carlos O’Kelley’s”  Hmmm… I was half expecting corned beef tacos!  Ha!  It turned out to be Mexican cuisine at it’s finest. 

Here we are… the “Five Irish Amigos” of Lincoln Nebraska!

The rest of the week was an epicurean delight!  Grisanti’s Italian Restaurant presented a unique challenge.  But that’s another story!  Let it suffice to say that the food was magnifique! 

I ate more in that one week than I have in the past month!  I will have to diet and exercise overtime to recover from this trip!  

My return flight had to be rescheduled.  Well, actually it didn’t actually have to be rescheduled.  I could have flown into Chicago and spent the night in the O’Hare Airport since weather prohibitted me from making my connecting flight to Jacksonville… Instead corporate put me up one more night at the Stayrbidge in Nebraska and gave me a company car to run around with.  Of course all my co-horts in crime made their connecting flights and were on their way back to home and hearth.  I was alone in the beauty and sheer vastness of South Nebraska. 

Left to my own devices, I drove to the nearest McDonald’s and ordered their Friday special, 2 filet of fish sandwiches for $3.00.  Being the last of the big time spenders, I even splurged and got one of those big soft pretzel with salt.  (I love the huge salt pieces!)  Add a large diet coke (it just makes it all sound so much better! Ha!) and I drove back to my suite.                                      

After my McMeal, I took a walk down to the hotel library and took advantage of the computers made available to the guests.  I sent my family my updated itinerary when all of the sudden shrill sirens and flashing lights!  The faint smell of smoke convinced me to turn off the computer and head toward the lobby.  I ran back to my room for my coat, purse, car keys and AIRLINE TICKET.  If I had to leave everything else behind — I was going on that plane the next morning!  It turned out to be a guest with even worse cooking skills than mine.  The guest burned what I can only guess was intended for his/her dinner.  He/She should have followed me to Mickey D’s. 

The hotel staff convinced all of us huddled outside waiting for the fire trucks that did not come, that there was no danger.  We were told to make our way back to our rooms.  Ooooo Kayyyy… But did I sleep?  Not much… and then the early flight…but I was going home.  Home to Georgia… wonderful WARM Georgia!

And what was waiting for me back home?  Lurking in the mist?  An intruder that took over my health and robbed me from attending my nephew’s wedding… the FLU!  Ugh!

So… yeah, my first week back was anything but pleasant… but now.. in the aftermath… and between the now not-so-often coughs and sneezes… I’m back. 

Hope is on the horizon and I’m looking forward to spring and all things GREEN!

Take Care, Keep Smiling and Keep Georgia on Your Mind!

My thoughtful daughter-in-law recently gave me some Egyptian bath salts.  At the time I remember thinking… “How nice… but I’m a shower person…”  Of course I accepted the gift graciously and placed it conspicuously on my sink/vanity.  In the past couple of days, I gave in to the urge to pick it up.  I gave the top a slight twist and the fragrance was subtle yet alluring. 

My shower gel glared at me from just beyond the shower curtain.  “You are not a foo foo bath person — YOU are a Shower gal!” it cried out to me.  Obediently, I replaced the lid and the salts were relegated back to the corner.  I turned on the shower head and ran through the fast paced ritual that precedes every busy day… 

Later, after the 30 mile drive on construction zone interstate to work… and 8 hours of frenzied phone calls, reports and statistics and another 30 mile return drive through above-mentioned construction zone topped off with a rushed stop at the store and hurried dinner… I felt the pull once again.

This time, I ignored the rantings from the gel.  I turned the tap and put the stopper in place.  As the hot water steamed into the tub, I sprinkled in a generous scoop of salts.   I put on soft music and allowed myself to slip into the aromatic liquid.  I closed my eyes and allowed the soothing balm to wash over and envelop me in it’s embrace.    Why had I waited so long to experience the calming ritual of the bath?  Such simplicity.  Such relaxation…Ahhhh….  There may be better ways to end a hectic day… but tonight… I don’t think so.  Thank you my dear, dear daughter-in-law!

At 11:30pm my darling little dog, Cassie, a 6 1/2 pound Maltese, spoke softly of her needs.  I tried to roll over and ignore her.  Trust me when I tell you her small size does not hamper her ability to cut to the chase!  Her soft mumblings grew into louder and louder grumblings.  She jumped back on the bed and poked at me with her tiny paws.  She REALY needed to go outside!

OK – one eye open – that was her cue.  She jumped down from the bed and started her “Cassie Dance” round and round in circles, impatiently waiting for me to don slippers and robe and drag my tired soul to the front door to let her out.

She took care of business immediately – good for her!  She ran back inside and after a stop at her water bowl, she jumped back into bed, and curled up in a small ball.  Me?  Not so lucky…

I tossed and turned… it was no use.  I was AWAKE with no signs of slumber anytime soon.  I tried to read… but nothing was holding my attention with this overriding desire to get back to my illusive dreams.    I tried to write… but my fingers and the words in my brain could not get together to form anything even close to a literate phrase. 

