More Family

Where would we be without family - up a tree, no doubt. Family is a never ending source of support, information, and general amusement. All families have the same assorted mix of "the smart one," the "goofy one," the "total misfit," the "arty one," and "the one most likely to see a judge." Mine is no different from the rest.

As I continue my quest toward full employment, I to have time to consider my various support groups. The family comes first and foremost to mind. They are always there to give me a call and attempt to cheer me up with stories of their own un-happy employment, or share their equally "dire" circumstance with regard to earned income.

What I really enjoy during the calls are the shared memories and usually a good laugh or two. Then I seek out my boxes of photographs, and try to find one or two that memorialize the event we have reminisced about. The problem becomes that the search will net numerous photographs without identifying marks - like the approximate year they were taken. I still can recognize the faces, but just exactly whose funeral commanded the gathering (for example) remains a slight mystery.

There are other photographs, however, that have been clearly market - names, year and event. The example (left) is dated June 5, 1976. Don't the older photographs make you smile - weren't we young (and thin)? If we had only known then what we know today ... .

But through the years it is always FAMILY. They share your memories and legends long since passed. They know the soft parts of your life, the areas to avoid, and when to reach out across the miles and give you a hug. I just wish that life would allow more family gatherings - we will need newer memories as we head toward the "old folks" home or whatever small town that will allow us to pitch our tents.

Dad

Recently, I have let my mind travel back to enjoy some terrific memories. Many of them have focused on my Dad. He certainly was a handsome young man, wasn't he?

I recall asking him about growing up and attending church. He told me that his dad took him to Sunday school every week - and dropped him off. At that point my dad would hang out with one of his buddies. They didn't go to Sunday school, but rather hung out behind the church and smoked cigarettes. I guess that was where he developed his habit of 50 some years. He quit before emphysema caught up with him.


On the other hand, his health wasn't always "picture perfect." In fact, who would have thought that the handsome youngster would end up in a wheel chair in his twilight years. Of course, that brings on other memories.

I can't imagine what it was like for dad in the weeks leading up to his surgery. I don't think he knew anyone who had undergone brain surgery, let alone survive it. He was really worried before going in to the hospital and figured he would not wake up from the experience. I wasn't there in the recovery room, but I gather he mouthed "oh sh**" when he came out of the anesthesia.

He had a pretty long stay in the rehab hospital. Naturally, dad was not what you would consider an athlete, so the physical stuff to get his muscles in shape so he could get from chair to chair and wheel chair to bed was another new experience for him. I must give him credit, he did keep up his exercise program (although perhaps not quite as vigorously as other athletes might) for many years following his return home.

No matter what, however, I will always remember that dad loved his family. He enjoyed all the times we spent together (more on that at a later date - believe me!). In 1990 (Easter - can't you tell from the great hats!), Dad was still able to walk around, even if it required a little assistance from a cane. I wonder how he felt later when his mobility relied on a wheel chair, and mom got to push him around (physically as well as the other way) when they traveled. Mom was a trooper - she took over the driving chores at that time. And we (my sister and I) have great memories of when Mom first learned to drive (but that too is another story for another entry).

Another Year - Shot!

Hard to believe - Five plus Eight fingers! Other notables for February 17 include: Michael Jordan (he's younger), Larry the Cable Guy (he is also younger), and (my personal favorite) Dame Edna (older). Yes, my sister is closing in on another banner year. I am happy to report that her day was a big success (even though it was without birthday cake, or even a card from me - but keep watching the mail box).

I am now attempting to maintain organization. After a bout of the "blahs" signified by a pending sore throat and potential cold, I have become somewhat energized. Time for folded hands and sleeping a full eight hours to be ended.

Now in full swing with new approach to job hunt. No word from Springfield or Champaign (both consulting firms). Good new - a move to Rockford is no longer a possibility.

Last week I had a long chat with Laura, who has suggested I "relax" about the job situation. Read more books she has suggested. So, in keeping with that philosophy, I am now going to divide my day into segments that will allow training (yesterday I did my intervals and today is an easy, short run), reading, home-based projects, and job hunting. I think Laura has a good point - around here there aren't that many choices, so less time on search should not have a significant reduction in possibilities. Just less potential for wasted effort.

That said, time to get on with today's planned activities. I am also going to write more letters and use the US Postal Service (while they are still available), rather than relying solely on the electronic media. I recently received a note (thank you, Doug) that reminded me of how nice it is to find something other than bills, magazines, requests for money and unsolicited junk in the mailbox. I really appreciated the reminder.

It's Melting (the snow)!

Morning coffee and learning new skills. What do you think of my second "web cam" attempt? Not too bad, but I am sure I can do better if I keep at it.

Today my goal is to complete a rewrite of the job offer draft letter (started last October). Job is in Springfield and it will be a significant commute (over 70 miles each way). However, in these times a job is better than none.

Snow is gradually receding and there are open areas through out the yard. By next weekend the temperatures will be in the 50s! Amazing. I am guessing this is the annual winter thaw, and we will not be out of the cold yet.

The neighbors are as lively as ever, and the outside walks have been full of politics. The biggest concern in this area is political corruption and tendency to over look the "small stuff" (like not paying taxes or getting a "pass" even if you were a lobbyist). People are not convinced that change is really going to happen in Washington (or any state capital).

Diet and exercise are now fully in effect. Time to prepare for the spring races, including the Indianapolis Mini Marathon.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, bot only one gets the prize. Run in such a way to get the prize." - 1 Cor 9:24