Trick or Treat!

Tonight my sister, Melissa, invited us over for dinner and then to her ward trunk-or-treat. Parker and I weren't gonna dress up, but at the last minute I saw my old cowboy hat and so I threw on one of parker's shirts and wore my very UN-WORN but totally cute cowboy boots. Then I convinced Parker to put on a pair of scrubs, and wear my stethescope around his neck and go as a doctor.

So the cutest part about tonight wasn't Caleb running around saying "trick or treat!". Actually what happened was.....the first trunk we went to had this witch-goblin looking thing with flashy red eyes, and it scared Caleb to death, and he had to be carried for the rest of the night. The first coupld jack-o-lanterns he saw he'd call them "happy birthday's" (cuz of the candles inside) but once he was really scared, then he started pointing to them and saying, "it scare me." So it was kinda cute, but mostly it made my back really sore, and my feet got REALLY sore (hence the un-wornness of the boots). Why do cute boots always have to HURT so much?! I love boots, but I'm far too logical to wear them all the time. So anyway, after the trunk-or-treat we went back to Melissa's house and trick-or-treated her street (a short culdisac (no idea if I spelled that one right....nor do I care)).

Chase and Tyler were also extremely cute. Chase was Bob the Builder, and Tyler was a clown. Chase insisted on ringing every doorbell, and Tyler would get so excited at every door that he would just walk inside the house once the door was opened. Talk about cute (see video for example).

Caleb's bucket of candy got SOOO full! It was QUITE heavy by the time we were done. And he carried it all by himself the entire time. In fact, he got mad when we tried to take it from him. He'd say, "My my candy!" Okay, you carry it.

I think the best part about tonight was AFTER taking the kids out. As we were driving back home, we saw the field lights on at Eagle High School. Parker said, "It looks like they've gotta game going on tonight......wanna go check it out?......Lets just go see who they're playing." So we drove over to the high school, and Eagle was playing Meridian and it was at the end of the third quarter. We decided that since they probably wouldn't charge us to get in, that we'd go and watch the end of the game. OH MY GOSH THAT WAS FUN!! Even Caleb enjoyed it (plus I had bribing candy to keep him occupied). We got to watch each team score a couple of times, AND it was tied till the end of the game, so it went into overtime. Finally after two posessions, we scored a touchdown......but missed the extra point. Boy was I nervous. I thought for sure it was a mistake that was gonna cost us, but when Meridian got the ball we held them, and Eagle won. That was SUPER FUN! Parker and I decided if there's any more home games we're gonna go and watch the second half (cuz it's free, and it's the best part). Go Mustangs!

Round EIGHT!!!

Sorry about all the text-only posts lately. I've just had a lot to say I guess. Don't worry, Halloween is tomorrow and I promise more pictures!

Last night Parker found an ad for a hygienist in Burley. He went ahead and applied for me. It's at a public health clinic of some sort. Anyway, this morning they called me and asked me to come in for an interview on Monday. The ad said the job was only two days a week, but when I asked him over the phone he said it's three days a week, and a fourth will be added in about a month. So....it's FULL-TIME! Now, if I get it we'll have to move but honestly it's not far.....and Parker's family lives in Burley. So I have no problem living there. Hopefully they won't treat me so disposable there, because Burley is not saturated with dime-a-dozen hygienists like Boise is. Just thought you all should know, not all the doors are shut......and I'm not going down without a fight. Interview number eight here I come!

Too Good To Be True.....

Oh yeah, my luck is THAT bad. I just got a call from Dr. Davis's office like ten minutes ago. They said they decided to go with someone else for their dental hygiene position. They said they'd keep my resume on file just incase. THANKS JERKS!

I've got an idea! Why don't you tell a desparate girl that she's got a job, and then twenty four hours later say, "Just kidding!"

I really have nothing to say. I'm really pissed off and I wanna scream. Also I really hate dentists right now.

UNEMPLOYED PARTY OF ONE?! Oh yeah, that's me.

Part-Time Perio!

