Cars, Family, Life

Well it has been a chaotic 2 weeks. As you know, Herman’s uncle died, and we had Herman’s dad staying with us for the duration of the 2 weeks. My brother Tim joined us for a few days, and we had a full house. We did a lot of sightseeing, especially to the Oregon coast. Herman’s dad loved seeing the maritime museum in Astoria, and Tim liked the cheese factory in Tillamook.

I am on my 3^rd week of my summer nanny job and loving it. The kids are awesome, although, like all kids, they bicker a lot. It is amusing for the most part, especially since the things they bicker about are so ridiculous. As I only have 1 of the kids for 3 days of the week, and he likes going over to his friends’ houses, I get to sit out by the pool and soak up the sun. It really is a tough life ;)

My first day on the job I was backed into by a neighbor’s friend as I was sunning myself by the pool. Luckily for me, the guy has integrity and came and sought me out. The insurance company has determined that my car is totaled, and is sending us a check for its value. We bought back the car from the insurance company, and at this point, it looks like Tim will be buying it to use for the summer. We will use the insurance check to put a good sized down payment on a new car for me. I’m excited to finally get a newer car, one with hopefully none of the problems that my Mazda has.

Herman has been suffering from another gout attack, so he has been unable to work. His last attack was 2 ½ years ago, and did not last this long. He has another doctor appointment today to determine if something else is really the matter, as he is rather young to be experiencing gout attacks.

He is hoping for a job with Union Pacific, or perhaps the firefighters. We shall see what the coming month brings us.

As far as a job for me for next year, things are still up in the air. The only thing I know for sure is that I will not be back at George next year. I am still on the hunt, and although not stressing out yet, really, really do not want to be subbing again next year. I have been applying like mad for any and all positions that I might qualify for. So far I’ve only had one interview, for a job that I knew I had no chance of actually getting.

I did have one position that I thought I had a great chance of getting, but that didn’t happen. I was approached by the teacher I would have been working with who asked me if I would want to come work with her. She forwarded my resume on to the principal and after a couple days, I made contact with the principal myself. I had worked at the school before, in their after school program and my principal called to recommend me as well, yet I didn’t even get an interview. I was bummed, but hopefully that just means that a much better opportunity is still out there. I’ve even started applying for some non school related job positions working with at risk youth. We’ll see where that leads.

I think this is long enough for now, enjoy some pictures from the past few weeks.

Herman and his dad in Longview

Can you see the family resemblance?

on the Coast Guard Eagle

Posing on the boat

Herman's Dad and I on the Eagle

A death in the family

Today we learned that Herman's uncle, Charlie Hartman, passed away last night. It has been a whirlwind 2 weeks since we found out that he had cancer. They still hadn't figured out what kind of cancer it was. Herman and I were able to go up and visit Thursday. He was barely conscious and had the death rattle. He hadn't eaten in weeks, and was quite drawn. He reminded me a lot of my dad just before he passed.

Last night, around the time of his death, Herman and I were picking up Charlie's siblings from the airport. Sadly they were not able to get to his side before he died. I think we may be going up there today.

Herman is rather devastated as he was incredibly close to his uncle. We ask that you keep us all in your prayers.

Another bad blogger update

I feel like I used to be better at this, perhaps because more was going on, perhaps because I was less lazy. I want to get into the habit of blogging at least once a week.

Pictures are still to come, since I'm currently at work and don't have my camera on me.

The biggest news, and what prompted me to go ahead and sit down today, is that Herman's uncle Charlie has just been diagnosed with inoperable, and un-treatable cancer. Herman is very upset and we will be going up this weekend to see him.

We would go sooner, but Herman is working out of town this week. Hours are finally picking up for him which has been a blessing, even if it does mean he's out of town for a week or so at a time. Due to his uncle's condition, he is planning on trying to get on a Portland based team, in case something takes a turn for the worse.

Last weekend was a boys reunion weekend, which Herman thoroughly enjoyed. He got to go camping with his boyhood friends, out in the wilds of Oregon. The trip by all accounts was a huge success, despite having some roadblocks present problems. Herman returned home full of laughter, stress free, and happy. They have not all gotten together for close to 10 years.

As the last post said, I am currently on the job hunt. I was told that I would not be back at my school next year, and have been applying to positions like crazy. I had an interview for a long shot position last week, but didn't get it. I have a friend from my school last year who is putting in a good word for me at her new school so that we can work together. I have contacted the principal and am crossing my fingers. If I get it, I would be a middle school language arts teacher, just as I am trained to be.

This weekend, in addition to our trip to Longview to see Herman's uncle, we will have Lindsay and Josh back in town for his birthday weekend out at the coast. :)