Ken, My Best Friend in Sacramento

Ken, my GPS Australian guide, has become the most important man in my life. Two days in a row as I have driven to work I have become lost. How can this happen when I have ridden the same route about 90 days in a row? I have been driving my own car as I had things to do after work and it is simpler but each day the traffic has been backed up and so I have taken an earlier turn thinking I knew the way. NOT! When I realize I am lost I pull out Ken and he directs me with u turns and such and I have to trust him completely as I have no idea where the roads go he is taking me on. It doesn't help that I have a hard time reading the signs. Must be an analogy there somewhere... Remember it is dark at 6:30 in the morning.

As it happened for a second time today (and Yes, I have been late for work) I thought again of Maria and her comparing the GPS to the Lord getting us out of our self-imposed jams in life. And how important that trust is as our life takes unexpected turns and takes us on unknown roads that all lead us to our intended destination if we can just trust and follow directions. Follow the Leaders, follow the scriptures, how hard that is to do sometimes, we think we know better...

Thanksgiving 2008

Wow, it is really going to happen, we are actually having Thanksgiving Dinner in my hotel room--it is a open doubled sized room which I like better than a bedroom and living room suite.

It was so nice having all the wonderful side dishes that everyone brought--so much better than one meal at the Black Angus and that is it--the turkey was not that great, too bad about that but as Maria says, "the turkey is the least part of it" so true.

It was so nice having Maria and all the Valko kids here for Thanksgiving--this has been an especially lonely deployment. I don't know what I would have done if Michael hadn't been here to go out with on Saturdays.

Thanks Valkos for all the good food and fun on Thanksgiving...I had to go to bed early, work the next day at 7 AM but they let us out early at 1:30 and I enjoyed seeing Grass Valley again and the charming city of Nevada City with Maria and Matt.

Loved this Spinach Dip of Melissa's and the ramaki of Michaels--sooo good.

Maria's creamed corn was fantastic as always and she made lots! And her new recipe for yams was really good too.

And Melissa's new way to do pumpkin pie was delicious.

It was all very good except for the turkey...

It was a beautiful drive on Saturday through Auburn, Sierra Valley and Placerville's Apple Hill with Mike and Maria. I had the best apple turnover I think I have every eaten. I have a very special memory of buying apple turnovers at the Bakery in Glendive as a child and teenager and having the flaky crust get all over your clothes...always looking for some as good. These were. Nice Thanksgiving, nice weekend. Thanks kids!

Remembering Richard

You can tell the value of a man by the way he treats his wife, by the way he treats a subordinate, and by the way he treats someone who can do nothing for him.-- Ken Babcock

12 Years...

It was twelve years ago tonight that Richard and I flew into Reno for Thanksgiving and Maria came down to meet us. I still have very vivid memories of that early morning on the 25th and the days that followed. It was also Thanksgiving time that my brother passed away. Not a good time for me.

I also realized that I have now been single longer than I was married. We were married for 37 years. I was single the first 26 years of my life and now 12 more. I don't know what that means or why it is signigicant, I just noticed it, that is all.

I was also thinking today of all the different places I have had Thankgsiving. Let me see how many I can remember.

Ogden, UT---Glendive, MT---Orem, UT---Provo, UT---Big Bear, CA---Pacific Beach, CA---La Jolla, CA---Sacramento, CA---Fort Worth, TX---Rancho Bernardo, CA---Susanville, CA---Lake Almanor, CA---Baltimore, MD---Galveston, TX---Phoenix, AZ---Las Vegas, NV---El Cajon, CA---Carlsbad, CA---Knotts Berry Farm, CA Have I missed any??? Of course, I can't remember how many at each place...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, FAMILY, I LOVE YOU ALL, WHEREVER YOU ARE. I wonder what Richard and John are doing!

And where in the world have you spent Thanksgiving?

Another Weekend in Sacramento!

A few weeks ago I saw a lady "threading" at the mall. I remember Meagan had told me about it from one of her trips. This weekend I went back looking for her and couldn't find her. I wanted to get my face threaded. You can have just the eyebrows or whatever but I wanted the whole face. I asked a few people and finally a lady in JC Penneys knew which store she was near...and she has her own little store inside now!

I really like it. Only takes about 10 minutes. I can see a few she missed but looks good. I can see I will have to take a monthly trip to Sacramento Roseville Mall!

They have also opened a huge other side to the mall with a huge food court. I chose Rubio's Fish taco but couldn't find a place to sit. Finally a lady beckoned to me, she was alone also. A former realtor, widow living in Roseville. Had a very interesting visit with her and she is 79. Then when I walked into Macy's a lady selling perfume caught me and chatted. She was 71 and telling me what a great age we were and how beautiful I was, ha. (Remember she was selling perfume.) At any rate it was fun to have somebody my age to chat with for a time.

Saturday I had two dates. Mitch was here, too and Mitch and Matt kindly went to the Harvest Festival with me, food wasn't that great but we finally ended up at a movie and it was good. Enjoy having such neat grandsons to go out with! Michael said he would do the stuffing and an hor dourve for Thanksgiving and something else...anyway we, Maria and children, are all getting together in my hotel room. Should be fun, I have a big room!

Oh, yes, I finally broke down and used my 20% off in Macy's and tried some new jeans and tops. Problem is I can't tell blue from black so will be interesting to see what they are...

What Do I Do For Fun?

Well, the gauntlet was thrown out. What do I do for fun?

On first thought, I couldn’t think of any fun I have…but on second thought the things that make me smile or laugh or just feel good. That is my fun…and here they are – in no particular order.

Phone calls with my daughters, sisters, son, grandchildren, friends…very enjoyable.

Having ‘one on ones’ with my grandchildren and great grandchildren: From spending hours with Kelsi, getting acquainted with Kate, having dates with Michael, watching Mitch play, learning how to use Skype with Amy, talking to Craig, chatting with Kelley, movies with Tanner, walking with Sarah, playing games with Jacob, zooing with Jimmy, doing the mall with Lea, having Meagan visit or traveling with her, working with Matt at my home, visiting with Kristi on the phone—all of my one on ones with my grandchildren are great fun to me.

Reading the blogs of my daughters and grandchildren…love being a part of their lives that way.

