Halloween
Halloween used to be a big deal around here. When the kids were little they always had terrific costumes that my mother in law would sew for them. We would dress them up and go to carnivals and then a little trick or treating on the actual night. Leroy and I had some pretty good ones too. Fred and Wilma Flintstone were my favorite.
Now, things have changed. And, even though we don’t go all out anymore (I don’t even buy candy because we never have them come to the door way out here) the day itself brings up a whole host of memories of Halloweens past. We remember all of the costumes, the parties and the effort that went into making the day memorable… and we did a good job because the fond memories are embedded in our brains. Just the mention of the word and all of the fantastic costumes we wore flash before my eyes.
Chain Gang
Tonight our game was at Orestimba High School in Newman, California. Orestimba is a great place to play football. Personally, I think they have the best stadium in the league. It has a beautiful scoreboard, big grandstands on both sides and a beautiful view of the sun setting in the Western sky. But, my favorite thing about playing in Orestimba is the chain gang.
The last few times we’ve been out there, it’s been the same crew and they are the friendliest people around. They are efficient and on task, but they are social and friendly while doing their job. It’s usually a bit awkward having the chains on our sidelines. Not only are we trying to stay out of their way as the move up and down the field, but we’re also keenly aware that they are big fans for the other team. Most of the time they are parent volunteers who have kids in the game. But when you go to an Orestimba home game, you know that you’re going to have a good time.
Unfortunately, with the league changes planned for next year, this was our last time traveling to Newman… but we won’t forget the good times spent with the best chain gang in the league!
Bangs
When I post a blessing, I feel as though I have to explain my self pretty thoroughly each time, just in case someone is reading only an individual post and not the entire blog. If I just talk about my bangs here, someone might wonder why bangs are such a big deal. If you follow this blog (or my personal blog, which has been terribly neglected over the year) you know that anything to do with my hair is a VERY BIG DEAL! I’ve been growing it out since mid-March… and it’s caused lots of stress in my life.
Well… it’s growing (that’s the good news) but keeping up with the ever changing length with a decent style has been a problem. I like to do my hair once, in the morning and not worry about it anymore. Lately, I’ve curled it (think big, Texas hair) and put so much hairspray on it it looks like a large football helmet. This has worked so far, but the front is getting a bit long and it’s time to decide about bangs.
Tammy (dear friend who cuts my hair) made the suggestion of bangs the last time I was in for color, but I quickly dismissed her. Then… last week, I saw my niece with bangs and really liked them so I started thinking again. Today I was brave enough to give it a try, but they are driving me crazy. I can’t stand the feeling of my hair touching my face. I thought they were too long so I curled them up pretty tight and then I thought I looked like I was six.
The best news of all is that I’m new at work so nobody knows what I usually look like anyway. I really doubt that anyone has paid that much attention to my hair to notice that the bangs are a difference. We’ll see what happens. I’m going to give them a try. They are not so long that I can’t change my mind and let them continue to grow with the rest of my hair.
Customer Service
It’s nice to have friends in the business. There is something comforting about going into a store knowing that you already have a relationship with the owner. You trust that you’re going to be treated well and not get be taken advantage of. This is particularly true of big purchases like homes and automobiles… (Note: With my new position at Heritage Ford, you have a friend in the business.) Anyway… it applies to jewelry as well. We have known the Ciccarelli’s for a long time as our children went all through elementary and high school together. Leroy has bought me some wonderful pieces over the years, but the best part of going in there is knowing how well you will be treated. Greg and Carla are ALWAYS friendly and ready to assist at a moments notice. Today I went into have them change the battery in my favorite watch (which I haven’t worn in several months because the battery was dead) and I ended up with not only a new battery, but all of my jewelry cleaned and some goodies as well. Good customer service is hard to come by these days.
New Compressor
Our air conditioner was out… AGAIN. But worse (for me anyway) is the fact that the heater was not working as well. That’s my worst nightmare. It hasn’t been that big of a deal because the weather has been pretty mild over the last few weeks… but today it was fixed. I’m disappointed that it wasn’t a simple fix… we did have to have a new compressor installed, but it’s fixed none-the-less.