This morning I got up and went to my job interview for Dr. Davis who's a periodontist on Eagle Road. The interview seriously lasted like three minutes. He hardly asked me any questions. He seemed a little concerned that I was fresh outa school. He said, "You know, some people think that a perio office can be a tough place to get started...." And I told him that I've ALWAYS wanted to work in a perio office, and I told him about my western society of periodontology award (I'm still waiting to see the check for that one!) and that root-planing is really my strength, and I love to do it. Then he said the front office girl was gonna come in and ask me a few questions, and so she came in and said, "Is there any questions you have?" and I confirmed the days of the week and then she said, "Okay well thanks for coming in!" and it was over. Wasn't exactly sure what to think, but ok whatever. Then around 2:00 I was driving in the truck and my phone rings ("The Office" theme) and I pick it up, and they say, "This is Dr. Davis's office, we'd like to offer you the position." And that was that. I guess we'll hammer out the details on my first day, which is Thursday. I work Thursdays in Boise, and Fridays in Nampa. That's it. I FINALLY landed a job! Bummer that it's only part-time, but the fact that it's on thursdays and fridays gives me a great chance of being able to work ANOTHER part-time job somewhere else.
I just have to say that this unemployment thing has been a huge trial of faith, and that I know it was because Heavenly Father heard my prayers that this opportunity came when it did. And YAY for being a perio office! That's gonna be awesome!

Doin' The Dishes!

For some reason, I have memory of taking more pictures than what I have on my camera. I probably kept thinking to myself, "Oh this would be a cute picture" but then I only actually got out the camera this one time.This weekend Caleb and I went to Burley so that Parker wouldn't have to drive up here and miss the last day of hunting season. So we drove down on Friday, and that night we ordered pizza (I LOVE stuffed crust pizza....which is what we had) and hung out together. Saturday Parker went hunting, but I went to Relief Society Super Saturday and made THIS!!!
It's a clock! (well....I'm sure you figured that out). I painted the edges, and sanded it, and the designs are just scrapbook paper held on by some stuff called, "modge podge". Then we just attached the clock parts. I think on the left side, I'm gonna find some fun letters and have it say, "Lyons" or something. We'll see. Cool huh? Since I really don't get to make cute things like this.....ever. It was fun. And when I was done, I wanted to do another one. Well, the pictures are from Sunday after dinner. Caleb and I did the dishes together. Actually I did the dishes and he got water everywhere. That pink bowl in his hand was full of water at one point, and he dumped the entire thing on the floor. But it was cute. He likes to help with the dishes. And he kept saying, "I doin' nuh dishes!" He's such a little helper.
Oh a quick note about my interview.....it's not for the temp job. I really don't know what job it is.....part or full time. Guess I'll find out tomorrow!

Somewhere He Opens A Window......

This morning I got a phone call and landed myself another job interview. (Don't worry...sixth time's a charm right?) for tomorrow morning at 9:00. I think this job is only an 8 week temp job for someone leaving on maternity leave, however I can't exactly remember which one it was (cuz I've applied for SOOO many). So we'll see what luck this can bring me. Don't worry, a post about all the fun doings of my weekend is forthcoming. Wish me luck!

Um.....I Made That!!

About a month ago, I asked my mom if she'd make Caleb a halloween costume. She said, "No, but I'll help YOU make one." And I said, "Even better!!" See what my mom didn't realize was that she tried to teach my two older sisters how to sew, but when they pooped out and lost interest, she never even tried to teach me. So my sewing career before today consisted of a quilt, and a pair of pajama pants.

Well, today mom was home from work, so she showed me how to read a pattern, and I spent pretty much THE ENTIRE DAY saddled to the sewing machine. I found the pattern at JoAnn's for 99 cents, and I chose flanel fabric so he could wear them as pajamas once halloween is over.

A few things I learned about sewing.......I ripped this thing apart enough that I could've made the costume TWICE, for all the mistakes I made. And.....BUTTONS SUCK! As a kid, I loved the buttons, cuz it's really not that hard......sew in the hole. End of story. But did your know you have to make button HOLES?! Yeah! And it's a pain. Plus the buttons are always the last part, and you're pooped out by then, and it's just annoying that you're sitting there sewing by hand when you cluld be using a machine. However, we finally finished at about 9:45 tonight, and I kept Caleb awake so I could get some pictures before he went to bed.

