It doesn't get any easier

You would think I would be an old hand at chicks leaving the nest.

Out of 8 children, 5 have successfully (as far as I can tell!) flown so far. (No unsuccessful flights, 3 still in the coop here, for a few more weeks, anyway, then 2)

I have sent out two missionaries before. I don't remember the stress and anxiety I am feeling now.

Of course, when David and Miriam left, I was still very busy (almost preoccupied?) with younger children. And they went to milder climes where missionaries got dinner appointments.

It's not like Andrew is going to some backwards, uncivilized, undeveloped country. I admit to a vast amount of ignorance, but I have always considered Canada a sister country not very different from the USA. One of the best places in the world.

Except, being north, colder. That's one concern. It is really, really cold there. Right now it is -19C and feels like -28C in Winnipeg which is fairly south in his mission. -19C is less than -2 below here!! -28C is less than-18F!!

I have long maintained that life is not possible once you get down below freezing at 32 degrees F. I don't approve of temperatures below 40F. Most of my children are "freezing" well above that, Andrew included.

(Check out the Winnipeg weather link and the temperature conversion link in the margin of his blog The Armor of God)

There is so much I have not taught him or prepared him for. I hope he does not suffer too much for my failures! What can we do in the little time we have before he goes?

Currently, I am stressing about food. Something I should be able to help him get ready to handle. Again, I appeal to you for meal preparation/shopping suggestions. What are the basics he should have? Please share any recipes.

Only a few weekends before he leaves. And too much already scheduled! Weeknights are short, full, and I am tired and not too functional when I get home. So much to get ready, buy, learn, do!

(I would probably function better if I got more sleep, too.)

I do believe that Andrew was called of God by men who are in authority and who receive divine inspiration. I believe Nephi when he says "the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

Philippians 4: 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Mark 9: 24 And straightway the father mother of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Calling RMs

Another sleepless night. Bad habit!

I am spending the time worrying about my soon-to-be missionary.

I am worried about the cold. Andrew tends to be cold. There seems not a great deal I can do about it. This is a trial of my faith. The best advice seems for him to get his cold weather gear once he arrives in Canada. What about the period between arrival and shopping????!! Fortunately, he will get there towards the end of May. When does spring come to the prairie provinces? (DOES spring come to the prairie provinces?!) Parts of his mission are extremely far north! What about his month in the MTC in Provo? How cold is Provo in April? I don't remember.

I need to make sure he has ample funds. What ARE ample funds for this?

I hope there will be someone to advise and assist him finding good cold weather gear.

I am worried about his food. I haven't taught him to shop and cook. I don't know how to shop and cook for one! Especially one who has little time for cooking and won't stay in one apartment long.

If I can figure out what kinds of things he will need, we can do some practice runs at the local stores and hope it helps.

As nearly as I can learn, the mission is sparsely settled and members few. Dinner appointments will be a rare treat.

What are the essentials of a missionary's larder?

What are some good recipes/menus/meal tips for him?

I would deeply appreciate suggestions from 1) returned missionaries especially and 2) anyone with experience with quick, inexpensive, wholesome, filling meals for one.

It's Crass to Discuss Money

California passed its budget. Of course, some of the provisions go up before the voters in a special election in May, I believe. So far no official word about much of anything.

We still have two furlough days a month, although the union has negotiated to change it to one furlough day and not everyone on the same day, so the state won't save money on utilities by closing buildings. Supposedly the argument is that that way the state doesn't have to pay overtime to cover some essential services. I am thinking there are not that many; they lose more by staggering the furloughs than by paying overtime. I am even skeptical that they should have to pay overtime. Just stagger furloughs on essential services. But "wiser heads" than I.....

Most everyone I talk to would way rather see furloughs than lay-offs. Sadly, the union doesn't seem to actually represent the rank and file.

Unofficial word on the lay-offs from Parks is that Parks has so many vacancies that we will be able to "absorb" the lay-offs and not have to actually let anyone go. We are hoping! Rumor is that some departments refused to give out surplus letters as directed, but may yet. Hoping not for the sake of my children who recently entered state service.

I got my first furloughed paycheck. Not as bad a hit as I had feared. Partly because I offset it by reducing my already pathetically meager 457K deduction to $25. Why I even left that, I am not sure. It is so painful to get the quarterly report and see that I have substantially less in my account than I put in - between the fee and the market losses. Theoretically, I think this is probably a great time to invest, because the surviving stocks will be valuable some day. Practically, when money is already so tight, it is hard to stick it away and watch it dwindle.

