Memories

This week I learned that someone very dear to me, in years gone by, has died. Only 59 years old. So many thoughts pouring through my mind, it is overflowing with fond memories. Over time the hurts heal and you remember only the good, the positive. God in his infinite grace does that for you. I was floating in the pool the other day, after I heard the news, and I closed my eyes and tried really really hard to see his face. I couldn't. But I could think back to the first time we met...and how much I FELL for this guy. I tried to remember all the FUN times and I even laughed out loud a few times. The neighbors already think we are strange, I'm convinced of that, so I just kept up my float down memory lane. I no longer have regrets. I have made peace about all of my decisions and know that I made mistakes - we all do, but I will always be thankful for the time God gave us and for the extended family I gained through this relationship. I wouldn't trade the experiences or the friends that I made because of this man. I might never have lived in New England. Isn't it curious the path that God prepares for us? Isn't is so curious the way He weaves it all together? God used this man to give me a precious gift...the gift of life....Robin. Through the tears, I was reminded of my dear husband, Jason. God brought him to me when I needed him most and his steadfast, unconditional love has seen me through so much. He introduced me to the most precious gift, the gift of our Lord and Savior, Messiah Jesus. God truly does work all things together for good...I added HEY JUDE to my playlist in memory of Larry. It was always one of his favorites.

Time for a change?

I was so excited the first time I realized that Hannah might have inherited something from me. I am always looking for clues...her big toes look like mine...she gets up early and is always on time...let's see...how about " SHE LOVES TO REARRANGE FURNITURE". I have always done a lot of rearranging in my mind. As a child, I used to imagine - because I probably wasn't allowed to really do it - our house completely rearranged. I would imagine the living room was the dining room (and vice versa) and picture the couch over here and the dining room table over there....you get the idea. All kinds of changes. I would imagine our unfinished attic as a fully completed suite....I had it all figured out. The closet in the hall would have to go and in it's place would be a beautiful winding staircase...then I would imagine all of my furniture up there and some new pieces to fill up the space. I WAS allowed to rearrange the furniture in my room, as long as I was extra careful and didn't scratch my wood floors. I tried every arrangement imaginable. I was very creative. I am 56 years old and I STILL rearrange furniture. I always have an idea....it drives Jason crazy...but after all of these years, he is no longer surprised to find furniture in a different location. I usually leave HIS CHAIR in the same spot if I am in the tv room and rearrange everything else. Some days I just feel it's Time for a change.
Now, Hannah, has definitely inherited that from me. Can we all just admit that one? Every time I visit, her room is in a different order....she is STRONG. She moves her bed, her chest of drawers, her dresser , her night stand, her doll house and a rocking chair. I just love that about her.
I was just thinking the other day that it's time for a change...I may have to stop this blog and go move something. See ya later...

1946

The new photo header is one of my mother. Taken, I am guessing in 1946. She would have been a newlywed and about 25 years old. This was my parent's and my 1st home. My mother was such a "Martha". Check out the wallpaper and the couch. My Dad loved photography and probably took this posed photo.
With all the Blog redesigning going on, I decided to change my look, too.
More later....

Sharing Knowledge

Next week my friend and co-worker, Sharett, will be leaving Delta and beginning a new career with the State of Florida. She is an incredible Administrative Assistant, and I am learning just how much she has done for Delta while in Tallahassee. You see....in 7 days, I will be handling her responsibilities AND MINE until a new AA is hired. For the past few days, Sharett has been "sharing knowledge" with me. I have always wondered why people hoard knowledge. In our line of work, sharing knowledge, makes everyone's job easier....makes everyone's job better. The more I show you, the more you know, the more you know, the more you share....pretty soon....we all know more about what needs to be done and we are "sharing" the workload. I am sorry Sharett is leaving...sorry I didn't take advantage of this tremendous resource that was available to me. We always think there will be another day. I am not sorry for the time we have had...I will be forever thankful for all that I have learned and look forward to continuing our friendship outside of Delta. I truly believe, as I have blogged before...God allows certain people to cross our path in life...no coincidence....always with a purpose...sometimes for just a season...but with a plan for each one. Just in case you are reading this, Sharett, thank you! I really appreciate all that you have shared and wish you the very best!!!

Delta Decision

Thank you for your continued prayer as I have been praying also for my decision about Delta. As you know, my deadline for deciding is Thursday, May 15. In November of 2001, I was faced with a similar decision. With my CTO closing after 9/11, I had to decide if I were going to stay with Delta and drive 120 miles per day to a Reservations office ( which is now closed, too) or find alternate employment. Friends that I had worked with for 20 years were faced with the same difficult decision. 3 of us stayed, 3 took the "voluntary packages" that were being offered. This time around, the circumstances are different and yet painfully the same.This time around, I have made the same decision to stay. Some say I am loyal and trust in a company that no longer exists, but I am not trusting in Delta...I have placed my trust in Jesus and the verse that has seen me through is Proverbs 3:5 and 6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. I believe with all my heart, that the Lord has directed me to stay and He will see me through. Thank you again for lifting me up in prayer.