Sharing stories and memories with a willing audience. Lately it has been the little Filipino gal I work with. Sometimes a few minutes break from work is telling tales about ourselves. She said the other day, “I love hearing your stories.” She’s half my age and very kind to me.

Enjoying a movie with buttered popcorn, hot tamales, and Dr. Pibb. I am in heaven when I indulge like that.

Having a good pedicure…need I say more.

Watching a greal musical or good music show. Tonight I am enjoying the Country Singers…

Being immersed in a truly enjoyable book and read it day and night till I finish.

Cleaning up the yard…yes, that is fun. Cleaning the house is not!

A really romantic movie, a really sad, moving movie, a movie that makes me laugh. Movies have always been great fun to me from the time I was 5 or so.

Listening to my favorite music…

Watching an exciting football game…

Dancing around the room…

Having some cute guy say funny things that make me giggle or laugh out loud…anything that makes me laugh out loud is good.

Notice there are not many things I “do” for fun…no sports, no activities, no exercise, no crafts, no cooking, no sewing, hmmmmmm...

High School Musical

That was the best time I have had in a long time. What a great movie--very, very enjoyable. Would love to see more like that. It was very nostalgic for me as well--the attitude they had toward life was the attitude we had for life back in my school days. Great music, great dancing, so nice to see young people positive about life, and full of life without any profanity. Kudos to all the makers of the film. When you go, be sure and stay for all the names and music at the end. So many people involved in the making of that film. Hope, hope they make more. This was definitely the best of the series. I could see all my fantastic grandchildren dancing around in the film. Life is good when we see the joy in it.

On Voting!

I did get to vote yesterday by absentee ballot. I didn't know if I would be able to with this traveling around...

Earlier in the week I had received a card from my Plumas Registrar stating that I had recently registered as a Democrat and questioning if I had moved. I immediately wrote them a letter about my experience. I told them that:

After being in Texas and arriving in Sacramento I saw a voter register person in front of WalMart and told him I needed to get an absentee ballot but I lived in Plumas County and what should I do? (I should have known better, these guys are just paid to get registrations and probably know nothing about what I asked) Anyway he said to just register here and he would take care of it. So I did. Anyway I also told the Registrar that I had certainly never registered as a Democrat.

Surprisingly I received a call from a lady at the Registrar's Office and they said they were sorry for my experience but they would send a ballot right out and to get it back asap. And yes, the Democrat box was checked by someone!! They also said if I wanted to change that I would have to register again before the next election.

Anyway I felt like a really important person instead of just a number that they would give me that kind of attention to actually call me at the office and send a ballot! Yesterday I went out for lunch and saw this written in a community newspaper:

"This has seemingly been the most antagonistic and violent campaign period in our lifetime. From stolen signs from people's front yards, to vandalism, to beatings by opponents, Americans have faced a stress-filled two years of a barrage of accusations from all parties and a relentless television schedule of pundits points of view that has given the voting public more than we need to know, and very little of what "we need to know."

And isn't that so true!

Tender Mercy...

Was on me tonight. I wasn't thinking well, very tired but I hadn't shopped for two weeks and tomorrow is another 10 hr day and I had no lunch food, etc. so I felt terrible being one of those Sunday shoppers at Wal Mart, but there I was.

After I left, I missed my turn on Galleria and ended up in Rocklin and had to swing back so it was about 30 minutes before I arrived home and then I realized I didn't have my billfold!!! I must have left it in the cart when I unloaded. Would anyone actually find it and turn it in???

I hurried back and looked in the cart holder where I had put mine, not there, all the time saying silent prayers and thinking how was I going to cancel all those cards before someone had a buying spree. I had my cards, which I seldom use, the government card, my debit card with all my savings--over $50,000 total in chargable cards... plus about $100 in cash. Would anyone turn that in???

As I was waiting for a clerk in customer service I was trying to imagine what I would do if she said it wasn't there...who would I call first, what would they do to me for losing a government card, why do I carry all that in my billfold with my drivers license, SS card. It is stupid. I seldom use any but my gas card and debit card for grocercies and cash. Why do I carry them all together?

Finally it was my turn. She said, "Yes, I do think someone turned one in a little while ago. We have it locked up. Let me ask my supervisor." Her supervisor comes back WITH THE BILLFOLD! She said, "You know, our customers are so good. We get lots of billfolds turned in. Most people think that no one will turn them in but they do."

Sort of makes you feel good about mankind doesn't it and...tender mercies of the Lord, taking care of me.

Oh, and all that cash was still there...

Life as I know It

What is my life today? Helping victims of hurricanes get the monies they need to repair their damaged homes and damaged lives...

The time goes so fast at the office, it is hard to believe I am working 10 hours a day now--from 7 am to 5:30 pm (we are usually there early to check our business emails and set up the computer with the programs we want on call). Believe it or not they chose some select ones who are "producing well" to work longer hours and I was amongst them (surprisingly).

First thing is to check and see how many files you have in your Que. This is usually 15 or so. Those who are the "oldest" need to be worked on first. Most of my old files have been from Hurricane Gustav. More and more are from Hurricane Ike every day. Ideally you will complete a file every two hours. This means you will have made a loan decision of Approval, Denial, or Withdrawal and then zapped it (through the computer program) to your supervisor. If you did well, he will send it on to legal where they check for errors and then letters and documents or letters of denial are sent to the hurricane victim. If they are denied, they may be referred back to FEMA for help. This seems like adequate time but...

The aim is to be thorough, just, compassionate, knowledgable, compliant with the SOP (standard operating system) and complete the file before the clock runs out. All files are to be finished from application by victim, to verification of damage by the appraiser, to approving or denying in less than 14 days. By the time it shows up in my que it may already be 12 or 13 days old.

My job is to make the decision from all the financial and appraisal information (that has been fed into the system), communiating with the insurance company, seeking online for ownership of the property, checking FEMA records for distributions by them, checking their credit, talking to the applicant and eventually communicating to the applicant a decision they are hopefully happy to hear. It sometimes takes more than one phone call to complete this.

The hardest part is doing this all with a paperless file--reading everything from the screen, not being able to lay the credit report out in front of you, etc. Learning how the program works is still a challenge. You not only have to conquer the computer program, you have to know the rules of lending, etc. We have thick books and memorandums and fortunately supervisors to help.

