Well, scarey news! Ha ha! I quit! I quit my job yesterday! I got to work and Brandi told me I didn't have to clock in until 12:30. But that I would have to stay until 8:30 or 9:00pm! I was upset that she did notify us sooner and I was NOT happy about staying later. So I walked out
of the parking lot and thought to myself "this isn't worth it!." Andrea and Kimmie were just getting to work also and asked me where I was going. I told them what Brandi had told me. Andrea was LIVID! She was more mad than I was. She said "why didn't she call us or tell us on
Friday". I only knew that Brandi said she couldn't get the numbers from HR in time?! Why doesn't SHE have our numbers. So Andrea and Kimmie go in there. Andrea had decided at that point she was quiting. I was debating. I was angry and VERY upset. Kimmie came back out also
very upset said that Andrea told Brandi she was quiting and that she wasn't staying late. Brandi said we'd only have to do it till Nov 6th! When the new shift bids started but that most of us would be staying till 10pm! That WAS not going to happen as far as I was concerned. Kimmie also informed us that Brandi confessed to her that she knew about on Wed last wekk and FORGOT to tell us!! I went in and quit. Brandi tried to talk me out of it. She also confessed to me that she knew about it and forgot. I told her it was not going to be possible to stay that. I left at 12:30 and never clocked back in. I took my pictures off my desk and left.
I was a little hysterical. But by the time I got home, I was more relieved than anything. I felt like a big black cloud was gone. I had a sick feeling about it all weekend. I should have known. I knew I was going to get that late shift.
I had my other interview today. I have to go back to redo my date entry part of the test. That was the only thing I didn't do so well on. I need practice on my numbers. My deslexic makes that a little harder, it just takes me a little longer. It's down by ASU entering students information and finacial aide stuff. We'll see. I am not in a panic and even really worried. I still have two more paychecks coming in and that will get us through Nov. I am going down to Target tomorrow. Maybe I can get something just temporary. Everyone is hiring seasonal right now and that is a good thing.
Anyway - It does pass, it's kinda funny the way things work out.
I also had lunch with my visiting teacher today. Nancy Wudel. She's super cool. We went to a local mexican place down the street. Then tonight I am going to sit and watch all of the Harry Potters and pass out Trick or Treat candy.
I do love having the freedom of "what am I going to do" today feeling. I am also going to start designing cards for Christy's Boutique next week. Maybe I'll go back to my idea of selling them online. Everything happens for a reason. There is always a better purpose.

Soo, I didn't get the job with Legacy. But that's okay. I didn't feel all that confident about it anyway even though the interview went well. I didn't get the feel from the lady owner. Although Christy and Anita were both shocked that I didnt' get it.
I sorta had a breakdown last night. I had a really not so good day at work on Friday. It's just incredibly lonely. Even though Brandi moved me over Christina and Ryan and Andrea. We chat
off and on. But the travel agents really get on your nerves after a while. And then you always get one nasty one. I hate that we can't leave until they okay us. Because we're the closers. They are micromanaging EVERTHING and that's driving me crazy. I understand that the customer service wasn't all that great before our training group. But now they are doing over kill.
But tonight we had a ward bbque at the Keelers. It was actually the Elders Quorum and Bryce
Keeler and Carl did most of it. Carl was over at Bryce's this morning setting up tables, then we went over about 4 it was at 6 and helped with the meat. It was all very good.
Anyway - I was talking to Jennifer Bickerstaff, who just had a baby boy, she is a home agent for our company and she asked me if I was still liking it. I said I was ready to quit. She said she is too. She already gave her two weeks notice, but they are also moving back to Salt Lake City.
She said she doesn't like the changes with Norwegian either, and she's a home agent! So that made me feel a lot better. She said she wants to quit sooner than that but she can't. Now I know it's not just me. Cause last night I was feeling really crappy and really depressed.
Plus we went and looked at a cute town house. We aren't sure about it. The guy that is renting it still wants to have a lot of control over what we do to the house and how long we will be in it. I don't like that. If we are putting that much money into something I want to OWN it or know that the payments are going to a future mortage. For a lease option. Carl and I both agreed on that. The guy was friendly and all and the house was cute there were too many red flags that made us both a little leary.
So I guess we keep looking for a house and me a better job. I am more disappointed in this job. I thought it was what I wanted to do. But I have changed my mind entirely about the travel industry and travel agents. I feel bad -I have griped about it and Carl is worried about getting into a house. We had a good talk last night and we will get through this whatever this is. It's the temporary situations that drive us both crazy. We like stabilty and knowing what our plans are.
My whole schedule will change next week and it's scaring the crap out of me. I am alone teaching Primary, they have given my partner another calling in the Primary. So there is a lot on my brain.
Anyway - I just wanted to let ya all know I haven't forgotten about the blog or the new one, it's just sort of insane right now, trying to sort it all out. Carl is a wonderful patient strong person. He is my rock! I am excited for him for this trip that he is taking with the Court on Halloween.
I think he will have a lot of work, but it will be a great experience for him!

Today I played hookie from work and took a sick day. I had an interview with Legacy Blinds and Window coverings. It went pretty good. I even got a tour of the werehouse. I would be doing their scheduling. We'll see what happpens.