Besides, late this month, my first mission deduction goes out of my checking account. I am only contributing 1/4 the cost. It is a small amount to put to Andrew's mission, but a biggish amount to give up. Thank you so much to the couple of you that I know are committed to making contributions! I know it is a sacrifice. Blessings on you!

I am grateful for my job, but the breaks are too short!!!

Furlough Friday #2

First, my friend, Cyndi W, had me take my car over to her house after work Thursday for her son-in-law to work on it. Then she insisted on driving me the maybe 4 blocks home. She delivered my car later that evening (she had a someone follow her to take her home) and refused any money. What generous people!

After missing most of the week because he's sick, Benjamin went to Seminary today. (Joseph and I were not as enthusiastic about it as we could have been. No sleeping in on Furlough Friday. sigh)

For days I have had this ache in my neck/right shoulder area. Don't know why. Sometimes it eases for a bit, but it doesn't completely go away. Aggravating.

I did not take my car to the shop today. The clock light does turn off after several minutes.

I did work on my taxes. Turbo Tax wouldn't let me free-file, but they got me a better return than the company I tried that would have. I am only getting a little bit back, but, hey! I don't owe. Next year, my deductions will probably be changed again. I don't think that I will be able to claim Andrew, as I will not be supplying most of his support, so I will have no dependents.

After living in this neighborhood 30+ years and hearing about the famous Squeeze Inn which is only a few blocks away for I don't know how long, the boys and I finally walked over and tried it. It is famous as one of, if not THE best burger place in town, and people come from out of town to go there. It's very good. It would be hard to live up to the hype.

Squeeze Inn is TINY. One counter with maybe a dozen stools. JUST enough room to walk between the stools and the wall. The working area is not any bigger than most kitchens. picnic tables out back.

Eclectic decor. although decor is a strong word. A surfboad, and a timber saw and a bunch of other stuff up in the rafters. A box of "Spotted Owl Helper" with macaroni and fleas sauce on a cluttered shelf. We liked the money origami bow-tie, and shirt and pants. I want to learn to do the shirt and pants. Wouldn't that be a cute gift with a little picture of the recipient's head ? A TV you couldn't hear with ESPN at one end and a radio playing too loudly at the other. We could hardly hear each other.

The guy that served us was great. Refilled cups twice without being asked. The cook and he both checked to see that everything was ok. Joseph and I split a Squeeze Burger and a BLT. Andrew and Benjamin had Squeezes. We shared 2 large fries. The food was good. We were stuffed. If we ever go back, we will probably have regular burgers. Regular is 1/4 pound and plain bun. Squeeze is 1/3 and sesame seed bun. Truly though, it was not better than a good burger at home, especially BBQ.

The governator has signed the budget. Rumors are everywhere about what it all means. Sounds like there will still be lay-offs - the union should not have fought the furloughs so hard! Better furloughs than lay-offs. There won't be nearly as many. I am PROBABLY safe. Neither Joseph nor Miriam have gotten surplus letters yet. Don't know why. I hope they are safe, although they are both new hires, especially Miriam!, so there's a bit of concern.

Now I need to study for my Business Law exam. One of only 3. He keeps saying that if you come to class, you will have no trouble passing and that his tests don't have any tricks. Still, I am not overly confident. My memory for technical details is not outstanding. With only 3 exams not much room to mess up!

I would rather nap.

There's Good News and There's Bad News and on Some We are Still Waiting

When I went out to pick up Joseph from his Consumnes River College
class, I noticed that the clock light was off. It does turn off, it
just takes SEVERAL minutes. ok. Good.

This morning Joseph hurried to the Regional Transit office and he GOT
HIS BIKE back. What a relief!

Unfortunately, on the way to catch the train to work, unable to see
through the driver's window, I rolled it down. It will NOT go up at
all. Not a budge. Even with Joseph and I pulling on it. I had to
leave it in the light rail parking lot with the window open.

A friend has a son-in-law who does car work and she even bought the
parts without telling me. But her truck blew something and the time
he might have worked on my car, he had to work on hers. I am hoping
to get hold of them soon - phone calls and emails have gone out! Her
truck is running again, hopefully, he will have time soon.

The legislature passed the budget and it has gone to the Governor.
Fewer lay-offs. I am less worried. My co-worker of 7 1/2 months who
gave up her own housecleaning business for the "security and benefits"
of state work is still mildly terrified.