He absalutely LOVES his costume! And he had no problem at all with standing there and saying, "CHEESE!" while I took my pictures.

While I was sewing the hat, he got so excited he kept trying to pull it outa my hands before I was done. Isn't he a cutie?!! And I just have to add that he looks SOOOOOOOO much like Parker in these pictures, it's almost scary. The kid's a little clone.

For halloween we're gonna paint his face, and he can wear his snowboots, and we'll teach him how to say, "trick or treet!" And we'll take him to my sister's neighborhood. Although, I'm kinda nervous, cuz I NEVER give Caleb candy. He gets a few m&m's once in a while, or a bite of someone's chocolate bar. And he had his first sucker at Dejah's birthday party in August. So I'm interested to see what he's gonna do with a whole sack full. I know what'll happen......I'll end up eating it. That's all I need, I've already got cavities and no job........I can feel 'em. Hurts when I eat sugar. Yeah, maybe Parker will be eating the candy.

CHEESE!!

Just thought I'd post a few pictures of the little cheese-ball on the potty.

He just LOVES to say "CHEESE!"

Leaves!!

The leaves turn yellow, and the next day they ALL drop at the same time. So today my sisters came over cuz mom had the day off. We made apple pie filling, and canned it (yay for REAL homemade pies for the holidays). Then I decided the kids were getting in the way and so I took them all outside to play in the leaves. That was great fun.

So the difference between a two year old and a four year old is this: a two year old will run through the leaves, jump in the pile, and throw them in the air. A four year old will rake the leaves and pretend they're building a house. They'll dig and dig to try to create a "door" and then when the two year old goes to run through the leaves and throw them in the air.....the four year old gets mad for messing up the "house". Just thought you'd like a little taste of what went on out there. Pretty cute actually.

So Tyler was outside too today, but he was fascinated with the ditch. As we were helping the kids rake the leaves, we noticed only four were in the yard. "Where's Tyler?" He's sitting by the ditch-bank off in his own little world. He can be the happiest kid in the world if you'll just leave him alone! He's very cute. Watch the video on that one!The kids had lots of fun in the leaves! And they always have a good time when they're all together.

"Good Job Mommy!"

Well, today I decided I should try to crack down on the potty-training. So I went to the store and got Caleb some underpants. Cars, of course, he just held onto those things the entire time we were in the store. Then he went down for a nap. When he woke up ( a very reliable three hours later) I sat him on the potty for like ten minutes and gave him a BIG cup of juice. He, of course, didn't go. But I put the underpants on, and explained to him that he couldn't go potty in these new pants.

Then he saw his boots, and wanted to put those on. I just had to get a picture of him in his new underpants. So, I tried to keep him on the hardwood floor, since I KNEW an accident was comint.....especially with the juice he drank. And, yes it came. Only, he was sitting down playing with a toy and it really surprised me. I think I scared him when I instantly picked him up and ran into the bathroom to get him to go in the potty.

By the time I got him all seated, he was of course done.....or I scared the rest outa him. Then I went and cleaned up the floor, and put on a second pair of underpants. Later, I quit the underpants and put a diaper back on him, cuz I started getting busy and couldn't watch him like a hawk. After the diaper had been on for about ten minutes, he said, "I Potty?...." and so I took him in again. Diaper was wet. I think he knows what it feels like AFTER he went. How do you get 'em to know BEFORE they go? And he doesn't know HOW to go on the potty cuz he's never done it before. This is gonna be tough. I think I need to do the underpants thing AT LEAST until we've had at least a couple successful attempts in the potty. Then we can go to the pull-ups and hopefully he'll start telling me when he has to go......even if I have to ask every ten minutes.

