"Mama, I like having you home"....

..."that is, except for the no income part."  How I love her words and sentiment!

This looking for work is a full-time job in and of itself.  Tomorrow, I start the process for potentially receiving a grant toward taking some classes.  Although, they won't pay for me to finish my bachelors, they may pay for me to get another associates, but in another career field.  Could this really be my ticket out of accounting?  What a day of celebration that would be!

Last night, as I talked and planned with my contractor clients, I realized it's not accounting specifically that I detest.  Rather, it's the corporate America attitude that accountants are necessary evils and add nothing to the success of a company.  It's a far cry from the thinking of my mom and pop shop clients who would rather cut off their arms than maintain their books, and thus are so appreciative that I'm there to take care of them.  So, if a career change is not in my future, I'm leaning toward rebuilding this little support business that's been so good to me both financially and emotionally. 

In the meantime, it looks like one of the bennies of suddenly being po' folk is that Bonnie becomes eligible for all kinds of need-based financial aid for college next year.  She just might get to attend her number one choice after all!

Spring Glorious Spring!

OK, so at this point it's really spring cleaning and prep.  Not nearly as glamorous as designing and planting and mulching, but still an excuse to hang outdoors.  Today's sunshine offers the perfect opportunity to lavish tlc upon the gardens out back and reduce the size of our gargantuan burn pile.  Duke, my partner in all things muddy, will surely delight in assisting, or at least supervising. 

First order of business...off to the fire dept to pick up our burn permit.  Spring, here we come!

"Your first job is to prepare the soil. The best tool for this is your neighbor's motorized garden tiller. If your neighbor does not own a garden tiller, suggest that he buy one."  ~ Dave Barry

Our grand adventure!

Isn't that what life is?  Just one big dynamic adventure? 

Our course has taken a new turn since Friday's lay off, and I'm excited about where our journey is taking us next.  I've felt stuck for so long, and now am free to what possibilities lay ahead.  Sure, there will likely be some rough going, but I'm looking forward to what God has in store. 

As the old country song goes...I'm just an old lump of coal, but I'm gonna be a diamond one day.  I believe that day is before us!

March Tips: The Pacific Northwest

March Tips: The Pacific Northwest

I sooooo have spring fever!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nature's Gift - Monday, March 15th

Who would have thought the day would start with such an incredible surprise?  Halfway between our driveway and main street small town USA, I glance to the right then do a double take then hit the brakes as the brain registers that yes, that is an elk herd grazing in the settling mist.  What magnificent animals!  A spectacular sight that was meant for my eyes only. 

This is going to be one very good day. 

PS....  Had I not been so exuberant in my attempt to speed in reverse back to the spot where my attention was first captured, I wouldn't have spooked the gentle giants.  So sorry, no elk butt shots today.  :)

Beautiful Beautiful Sunshine!

Car is washed.  (Thank you Vernonia softball team!)  Interior vacuumed.  Garden plans drawn.  Time to head outside to enjoy every last ray!

3:53 am...still up

Been a productive few hours at least... 

Up to date on all the blogs I'm following.  Posted comments here and there.

Signed up for BookSneeze thanks to Belinda at NordicBlogger

Checked out SwagBucks thanks to Jen...my deal guru.

Responded to the inquiry about the desk we have for sale on craigslist.  Made sure I wasn't missing out on any CL deals.

Read a few new blogs.  Added to my 'following' list. 

Still have not started my taxes, which I intend to procrastinate as long as possible.  :D

Nap time!

Well, that kinda backfired

I was so happy with myself to be turning in at a decent hour for a change.  Fast forward 4 hours, and here I sit, wide awake, with the start of a busy day looming in the next 2-1/2 hours.  Surely, reading some of my Sunset magazine would induce drowsiness, right?  Why oh why did I turn to page 40 and "What to do in the Northwest" for March???  I should know better.  So, here I sit going through my seed packets, drawing veggie garden layouts and new garden designs.  Not helping!

Wonder if Mike and Bonnie would mind if I turned the spare room into an indoor nursery with warming shelves and grow lights...  Just think of the possibilities!!!!!