Long time no write

Sorry it's been awhile since I've updated, but things have been pretty hectic around here. Actually, pretty miserable. Coupled with my friend's loss, as mom wrote, we lost one of our beloved pets a week ago. Not equating his loss to that of a human being, but he was precious to us just the same. He was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease a year ago, and despite treatment and a hopeful prognosis of three good years, it wasn't meant to be. Our sweet cousin, who certainly has enough going on in her own life, was thoughtful enough to send me a card. The vet's office did, too, with all of the staff signing it. These gestures were rays of light in an otherwise bleak and sad week. Roo is handling it better than I thought she would, most likely because he's been sick for a while and we've been talking to her about heaven and how Rusty might not make it much longer. We chose a balloon with a dog on it, and she drew him a picture, which we attached to it. She released it "up to heaven" so Rusty would be able to have it. It actually did go really high, through a cloud and out of sight. I'm hoping this gives her some closure. Though we had his body cremated and now have his ashes, I don't think I'm ready to deal with her questions about how his body becomes this. It probably upsets me more than her, but I'm just not able to deal with that right now. It's hard enough not having him to curl up against my legs and night and keep me warm like he has for the past nine years.

DH's job search has hit more roadblocks. The local sales job he was hoping to get he was turned down for. The manager liked him but felt he needed someone with more sales experience who could bring in X number of accounts and money with them. We're waiting to hear from the guy in Charlotte, and that's about the only prospect he has at this time. We did make two decisions, however: he is going to try some brokering through some former co-workers and boss of his to make a little money and I'm applying for a local media specialist position. It is actually coming open next month and while it's not the ideal location or position for me, we have to get some insurance and salary going. This unemployment has lasted almost three months, and it's getting scary. Actually, about a month past scary, to be truthful. To emphasize how much the insurance is needed, Little Bit's cold turned into wheezing and we had to get a refill on her nebulizer medicine. With no prescription insurance, it was $125. When I took my older daughter to the doctor for a minor problem, it was $138! We have applied for Peachcare, a state health insurance program for children whose parents' incomes (or lack thereof) qualify, but it's taking a very long time for them to process our application because of the flood of applicants and shortage of people to process them.

Anyhow, if I can get this media position and DH can make a little money brokering, AND we can get through the end of the school year without having to pull Roo out of her pre-k program and not have to put Little Bit in a daycare situation until the fall, we'll be okay.

Just so I don't sound completely negative, I'm very, very happy for Mama and how much better she feels and is settling in. I'm also grateful for friends and family who are praying for us and keeping us in their thoughts (such as the neighbor who works for General Mills and brought us 7 boxes of cereal Saturday!). Hopefully, I'll have some more positive stuff to write about soon.

P.S. BIG pet peeve with me, hearing a parent berate their child by calling them names. Certainly, I have fussed at my kids, but I have never degraded them by calling them names and shaming them for a natural fear. Grrr.....