Recently...
Neil has been home from Duffield just over two months. On April 21, 2009, it would have been his 1-year anniversary. On that date in 2008, Neil first walked into work as the new site director for the center in Duffield, VA. Strange how things can change in a year?
However, the reorganization and budget cuts are still plaguing the company for which he works. That was the reason he was let go from the position in Duffield; budget cuts. It appears that it is now working it’s way down the line, and is currently situated in his office in Kennesaw, GA. One person underneath him was released yesterday. He may be next as he is low guy on the totem pole in this specific department. *sigh* I suppose this wouldn’t effect me nearly as badly if I were at least employed somewhere by now. But I’m not. Now it’s not so much a want to as much as a need to. I am beginning to fear that we are on the precipice of becoming just another U.S. statistic. This concerns me a great deal.
It's been a period of some adjustments by both of us living together as a couple again. Living apart for nearly a year changes a relationship a bit. Even in small ways, we had both gotten used to living somewhat solo lives again. It was strange. Sometimes it still is strange, mostly in a good, funny laughable sort of way. We both realize that we have to get used to us together, again. I've learned a lot this past year, more about myself, and how I tend to work; alone, and as part of a couple. Being apart from Neil made me realize that I need to learn to let some things go. I’ve always had trouble with that concept, physically and emotionally. I’m beginning to learn to let go. Moving forward, I resolve to get better about letting go, both figuratively and literally.
Since we are no longer selling the house (at least not right this very second), I have decided to start a garden this year. I didn’t plant last year for obvious reasons. I’ve missed not having one. Gardening is a great stress reliever for me. So this year, I’ve planted four tomato plants, and some additional herbs: basil, cilantro, chives, parsley, and one more rosemary plant. I’m also trying my hand at garlic and green onions as well as a few different seeds. I’m hoping my efforts will pay off, and in the very least, we’ll have some wonderful tomatoes later this summer.
Pictures of our first tomato blossom on one of the four plants.
Neil's father has had 4 NEGATIVE scans since it was determined that his cancer is in remission. He is STILL in remission, and we hope that we will be fortunate enough to have him in our lives for a very long time to come. :-) Speaking of which, they (Neil's parents) will be here next week. This will be the first time they have been to visit so early in the year. They normally come around the September timeframe. It will be very nice to see them both again. We've had plenty of rain lately, so everything is lush and green, and my garden is loving it so far. I will take other pictures and post.
Momma bird (Stella) is still keeping vigil over her nest, but we’ve now noticed another nest in an opposite corner of the house, farther up between a downspout and the corner of the house. I have yet to see an actual bird in it. We have established that she does indeed, have a mate. (I was unable to tell them apart in the beginning-thus my confusion in thinking there was only one robin.) We have named him Spike. So, we have Stella and Spike. I will try to take baby bird pictures if and when Spike and Stella allow it.
I am still looking for employment. I have even applied back at my former employer, twice. They end the application test with, “Thank you for your application, we will have someone contact you.” That hasn’t happened. I’ve called them twice since. The first to verify that I was actually listed as re-hirable; they said I was. And the second to say hey, do I really need to go through all this online application stuff since I’ve already been employed with you previously? They said yes. So I did. And I haven’t heard anything. Eh, maybe it was not meant to be. I’ve also been to test for another company here in town, they also said it would be WEEKS before I heard anything one way or another. I know the country is in a recession, but waiting can sometimes be agony.