Okay, story number two. Derek does this thing with Caleb they call the "Monkey Swing." Watch the video to see what that's like.
The monkey swing is Caleb's favorite. And whenever Derek comes home, he lies down between his feet and says, "ankles?" (cuz Derek holds onto his ankles). Well, after one attempt with the monkey swing I told CAleb it was time for bed. Only instead of letting me pick him up....he laid down between MY feet and said, "ankles?" Everyone else in the room was saying, "No Caleb, mommy can't do that." Then I said.....well I can do it ONCE....(not several times like Derek or Daddy) but maybe once. So I did one monkey swing onto my shoulders. When I finished, Caleb said, "Good job mommy!!" HOW CUTE IS THAT?!!

A Penny Saved.....

Well, since Caleb was born, I've always been convinced that name-brand diapers were worth the price difference because they're better. Less blow-outs, and better hold overnight. However, for the past few weeks Caleb has been wetting through his name-brand diapers in the night.

I decided, since I'm no longer reaping the benefits of a higher quailty diaper, I might as well save some money and go with the cheap stuff.

So I bought the WinCo store brand (Home Best) and guess what? Caleb hasn't wet through a cheap diaper YET! So now it's REALLY a penny saved (actually like seven dollars saved! A box of Huggies is about twenty bucks, and a box of WinCo's is thirteen!). So I'm feeling pretty good about that. I know, I can't believe I just spent the last two years thinking expensive diapers were better. Let me just make a note here, it also depends on the kid. Cuz it's true, some diapers work better for certain kids than others do. But I got lucky with Caleb, cuz the cheap stuff works just as good....NO!....BETTER!!

Wanna know what else is just as good as name-brand?

WalMart brand PopTarts. It's true, you gotta be careful buying "fake" pop tarts (for example, WinCo brand tastes NOT THE SAME....GROSS!) But, WalMart got it right, and the "great value" brand really is great cuz they taste the same. So.....GO FOR THE CHEAP STUFF!

Some other ways people have learned to save.....

- take your lunch to work

- cut out your "extras" (satellite TV, phones, magazine subscriptions, etc.)

- carpool to work

- rent your movies at the library

- make your own cleaning supplies

- do your own nails (if you're used to paying for regular manecures)

- make your child's halloween costume (I'm doing that one! Don't worry, finished product posting is yet to come!)

- don't spend money on things you don't need.....plain and simple!

So what has everybody else been doing to save a few extra pennies?! I can't wait to hear your comments, since nobody's commented on my blog in the past three posts!

Caleb's A Dipper!

Well, sorry these pictures aren't really of the subjects I'm gonna talk about, but they're cute. So first of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAUDIA!! This weekend we went to Burley cuz Robyn and John came back from Las Vegas for the weekend. So Caleb got to play with his cousin, Lucas.

So yesterday we went to this restaurant in Albion (a small mountain town a few miles outside of Burley), and Caleb got some french fries, and Grandpa got a french dip sandwich. Well, Caleb has always loved to dip things in ranch dressing, but yesterday he discovered "au jus" sauce! He was just dipping his fries in that sauce and eating all that he could. Then he wanted to dip in other things too, and he'd go back and forth between the ranch and the au jus. That got kinda gross, but he still ate it. I've decided he'll eat anything if he can dip it in sauce first.

I just have to say, the picture of Katelyn and Caleb is super cute, but the best part, is Buzz Lightyear there in the bottom corner. Caleb loves his Buzz! He has to hold him whenever he's eating his meals, and he always wants to pretend he's alive. I always have to offer Buzz a bite of food before I geve Caleb a bite. And Caleb will give him hugs and kisses as well. It's pretty cute. He always calls him "My, my Buzz!"

Today in Church, we were sitting on the benches, and Paul is the ward clerk, so he was walking around counting people in the benches, and Caleb saw him walking around. He looked at him, then at me and said, "I find my Grandpa!!" "My my Grandpa!!" And he was convinced he was gonna get to go with him. Then when he sat back down, there was no stopping him (we had to sit on different benches because the chapel was so full this week). I had to get up and walk around the whole chapel and bring him to his Grandpa, cuz he was going anyway. (He'd already started to crawl under people's feet so he could get out and go sit by him). Anyway, it was cute. Caleb loves his Grandpas, and I'll tell you why! Cuz they both will take him outside whenever he wants! Anyone would be the favorite if they did THAT!