The good thing is the very nice working conditions we have. Great chairs, desks, large computer screens, large desk space. The building is very lovely and is the same one I worked in all through Charley, Jeanne and Ivan.

And we come home to a great homecooked meal at the Homewood Suites and get sent off with good breakfasts. The Marriott Residence Inn people don't have quite the good meals we do.

My BIGGEST problem is falling asleep too early and then waking up too early, how do I break this cycle????

I just read that one of the reasons we gain weight is if we are sleeping 6 hrs or less--wow, that is me!

As I have written this it has just occurred to me that two hours should be more than adequate time--I have been doing 3-4 a day--I have to do better, I just have to get more efficient, more focused, and less frustrated with waiting for the computer to do it's thing--and never have to look twice at the same thing, that is the trick. Do it once and do it right...make notes you can read...onward and upward...

"About Me" on a Sleepless Night

ABOUT ME: Janet--

1. I AM: alone most of the time
2. I WANT: more joy and security in my life
3. I HAVE: a wonderful family whom I love so very much
4. I WISH: deep love for all my children and grandchildren
5. I HATE: listening to pompous men talk
6. I MISS: Richard and Bandido
7. I FEAR: being poor and alone
8. I HEAR: less clearly than I used to
9. I SEARCH: for joy, peace and security
10. I WONDER: if I'll ever be what the Lord intended me to be
11. I REGRET: not being more careful what and how much I eat
12. I LOVE: music that makes me feel romantic
13. I FORGIVE: everyone whoever made me feel sad
14. I ACHE: all over my body too often
15. I ALWAYS: eat too fast
16. I TRY: to do my best most of the time
17. I AM NOT: finished yet
18. I SEEM: unfriendly and aloof much of the time
19. I KNOW: that God lives and wants us to have joy in our life
20. I FEEL: very alone much of the time
21. I DREAM: I am lost or my things are lost alot
22. I GIVE: thanks everyday for all the blessings I have
23. I LISTEN: to the scriptures and my music every day
24. I LAUGH: not as much as I would like, I need a good laugh a day
25. I CAN'T: make myself exercise or walk enough
26. I WRITE: very boring stuff
27. I CRY: very seldom
28. I SLEEP: for six hours and that is it, no matter I am still tired
29. I AM NOT ALWAYS: able to focus on what I am hearing
30. I SEE: less well than I used to
31. I LOSE: everything but weight
32. I CONFUSE: easily, more than I should admit
33. I NEED: more joy in my life
34. I SHOULD: enjoy being with people more
35. I SING: seldom at all anymore--I used to love to sing...hmmm
36. I DANCE: around the floor for 20 min in the am, my only exercise...

Hey, I Am Getting It...

Today I had my first performance review from the SLO I had from 9/22-10/3. The first week here was just training and then we started processing. I thought I was doing so badly but he actually gave me a really great review (I shouldn't have complained about him) and said I was in one of the top 3 in points (production) even though none of us are up to what they want from us...everyone must be struggling.

I am finally catching on to the program and quite enjoying it. Plus I am right next to my really great new SLO who is extremely forthcoming with advice and hints on what they want and right across from me is a computer guru who always knows how to do what if I get stuck so a pretty good situation right now.

Today "The Duchess" started at a theater here so I ran over after work and quite enjoyed it. Kara Knightly is great in it and it is historical fiction, which I always love, from the book "Georgeana, the Devonshire Duchess" or something like that, based on truth. Quite an interesting story and well done I think. A sad tale of having to live your life according to what is expected of you. Hey, isn't that the life we all live?? Of course, women didn't have it so well back in the 1700's, we have a pretty great world right now, even with all it's problems.

Twice this week I set the timer so I could watch TV from 9 to 10 and believe it or not I didn't see one minute of the shows either night. I am so tired I fall asleep as soon as I close my eyes, problem is then I awake at 2-2:30 so that is a problem! Also the eating too much and exercising too little. Hopefully when I am more relaxed about what I am doing, that will change.

Have you noticed?

It's been a long time since I went to "In and Out" and I was shocked to see the size of the cheeseburger and shake I was served this week. They are about half the size they were in the 90's.

Then one day when I took the wrong road looking for a Jiffy Lube I ran into a Dairy Queen. Remember the Blizzards we used to buy at the DQ next to Choice Mortgage on Genesee? Half that size now!!

I must agree I shouldn't have been buying either one and I doubt I will again.

I walked into Macy's last week to buy some facial cream and I had to pass a lot of clothes on the way. Ugly colors, ugly styles, ugly prints, ugh. Then a few day ago I walked through Nordstrom's Rack. Ugly colors, ugly styles, ugly prints, ugh. Tonight I walked through Marshall's to look at the fun things in the back and I had to pass a lot of clothes on the way. Ugly colors, ugly styles, ugly prints, Ugh. Are the styles and colors just reflecting the depressing economy we are in??? Wow, take a look and see if you see any happy colors and styles out there...

Learning Curve is UP!!!

I am so glad Maria brought Mitch down last weekend. It surely cheered me up! Maria has such a great way with words, in voice, as well as on writing. I know we all enjoy reading her sobering messages that teach us each day. Thank you, Maria, for all your insight and beautiful way of voicing it.

I had never eaten a dinner at the Cheese Factory and I had the Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp. It was so delicious. There is a Cheese Factory a block from my hotel and I bet it is not as crowded as the Arden mall one, we will have to try it sometime. We had planned on going to a movie but Michael got sick, so Michael and I hope to catch it this weekend.

I cannot go away overnight without checking out and back in the hotel (company rule) so if I go home for my winter clothes it will have to be on a quick run on a Sunday!! I really like my room and location of room and if I am going to be here till Christmas I want to keep this room.

We haven't started working 10 hrs yet and I am already so tired...

I finally feel like I am "getting" the computerized paperless loan processing program we are learning. Today I had a very productive day and feel like I have had a breakthrough. Maybe now I can stop doing this nervous eating.