Pool's Open!

This has been the easiest year to open the pool. Mark and I always trade horror stories...when you cover a pool for the season, you never know what you will find when you pull off the cover. Jason and I are getting better at this. Each year we learn more about the process. Sometimes we think it would be easier to let all the water out, make a bigger deck and get a nice new HOT TUB! Less hassles. But then when I get off work and I am floating in my pool, I think...This is the life! Worth all the work. I can't wait to have Hannah and Jacob over. Spending time with them is always a good time. Guess I will need to get new goggles and floats or noodles. Also want to get a GAS GRILL. Cookouts, poolside...what could be better?

Peter Pan

This afternoon Robin, Hannah and I flew to Neverland with the Tallahassee Ballet. We enjoyed the performance. Then dinner at Cracker Barrel. Doesn't matter what we do, I always enjoy time spent with Robin and Hannah. I am so thankful that God blessed me so richly. I love you girls.

Symphony....Birthday....and BOSTON BUTTS

I know, I know..what do those have in common? One thing I know for sure...JASON. Tomorrow is Jason's birthday. We purchase tickets to the Symphony each year now and attend at least 3 performances. When I saw this one...two days before his birthday, it was a "no brainer".
Now the Boston Butt was his idea. A Butt is Better with family, so tonight we invited Robin, Michael and the kids for a BOSTON BUTT BIRTHDAY!

Last night's performance...BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gioacchino Rossini - Overture to the Silken Staircase
Franz Liszt Piano Concerto No 1 in E-flat major
and Sergei Rachmanifnoff - Symphony No.2 in E minor, Op27

We finished off the evening with a stop at On the Border for a late night dinner. The service was poor...very very slow and then long after the dinner should have arrived, the waitress informed Jason that they were out of Brisket for his Brisket Taco....he ordered a Beef Burrito and when the waitress brought that she told us that the Manager apologized and Dinner was on the house! So FREE DINNER for Jason's birthday.

Hope you are enjoying the music.

Who Moved My Cheese?

Have you read that book? If you have, you may be in Corporate America. It was on the Best Sellers list a few years ago and required reading for many corporations. I first read it in 2001....right before Delta "moved my cheese". I shared with my employees this week that Delta has "moved my cheese" so many times...I QUIT EATING CHEESE. The changes I am facing are no exception. Change is never easy....but you must embrace change to survive. I am so thankful that my faith is in God, not my job. I need to be reminded over and over again. God is faithful. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He will take care of me. He has been faithful....through all generations. Over the next few weeks I must make some life changing decisions. They will not be easy. I am thankful for prayer partners who will hold me up, knowing that this is difficult. I have dedicated 30 years to Delta Air Lines. I know that this job was given to me through an answer to prayer. I have no doubt about that. I also need to trust that God is in complete control of this change, and He will see me through.

Welcome myself back comments...

Last Monday Jason and I drove over to Jacksonville to pick up his mother for a visit. She flew into JAX to get a nonstop. It was a pleasant drive over...always enjoy time in the car with Jase...good conversation and I have his full attention...except that he's driving...HA!
The drive back was enjoyable, too. Catching up with Mary, planning our itinerary for the week.
Today is Mary's birthday. She is 82. She still lives in Wyoming, Ohio...our hometown. They have had a very cold winter and she needed an "escape" to warmer weather. For those who have been here, there is nothing like Springtime in Tallahassee. The azaleas and Dogwoods in bloom. The fragrant flowers, the clear blue skies...the warmer temperatures.
The highlight of her visit has been our Easter Sunday Celebration. Robin and family were invited, of course, and then Robin invited a co-worker, friend...and his family. It turned out to be a lovely Easter Sunday...Wonderful Church service, message and music...great fellowship with family and new friends....delicious dinner. Robin made a 7 layer salad and Mary made Key Lime pies with whipped cream. I made roasted potatoes and green beans...Publix made my ham.
We've been playing Crazy 8's and Scrabble all week....painting....touring Tallahassee. Robin took us yesterday...a spin around FSU and town. It was the best tour I've had. We visited a tree you have to see to believe. The property was donated to the city, I think Robin said, by a former FSU Professor (deceased). It is a MUST SEE in Tallahassee.
Today is the birthday...I have to work...but Jason will take his mom to Outback for lunch.
I was able to attend the "official" birthday lunch, yesterday, at Robin's. She prepared an Oriental Chicken salad that was scrumptious...and the presentation was SO Martha!
Back to work today....Bah Humbug.