Work call - One of our ranger's houses had it's water shut off because
of this budget mess. I must see what I can do!

Anything else?

This morning I felt like I was getting sick. Fortunately, I feel better now, Surprisingly, considering the day it has been. So maybe not. ; )

This afternoon I got my surplus letter informing me that I may be laid off. It's a last hired, first fired thing. Possibly going back nearly 4 years of hiring. Nothing to do with the job or how well you do it.

This evening I found out that I left my car lights on. AGAIN. Two days in a row. Can you believe it? I distinctly remember turning them off. I must have gotten it backward. Today's battery guy convinced me that leaving the lights on is not my only problem. The battery was old and decrepit anyway. So, I bought a battery. Then we discovered another little problem. My clock light does not turn off - meaning perpetual battery drain. I need to take the car back to the shop earliest opportunity.

Looks like anther Furlough Friday visit to Car Care Plus. I could almost buy another car with what I have spent on it this month alone. Window, re-key, horn, smog, oil, and now, the clock light. I cannot even switch to biking - as if I were strong enough and willing to brave the weather - because the front tire blew out on my bike on the way home from the car shop last Furlough Friday!

You would think that was enough, wouldn't you?

In the midst of my battery adventures, Joseph called. On his way from work to Consumnes River College, he forgot to get his bike off the bus when he transferred buses! He wanted me to scurry across town to catch the bus and claim his bike. But of course the battery problem took too long for that. He thought the bus would be coming back to 65th St not far from where I was, but no, it went out of service. Fortunately, the bike was still on the bus and they have a place they keep bikes that were left on the bus. Joseph can go there tomorrow and, hopefully, claim his bike.

I am going to go eat a carcinogenic hamburger patty before going to pick Joseph up from his class.

"You have been designated as surplus"

I just came from a meeting at which I was informed that I am surplus.

Step 1 in the statewide lay-off process.

The newest 20% of the stateworkers got this letter. It has nothing to
do with the work we do or how well we do it. Just more recently
hired. People who have been with the state nearly 4 years that I know
of. I have 2 years. My cube mate less than a year. Not looking good
for us.

The letter says that "even when a budget is passed.... layoffs will be
required."

A lot of sad, angry and frightened people. And yes, I am one of them.

This is happening all over the state in almost all departments. Fun times.

Manual Lopez, our Deputy Director, met with us to try to soften the
blow of the bureaucratic letter which came from the Department of
Personnel Administration. He tried to give us hope that the budget
will be worked out before lay-offs will be implemented and that many
jobs will be found through attrition, redefinition and other juggling
acts. He expressed understanding and concern for our welfare, and the
welfare of the organization and parks we serve. He said he has had
sleepless night over this. He was very nice. We are still bummed, to
say the least. and looking at becoming bums.

No steam

: ( Andrew did not get his driver's license. Apparently, it did not quite register immediately when the examiner said, "If I don't say anything, go straight."

Andrew was in the left turn lane leaving DMV when the examiner said, "go straight." Andrew made a quick lane change. Too quick, examiner thought. And that was that.

We are not altogether certain whether he even needs to get a driver's license. His mission papers ask for him to bring a 2 year driving record. no can do. So, we need to find out whether he will be able to drive on his mission at all anyway. If not, no point paying extra insurance for 2 years, right? Another question for the Mission President.

We did get his passport application in. Should arrive in about 4 weeks. They took his birth certificate! It should come back with the passport.

I got to work just about in time for my walk to class. It was rainy, windy, and cold, but I was not really uncomfortable - with my jacket, baseball cap to keep the rain off my face, and gloves. I do need to learn to carry a lighter bag!

And I am using my fan. I haven't seen any steam. how disappointing!

ok, my quick late after school lunch is over. Now to work for the State while I still can. No word on the lay off notices yet. Although, heard the rumor that the layoffs will not be effective until July and by then we should certainly have a budget, shouldn't we???!!

Into every life a little rain

It is cold, wet, and windy. Today we have to remind ourselves that we desperately need the rain. The great news is that we are piling snow on the mountains!

Speaking of snow, Tom & Ruth took the kids and Debi took her Dane, Chloe, up to the snow yesterday and had a fabulous time.

This morning we are not having a fabulous time. Joseph, "looking forward" to his commute to work, largely by bicycle, commented that if he later catches this cold/flu thing that still plagues his brothers, he is going to resent that he didn't get it today! This is a day made for staying home in bed.

In fact, in the mountains and foothills, kids are getting the day off from school. Probably not the parents, though. And not us.