Somewhere in the quiet of the night I could hear snoring.  Claud was in the living room, I knew it wasn’t him.  It was a soft delicate snore… It was Cassie!  Yes, she was enjoying the luxury of sleep after she destroyed mine!  And I thought these sleepless issues would end once my children were grown!   That’s what I get for thinking!

I am not a tv person… but decided to flip through and see if I could find something of interest – or something so unintersting that I could doze off.  I finally landed on more campaign garbage – let it suffice to say the last thing I remember was pushing the button to end the BS.  My eyes were finally getting heavy enough to stay shut.  Elusive sleep had finally arrived.   Yaye!

The shrill ringing of the telephone all but rocked me out of bed!  I grappled with the handset only to hear a recorded message to get out and vote for Mitt Romney in the upcoming Super Tuesday Primary!  Not even a real person to answer some of the questions I would like to fire back — like why are you calling me at 8:00AM on a Sunday morning!??! 

On the down side… I didn’t get as much sleep as I had hoped for… but on a bright note… the field of candidates who could possibly get my vote has decreased by at least one!

While a majority of you will be partaking in  a variety of Super Bowl parties, I am planning a quieter day of reading and relaxing by the pond.   And more likely than not, before the day is out, my adventures will include a long walk with my best friend and cause of sleepless nights, Cassie.

The phone rang.  My boss.  He had a family emergency and called to see if I thought I could handle the office by myself for a while.  He would try to be in by noon.

“No problem!” I assured him  “You just do what you need to do, I’ll be fine!” 

Yeah.  Right.  My mind went blank.  I’ve been on the job for just a little over two weeks.  I drove the 30 miles north to the terminal and willed myself to remember everything!   I started to panic as I pulled through the open gate.  “Good,” I thought, “a thoughtful driver unlocked and opened the huge gate leading to our terminal and yard.”  Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad afterall.

I pulled out the only note paper in my purse… my ‘Women’s Monthly Planner’ compliments of the Breast Clinic.  I’ve never used it to log in my ‘self examination’ anyway.  At least now I finally had a good use for it!

I made my round of trucks and trailers noting numbers and status – empty or loaded.   It was the first time I had ever done it.  Usually my boss would take care of that particular duty; but he wasn’t there and I knew the home office would be expecting a “yard check” report.   I parked my car and unlocked the office.  I looked around and got my priorities straight.

With the aroma of brewing coffee, I logged onto the computer and kicked into ‘auto pilot’ – fuel requests, time off, and a dozen other driver wants and needs and before I knew it was going on noon!  Thank goodness ‘cuz … I was holding my own … but it would be nice having someone with all the answers back in the corner office.  Then it happened… again.

He called to ask how it was going and if I could handle it on my own for the rest of the day.   I knew he was concerned about the office… but I knew his family emergency needed his attention as well.  Things were hectic… but so far I had managed to juggle everything and no one was complaining (at least not too loudly!) so I told him, “No worries!  I’ll be fine.”

Of course, the words were no sooner said than… things got really crazy!  On the phone to the home office… once… twice… I stopped counting after six… but it was different departments.  I figure unless they all start comparing notes… I’m good.   Besides, if they wanted me to know everything NOW… why hold off my training till late February?

All in all… the day went surprisingly well.  I learned a LOT.   Everyone was very patient and eager to help.   And as far as I can tell… the company is still in business! 

Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

A couple of weeks ago my daughter and daughter-in-law “forced” me to spend the weekend in Orlando!  OK – those of you who know me, even remotely, know that I would never have to be “forced” to go to Orlando!      Mary and Monika went out of their way to make my birthday weekend the best yet!   We had the best time.  The highlight was two nights at Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar on Disney’s Boardwalk, and the piano men were incredible.

This week I learned that my new job will expand my travelling even more… Next month I’m going to Nebraska!  I’ve always dreamed of a job that would take me to exotic places…hmmm.   Now in all fairness to Nebraska and its residents… I’m sure it’s a lovely place to visit — but February???    No worries – I’m psyched about it none the less.  The upcoming week of training will help me do my job better and give me the opportunity to meet a lot of the people I’ve been talking to everyday.  It’ll be nice to match faces with voices

So, my schedule has been pretty hectic the past few weeks – and it looks like it’s about to get even more so — but it’s a good “hectic” and I wouldn’t change a thing!

Just a month ago, I was unemployed, and wondering where my next steps would take me… Isn’t it funny the things you find when you venture around that next corner?   So whether my travels are near or far, I’m looking forward to new adventures around all the corners of my life.

I hope your days are going well… but if dark clouds are hovering… take a walk and peek around the corner.  Hey!  It can’t hurt!

OK, now that I’ve arrived…. what to do next?

I have previously posted a few blogs on MySpace… but a lot of my friends have better sense than to join so they don’t have ready access to my ‘words of wisdom’ – Ha!

So I decided to take the plunge and create my very own blog page – Yaye! 

It will probably take me a while to figure out what in the world I am doing… but I’m doing it none the less! 

Stay tuned for fascinating verbiage and nonsense

Take Care, Keep Smiling & Keep Georgia on Your Mind!