New Job, New Era in my life.....

Well, yesterday I accepted a position with the Office of Systems Integration http://www.hwcws.cahwnet.gov/newsystem/
I will be working on the Child Welfare System/ Case Management System New System Project. My office will be located downtown at the 5 Fwy and Garden Highway. I have canceled all of my substitute assignments and will spend the next two weeks preparing for my new life.

After spending almost eight years at my favorite job, (Cole's mom) I have some mixed feelings about the change. Luckily I have had time to get used to the idea and I have reached the point of excitement.

Two of my closest friends have recently made the decision to reenter the work force. Kathy has been with the State Air Resources Board for 8 months now. Ann Marie had a very promising interview on Friday as well.

Cole is actually impatient. He believes spending afternoons with his friends at extension will be fun. It probably will!

Football

Cole playing quarterback in his first year of Flag Football .....

Golf Roast

This was easy, cheap and Excellent!!!!

A 7 bone chuck roast1 pkg. dry onion soup1 can undiluted mushroom soupA can measure of red wine
Place a 7 bone chuck roast on a large sheet of foil in a shallow pan. On top of meat put a package of dry onion soup mix, a can of undiluted mushroom soup and a can measure of red wine. Seal foil securely and bake while golfing at 250 degrees for 4-5 hours.

Flag Football....

On to the next sport... Flag Football season has started.

Cole played in his first football game on Saturday. It was quite entertaining once I figured out what the rules were. After a long season of multiple sports. (Basketball, Water Polo, Swim Team, Spring Baseball and Fall Baseball) we are ready for a little less bleacher time. The football games are 45 minutes long including the break. Works for me!

Last Baseball Game of 2008...

Cole played in his last baseball game of 2008 tonight. We have enjoyed the fall ball season. I just don't understand the name since it ends before Fall starts.

Anyway, it was another great game for the team, they remain undefeated. They have not always won handily, but have persevered and come back from behind when necessary. My hat goes off to our great coach Scott Congress, who really did a great job teaching the boys how to play the game, both physically and mentally.

Cole has not played "great" since school started, he is just too tired. At his last at bat tonight, John told him he would give him $200.00 if he hit a home run and $5.00 if he had a base hit. It worked, and he found the ball and got a good base hit. Luckily for us it did not get all of it!

We will miss the other parents and kids, but alas... Football Season is upon us!

Politics, The Media & Motherhood

John and I watched the announcement and introduction of Sarah Palin with hope & skepticisim. I was not sure what I expected, but she blew me away. The utter calm, professionalism and excitement she presented, have been underscored three fold with the latest attacks by the media. Having had a child at 17 and one at 40, I can relate to the family trials on multiple levels. Talk about grace under fire. Whew!

Sarah & Todd, Congratulations on the newest additions to the family. All children are a blessing!

Aug 31st

We spent the day recovering from all the work we did on Saturday. Gardening is not a leisure sport. LOL John and Cole went in shopping to get football cleats. His first game of Flag Football is next Saturday. We enjoyed dinner at VHCC. We had not been to dinner there in months. They are removing a 250 year old Oak Tree that is right next to the clubhouse. We contrasted that with George Washington and the USA and decided they were both "born" about the same time.