The fact that I have a new SLO has certainly helped. He is the nice car partner who toured us around Dallas and kindly went with Betsy and I to dinner a lot. He is a team player, non judgmental, teaching without intimidation, kind of leader and we are all doing better under his tutelage. He acted happy to have me sitting next to him again also cuz he says I am the most organized person he has ever seen and probably thinks I can be of help to him once in awhile, too. We both miss the Necco Wafers I ran out of cuz Wal Mart doesn't have anymore!

He is about the age of my John. Just a really nice person. Comes from Buffalo. Our other SLO was knowledgeable but intimidating with sarcasm. I thought I was the only one who thought he didn't like me but Suzanne said the same thing today. We are both doing better with John. (He is a John E also). I don't understand why all leaders don't understand that a positive and comfortable working environment has positive results.

Now if my eye would just stop twitching, we are all having trouble with our eyes--could it be the lights, the computers, the???????

It's All Relative

Last night someone sent me an Obituary Archive from my hometown. I was interested in reading about the lady I worked for one summer during college.

It was a drive in--and I worked inside and my sister worked outside. The couple that ran the restaurant had recently married--second marriages for both I assume. They were always being kind of romantic and I thought it was so weird because they were so old!!!

Now as I read her obituary I find that she could have only been 43 at the time--that is younger than my daughters are and they seem so very young!!

And when I was in grade school my mother was in her early forties and I thought she seemed so old. Oh, my goodness. I guess it is good we feel that way or we wouldn't have respected them as much as we did but it is so hard to believe in retrospect.

California State University Sacramento

After Michael and I went to Buca de bepe restaurant (or whatever the name is), and incidentally it was delicious, we toured the campus of Sacramento State. We decided we would meet once a week and try out different restaurants. Last week it was my favorite from 2005, Brookfields. Anyway after the restaurant we toured "Sac State" where Michael goes to college and should graduate in Dec 2009.

To quote from their web site "We're particularly proud of our beautiful 300-acre campus, with its lush landscaping and 3,000 trees. Miles of trails stretch along the nearby American River Parkway, linking our campus and student housing with recreational areas such as Folsom Lake and downtown Sacramento."

It really is a lovely campus. We walked around and even took the bridge across the river and saw the bike trail. Very nice. I was totally impressed. Michael will be surprised to know that there are 28,000 students on campus and they graduate 6000 a year! That is about as large as BYU I think.

There was a very peaceful aura around the campus, some girls exercising, a group biking on the trail, many students in groups chatting, many at desks studying (I could see through the windows). Many just casually walking. It may have been the time of day we were there. We parked on the top of the parking garage to survey the campus and took the chance of leaving the car there while we walked around, very nice place to go to school.

Michael has an interesting screen play started also. He is a great writer!!

Montanans

Here we are, Class of 51 Dawson County High, Class of 47 Washington Grade School, Now Northern Californians--Bill H, Janet A, Chuck E

High School Memories

Last night two of my high school friends in the Sacramento area played a little joke on me. Actually Bill has a long beard and mustache, today--though it is white--he is a Santa Claus now. I had seen Bill once since leaving high school, at the 2000 high school reunion.

Anyway Bill and I decided to meet and eat since I was working in Sacramento. I thought somewhere in the middle but he insisted on picking me up at my hotel "because he wanted to take me somewhere special". It surprised me when he wanted to go east on 80 (away from Sacramento) (he lives about an hour south of Sacramento, but he insisted he had a favorite "Dennys" that was really special. (I am thinking, how special could a Dennys be?) but I am listening to his nostalgia of this Dennys. We finally get there and though there is an "old cars" meet out in front Bill is anxious to hurry in.

As soon as we get inside some older guy is motioning to us to come and sit with him and I am wondering, "What the heck, does Bill know this guy?" He says to come and sit by him and I am thinking there is something familiar about those eyes but I just can't figure it out. Then he says his name...Chuck E... He had played for Washington at Pullman after leaving high school and I hadn't seen him since he went one way to college and I went another. Chuck had been the boyfriend of one of my friends, Kay, in high school and Bill had been the one who double dated with me in Jr High. He dated my friend Berta and I dated George.

Needless to say we had fun catching up on nostalgia and what has happened to us since. It is always a shock to face the reality of the transition from high school stud to senior citizen but "there we are" and pretty fortunate considering the alternative. Both Chuck and Bill are living the good "retired" life while I continue to work, but so far, I have been enjoying it...

Carmen the Garmin

On the way to work today we tried out my car partner's GPS who he calls Gia. She directed us beautifully, even showing where gas stations were coming up and banks, etc. I was anxious to try my own.

I had purchased one myself last night. My search for "what to buy" started with a trip to BEST BUY to check them all out and then a search for the cheapest of what I liked. I finally found the cheapest was to do a mail order from Wal Mart and then I went to Costco and it was the same price as Wal Mart. Wow, saved $100!!

Tonight I tried it out. I had seen a restaurant I like on the way home so put in the name. I was surprised my GP (Carmen, I call her) had me turn right but I thought it must be a "back" way. When I tried to assume where I should go without waiting for Carmen, she immediately said--"recalculating" and gave me new instructions. When she said I was there after I had tried to second guess her about three times and went in circles and I couldn't see it I figured she had really goofed but...it was just that the restaurant had closed at that location and it was not the one I had seen from the freeway. Will try and find that one tomorrow.

After circling so much I was confused as to which way to turn and didn't know my way home but Carmen did, she easily took me home. Since I have been frustrated and "lost" so many times I have decided this is the greatest invention since computers. Every woman should have one for sure!

Sacramento rocks!

I must say this is a plush assignment so far. We are at the Homewood Suites which backs up to the Galleria Mall so it will be a nice way to get my daily walk. Today I walked over to Best Buy to check out the GPS navigators. I decided it is a must for me.

Yesterday Michael picked me up after work in my car (Mitch, Melissa, and Maria brought it down from Chico) and we went to eat and to a movie. It was dark when I tried to find my hotel. It should have been easier than it was but I took the wrong turn off 80 and then went the wrong direction for a long time. I ended up in Rocklin instead of Roseville and couldn't find the way back to the freeway to reorient myself. It is scary.

I have been lost in Sacramento more than once and I think the GPS is the answer. If anyone has a suggestion as to what kind to buy, please let me know. Right now I am trying to find the Garmin 260w for a good price.

