RX for Job Satisfaction?

With the economy still in the tank, we're all told we should be happy to have jobs. That means little or no pay raises this year. I think some companies that are doing ok are piggy backing on the bad economy band wagon, moaning about the bottom line, while building parking garages, additions to hospitals, etc.

Mike recently received the above bottle congratulating him and his co-workers on their job well done. I am amazed by this company that claims it makes little profit, still finds it within their budget to buy ridiculous knick knacks. "Thanks for the good work. Your pay raise? Keeping your job." That's what this gift seems to imply. Even though the bottle contains mints, Mike and his co-workers weren't too thrilled with the weird "solutions to problems can be found in a medicine bottle" message. Take a pill (mint) as needed for continued success. Yum!

Weekend in Review almost

We had a fun weekend, involving a road trip with my mom to Kansas City. Mom captured our busy Saturday with her digital camera. I'll write more of a weekend update when she sends me the pics.

A special kudos to my mom. She was in charge of a BINGO fundraiser for my hometown parish. I hear things went well. There were a lot of BINGO players. Congrats mom! I hope you get some sleep tonight.

Champions!

Aunt Jay and her team won the championship. They were down in the beginning of the game but rallied towards the end. It was exciting!

Jack had a lot of fun with his cousins, his birth mom and aunt and uncles.

Uncle Parker looking sharp.

Squirrels: Cousin Chris and Uncle Dawson.


Blowing raspberries and giving kisses to his birth mom.

Beside Aunt Jay's team victory, our favorite moments included random things falling out of my coat pocket again and squirting water on a poor guy in front of us. He was very nice about it. Cousin Chris and Uncle Dawson were very nice and picked up my stuff for me.

Family. We are so blessed.

Taking the Court

We attended Aunt Jay's basketball game tonight.

She is Jack's birth mom's sister.

I had so much fun. I've always loved watching basketball games live. I'm not a huge fan of watching them on TV. (It's just not the same.) While at the game tonight, I was reminded of my old high school's basketball teams.

We were good once.

Of course, I usually end up talking more than watching the game. Jack loved staying up past his bedtime and eating popcorn! Thanks Great Grandma!

 

We had the worst luck with stuff falling below the bleachers.

We all took turns going after stuff.

We were blessed to see Jack's birth mom, her fiance, and Jack's Great Grandpa, Great Grandma and Nanna. I hope everyone can make it back tomorrow night.

These were some of Jack's comments during the game, "Go Aunt Jay!" and "Oh, shoot!" when someone (either side) missed the basket. Aunt Jay's team has advanced to the championship game tomorrow night. Can't wait!

*As always, Jack's birth mom and her family don't mind if we post pictures of them.

One Line, Two Lines

I had a bittersweet dream last night. I dreamed that I was holding a jumbo pregnancy test. One line appeared. We're halfway there, I thought, even though the first line is like the free space on a BINGO card - a given. And then the second line appeared. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Over the years, I've bought my fair share of pregnancy tests. Why? Who knows. With my track record, I should know that buying one is a waste of money. But for some reason, there's always a little ounce of hope hidden deep inside me.

I stared at the second line for a while in disbelief and then the word "Matched" appeared. During the adoption process, the word "matched" indicates when a couple is chosen by the birth family. Last night, our agency e-mailed an update to all their families letting them know that a couple of their families had been matched. I'm always happy to see these updates and the families matched but it also makes me a little sad. It makes me wonder if we'll be matched. The update must have prompted my dream. I like to think it is also God's way of saying, "Have faith, daughter. Don't be discouraged."

Stand Up and Be Counted

My US Census story is finished. A special thanks to my friends who appeared in this video. Please note: that is a pillow under my shirt. I wish it were the real thing but it's a sad imitation.

Momma, I help

Voila! The finished result.

(Don't worry. I don't let him mess with the knives.)