The Depths

Ok. I have to admit this. I am employed at ...............McDonald's. 7 years of school, one advanced degree, and 40 years old. Welcome to McDonald's. May I take your order? Would you like fries with that? This having no money thing is getting old fast. This was a quick way to get hired and get started making money. I have loads of resumes out to everyone. About 50 in the last 2 months. Unfortunately teachers are a dime a dozen here in Louisville and there aren't that many jobs available. JCPS personnel must get tired of my phone calls but I have to keep trying. In the meantime you can come visit me at McDonald's everyday. Just don't make fun of the old lady behind the counter. :0

I read a friend's blog today. She is a SAHM to a 4 year old. She posted about being stressed out. I am convinced that stress is a permanent condition. Somewhat like breathing. I don't know anyone who isn't stressed. Of course some stress is "easier" than other stress. Getting dinnner on the table or doing homework with an 8 year old and 3 5 year olds is stressful. But not in the same vain as losing an Uncle. But over time all that stress builds up and you start to feel the effects. Loss of sleep, weight (hopefully, :) ), getting sick. Stress takes it's toll. I told Megan today that it is time for some really GOOD things to happen. I am so over the bad stuff. I have had my fill of the bad stuff. Enough, God. I give. I am ready for the good stuff to come. I've waited patiently and I think it is my turn. On a scale of 1-10 I have lived a lifetime of 3s. I'm ready for some 8s, 9s, and 10s. I'm not asking for all 10s. Just one or two now and again. Seriously, ( sorry Grey's Anatomy I am stealing your word) just how much bad can someone take? And my favorite phrase: I know that God doesn't give you anymore than you can handle, I just wish God didn't think I could handle so much.

So here's to everyone that lives a life of 3s. Hold your chin up. It will get better. I know it will. And when it does get better let's remember what if feels like to live through a 1 or 2 and be forever greatful and appreciative and thankful that a few 9s and 10s have fallen our way.

Today

I can't believe that my Uncle has passed away. I have so many thoughts and no words to express them. It was more a father to my Dad than anyone. I just picture the two of them in Heaven together having a cocktail and a good political discussion. :) You will be sorely missed Uncle Keith.

The Passing of My Uncle Keith

McCall, Walter Keith 86, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25, 2008. Mr. McCall was born in Chicago, Illinois. In 1943 he proudly served his country as an Army Private, Company E, 3rd Signal Training Battalion at Camp Kohler in California. Mr. McCall was a 1947 graduate of the University of Illinois, Champagne - College of Engineering. His many professional accomplishments include: Design Engineer for Raymond Loewy, designing systems for the first Greyhound Scenicruiser bus, work on camera optics of the U2 spy plane, and various other military programs. In 1968, Walter applied his wise counsel and guiding hand to a new startup company, called Mini-Systems, that is still operating 40 years later, supplying critical components for the U.S. Military, Aerospace and Medical industries. Later in his working career, he acquired a U.S. Patent for a method of circuit board production. In his retirement, Mr. McCall was an active member of Pinellas County S.C.O.R.E Chapter 115 and was presented with an award for Counselor of the Year . Mr. McCall was also active as a volunteer with the Morton Plant Hospital Foundation in Clearwater . He was the son of the late Walter and Isabella (Dunlop) McCall from Scotland and loving brother of the late Isabelle Bock. He was the loving husband of Joan (Jorgensen) for 42 years who preceded him in death in 1993. He is survived by his two sons and their children/ families Glen A. and Tracie McCall and their children: Ian, Finnegan and Owen of Oklahoma and Brian S. McCall and Roxanne Bayle, Tyler and Brianna Bayle of Florida; Nieces Lisa and Kristina Jorgensen and nephew Eric Jorgensen. Mr. McCall is also survived by his lifelong college friend of 63 years, Mr. Glen Robertson of Sarasota, Florida as well as the many friends and caregivers that helped care for him in his late life. Friends will be received for visitation at the Hubbell Funeral Home, 499 N. Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs, Thursday 10/30 from 4-7 pm. Services will be held in the Hubbell Chapel on Friday 10/31 at 10:00 am with burial to follow at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo. Flowers can be sent to Hubbell Funeral Home.
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Cheerleader

Megan tried out and was chosen for her school's cheerleading team. I am so happy for her. She had tried out for the soccer team first and didn't make it. There were only a few slots available in soccer and 42 kids tried out. She was disappointed but quickly got over it when she made the cheerleading team. The funny thing is is that one of her cheerleading coaches was a student of mine in PRESCHOOL. She is 19 now and a cheerleader at Bellarmine Univ. Boy do I feel old!!

Way to go Megan!!!!!!

Star Student of the Month-Brigid

I'm finally posting pictures of Brigid from her Star Student of the Month party at school. They hold a party every month for the S.S. from each grade and classroom. Megan was the S.S. for her second grade classroom last May and now Brigid is. Two more kids to go!!! Seriously, Caroline and Abigail were so proud of Brigid that neither one seemed to be jealous. It really is cool to see the bond between the triplets be so tight.

Brigid after she got her medal and certificate

Brigid and Momma

Notice the table to the right of Brigid and I with the lady with long hair, her husband, and older lady. I went to high school with the lady with long hair and she has nieces and nephews who are triplets too! They are in middle school though. Small world.

Brigid and Aunt Lisa

Brigid and her principal, Mrs. French

A horrible story

In the news recently was a story about a Mom who killed her daughters and then herself. Hope was a friend. My ex and I knew her and her husband from marriage prep classes in the Archdiocese. They were a sweet amazing couple. Unfortunately Chris took his own life 3 years ago. That act plummeted his wife into such dispair that she was unable to come out of. Hope's daughters were beautiful, innocent children who went to Heaven in a most horrible way. I find it so difficult to fathom how Hope could have reached that point without trying to get help. It is hard for me to understand why Hope did not make one single phone call to prevent this. She could have called 911, suicide hotline, her Mom, her priest or somebody to stop this and she didn't. My heart aches for those girls and for Hope and Chris. I am at a complete loss to understand what happened. My prayers are with them.

I WAS.