Travel Angels

It seems the "travel angels" seem to watch over me. This morning the Shuttle let us off in the wrong place and my bags were too heavy for me to go upstairs and then all the way to the other end of the terminal... Just as I thought I would die a Skycap showed up and put all my bags on a cart. He said whoever dropped us off was lying when they said they had to drop us off there and I shouldn't have to walk that far with the heavy bags. He said he wouldn't take any money but he did, of course, and I loved giving it to him. I have learned how it is in the DFW and usually look for a Skycap but we were late and I couldn't see one.

Then I lucked on to the one guy that had a car and after coming from the airport he took me to Walmart. This is a great place to be in Roseville. Lots of shopping within walking distance and Walmart Super not too far away and only 10 minutes from the office...

I am so glad I am processing in Sacramento instead of talking apps in South Texas, it will be brutal down there for a long time.

Sunday

We have a day off so I found the Bedford Ward, a half an hour away and attended church today. The closer one was Tongan so I found another, however, one of the ward people said I would enjoy going to the Tongan ward because their singing was so beautiful. Next time.

It was a very friendly ward and good speakers. An enthusiastic "missionary to be" going to Mexico City told about working in a Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake when the Prophet came in. The waitress told the Prophet about him so He invited the young man to come sit for a minute. When President Monson learned the boy was to go to a Spanish speaking mission, he told him this story.

He said the Mission President from the MTC called about a boy who was so sure he could not learn Spanish that he wanted to go home. President Monson made a suggestion about a class to send him to the next day and then he should call President Monson again. He said the next day he received the call from the Mission President and he reported that after attending an hour of the Japanese language class the young man was sure he could learn Spanish.

The High Council speaker said that the Stake President asked the question whether they were happy, whether they had joy in their life. He reminded them that life is about the process, about the journey and not just the destination. We should all be happy along our journey and if we are not, well why not???? He said it is "people" not "programs" that are important. I remember that was something we always said in the 70's when I was in the Stake Primary. He said it is relationships that matter, not just the doing. Life is "becoming" not "doing". This relationship thing is what "The Shack" book is all about also. The Savior was all about relationships, not tasks, something I always need to remember.

The High Council speaker also told of an experience when he was a new missionary in So. Calif. They stopped at the home of a "surf dude" who answered the door in swim trunks with his hair covering his eyes. The dude accepted the Book of Mormon and a booklet and they told him they would come and see him next week. He said, "Sure" and quickly shut the door. The next week they called again and they said they could see his eyes this time. The Sr Companion asked if they could give him the first discussion. He said, "Sure, but first, will you answer this question? What was that feeling I had when I started to read this book?" He said the young man had been on drugs and a school drop out because his grades were so bad. He was soon baptized, he got back in school and off drugs, then attended BYU, went on a mission to Italy and married in the Temple. He reminded us that it isn't the missionaries that convert members, it is the Spirit.

The Sunday School teacher did a great job. He was a young married - returned missionary and taught in a simple but well-informed manner with a very pleasant convincing spirit. Here again the message was all about being happy with where-ever we are in life, choose the right, avoid pride and don't continually be thinking you will be happy "when"--when you get this, when that, when you are more perfect, etc.

So far I am handling things well, I will "check in" next week and see how frazzled I am then...my biggest problem is not being able to think of a word I want to use. That may be a problem when I have to write up my justifications for a loan approval or denial...

But thank heaven, none of us has to go home to 8 feet of water in our house...

Aftermath of Ike

Hurricane Ike came in a little less than expected but powerfully more damage done in the areas I was in after Hurricane Rita. Beaumont was without power for a month after Rita, this time there is more flooding and damage as well as the power outage. Galveston was inundated with water. Even their precious wall that was built after the flood in 1900 was compromised. They are still searching for bodies. Thousands stayed behind even though their was mandatory evacuation. Of course, the rescues go on with the taxpayers money. And Houston didn't have near the destruction it had this time.

Someone told me the reason people stay behind is they had just run from Gustav on Labor Day weekend and there wasn't much damage and they just can't afford to leave. I understand that except that buses were provided and free places to stay...so you wonder.

So...I think SBA's forward planning was timely and I may be working a bit more than a month.

They were to fly us out on Sunday originally, then thought about getting us out ahead of the storm and finally settled on Monday, so we head for Sacramento tomorrow. I will be at the Homewood Suites behind the Galleria Mall in Roseville--hmm, that sounds dangerous.

Aftermath of Katrina

Today I learned the group of us in training here in Fort Worth are a "test group" to see if the Sacramento office can be used for processing disaster loans while being under the leadership of the Texas office.

It was very interesting to learn of everything that went wrong after Katrina hit and what has been done to make sure all those things never happen again.

Previously the DCMS loan program was built with the idea of being used by a maximum of about 2500 loan officers, now 12,000 can be online at once. Previously they had two scanners in this office, now there are 52.

They had geared up to be able to handle a disaster twice as large as the Northridge, CA earthquake since it was the largest they had previously handled. Then Katrina hit and it was six times as large!

Anyway it is amazing all the work they have done to correct everything that went wrong. We also watched a CNN presentation on the insurance problem with the argument over whether it was the water or wind that caused all the damage--and what the insurance companies would not pay for. It does matter what home insurance company you have and you should understand your policy very well!

I know this news is not as exciting as Maria's news but this is my life...a man told me today he was older than me... I am three months older than him and the oldest one in the group as usual. All the people I used to work with remember me and talk to me though, that is nice.

When Betsy and I went to the Verizon store we giggled at the fact the Verizon man explained the directions to her like I was too old to understand. C'est la vie!

Off to Texas

So I am off to Texas tomorrow for a week and scheduled to be in Sacramento from Sept 14 to Oct 14. Maybe Michael and I can meet for a movie or eat out from time to time. I will be staying in Roseville off 80 and he is off 50 but still not that far away.

Unfortunately that means I will miss the BYU reunion of my sisters from Oct 6 to Oct 14!! I am keeping my air ticket just in case I get sent home sooner.

I was so looking forward to being with my sisters and seeing all the new things at BYU and visiting Amy and Craig in their habitats.

Still, I need the money so what can I do...I will just be grateful if they keep me that long. I will probably be asked to do business loans and my brain is not as sharp as it used to be...we will see.

