How I Spent My Summer Vacation . . . and then some

I started this summer by losing my job with the County. It was not unexpected, given the enormous number of layoffs that were taking place, but it still hurt. I spent some time volunteering with the program I had just left in order to help the staff consolidate three offices into one. Not a pretty site.

I signed up with the local Work Force office, received help putting together my resume and attended some workshops. I applied for a lot of jobs and got almost no response. I was asked to participate in a pilot program using on-line education courses. I had free access for three months to as many of the courses as I wanted to take. I spent the majority of my time upgrading my Word and Excel skills, often completing three courses in one day. It’s been interesting and I’ve learned a lot but I could get very similar tutorials from Microsoft and they don’t cost anything either.

The hubby and I made several trips to our house in my hometown and spent a lot of time mowing grass. We have 2/3 of an acre and have considered investing in a goat. I wonder if a goat in the yard would keep the deer and elk from stripping the apple trees. It’s very peaceful and quiet there.

I spent time with my folks helping them adjust to my mom’s knee replacement. She’s doing well, all things considered.

I’ve read a bunch of books, played a bunch of computer games, watched a lot of TV, baked bread, made some scrapbook pages . . .

I have a tentative offer of employment, again with the County, and am waiting for the results of the background check. I have hopes of being back at work by the end of the month.

Time has gone quickly. Before you know it, our out-of-town kids will be showing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our family has grown since we were all together last.

Life continues to be amusing from my point of view.