(Not so) FAQ's #16

What can a girl do to pass the time...

 

...while (im)patiently waiting for an elusive response to an obscene number of online job applications?

Oh.  This.

It's all good.

Gratefulness Galore

I've been settling into life here in Utah...and am very grateful...for many reasons.  Included in the settling process has been job hunting.
 
I had been reluctant to write about what was going on...for fear of jinxing things.

But now I can say...

...as of October 4th, I'm a full-time employee of this beautiful college ------->

For this opportunity - I am extremely grateful! 
 
One of many bonuses is that I live only 5 blocks from the campus.  When the position became available - I knew it had to be mine! 

And the most amazing bonus of all is that my wonderful, long-time friend Diane, works in the same office!

Diane was instrumental in this process and outcome - advocating for me in so many ways.  Thank you, dear friend.

Diane is a Utah native who lived in Minnesota for several years.

Most of those years, we worked together at the University of MN Landscape Arboretum.

Who would have ever imagined our lives intersecting for a second time - and working together again at another university!

My gratitude overflows for her, my family, and other friends...who have lifted me up and helped guide me on this multi-faceted journey.

If friends are gifts we give ourselves...
...than I've outdone myself!

Garage Sales & Mouse Ears

I spent part of last week in Glenwood Springs, CO.  I took a short road trip there to help my sister and brother-in-law move...aka...get ready for a garage sale.  There was a lot of "stuff" accumulated over many years - and they were not holding back about getting rid of most of it.

The first day of the sale was busy and fun.  I was given full power to bargain, deal, and reduce prices.  Many things went for less than the original price...as with any garage sale worth it's salt.

I did dig my heels in and held my ground on one item: it was a nearly new tan corduroy sports coat that looked like it was tailor-made for the shopper.  It was marked $3 and he wanted it for 2.  I told him "no".  He bought it for 3.  Sometimes it's just the principle of the thing.

There were many nice people that showed up.  Some were neighbors that just stopped by to say 'so long'.

One man in particular was just a hoot!

He was from New Jersey and was shopping with his wife and adult son.

He was super friendly and was a non-stop talker - but in a good way.

He kept mentioning a Mickey Mouse hat that was on the shelf.  I told him he could have it for free if he promised to wear it in the car on the way home.

He accepted the terms.  His son, however, shot me a "I can't believe you said that" look.

So I gave him the hat - he put it on - and posed for a photo.  He wore it as he got into the car.  Whether he wore it all the way home is doubtful.

A few days later my sister found a note in her mailbox with an email address.  It was from the New Jersey guy.  He wanted us to email him his picture wearing the Mickey Mouse ears.

I love it!

Dragonflies Revisted

I still feel a special connection to dragonflies - even though they frightened me as a child.

I found this paving stone treasure in a friend's yard under years of "ivy gone wild". 

It had broken in two and I found the two pieces about 4 feet from each other.

I imagine the journey the one half took every springtime as the ivy came to life and it rode the waves of the ivy's growth.

The two halves have been reunited.  I have a feeling of contentment about that...

...it's as it should be.

Ring Around the Roses

Roses aren't my favorite flowers.

But I appreciate how intricate and beautiful they are.

Their petals are like velvet.

Amazing!

Between the Lines

I saw this license plate today.

What makes it most interesting is the license plate frame. 

It says...


"I'd rather be Parasailing"

The Reader's Digest Version

Well...to make a very long story short...which is difficult for me...

 ...I now have a Salt Lake City, UT address.

In November of 2009, I made the difficult decision to leave my Minnesota family and friends.  (I miss you N8- with all my heart)

The solace was that after 34 years - I have enjoyed living closer to my sisters in Southern California and my mother in Las Vegas.

But also since living in San Diego - I have lost two jobs.  Facing the daunting reality of yet another job search was discouraging to say the least.
  

But the upside - the layoff did open the door for me to finally make the decision to close the distance gap of a 2+ year relationship with MRW. 

Even though I still face a job search - knowing we can experience a normal dating relationship together - is a comfort.

Thanks so much to my amazing family and friends for your encouragement and support to follow my heart.  I love you all!

It's time has come....

...Woodstar's Journey continues.