Humboldt Summit and Valley Loop

 

Today Marjorie and I went on an adventure in Plumas County Backcountry. It was to be a 4 hr drive through the Humboldt Summit and Valley Loop. It took us 8 hrs!!! Luckily, though there were few people on the road, we surprised a couple on a dead end road who directed us back to a wrong turn, and then a couple picking gooseberries sent us merrily on our way home and advised us to get there before dark, but we were still doing our last leg at 8:30 PM!!

Although we had directions and a map there were so many logging roads and camp roads it was easy to make a wrong turn, which we did!! We enjoyed our hike up to the Humboldt Summit even though it had not been cleared and we had to go over trees, under trees, through trees.

It was a very interesting trip but I don't think I would recommend it unless they do something to the roads. There were so many rocks and bumps and dips, my car and tires will never be the same. We were very, very blessed to have returned safely! It could have been disastrous because it was so deserted today. We also forgot to let anyone know where we were going.

 

We saw some evergreens we were not familiar with that had these "frosted" cones all over their tops. This was also the area where the bees went after me--liked my sandwich or perfume or hairspray or something and I did get a little sting on my wrist.

This is on the drive from Humbug Summit to Humbug Valley--the road is lined with these beautiful Christmas Trees and there are many more large groves of them.

Bandido was very dirty from the soft, soft dirt and was a reluctant hiker. Great view, though, and I can assure you we will never run out of trees! This is from the Humboldt Summit.

"I Got the Call Today" (Don Henley words in a song)

SBA called and I leave Sept 7 to 14 for a week of training in Fort Worth. This is training on the new computer loan processing program which they started in 2005 but I wasn't one of the few that learned it at that time. I was instead surpervising a group in the "old" program

As I have said before, because I am a loan officer instead of Customer Service and they mostly use loan officers that live in the Fort Worth area so they don't have to pay them per diem, I will not necessarily be working after the training.

However, if this current hurricane is bad enough they plan on using some loan officers in Sacramento and I may get called to go there. Keep your fingers crossed for me. They questioned whether I was able to go if called.

But at any rate I am one step closer to earning a little money and get a free trip and one week's pay. Sounds good to me!

Who wants to keep Bandido if I go for months???? My sister in Orem would if I could get him there...she enjoys Bandido.

Things That Go Boom in the Night

What do you do when you are awakened by a load crash, like a plank following on wood and can't find anything inside or out, crashed? It is definitely hard to go back to sleep, thus the need to find something to do.

Bandido was restless for awhile but has finally given in to sleep. Lucky him. Reminded me of the time I was alone in our big house on the hill in Glendive. No idea what age I was or why I was alone. But I was sleeping in the basement with the dog. Was it Star or Poika? If I could remember that, I would have an idea what age I was. Why was I sleeping downstairs? That is where the boys slept after an individual bedroom was given to each of three of us girls.

At any rate the memory that is so clear is how frightened I was by some noises I had heard. I was wide awake listening and imagining, all the while the dog was making low growly sounds which frightened me even more. The basement had a separate outside door on one side and a door that led from a very old 'under the house garage.' It was so narrow it must have been used for a horse and buggy. But you can imagine how either door was a tool to feed my fright. Never did find out what the noise was all about either but I know I didn't sleep till someone finally came home.

That old house was very old and had lots of creaks and sounds of it's own even when no one was there. Berta Mae and I discovered that when we were in grade school and because we were always playacting out different stories, we would hide behind one of the chairs when no one was home and scare ourselves silly imagining what or who was making the sounds. I remember one time we ran in and climbed on the kitchen table before finally running outside into the sunshine and away from "it".

This fear of "sounds in the night" stayed with me. When I started dating Bill in San Diego I was living with three other girls in a house which was two story on one side and one story on the front side. I was the first one home from a date one night so Bill checked the whole house before leaving me alone. Unfortunately the doors were not locked evidently. As I was drifting off to sleep I heard a clumping sound but convinced myself I needed to stop imagining things, it was nothing at all, I was just overreacting. Later, when Marta and Colleen came home with their dates, they woke me to tell me there was a drunk passed out at the kitchen table. He had climbed the outside stairs from the back alley...

OK, I am now convincing myself it must have been a large branch that fell on the roof, so guess I will try to go to sleep.

So Far, So Good

I think the Republicans are going to have a hard time to match the convention the Democrats have put on so far. It has been very well presented with some great talks even though there have also been a lot that say the same thing like they are scripted and the people don't really know what they are talking about. A lot of promises though, a lot of promises that a President cannot keep without a lot of cooperation and where is all the money to do everything to come from?

I am happy to say that Sen. Biden showed a side I have not seen before. He was not snarling at anybody and actually was presented very well! Beautiful wife and handsome son, too.

Still...

I was wondering..

When will this political stuff be over?

Five Things

5 Things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago:

1. Working for a Mortgage Company
2. Living in Pacific Beach
3. Bicycling daily at the Bay with Nadine (and Bandido in the basket)
4. Planning my escape from San Diego
5. Attended Meagan's Graduation in June

5 Things On My To Do List:

1. Figure out how to make money
2. Finish my Life History
3. Organize my Genealogy (again)
4. Finish the quilt I started 8 years ago
5. Start Yoga or something!

5 Favorite Snacks/Food:

1. Nachos
2. Fuji apple with peanut butter
3. Fuji apple with caramel dip (homemade)
4. Tootsie Rolls
5. Fruit Smoothies and homemade Wendy's Frosty

5 Things I Would Do If I Was a Billionaire:

1. Have a second home in Sweden
2. Have a lavish garden with beautiful flowers
3. Have a yacht on the Mediterranean/Agean Seas
4. Have a Lakeside home with a Sailboat and Goodlooking Captain
5. Have a maid/cook/personal trainer/gardener

5 Bad Habits:

1. Eating sugar and butter treats
2. Procrastination
3. Avoiding Exercise
4. Being unfriendly
5. Selfish with time

5 Places I Have Lived:

1. Ogden, Ut
2. Glendive, Mt
3. Provo, Ut
4. San Diego/San Diego/Pacific Beach/La Jolla/Rancho Bernardo, CA
5. Lake Almanor, CA

Persons I'm Tagging (Kristi already tagged most of the only ones that read my blog)

1. Linda

Fini!