One more thing, Caleb LOVES putting on lotion! We got a video of him putting some on after his bath. If you're putting on lotion, you'd better give him some too cuz he wants to rub it in. He likes you to put a little drop on his hands and then you just tell him where to put it. On his tummy, or his legs, or whatever. He calls it, "My, my wowshin!" (I don't know why, but he always refers to things as his.....and he always says "My" twice. "My, my bwanket!......."My, my baahper" (diaper)! And so on.

This last video is of Caleb holding a baby kitten. Grandma and Grandpa's cat, Maya, had four kittens last week. And Caleb has really enjoyed looking at them, petting them, and holding them. They're still quite small, but they just opened their eyes yesterday.

Anyway, it's been nice having Robyn and John back, even if it was just for the weekend. We're excited for the holidays to be able to spend more time together.

Fall Tag (better late than never)

8 Favorite Fall TV Shows

(Well....since I really don't watch much TV, I'm just gonna say my favorite shows period........I don't know if I watch enough fall shows to count for anything)

1. The Office

2. So You Think You Can Dance

3. Gilmore Girls

4. Friends

5. Seinfeld

6. Smallville

7. The Crocodile Hunter

8. Dancing With The Stars

(Funny.....the majority of these are re-runs.....what can I say? I know what I like!)

Eight Favorite Restaurants

(I just have to say....call me boring, but I tend to find ONE favorite dish at each restaurant and then that's what I order....EVERY TIME. Cuz once I find something I know I'm gonna like, why change it? Why risk getting something I don't like if I already know what I DO like?)

1. The Cheesecake Factory (CHOCOLATE TUXEDO CREME!) ....see picture!

2. Red Lobster

3. Olive Garden

4. Texas Roadhouse (it's really just because of the rolls)

5. Papa Kelsey's (Burly and Pocatello only)

6. Pizza Hut.....sorry but I LOVE pizza!

7. Johnny Carinos

8. Red Robin

Eight things I did yesterday

1. Applied for four different jobs, all out of state.

2. Made biscuits from scratch.

3. Played with Caleb outside for an hour.

4. Took Caleb to the library

5. Mailed my insurance bill

6. Colored pictures with Caleb.

7. Did 3 loads of laundry, including folding (which is saying something....I HATE folding laundry).

8. Watched "Dancing With The Stars"

Eight Things I Look Forward To

1. Getting a job

2. moving out

3. buying a house

4. decorating my own house

5. Parker's Graduation

6. Having another child

7. Getting insurance so I can have another child

8. Being self-sufficient

(WHOA! I wrote all eight of those in like less than a minute. Just goes to show you......you know what you want when you can't have it. And funny....almost all of those are dependent on number one.....which I can't get!)

Eight Things I Love About Fall

1. The crisp air

2. The leaves changing color

3. Football

4. Warm clothes

5. Boots

6. Thunderstorms

7. Pumpkins (pie....cookies....bread....dip....all yummy!)

8. The beginning of the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.)

Eight Things On My Wishlist

1. A Job

2. To Move Out

3. My Own House

4. Decorating My Own House

5. New Furniture

6. A Night Out (all night) alone with Parker

7. A Big book collection.....my own library

8. did I mention.....a job?

I know....this is almost identical to my things I look forward to. Sorry folks, there's very few things I want right now....and the ones I DO want are all on this list, and I want it so bad it's painful, depressing, and hard to live with every day.

Eight People I tag

1. Melissa (that's TWO for you!)

2. Sarah

3. Kelli

4. Kaila

5. Robyn

6. Jayne

7. Ashley Baird

8. Jill Turner

Another one bites the dust.....

