The Shaky Octopus

Just checking to see if the blog is linked back up to Facebook.

Five ago as we were planning our wedding, I was drawn into a wedding planning board on the internet. It was very helpful to speak to women that were planning events at the same time in the same town, which was super useful as I was planning a Pgh wedding from Philly. I met some of the most wonderful women while I was on that board. After we were done with our weddings, a small group of us moved over to a private internet board where we still speak almost every day. We’ve been through a lot together. Babies, new houses, new jobs, moves, the loss of parents and grandparents, the sudden loss of a spouse. We’ve shared our lives with each other, even as we’ve lived in very different locations. We almost completely span the continent, from CO to the east coast. We’ve come to realize that these friends are just as good, if not better, than many of our in real life friends. We may not meet in person very often, if ever, but we care about each other very much.

Last year we heard devastating news. After living with several debilitating illnesses, which never kept her down, one of our own now had liver cancer. Her only chance was to get a new liver through a donation. She went through insurance red tape to get into one of the best hospitals in the country. And then she waited. We were all so anxious for her. When she got that news, you could hear her beaming from ear to ear through the internet. We were so happy for her. This was her chance to have a long life with her husband and child. She went in, had the operation and was recovering. When she had the chance to get back on line, she was so excited. Everything seemed to be going well – everything was right with the world. But, the good news didn’t continue. Unfortunately, this past weekend, our beautiful friend succumbed to GVHD, a rare complication from organ transplants.

Today, many of our friends are going to the funeral home to say one last goodbye to an amazing woman. She was the type of person anyone could use as an inspiration. The relationship she had with her child was remarkable. She was raising the sweetest child imaginable – obviously doing something right when her first grader still wanted hugs from their mother. She was always smiling and willing to help where she could. Never complaining, always telling us great stories and giving us good advice. She was the one that remained friends with women that fell out of our group, continuing to support them if they needed kind words and encouragement. She was a bright beacon in the sometimes stormy sea of this society. It’s at times like these that I am encouraged by my belief in an afterlife because I know that she is going to watch her child grow up and become an amazing person, all because of the foundation that she gave to them.

If I could be half the mother, wife, and woman she was, I would be content with that. So, with a heavy heart, and tears in my eyes, I say goodbye to my friend. I’m going to miss you.

Look who came to visit us last night

Life’s been more than a little busy lately.  I feel like I have three full time jobs: Working for the USDA, looking for a new job, and being a good mom.  Sometimes things just have to give, and unfortunately, no matter how much I like it, that often ends up being blogging.

Charlie loves using her daddy’s camera. We really need to get a small point and shoot for her.

Things are starting to wind down at work.  I only have 24 more working days (in other words, I’m done the beginning of June).  However, it just means that the job hunt is going stronger.  I was informed yesterday by my cousin that applying for jobs is like a treasure hunt.  I don’t see it that way.  To me, it’s just discouraging.  I’m hoping this search goes faster than the last one.  I don’t feel like being out of work for 14 months, especially since Pa unemployment is just not equivalent to NJ unemployment.

Did you know on Pa unemployment you can’t even take any type of freelance work or make and sell items to earn a little extra money?  That’s considered self-employment and drops you 100% off the unemployment, even if you only make $100.  Basically, they don’t want you to help improve your status, except by accepting a job from someone else.  Boy, that just really lives up to the spirit of entrepreneurialship and job creation, doesn’t it?

It’s a good thing I had some old bread sitting on top of the fridge. These ducks were hungry.

I haven’t been quite as tired lately, so there should be more posts from me, which should make me a very happy individual.