Day 410...

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged! I've been a busy girl...
Since my last post, I've found a new job (my old company laid everyone off two days after my last day...if that isn't God, folks, I don't know what is!) in TN, and have FINALLY made the move! So now, I'm settled in on the Ridge with my in-laws, burrowed in for the winter, doing my best to get settled in and get used to colder, wetter, rainier, and in some cases, snowier weather.
My job is through a temp service, for now, but I hold out great hope that they will make it permanent in a couple of months, once they see I have no intention of dropping the ball or walking out. I really like the company, it's an assembly plant for snowplows, and it's very different than what I'm used to...more structured, not as laid-back. No jeans and t-shirts every day, I actually have to dress professionally now...well, except for 'casual Fridays'. I always thought they were a joke. Now I can't WAIT for Fridays when I can be warm and comfortable. Nothing like sitting in a draft all day with nothing but knee-highs between you and the door.
No coffee pot, either. So I have to bring it with me, or drop quarters in the vending machine. And since I don't spend my change because I need it for more important things....I'm slowly weaning myself off of my addiction. The great part is that I get to take leftovers for lunch most days....my MIL's leftovers. And they are amazing.
I'm really getting spoiled living up here with them. I had forgotten how nice it was to live with people who are home, and who live as a family! Living with my sister and brother in law was great, but none of us were ever home at the same time, so in many ways, it was like living alone. I had forgotten what it was like to come home to people, and have dinner as a family and stuff. They are such a joy to me.
This weekend, I spent a lot of time going through my stuff, and putting things in storage for the next year. When Alan finally gets up here, he can get it all down from the attic! I'm done schlepping stuff for a while. I got it all up here...in the rain, I might add...he can do the rest.
Speaking of which...there is a possibility that he may be released from his contract earlier than originally thought. We're holding out great hope for this, although we're not counting on it heavily. Still, the possibility exists, and we're pursuing it for all we're worth. So your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated....
In other news, Ian was caught in the layoff that I barely missed, so he is job-hunting right now. Hopefully, he will find something soon, but this economy really has me worried for him. It took me MONTHS to find a job, and he's never really had to look like that before. He's about to get a real education, I'm afraid. He, Krystal, and Harmony are all fighting colds, but well, otherwise. Harmony is pulling up on things, and cruising, getting ready to start walking in earnest. I think it's a safe bet she'll be walking by her first birthday in February (already!).
Jess and Katrina also seem to be doing well. Dakota did so well with his soccer in the fall...I hope he continues to play! I was able to see them briefly on my way up to TN with my initial load...I went the long route so I could exchange presents for Christmas with them, since they didn't get to come down to Atlanta for the holidays this year. It was so good to see them...I hadn't seen them since April.
Shanna and Kyle are also doing well...struggling like most young married couples who are expecting a baby, but ok. She's due in a few weeks, and we're all getting very excited to see the new little addition to our family! I hope to find a way to see him when he arrives, but it might be a while before I'm able to get that far south.
I hate being so far away from them all, I miss them so much. I never thought I'd see the day when my kids would all live in different states, and I'd live in another, but it seems to have arrived. Wow. That's the down side of this move, if there is one...the distance from my kids and grandkids. But I think it might be good for them, too...in a way. It will make them stronger to know they can survive without Mom. I know it helped Jes. I hope it helps Ian, once he gets used to it.
Still...my heart hurts from missing them all.