Well, the last rock is in sand and it is finished!!! When the wind blows my cedar makes a mess but I am leaving it in sand so it drains very well. Will see how it does through the winter.

Happy Birthday, Mike!

I just remembered Kristi's husband Mike shares a birthday with Richard. That is one birthday I won't forget. Happy Birthday, Mike, surely appreciated the use of your truck!

Happy Birthday, Richard!

I was reading last week that the spirits are nearby and know our thoughts and feel our sorrow so I hope Richard knows how much I miss him. He used to tell me I would never miss him when he was gone. It was just that he always liked someone near him whether he was working, reading, watching TV or what and I always had little projects I wanted to work on that didn't necessarily include him.

I found this note in my journal about his recovery from his first heart attack. "Richard finally did recover and was home for another month. It was a wonderful month. We were more appreciative of life and each other and Richard was on valium, so did not even think about his work. It was like the honeymoon we never had. We also had a lot of visitors--surely appreciate all our friends."

I am glad we had that honeymoon because we married on a Friday, and were back to work on Monday morning.

Old Age is For the Pits!

I thought this was an interesting contrast in what happens to you in 55 years of living.  Of course, there is the obvious white haire, a "given" if you abstain from the bother of hair color.  The wrinkles (of course, I never did have the beautiful skin like Melissa's even in my good days), droopy eyes, yellowed teeth, brown spots on the skin, the shortened neck (is tht where those 2 inches went)?  Viva la youth, Melissa is a beauty.

 

Janet in better days at BYU, about a couple years older than Melissa.

If I Knew You were Coming, I'd Have Baked a Cake!...

...was a song from my youth.

Well, we did know she was coming and I did bake a cake. It was called Italian Cream Cake in honor of Maria coming back from her "educational trip" to Italy. While looking in my journal I found this about Maria's patriarchal blessing experience which I was able to share with her.

It was really a beautiful blessing. He (Patriarch) asked me if I knew what a choice person she is!

Maria hadn't slept for 36 hours but looked relaxed and managed a big smile before Melissa took off for college in Chico.

A fond farewell to Melissa before she embarks off to Butte College.

New Proposed Location for Solomon's Temple

For those of you who might be concerned about the Temple being built in Jerusalem before the Second Coming of Christ, there is very interesting news. As you probably know, there has been concern about disturbing the Dome of the Rock, the magnificent Muslim mosque, to restore Solomon's temple.

However, a team was sent to Jerusalem last April to research the Temple Mount and surrounding area. I won't list who they were and all their credentials but they had them. And they came up with a new proposed location of where the Temple was and there is nothing on it to prevent the Temple being restored!

Unfortunately more research is still needed. At present, most on-site research is strictly prohibited. Additional careful measurements need to be made. Nevertheless, the evidence is much more solid than anything for other proposed locations, much of which is based on groundless speculation. It definitely appears that some ancient building stood there, and it is about the right size, shape and orientation to have been Solomon's temple.

Evidence has been presented for the location of Solomon's temple having been situated between the existing Dome of the Rock and dome of the Tablets. If this location is indeed correct, then the exact location and orientation have been pinpointed in a place where no building currently stands. Thus the temple could be restored there without impacting the Dome of the Rock in any way.

To read the full article with pictures and all details and specifics, go to Meridian Magazine and read the article with the same name as this blog.

Nightmare! Nightmare!

Wow, am I ever glad that nightmare is over!!!

The last thing I read before I went to bed is that Barack Obama had chosen Sen. Biden as his running mate and I had thought, "Did he ever shoot himself in the foot, I can't believe it." Sen Biden, to me, has always been one of the most unlikable Senators there is. What are they thinking? Good for McCain, anyway.

Then I had this nightmare where I went to work for him and the work conditions were so appalling. I was just admiring this other woman who very cleverly told him what she thought of the "office" and I was thinking, "Why can't I speak up like that?" Then, thank heaven, I woke up.

Mitch was the Man today!

Mitch came up and we made two trips to the creek for river rock. I am hoping this will be enough to finish the patio, yea!!!

Then he climbed the roof and cleaned it off plus cleaning out all the gutters, big job!!!

Then he loaded the last wood I have to the deck...I have been promised more wood coming from the guys at church. Last year I was totally empty when they filled my bin also.

But he wasn't finished yet! He started digging five holes for me to put my white birch trees that I am ordering. This is so that when you look out my dining room you see fluttering pretty leaves rather than somebody else's deck. when you dig holes here you have to keep filling them with water and dig over a period of weeks. It is almost solid rock!

While I was outside I discovered the deer have been in one of my enclosed gardens which makes me wonder why do I have a wire fence around them? I watched a mama deer leap in and later leap out with beautiful form...so the only ones not able to get in easily now are the baby deer and me. The squirrels also jump on the fence and then in. Frustration.

Anyway we did good today and I really appreciated all of Mitch's hard work! Thank you, Mitch.

Summer Under the Stars

This has been a delightful summer of excellent movies from TCM. They have been having "Summer Under the Stars" and feature movies for one movie star for one or more days. I record them and then watch at my leisure. By turning on my TV in the living room and bedroom I can get my whole house cleaned while watching a good movie.

And I can't say too much about the wonderful movies of the 40's--the old black and whites and then some of the 50's. Last week I enjoyed Kim Novak. She was an idol of mine for her looks. This week it has been Greer Garson.

She is one special lady and supposedly has the most beautiful voice in movies. She has always been an idol of mine in the way she carries herself, the way she speaks. Yesterday I watched "Random Harvest" a truly romantic film of WWII.

It just seems the movies of the 40's have so much more depth and personify the best and worst in all of us which such clarity. They also leave a lot to the imagination, which is always best, I think.

Billy Joel - Uptown Girl

Yesterday I saw an intriguing article on 10 musical videos that had been made by musical star couples when they were "together" who later broke up.

Most of them were trash as far as I was concerned but I really enjoyed "Billy Joel - Uptown Girl". It was made in 1983 when Billy Joel and Christy Brinkly were a couple and he takes the part of a mechanic in a garage and she drives up with her chauffeur in a fancy car and gets out and does a dance with him and the other mechanics. He was young and small then and she was a classy model.

