Job Search

If you would have said I was going to still be unemployed by the end of June, I would have said your crazy. Well it looks like that is what is going to happen and we still don't know where the end is. I was laid off the first of December 2008, and I thought this will be a little bump, and we will be back working within a couple of months. I really did not have a clue as to how this recession has impacted the work force. The Chemical Company I was working with in Houston made chemicals that would go into the plastics for new cars. Well we all know what happened to the car business. The Chemical Company is now in Chapter 11 and trying to reorganize. Part of their problem was they could not get banking to provide cash flow for the business. This all happened at the time banks were getting bailed out and getting Billions of dollars just to stay open. I am sure that I will never understand all of the things that had to happen to create this economic mess we are now in.

Even with this dismal news I am optimistic that I will find something soon, and be back in the ranks of the employed. I have been trying to find employment closer to home this time, and I know there is a reason for this. If I am able to find something close to home this will be much easier on me by not having to travel to Houston every week.

I have learned to enjoy the time we have here on earth, and look to the positive. During my time off I am thankful for the time that I have had to take care of a lot of STUFF. I will admit seven months is plenty of time to take care of most guys honey do list.

Happy Fathers Day

Picture of me and my Dad in 1960

My how things have changed over the last 45 or so years. When I was growing up we had a party line and before you started dialing you had to listen and make sure the neighbors were not on the line. If it was an emergency then you had to ask if you could use the line to make your call. Emergency calls were not 911, you had to actually know the number. So everyone had the numbers posted next to the phone. My father had several heart attacks while I was growing up. It became natural for our family to do what we could while taking my father to the hospital.

My Dad on his Harley around 1940

I miss my Dad who died from one of those heart attacks in 1982. He taught me many things about life and most importantly to be fair and honest with your fellow man. He taught me how to work on all types of things from toasters to trucks. My Dad grew up in tough times and was forced out to take care of himself when he was very young. My Dad taught me to work hard. I can remember when my Dad would load up his speakers and PA system so he could announce the little league games I played in. I was talking to one of my classmates from the class of 1969 and he reminded me of how special it was to have my Dad there and announcing the games. My Dad would be so impressed with the technology of today. Today you don't have to call people to tell them hello, or how are you doing, you just text them. I am still fond of the old way where you still talk to people.

I am thankful for my kids and all of the blessings they give me in my life. I hope that I can pass along some of the great things I learned from my Dad to his grand kids and great grand kids.

Thanks Dad-------------Happy Fathers Day

Maw is back Home

Well last night at about 2am I was able to go and pickup Maw as she had returned to Paris from her trip to Salt Lake City. She had a wonderful experience with her sister, daughters, granddaughter, and niece. The first item of business on their trip was to get Evan at BYU for her 5 days of swim camp. After Evan was safe and secure then it was off to see, and be a part of the sites of Salt Lake City. It was such a wonderful and spiritual experience to get to go to the Salt Lake City Temple. This is such a Holy place that was built over many years by the dedicated pioneer craftsmen.
Another item of interest was when they were able to go and listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir while they practiced for the tour they are about to begin.

During the week they were also able to go to the Open House for the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple. This was a wonderful experience for all. They got to go through the Temple before it is dedicated for it's Holy work.





Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple


On Thursday they went to the location where Brigham Young said "This is the Place". They were able to feel the spirit that is there and see the sacrifices the pioneers had to endure to make the journey across the plains. This enabled the early members to come to a place where they could live in harmony, and away from the persecution that had caused them such sorrow.




I know that we will be blessed by this trip to Utah, not only for the wonderful memories of being with family, but to have a look at what it may be like some day when we have the opportunity to live with our families for all eternity.

Our attempt at Blogging

Well this should be interesting. I think we are falling behind, and I want to stay up with the younger generation. I have a T-Shirt my daughter gave me that says growing old is Mandatory but growing up is optional. I really believe this, and have tried to stay young. So with all of that we are going to try Blogging. If nothing else it should help me improve my typing skills. After being off work for the last 6 months I am looking for ways to stay engaged and this seems like a good way to do that and keep others informed as to what is going on. Maw has been on a trip this week to Salt Lake City and she is sure enjoying the time with her daughters, sister, granddaughter, and niece. I sure do miss her, and I can't wait for her to get back tonight.

All I can say is we will try and keep this blog up to date and we appreciate your feedback.