Well, today is Monday. That's right today is the monday that he said, "We'll let you know by Monday." And he did. I got a phone call around two thirty today, and Dr. Moon let me know that they decided to go with someone else for the dental hygiene position. Every ounce of blood in my body dropped to my feet. He said, the current hygienist's new contract in California might be falling through.....so they decided to go with someone who is okay with more of a temporary job. He said he was really impressed with my working interview, and that he'd be happy to be a reference for me as I search for other employment. It SEEMS TO ME THAT EVERYONE WANTS TO BE A REFERENCE FOR ME, BUT NOBODY WANTS TO HIRE ME! So then I hung up the phone and cried for a half hour. Call me pathetic, and stupid for writing that for everyone to read, but this blog is also my personal history, and that's what happened. I just can't seem to get a break. What am I gonna do? Times are sure tough. I wonder if ISU Dental Hygiene Class of 2009 knows that. I'll bet they don't. So just when I think I can't get any lower.....disapointment strikes again. Don't worry, "All these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good." I know trials make us stronger, but I just don't see how it's okay to continue to live with my parents.....who have burdens of their own.....when I am a fully grown, married, adult with a college degree. Life after graduation.....it's almost harder than being a starving student......cuz now you get to feel guilty. No....it IS harder than being a student. I Never thought I'd say those were the easy days....but at least I had a path. So, if you hear of any dental hygiene jobs....and I mean....ANY JOB (cuz we'll move anywhere).....then let me know! I'll be the one at home, who answers the phone after the first ring.....cuz I've got nothin' better to do.

Swimming With Cousins

Yesterday, things were pretty slow and boring. It was really cold outside, and me, mom, and dad were not feeling well. So Anna and Alex came over for a little bit and we all decided to take the kids swimming at the YMCA.

For some reason the pictures turned out kinda grainy, but the videos turned out a lot better. However....the videos seem to take FOREVER to load up. So you get what you see.

Caleb did absalutely AWESOME yesterday. This is the first time he didn't put up a fuss about getting in the water. We usually have to get him used to it. But this time he just stepped right on into the pool. And he had a BLAST swimming with his daddy! Parker even taught him how to plug his nose and blow bubbles. As you see from the video.....Caleb needs a little practice.

Caleb also loved the water slide! Every time they finished, he would say, "Again?!"

As you can see from the pictures, the kids had a blast. And the adults seemed to have a pretty good time as well. Parker went to jump off the diving board towards the end, and Caleb got to watch. Every time after the splash, he'd try to walk to the edge of the pool and say, "I comin'!" "I comin'!" He wanted to get back in with his daddy. He just didn't realize the pool was twelve feet deep right there. AND much much colder than the kid's pool.

Well I gotta say.....the YMCA is a great place to take the kids at any time of the year. The water is always just right, and it put some fun into the bore of yesterday. Totally worth the price of admission in my book.

My Favorite Show...

Okay well I just had to post some clips from my FAVORITE TV show. I love The Office. Nuff Said.

Goose Egg

Yesterday Caleb was playing in his little red wagon, and he leaned forward to climb out.....but the wheels flew out from under him and he flew forward and hit his forehead on the hardwood floor. You can see the result. I haven't heard him cry that hard in.....well ever actually.

Ok, ignore the stupid face I'm making in this picture. The poor little boy. We had to pin him down and put ice on it, cuz who knows how bad it would've gotten if we hadn't. And he did not like the cold. So we did that for about five minutes, and then I read him some books and put him to bed. It seems like this little boy ALWAYS has a bruise on his forehead. He's ran into corners, fallen countless times....however this is by far the biggest bump he's ever gotten. His little legs are ALWAYS COVERED in bruises. I think it's from climbing those wood stairs so much. He just kept saying, "Wagon.....bonk." between sobs...."Wagon....bonk." Don't worry, the goose egg is gone now and he's just got a big purple spot on his head now. It doesn't bother him, except when I put his shirt on this morning. He put his hand to his head and said, "Ouch mommy."

News on my interview......it went well....I think......he said he'd let me know by Monday. And now I'm FREAKING OUT because he told me he has "a few other working interviews" that he's doing. I know I'm qualified.....I just am so worried he's just gonna pick someone else because he likes their personality better. Or maybe he's interviewing somebody that already has some experience. Then that's SERIOUS competition, unless you consider salary, cuz I'll pretty much settle for anything, whereas someone with experience is gonna want more money. So now.....I get to sit and stress for five days. (Cuz I am guessing I won't find out till Monday at 5:00 pm). Oh man am I nervous!