In an hour, Andrew takes his drive test. My car window still doesn't roll up. He is required to roll the window down at the beginning of the test. oh, the joy.

Hoping and praying for a break in the weather for both my guys! (not looking too good, tho)

Hopefully, Andrew will pass his test. I don't know if he will be able to drive on his mission, however. His papers say he needs to bring his two year driving record. hmmm, that's a tough one. A question we will add to our list to ask the mission president.

Other questions:
-Is an electric blanket a good idea(I think so! light weight for packing and adjustable warmth!) -His papers say no video camera, does that include his little pocket camera that can take short videos? He thinks so, I hope not!

Help us think of questions so that we can get as much information as possible to help properly prepare.

I need to get ready for work. After Andrew's drive test and we apply for his passport, I need to get to work quickly as I can.

Hoping NOT to get a lay-off notice. California is in the midst of a bad budget crises. State workers were put on furlough the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month starting this month for a year and a half. We have had one furlough Friday. Frankly, if it weren't for the money crunch, we would LOVE having the time. Being a working mom is practically impossible, no matter how many women are doing it. Now word is that the union and the Governor have worked out a different furlough deal. Cutting it to one furlough day a month - which is what I suspected would happen. The Governator had first said one furlough day. The union screamed and fought. Then Arnold announced two. I thought it might be a bargaining ploy. We haven't had official word yet. Also I THINK they agreed to letting people work out with their managers when their furlough day would be. Which shoots down the governor's plan to close offices on furlough days and save on utilities. I don't know. Worst thing is that talk of lay-offs is getting serious. The ones who get laid off are going to be the poor guys who do all the daily grunt work. The ones who stay will be the higher ups who get paid heaps more and who do not know how to do the jobs they oversee. (The ones who always get the biggest raises, too. Back in the day when state workers got cost of living raises -even if everyone got the same percentage, they would get more, but always bigwigs got a bigger percentage as well.) With fewer rank and file workers to do the work, and those being furloughed, it will be a mess. Rumors are that anyone with the state 2 years or less are on the block. I am on the edge. Joseph may be in trouble. But then he can concentrate on school until they call him back. He does not have to worry about a mortgage!

I get to walk 8-9 blocks from work to my Business Law class today (and back). I am going to be a drip. After that, for once, I will probably NOT be too hot at work! But I might steam. Wouldn't that be fun? I do have a broken umbrella, but the wind is going to make that useless. Fortunately, I also have a leather jacket my aunt gave me. bad for the jacket, but good for me!

Off to prepare for a wet and busy day!

Sleepless Night

Wind and rain outside. Worried about my house. In the family room there was once a woodbox opening from the outside to inside the house. Long ago the outer doors got misaligned and finally somebody nailed a board over the opening. For years, the woodbox was ignored and the inside opening (doors gone and another board propped in place) buried behind our many piles of things that need sorting out one day. We have recently discovered it. But what happened to the (inside) board? it's gone now. Looking in after an earlier rain, we see that there is moisture inside the woodbox. This is not good. --- In the family room there is also water damage inside from previous roof leaks. Were they ever really repaired? I don't know. ---- Then there's the side garage door that is only propped in place because the wood around the hinges is rotten and when we opened the door to take the old dryer out and the new dryer in, the door collapsed. Oh, and it looks like a little water comes in under the door. ---- Who knows how many other problems that I don't know about. ---- And the kitchen which should probably be condemned with the sink counter rotted away, the floor worn away, and a hole in the outside wall under the sink "patched" with expando foam. --- I sadly lack knowledge, money, strength. --- Still, I am grateful to have my house.

Coughing and hacking inside. Worried about my boys. Although Andrew felt better this morning than he had been and Ben also seemed better, they are pretty sick. They stayed home from church and rested. They made it to the Family Big Reveal Dinner. But after awhile it was too much for Andrew and he had to go home. Ben just lay on the floor, not at all with it. Now, in their beds, they have been coughing off and on all night. I hope getting SOME sleep.

Andrew is feeling a bit whelmed. Partly because he is sick and not fully copeable. The mission packet of things to do and get seems like a lot. Everyone talking, asking questions and giving opinions also seemed like alot. He needs rest and some quiet time with himself and the Lord.

Then we need to get to work getting him ready. One of the first things, a passport.

It is so stupid not being able to sleep. I have so much that I am responsible for, I need my sleep! Back ago, to try again. If not, John Adams, Business Law, and Jeremiah all await.