Life certainly has it’s quirky twists and turns. As of a week ago last Tuesday, I was laid off by the company I had been working for for almost 2 years. I really wasn’t surprised but still have ran through the gauntlet of emotions that goes along with something like this. I still have my moments, especially of self-doubt, but am working through those.

Since I am over 40, I am supposed to qualify for re-training – so this ol’ dog is hopefully going learn some new tricks. Just what, I do not know yet. There are a couple of local community colleges that offer different programs – I am having to determine whether or not I want to go for 1 or 2 yrs. I know I can get funding through my first year – it will be the 2nd that will be the deal breaker – I just have to explore what options I hope will be available to me. In somewhat local news, there was 1 job posted for a local utility company as a water meter reader – 1400 (yes, that number is correct) applied for the position, over 800 took the test for it. Things are that scary here.

I’ve started studying up on my math & English skills for the placement exams at the college as well as finally starting in on finishing Mirabilia’s Titania. I have 1/3rd already completed (except for the specialty threads and beading) and am trying to get the rest of it done as soon as I can – unfortunately, my right hand has been acting up.

I have tendonitis in my first and middle fingers, and Duputryn’s Contracture in my ring and little fingers (D.C. is where your tendons harden and shorten up on you and your fingers curl inward towards the palm of your hand) – plus to top it off, my right wrist is starting to show deformation from arthritis – oh what fun am I going to have as I get older.

At night I am wearing a glove to help keep my fingers from bending forward so much – I used to have to wear one all the time because of the nature of my work that I was in – I think I will have to start wearing the glove (I have 2 different kinds – beyond at times splinting my fingers) more often during the day.

This is going to be an interesting time, that’s for sure.

However, I will make an exception this time out.

People, where were your manners?

Kudos to you for being so polite to each other during the events on 20.Jan.2009 for not causing any incidents in D.C. but to boo and sing Na, Na, Na – Goodbye (one of my fave songs) to the outgoing POTUS was in my opinion, disrespectful. One doesn’t have to like or agree with the person who sits in that office but at least show enough decorum to respect the office – especially in times of change.

And speaking of respect – logistics aside of why not attended, why isn’t this being addressed by any of the staff in the White House (including the current POTUS)? Our soldiers help to maintain freedom – one of our, if not the, greatest asset our country has – as the new CINC, this should have been a priority.

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/8627

Obama Snubs Nation’s Heroes, Becomes First President to Skip Ball Honoring Medal of Honor Recipients in Over 50 Years

Barack Obama may have stumbled over his words briefly during his inauguration, but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening – The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball.

The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball was begun in 1953 for President Dwight Eisenhower’s inauguration. The event recognized recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. There were 48 Medal of Honor recipients in attendance, who were undoubtedly disappointed by the Commander-in-Chief’s failure to show. Over the past 56 years and 14 inaugurations, no President has skipped this event – until now.

The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball is sponsored by the American Legion, and co-sponsored by 13 other veteran’s service organizations, including those such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

the beauty, stillness, enlightening experience of a new morning, especially at the ocean….truly breathtaking and peaceful….

So that is my wish for everyone this coming year – a year of peace….

Happy New Year….