Don't worry, Caleb is fine....he's just got a purple head.

A Silver Lining....

Well, it's possible that unemployment is coming to an end. it's POSSIBLE. Yesterday I got a phone call from a dentist in Eagle. He's looking for a full-time hygienist. And he wanted to meet with me last night. What's better? Well I'll tell you. His hygienist that's leaving also graduated from ISU. What's better than that? This particular dentist was an IDEP student.....which means (for those of you who don't know) that he was one of the eight students selected from hundreds of applicants to spend his first year of dental school at Idaho State University.....with the dental hygiene students. So he knows all my instructors! Needless to say he's very impressed with ISU dental hygiene and won't settle for less. He told me during our interview yesterday that if he sees one more resume that says they got a 4.0 gpa at Apollo College he's gonna throw up. Cuz didn't you know?....they ALL get 4.0's. I HATE that school. It really is their fault that I don't have a job right now. But anyway.....he told me he doesn't have a doubt in his mind about my clinical skills. He just wants to make sure there's good chemistry.....now that scares me a little. Cuz the guy that's leaving has a really bright sense of humor, and a really dominant personality. I know I'm fun to be around once you get to know me, but I'm worried they won't like me.....cuz everyone's quiet at first. But honestly, since he hates Apollo Hygienists, and I'm the only ISU one that's applying (since I'm pretty sure Stephanie and Chris both have jobs already) then I think I'm the best choice he's got. So tomorrow he asked me to come in for a working interview.
As far as salary goes, I'm pretty sure he's gonna offer me a pretty competitive wage. AND he said his office does not have a group insurance policy, but if that was something I needed I just have to find some prices for some policies and he'd work it into my paycheck. So I'll finally get some health coverage! He also offers production incentives....so if I have a really productive week, then I'll get a little bonus. And an IRA after one year of working.
So there you have it! Don't celebrate yet.....I don't have the job yet, we'll know by tomorrow. But I am so relieved that I finally found someone that will at least interview me. AND it's full-time which is SO what I need. So, the dark days of September are over, and I am hoping that this cloud's silver lining is about to open to a sky full of possibilities! Wish me luck!

Down Memory Lane

Today between conference sessions we decided to go back to the farm where I grew up and have a look before it's all developed. All around is this crazy subdivision that has got all kinds of big things planned. However, the exact place where our house once stood is still untouched. And some things are exactly the same....and somethings are completely different.

It took us a bit of walking, but we finally found the cement slab where we used to park our cars. The weeds are waist-high (sometimes higher). But one thing that hasn't disapeared is our grass! Now, granted it's TALL and dry, so it looks like a wheat-field kinda....but the green blades of grass are still a couple inches tall down by our feet.

We also found the big o'l pipe that we used to drive over several times a day to get to our house. As kids, we used to float the canal right under that thing.

The picture of the tree has a small piece of rope that's grown into the tree. Once upon a time, used to have a rope-swing on this tree, and when the rope broke, we left it. Now the tree's almost devoured the rope. But it's still there.

Another thing we found was the old hay trailer on the other side of the ditch. We used to play on that thing when we were kids. In FACT! That trailer is where I got my first bee-sting.

And this is just a picture of the canal that went in front of our house, and all the weeds that now cover the place. Derek says he wants to buy this property some day. Right now it's not available, but in five to ten years it's possible.

I just have one comment to make about the picture on the top of this post. That's us standing in front of the bridge and the pump-house. These structures were used every day when we were kids. The pump-house kept our food-storage and our big yellow deep-freezer. And the bridge was how we got to it. The bridge looks EXACTLY the same, as well as the pump house. I can't even tell you how many memories it brings back. I'm sure the next time we make it out here, it'll be all developed. However, wouldn't it be amazing if they kept all those trees?! It'd make some beautiful landscaping (or at least I think so....since it's how I know it). But we'll see.