Everyone needs a sad rock

Hi All,

Just returned from a 3 day weekend to celebrate my granddaughter's 4th birthday. Pink was the color of the weekend as mom, sister and dad decorated the house with pink streamers, signs and balloons and of course a cake in the shape of a 4, very creative.

As you can imagine the excitement and anticipation was high and the four year old's moods went from happy to sad very quickly at times.

Saturday came, the day of the big event, and she patiently waited for all the guests to arrive. Grandparents, uncles, aunts and finally her cousins arrived from South Dakota.

In her excitement she became kind of shy when they drove up and decided to conceal herself behind the tree in the front yard. After greeting my son, daughter-in-law and grandsons, we started to go to the backyard where the party would soon start. As I rounded the corner to go past the garage I noticed the birthday girl sitting out by the tree on a 4 rock.

I approached her with my camera to get a shot of the birthday girl and noticed she was kind of sad. "What are you doing Autymn?" I asked.

With a huge sigh she looked up at me with her cheeks in her hands and said, "I'm sitting on this rock, nobody said hello to me so I'm just going to sit on this rock".

Tears formed in my eyes as I witnessed the sadness on her face and gave her a hug and explained that no one saw her and I was sure they would have said hello and happy birthday too.

I reminded her it was time for the party to start because everyone was here and off she ran to the back yard completely forgetting about the "sad rock".

Wouldn't it be nice of all the sadness in world could be fixed with a hug and a 'sad rock' to sit on for a short time.

The day turned out beautiful and the backyard was very colorful. Tie dye colorful. Shirts were decorated for all who came to the party and a few more.

It's hard to believe that I'm 50 something and have never tie dyed anything, but now that I'm an expert (matter of opinion) I'm envisioning a red, white and green tie dyed Christmas, hum.

Right now I'm feeling kind of lonely so guess I'm just gonna go outside and see if I can find me a 'sad rock' to sit on for a spell.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

'Katie's tonic' for today:

Next time you're feeling a little sad get yourself a sad rock and someone to give you a hug, it certainly can't hurt....

til next time, have a great day!!

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job interview

Good Morning to all,

It's Thursday and I had two job interviews today, both at the same place.

I didn't put myself on sale. I actually asked if the salary was negotiable. I didn't melt or die or anything. Felt pretty good even though the answer was no.

I also had a call from the previously stated company and they would like to visit with me concerning other opportunities I may be interested in. I will be contacting them to set up another interview. Maybe for part time because I think the positive atmosphere working where others are spending leisure time enjoying life would be a plus for me right now.

The atmosphere overall reminded me of the feeling I had when I mowed lawns at the golf course. People seem kinder and more generous when they are doing something they enjoy. It would be hard not to enjoy yourself surrounded by amenities like golfing, spa treatments, water sports, swimming pools, tennis courts, beautiful scenery and lakes.

I have been doing some writing on other sites, possibly some money making ones I hope. I believe I'm on the right track.

Lesson for today: Don't be afraid to ask. It may not be the answer you hope for but it certainly feels better than wondering what may have happened if you'd only asked. I've heard it takes 10 no's to finally hear a yes which makes me think if I had been asking the question all these years, I'd have heard "yes" many times. It's never too late to start.

Off to my daughters for my granddaughters 4th birthday. Wouldn't it be fun to be four again??? The innocence and excitement for little things in life are something we should all stop and think about from time to time.

When's the last time you got excited about your birthday???? Maybe everyone should have a "kids" birthday party like a 4 year old every year. I'm sure it will be a great time and can't wait to see everyone.

'til next time ....... Have a great day!!!

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Don't put yourself on sale

It's Monday morning and I'm off to my new job. Excited, a little nervous but determined to 'get er done'. The resort is beautiful, people are friendly and it's very very warm.


After about 2 hours of a very diligent individual showing me how to clean, after all, I'm 56 and guess I don't know how, my patience is getting tested. (I know, you're thinking, some people don't know how to clean at 56 or ever). Anyway, it is very reminiscent of working with my sister who also was very diligent about cleaning at the hotel she no longer owns. That wasn't the best time we ever spent together, right sis??? Love ya,

After about 4 hours as the salty sweat is burning my eyes as it runs down my face I'm thinking, "why am I doing this for $7.15 an hour?" Is it financially feasible to drive 30 miles with the price of gas climbing?


I'm sweating like an olympic athlete, getting down on my hands and knees to scrub the floor, not to mention the toilet (yuk, there's something about unknown peoples toileting habits that's kind of scary - oh, with no gloves provided), up and down steps about 100 times and no breaks except for 1/2 hour lunch.

Then to top it all off I find out that from now on I need to arrive early in order to drive yet another mile to park my car and then be shuttled in and wait for the shuttle at the end of the day also.

I'm in the car driving home with the air blaring at me and wishing I had my stack of resumes with me because I would stop at every business along the way and drop one off.

Home at last. I turn on the computer and it is open to where I left off reading "Women and Money." by Suze Orman. The words "you are to never put yourself on sale again" jumped out of that screen an almost knocked my on my butt. That wouldn't have been good because as much as I was hurting and as tired as I was I probably wouldn't have been able to get up.

Not only had I put myself on sale, I think I had been green tagged. In retail, that's the last price tag before the merchandise is destroyed or sent back, even less than clearance.

I vowed right then and there to call in the am and let them know I was not for sale and certainly not on the clearance rack and wasn't interested in being destroyed. (i was very gracious, told them I was physically unable to do the work, after all I'm not 25 anymore)

Today's lesson: Value who you are, ask for what you're worth not what others are telling you that you're worth and don't settle for less. Stop putting yourselves on the clearance rack, you deserve more.

Have a good week!!

Katie's tonic for today

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It's time!!!!!
I'm finally getting brave enough to create the blog my daughter has suggested VERY STRONGLY that I start. It's great having kids that are more internet savvy than their parents. I also am so very greatful that they see strengths in me that at times I don't see in myself. Thanks to all of you, Ang, Chris, Jared, Heather, Heidi, Destry, Krit, Steve and Laurie, I love you all so much.

Now what to blog about.

Could be jobs as I 've had probably 40 in my 50 some years of working. To clarify, when you raise 5 kids by yourself, to go along with that would be losing jobs, through no fault of my own. In addition I have many hobbies and skills I would love to blog about. Refinishing furniture, sewing, writing, recreation, leisure, music and football. In addition I am a sweet grandma. Just ask any my grandchildren.

You're a little bit crazy, says my 6 year old granddaughter, but that's not a bad thing.

I also have an interest in domestic violence, adult survivors of sexual abuse, alcoholism and self esteem programs.

will write more later, time for supper, bye

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