I don’t know how anyone could hate a sock monkey….which is precisely why we decided to get Paytons Halloween costume a tad early this year. It’s also likely the last year we’ll really have much input on what she dresses up as, so we figured it would be fun to make it fun for all(which by “all”, I mean us). Don’t feel too bad for Payton, if Jess had her way Payton would have been a car freshener. Fortunately, my mom and aunt found this outfit while eating out a few weeks back. I’m not sure if I could handle seeing Payton as a Green Tree Freshener. There will be quite a few more pictures of the Sock monkey, but I figured I’d prime everyone with a few shots prior to the end of October.
Things have been going well here. Jess started school last week, which is always a stressful but entertaining part of the year. I would imagine it’s rough for teacher and student alike, adjusting back to being back to work. I can’t say I feel bad though, considering they just had the last 2 1/2 months off from work, but I can understand its a lot to take on in a short time. Jess really likes her class this year, which is always good for everyone involved. Their schedule is a bit odd this year with all the budget cuts. They have reduced the amount of teacher days, and reduced salaries(again). I certainly won’t get into some political rant, but I’ve yet to hear of a business model which slashes resources and salary and then expects to have exponential gains. Can’t say that business model has worked a whole lot………Anyhow, it makes for a shorter school year for everyone.
July 31st, I started a new job with GSA. The job is actually working out of our Seattle office, which is a good situation. It affords the opportunity for more work in areas I enjoy, while also giving me a little more flexibility in other areas within our business line. It also allows me the opportunity to work at home. I’m much more of a number cruncher, so this new position fits well. It will require a few trips to Seattle to meet with my boss and other peers, but I can’t say I’m complaining about having to visit Seattle(I just don’t want to live in the Rain). The job came at a good time with everything that has gone on the last few months. It really has given me an opportunity to do more of what i’m interested in, as well as benefit my career.
My mom flew off to California today to take the last step in my dads burial. He requested that a portion of his ashes be left @ the beach where he had intended to propose to my mom. He had planned on proposing at a specific portion of the beach, only to chicken out because he thought he may lose the ring in the sand(due to it being dark). He lated proposed under a street light near my moms house. My sister, grandma and my mom sister will all be along to help her. It will be another step in the process for all of us, and certainly for my mom. The last few weeks have been really hard cleaning up all the paperwork. Not to make a joke out of death, but if people knew how much paperwork there was to dying, you really would want to stay around as long as you could. Everywhere you turn around you have to fill something else out. I know that’s been a difficult process for my mom(as it is for everyone). I appreciate all the support many of you have shown my mom. I know it means a lot to all of us.
We don’t have a whole lot of plans for the remaining portion of the nice weather. I’ve been playing a lot of golf, we’ve been going to the pool a lot, and we continue to BBQ whenever the sun shines(which is about every day). I don’t have a whole lot of work travel planned, so we’re going to stay around town and enjoy the few days of summer we have left.
Hope everyone is doing well. Here are a few more pictures of the little monkey…..
