Rob's "Happy Place"

Last week I got the opportunity to go up to Portland with Josh and his family to work on a house that Grandma Mickey needs to get on the market.  I really didn't know what all had to be done, but whenever someone offers me a chance to work, I usually take it.

The inside of this house really looked nice.  Hardwood floors, great paint, vaulted ceiling with skylights in the entry way and a 2 car garage.  The outside though, needed some "love" and not just a little.  We tore off siding on the front portion of the house, replaced that siding with nearly 30 sheets of T-111,  masked, painted and trimmed the whole outside, cut down a tree in the front yard, pressure washed the driveway, sidewalks, back deck and entire house and we still have plenty more to do.  Unfortunately we only had 3 1/2 days to complete all of our chores, so some things had to be put off until next time.

As I've been looking for work here in Medford, the thought crossed my mind to maybe seek work around the Portland area, in hopes to find more opportunities.  After seeing it R A I N just about every day we were there, I've changed my mind.  The only day it didn't rain, it was cloudy and cool (the day we painted the house with a sprayer).  Even the last day, when we painted all of the trim, I felt a tear come to my eye as I watched the milky white coating melt in front of me.  All of the time I spent trying to make it look extravagant, became small pools of watered down paint puddles.  At that point, I just wanted to be done with the project.  I was ready to get on the road and head back down to where the sun shines more than twice a week.

Fortunately we only had one accident that required a visit to the doctor.  Miles stepped on a board that had a nail in it.  For more on that story, see Kerrie...All in all, the trip turned out well.  We completed a large amount of work in short time.  I want to give a shout out to Aunt Lori and Grandma Mickey for producing some of the most amazing meals, while we were there.  Those enchiladas "Rocked!"  Thank you two for making our stay there so much more enjoyable.

On a different note, I received a call on Tuesday from the high school in Eagle Point and they want me to start work with them next week.  It's only a temporary full time position (full time through September) but it will give me a chance to get my foot in the door with the school district.  Since it's right here in E.P., I could ride my bike to work (how great is that?).  I got a letter from the city of G.P. and they said that they did not choose me for the Police Officer position.  That's so awesome!  After I dropped off the application, I had changed my mind on that position and wasn't quite sure how to go about pulling out.  Isn't it so amazing how our Lord works everything out?

The new pictures I've added to my page are specifically for Aunt Lori and Grandma Mickey (you know who you are).  Last week I got the opportunity to go up to their home, near Portland, and do some work around the ranch.  It was a short trip, but we were able to accomplish quite a list of projects.  I think the best part of the trip was the great food and witty conversation.  While I was up there, I had asked if they would be interested in coming down to my neck of the woods and helping me with designing my landscape.  The only thing I've really got going for me right now is the grass, and even that is in pretty bad shape.  I just can't seem to get the "green" going.  Last year I was able to take it from patchy yellow to lustrous green.  This year something is not quite right.

So I am hoping that when they see these pictures, they'll see a "blank canvas" waiting for the application of pastels and brush strokes.  After seeing their landscape and all of the time and effort they have put forth to get where they are now, I'm looking forward to hearing what they have in mind for my home. 

Along the front of the house, I planted some bulbs that Trish gave me and I'm amazed to see them already coming to life.  The center section of dirt (in front of the house) had a Japanese Maple planted when I bought the house.  It was short and red in color and gave a great accent to the color of the house and lawn.  Unfortunately, it died within a few months though (I think it was too much sun for such a plant).  I'd like to find another "something" like that (with color, but not too much height, so I don't lose my view) to go in that area.  My parents have a "crooked tree" in their yard that might work nice there.  I call it crooked; it's one of those evergreen trees that has an "s" shaped trunk and the tree kind of leans over.

For the back yard, I was wanting to put in some Quaking Aspens along the back fence, but was told that these particular trees like to shoot their roots up in various areas of your yard (and your neighbors yard), so I've put that thought on the back burner.  Aunt Lori says they make barriers that you drive down into the dirt which block them from traveling, so now I'm starting to think that is what I'd like to plant along the fence.  I would need to water them with "crack cocaine" though, so they would shoot up faster than normal.  just kidding.

Well, today I will be submitting an application to the City of Grants Pass for a Police Officer position.  I've applied to a lot of different areas throughout the valley, but nothing is panning out yet.  I've gone back and forth over whether or not I should venture in this direction and I've come to the conclusion that I just might make a good cop.  I already have 2 of the main qualifications (I love coffee and donuts).  Apparently they usually have a pool of 600 or so applicants to choose from, so I would normally have a 1 in 600 chance of being part of their team.  I heard that this particular pool only came up with 60 applicants, so my chances are getting better. 

Last weekend I took my boat out for the first time this year and it was beautiful!  The water was a little on the cold side, but it was hot enough outside (over 100 degrees) that after 20 minutes of "getting my mind straight" I was able to swim for a short while.  I took my friend Joy with me and was surprised to see her swim, as well (you're a real "TROOPER").  I was hoping the weather would hold out just a little while longer, but it has dropped back down to the low 60's, which isn't optimum for water sports.  They say we'll be heating back up next week though.