Webinar
One of the coolest parts of my new job is the online software that I get to use to manage all of the incoming information. It’s very sophisticated but user friendly and has lots of video tutorials to demonstrate all of the capabilities. Last week, I signed up for a live web based seminar called a Webinar. I log onto a special chat room and listen to the instructor through a call on the the telephone. I can ask questions via instant messaging and the instructor will answer verbally so everyone that is logged on can hear. Very cool. I learned a lot and now that I know what I’m doing, I’m going to signing up for more of them when the opportunity arises.
Dinner Parties
I talked about it a few days ago… I love to feed people. It’s one of the greatest blessings in my life. Not necessarily the cooking, but the feeding and entertaining of people. We have had so many different kinds of people join us around our dining room table. There is a great intimacy that you share with people when you sit down for a meal together, but when it’s in your own home, the significance is magnified. I am honored with the opportunity and never fail to recognize the moment as unique and a well cherished memory. Even when we have ended relationships, my first thoughts always go back to meals that we had shared together and it always makes it more painful… almost like betrayal. That’s how serious we take it.
A few weeks ago, I discovered that some friends that I work with on the RCIA team did not know each other’s spouses and that seemed like a great tragedy. These extraordinary individuals were so similar in personality that I knew that I had to introduce them. We planned a dinner and everyone agreed. Tonight was the night and it was delightful. Everyone had a great time sharing stories and getting to know each other on a personal level. Our spouses sacrifice by our participation in the RCIA program so it was a small gift of thank you to them as well. Once again, I am honored with the opportunity and look forward to more occasions just like this one.
Wal-Mart
So I have this great new office and I’m trying to make it as comfortable as possible since I’ll be spending quite a bit of time in it. I wanted to pick up a few things that I thought would make it more efficient and add a personal touch.
Steel went to the Cal game today but Sierra and Jared were down for a visit and my nephew Brandon had spent the night after the big game so he was still here. I was excited to show them my office so we all piled into the car, headed to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things before heading over to the dealership.
When we arrived, we all headed in different directions. That’s the great thing about Wal-Mart… there is literally something for everyone. I can’t believe that I’m considering Wal-Mart a blessing, but I really am. When you need a variety of things at low prices, it’s still the best option in town.
Beating Hilmar
Football is a big deal in my family. Not just for us, but for Leroy’s sister’s family as well. They live in a different town, and their kids go to a different high school and that school just happens to be my kids’ school’s biggest rival. A rivalry that has been built up over several years… way before our involvement, but now that we have a personal stake in the games (bragging rights) it’s a serious issue around here.
Last December Hilmar beat Central Catholic in the Section Championship game. It was an upset. CC was predicted to win. To make a long story short… CC came out flat and Hilmar came to win.. and that’s exactly what happened. I have to admit, we at CC have become pretty used to winning. We don’t lose very often and we’re not very good at it. The entire town of Hilmar was behind that team last year. They lined the main street with flags and had an escort for the bus as it left town. The stands were full with everyone dressed in green and gold. It was a impressive sight. Hilmar hasn’t had the chance to play in the Section Championships and Central has been there every year for a long time. We took it for granted and it caught up with us.
But, tonight… we got a second chance. This is the first meeting of these two teams since December and I know our boys are looking for redemption. I know it’s not the big one… but it gives the boys another opportunity to step up their game and to play with passion.. and they did. Steel was particularly motivated (understatement) for this game and took great pride and joy in every well executed play. The Varsity boys beat Hilmar tonight (Hilmar’s JV team beat our JV team in the game just before) and with a packed house due to homecoming and the entire town of Hilmar out to watch… it was a big win for the team.
New Job
I started a new job on the 19th, but to be really honest, I have not considered it a blessing until today. Don’t get me wrong… it’s a great job… it’s just that it’s a change, and for most of us change is uncomfortable to say the least. I haven’t worked for many years and the change in schedule and additional planning and preparation that is necessary has been overwhelming the last couple of days. But today, I decided… I like my job.
I have a great corner office with a view, my hours are flexible and everyone I work with has been very kind. I have so much to learn and it all seems a bit much right now, but I’m confident that I’ll catch on pretty soon. Everyone has been patient, even when I have to ask the same question over and over again.
In these economic times, I’m thankful to have a job… any job. But to actually do something I enjoy and work with kind people is truly a blessing.
