A Dear Friend

Today I attended the funeral services for a dear friend and co-worker. Frank Standage. Even though he was my boss, our friendship went beyond that. The many hours that we spent together making deliveries all over the state and in California was time well spent. We had fun talks, joked around alot, had serious talks, and talked about both our futures. I am saddened that Franks future was cut short. But I know he is in a better place. He is doing the work that he knows he has to do. I will miss those funny phones call like at 3:00 in the morning while he is out and about asking me what I am doing? I responded, sleeping of course! All of his funny one liners, will always stick with me and with Trent. We both loved him very much for what he has done for us and the family. We are very grateful for him. Frank- "we will be happy every minute." See you soon.

Happy, Happy, Happy

I got some very good news today! From my last post I was accused of being a thief. Well today, the lady called back and said that she found her jewelry and was very sorry for all of the accusations. This will clean up my record at the corporate office and give me a small leg up with work. Woot! Woot! I am sure glad to put this behind me! Everyone have a great day and to SMILE!!

Work

This last week of work has put me into the lowest point I have ever felt in my life. Found out yesterday that I am being accused of stealing some expensive jewelry from a home patient that I delivered to on Friday. Got a ticket for the new "move over law" in the company truck. Made a special delivery to assemble some medical equipment and mounted two things on the wall because I was told to "please the customer". But this was wrong. Should have not mounted anything to the wall. I was told that I have dyslexia real bad and that I need to figure out how to overcome it and to make things better. And all of this while trying to live on a reduced income because things are slow. With all of this I just cant shake this off. The stealing thing has really gotten under my skin. My career is really hanging in the balance right now. I am just totally sick about all that has happened. Don't know if I can snap out of it. Bye for now, totally depressed.

New Stuff

Since the last post, I have been able to sleep at nights. Thank goodness! I think what caused part of the sleeplessness was the fact that I was being prepared to receive a new calling in my church. I did receive that new calling and it was to the High Priest group in the ward. Along with that I was called to be the Second Assistant to the President. WOW! I am now in a group of men that have more knowledge and wisdom about the gospel that I know what to do with. Especially when it comes to giving lessons. I know nothing compared to them.

But this calling came with a big surprise. When I received the call, the President stood up in front of the group and explained why the change took place for the First Assistant but he could not explain why my name came to him for the Second Assistant position. He said that he went through all of the brethren names, not once, not twice, but many times and my name kept coming to him. The President said that he did not know who I was or what special talents I possessed to have such a strong influence on him but it did. He said that the calling did not come from himself but from the Lord.

This inspired me to try harder in my church responsibilities. To this day, I believe that the calling did come from Heavenly Father. I have felt a purpose and a need that has filled a void in my life that has been in existence for some time. I feel I have been truly blessed by the new calling.

As for the rest of the family, Trent has been working with me off and on doing deliveries. Laurie finished the school year and has started taking classes on-line from BYU. She is hoping to finish her education and complete her degree. Kelsi graduated from high school and from seminary and has got a job working at Golfland as a cashier. She has also applied at Pima Medical institute and has started her Pharmacy Technician degree. So proud of her! Jolie played softball during the spring season and poor thing lost all of her games except one. The one game that her team won, she was the winning run to win it! It was a rush to home plate and she beat the throw home! Jolie has had fun this summer hanging out with friends. She also says that she is ready for school to start.

Work continues for me but it still is uncertain at times if or when I will get a call to make a delivery. It is getting slightly better. The exception for work is the truck that I was using. The engine overheated and it cracked the heads on the engine. So now it sits in the side yard as a huge lawn ornament at the cost of $500.00 a month. Ouch!!!!! Thinking I will have to get a second job to pay for the new engine.

As school starts real soon, I am hoping that I can find the time to have a little fun. All work and no play makes Richard a dull boy! ha ha! Until next time, you all be safe out there!

Sleepless in Mesa

I don't get where this is coming from but why can't I sleep at nights. This is a big question. I used to never EVER have a problem sleeping but now my sleep schedule is just goofied up. Could it be the stress of life? Money? Relationships? I think I need a shrink! I do have to admit that I just spent 15 hours on the road and not ready to sleep yet but just cant get sleepy. I know what I need! A big turkey sandwich and a glass of milk! I need to update everyone on what has been gong on but I will try later when I have had some time to sort thoughts. Good night and sleep tight!

Where has the time gone

Well since my last post, things have been flying by. My two daughters had birthdays, and I had a birthday. Finally got all of my CDL stuff finished and now I have been busy busy with work and that is great! Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas have all come and gone. The time is just flying by! As the new year has begun, I am hoping that this is the year that we finally get ourselves out of the hole. After being laid off, things were tough! Anyway it all seems to be coming together!

I of course have not had to go through this alone. I have a great family and wonderful kids! They are always surprising me with things that keep me on my toes. With all of the gloom of the economy and people losing jobs homes and cars, I have been blessed with family and friends to help cushion the bumpy ride. I have found myself wanting and wishing that I had all of the finer things in life but all that did was depress me because it seemes so out of reach. I have learned that being happy with what I have is the best solution for now. The cars may be rickety but they are paid for and they work.

My sister's husband had two severe heart attacks this last month and now he is in Hospipce care. He sleeps all the time and does not acknowledge anyone in the room. I feel so sad for my sister because she is losing the one that she loves and has to become a single parent to four kids. She is the one that I am praying for because she will not have it easy. My Mother is another one that I am praying for also. Mom had a mini stroke last year and it has affected her vision so she is not allowed to drive or be able to work. She can see ok enough to get around the house so this makes her feel independent. Mom says she is in good spirits but wishes that all of her kids are doing well.

Learned last night that Dad had to be wisked away in a ambulance to a hospital somewhere we dont know. This was on Weds. night last week. We havent heard why he had to go or if he is even ok. The jail system doesnt let us know of these things. Hope he is ok.

There was another thing that has hit me hard this last year was that I cant please everyone. Even people I dont know seem to have a comment on how I do things. It hit me too the point that I feel like I cant open myself up too much for people for the fear of being judged. I guess I will eventually get over this one too, but for now it weighs on me.

But hey, it is a new year and I hope and wish that all goes well for friends and families. May the new year bring you joy and happiness!! SeeYa!!