It is worth the watch and listen but the embedding was removed so you have to go to You Tube and put in Billy Joel-Uptown Girl to enjoy.

News from Italy

In view of Maria's experiences I was interested in this news out of Italy today!

No sandcastles please, you're in Italy

Mon Aug 18, 8:59 AM ET

When in Capri, don't wander off the beach in a bikini. If you go to the sea in Eraclea, near Venice, remember that building sandcastles is forbidden. And don't even think about mowing your lawn at the weekend in Forte dei Marmi.

Emboldened by a nationwide crackdown on crime and a government decree giving them extra law-and-order powers, Italian mayors have issued a string of often bizarre by-laws to enhance "public decorum."

Public displays of affection in a car can earn you a fine of up to 500 euros ($745) in Eboli, feeding pigeons is off-limits in the centre of Lucca while in Novara groups of more than two people are forbidden from lounging around in parks at night.

Italian newspapers have dubbed this year's holiday season "the summer of bans." But this week one town hall was forced to acknowledge things may have gone too far.

Rodrigo Piccoli, 33, called national radio to protest after he was fined 50 euros for lying down in a park in the northern city of Vicenza to read a book. The mayor has since promised to drop the ban.

Happy Birthday, John

August 18th, the anniversary of John's birth. Richard and I were living in a small apartment in Pacific Beach when John was born. We were very happy. Here is an excerpt from my journal written in December 1960:

John Eric is waking. I'll leave him till he cries for me, he seems to enjoy his crib and looking at the bunnies--probably even babies enjoy a little privacy. He's 3 1/2 months old now and so very alert and active. He weighs around 14 lbs. and is 25" long-- a husky fellow who laughs and smiles for everyone. Most people think he is older and I do believe he was about 3 weeks past due when he was born. He was due July 27th and not born till August 18th. Even then I had uteri inertia and they had to take him caesarean. The doctor says I should have only two more babies and have them two years apart. I'm not sure how much confidence I have in Dr. Shephard though, even if he is a Mormon. I may change next time. Baby John wants me now, he doesn't cry much, just fusses to tell you things. He always lets me know when he's messed his pants so guess he'll be a particular boy about his clothes!! Funny fellow, he's almost back to sleep again--he sleeps much more lately it seems. Yesterday he had his casts removed that he had worn for 3 weeks to tighten his heel cord. It was not serious and looks much better. We received our processed roll of film back. I'm so anxious to see our first movies--hope we really keep a good movie record of our children.

December 7, 1960 Poor John is feverish and unhappy today. He had his second polio shot yesterday and it has affected him. I've been getting a few things ready for Christmas--I'm so anxious to get a tree up, the wrapped packages look so pretty. Saturday we bought our projector and screen. We've shown our Thanksgiving film over and over. I never tire of looking at baby John, I believe he is such a sweetie. I never dreamed I could have such a darling, lovable baby.

TAGGED

OK, I took the challenge, this is not easy...one word doesn't say it.

Where is your cell phone?.........................PURSE?

Your significant other?...............................CARING

Your hair?.........................................60’s

Your mother?...................................KIND

Your father?....................................GENTLE

Your favorite thing?.............................MOVIES

Your dream last night........................HAZY

Your favorite drink................................WATER

Your dream/goal..............................JOY

The room you're in..........................OFFICE

Your children?...................................AMAZING

Your fear?.......................................POVERTY

Where do you want to be in 6 years?.............HERE

Where were you last night?.........................HERE

What you're not?....................................SOCIAL

Muffins?.........................................BLUEBERRY

One of your wish list items?.........................MONEY

Where'd you grow up?................................MONTANA

What'd you read last?......................... THE MEDIATOR

What are you wearing?.........................WRAPAROUND

Your TV?......................................COMPANION

Your pet?.................................FOLLOWER

Your computer?...............................NECESSARY

Your life?.....................................PLEASANT

Your mood?................................GRATEFUL

Missing someone?............................RICHARD

Your car?.........................................OUTBACK

Something you're not wearing?..................UNDIES

Favorite store?..............................COLDWATER CREEK

Your summer?....................................LOVELY

Like someone?.....................................FAMILY

Your favorite color?................................RED

Last time you laughed................................KARAOKE

Last time you cried?.....................................TESTIMONY

I TAG MARIA AND MEAGAN

Just Kate!

Great Grandbaby Kate is a delightful child and Kristi is such a great Mom. Kate really enjoys being with everybody and is busy, busy, busy all the time. She usually won't look in the camera but I caught her four times here, just couldn't get her to smile.

Looks like she is always eating but she is a good eater. Cute, cute, cute. Every day's a good day for Kate!

Looking Good!!!

The Pulsipher children stopped at the river last night after their supper and brought the rocks over this morning and I couldn't resist going out and working on it.

Then Gary, Tanner, Linda and I did one more run and I have it this far tonight!!! I can't believe it after 4 years it is almost finished!!!

The Pulsiphers have really been super about giving so much time to gathering river rocks--thank you, thank you, thank you.

Fun on the Lake and Happy Anniversary!

Linda and Gary have been married 26 years today. Wow, if Richard were alive, we would have been married 49 years!! Anyway they went to Dianna's at the Club for prime rib and said it was good. Hard to believe how quickly life passes by.

 Today I was on the boat with them while they did their wakeboarding. They are all so good and it was quite smooth. Great lake and it was beautiful as always!! I took a lot of videos but haven't figured out how to put them on my computer yet???

 Tonight Kelly, Craig, Amy, Sarah, and Tanner all sang karaoke at Teen Karaoke. That was entertaining. I am always amazed how many want to sing and dance and how few are really talented. Makes you appreciate to pros but it was fun. The kids had made cake for their parents so we finished off the day with that. Nice day!!

Oh, yes, I worked from 6 to 8 am putting down the rocks they brought me yesterday. A little back breaking for an old lady but keeps me young I guess.

River Rock Patio

The patio is almost half done!! And it is looking great. The Pulsiphers have made about three trips to the creekbed--(only need about 200 more). Oh well, Matt first starting digging the area out 4 years ago so if it takes a little more time, that is ok, I am patient.