Well, I guess that's all I have to write about for now.  Until next time...

Well, it's been a little over 3 weeks since I lost my job and I've gotten so many things done around my house (and other peoples homes).  Each morning, I get going with my cup of espresso and start the drawn out process of looking for work (online).  I've started making lists of all the different things that need attention around the house, so that I will have something to work on throughout the day.

This morning I was pleasantly surprised to see that the IRS came through for me.  What an awesome idea...send everyone a stimulus check, in hopes they'll go out and spend it on things they don't need, in an uncertain economy.  Whew-who; count me in!!  I decided (today) that I would spend just a little of that money on gas for my truck and getting my boat de-winterized and ready for this up coming summer of fun on the lake.  I really didn't know when or how I was going to get it out of hibernation, but knew it had to happen (one way or another).

So as of next weekend, it looks like I'll be ready to get out on the lake.  I keep telling myself that I shouldn't be spending too much money, not knowing when I'll have an income, but I'm so enjoying this down time.  That doesn't mean I'm not ready to go back to work yet; I am.  All day today I've been doing odd jobs around the house (things I haven't done since I've been here, like taking down the satellite dish or washing all of the dog paw prints on the vinyl fence).  Throughout the day I've listened to this distant squealing sound, kind of like the sound of a dull drill bit being forced to continue on.  I looked around the neighborhood to see if I could hone in on the painful  noise.   There it was about 2 streets  over and up on the hill.  I could see my new neighbor trying to install his own vinyl fencing.  So I thought to myself...hmmm, I wonder if he might need some help. So I made my way over to his house, in hopes to offer some sort of help; if nothing else, save the rest of the neighborhood from that ear piercing squeal.

Unfortunately, he was almost done for the day, so I wasn't able to help him, but I did get to meet him.  He seemed quite nice and I introduced myself and pointed out my house (I had never seen it from that angle before).  We talked for a bit, then I came back home.  Part of me was hoping that he would let me help, just so I had something "fruitful" to do with my time.  One thing I've never enjoyed is waisting time.  I would much rather be helping someone in need rather than having nothing to do with my time.  Mama always told me that an idle mind is the devils playground and I believe it!

Well, if you're reading this and you live in the southern Oregon area, you should make a point to attend "Done to Death" at Barnstormers.  It will run from May 2-18 and it is definitely worth checking out.  I've added a picture of the program to my blog and it is worth the time to stop in and watch.  I even got Jeni Chamberlains autograph!  Can you believe it??  I'm having a frame custom made, as we speak.  She's so awesome!!

I've been relaxing and enjoying my wonderful unexpected vacation (for a couple of weeks), but deep down I've been unsure as to whether or not I could keep my head above water financially.  As always, the Lord has shown me that I don't need to worry; He has everything under control.  I just need to continue to focus on Him and trust that He has full control of my life.

Each day I can see how He's working in my life and I'm looking so forward to what is just around the corner.  This weekend I get to go on a men's retreat (funny thing; I signed up and paid for this retreat a couple of months ago, not knowing where I'd be today) with our church and am looking forward to the new friends I'll make and the time I'll get to bask in the Lords presence.  I have truly been blessed!

I've submitted a couple of job applications to different school districts for a custodial/ maintenance positions (which I would really enjoy working with) and another application with Costco (I need to keep my options open).  I continue to scour the many online job postings in hopes to find that perfect position; possibly one that lasts many years.  I know the Lord will take care of me and I try to rest in the knowledge that everything will come together smoothly.

I've been staying very busy, throughout the week, doing various jobs for various friends.  Although I can't explain why, pulling weeds has been the MOST beneficial and relaxing, by far.  What happens when I run out of weeds to pull; then what?  I better have a backup plan. 

Well, I guess that is all that's going on at the moment.  I'll be sure to post some pictures of the retreat when we get back.  Thanks for reading!

As I'm sure most people are aware, I lost my job early last week and I've got to say I'm more relaxed about the entire situation than I ever thought I would be in a scenario such as this.  I had been with my employer for exactly 1 year and it was good while it lasted.  I learned some new areas of computers and found a new side to myself, in talking to customers on the phone, that I didn't know I had.

I've been praying (a lot) about where the Lord wants me at this stage in my life and am resting under His wings knowing that He WILL take care of me.  I haven't been looking too hard for work just yet, as I have been in dire need of a vacation.  It seems like it's been 3 or 4 years since I've actually taken some time off to do whatever; whenever and I really have been enjoying this much needed time.

Just last weekend I got to go hiking with some really great friends (the Suspended Bridge Hike) and it reminded me of one of my high school summer breaks; man how I miss those 3 month breaks.  Jeni and I even went swimming, in order to say "we conquered the rock" that no one else could get to.  The water had to easily be 45° (Brrrr!) and it took my breath away.  It was a wonderful day!  This weekend we'll be checking out a hike in the Ruch area.  I'll be sure to post the pictures once we return.