Carl has been working really hard to get a family blog going.
He found this really cool one, so be sure to click on the link and leave a message. We'll post most
of the pictures there. I will still probably keep this one up, but that will have our stuff on it.
So check it often!
http://www.easysite.com/johanssonfam

This is Bilko's new hair cut! Mona did an AWSOME job! His eyes get soo goopedup.
This plaque with our last name on it, I was supposed to make in Homemaking on Wed, but I couldn't get off work, so Sis. Allen gave me the kit yesterday and I did it last night! She orginally gave me the dk blue, for the background (which I ordered) but then I worried, the red wouldn't show. I had some lt. blue paint already so I just did that and then did the edges dk. Blue and I am quite pleased with how it turned out!
The kids did awsome yesterday in their Primary Program!! It was nice, they actually had the sisters go in the Relief Society for the third hour. That was a nice change. But it was funny the boys got me in 'trouble'. We were talking and Sis. Guigere was trying to tell us which room we were in. She said "well, if Sis. Johansson would stop talking to her class, she'd know which room they were in!" LOL She was just teasing me of course. Her sons in my class! The boys thought it was pretty funny. I gave them a bad time for getting me in trouble!
Ohh, I have a job interview on Wed! That one for Anita's company. Legacy Blind. I talked to the
lady this morning. She was really nice. I wanted to go today but I was already on my way into work. I hope something works out. I am alittle distressed about work right now. I hope something GOOD changes soon!

EXHAUSTED!
Talk about shop till ya drop today! And we haven't been able to do that in AGES!! It was nice.
It was mostly things we needed. The only thing we really did splurge on was Carl bought a new t.v. entertainment set up from IKEA. Remember how yesterday, I said I was gonna come out
with containers and silverware?! Yeah, didn't happen. but that was mostly cause I couldn't find ones I liked.

This morning, we got the car washed and then Desert Book. It was was the funniest thing. They sell Salt Lake City Candles (a close comparison to Yankee Candles). We used to get them up there all the time. I really like their seasonal ones. Well, they have one this year called Snowfall. I laughed about it and showed it Carl! He BOUGHT it! LOL! He said I don't mind smelling it
as long as I don't have to shovel it! LOL! It smells mostly like vanilla though. But it is super strong. I got a good laugh over it. We live in Arizona and he bought a candle called Snowfall! The sales lady also tried to sell us the new Christmas CD they were playing. It was WAY too early to be hearing christmas music. Even if it was a lady singing with the Mormon Tabernacle
Choir. It's not even Halloween yet!

Of course all the stores we went into today had Christmas up. Including IKEA!!

We took Bilko to one of Christy's friends house, so she could groom him. She did a fabulous job and Bilko seemed to do very well with her. We'll do Buster next. She only charged us $20! I normally pay $80-90 for both dogs. She was gonna do both for $40!! I felt bad like I didn't pay her enough. Because I know how much work they are. She even cleaned his eyes really good!
And did the teddy bear cut on him. Tomorrow when it's lighter I'll post some pictures of him.

I also got a wild hair and decided after Carl put the entertainment center together, to rearrange the living room. Now it's much more open and a little more put together.

I am going to need to do some drastic changes about my work situation, I have been trying to avoid thinking about it all weekend but I wanted to update you all on it. We are doing the shift bids this week. It all goes electronically and yes, I am at the bottom of the totem pole! The other really crappy part about that is, they are going to the later shift which means I could be there till 10pm or 11pm at night. I REFUSE to do that to Carl and I's schedule, whether I drive or not, especially with the holidays coming up! My chances of getting a day shift are SLIM! I am trying really hard not to be discouraged about it.
Christy's friend Anita gave me a refrence to her work. It's a Windows & Blind company. She says they pay really well and it's Monday thru Fri 8-5! She gave me her bosses number. The best part is, everyone (except her) in her office is LDS! The couple that runs the company is LDS! So this is a good prospect. I am calling her on Monday. Let's hope and pray something changes, whether I get a day shift with Norwegian or I find new employment.

This was Buster this @ 9am this morning! I liked his idea! I wish I could have done that today! Although tomorrow is FRIDAY! YIPEE!! We stopped by Fizolli's Italian tonight, we haven't had it in along time, it's normally pretty good, but it wasn't so good tonight. Something was off.
I think we put our shift bids in tomorrow, but now I'm worried, because I was 2nd to last on the totem pole for shift bids, but now the 2 people under me have quit! So now I am the bottom of the totem pole! All though Keith's quit too, which is such a bummer. He's the one in the football pool with us. Brandi told me, I could still get the same shift. I told her I just might cry if I get the same shift again. I can't do this for 6mos!

But tomorrow is Friday, we have a meeting first thing and that always makes the day go by fast Then we we have the weekend! We are planning a trip to IKEA and probably Penney's. I desperately need new shoes for work, and Carl wants to get a new t.v. entertainment set up at IKEA. So we'll go check it out. I also would like to get some more kitchen containers. Christy still keeps trying to steal my glass one, that my mom brought back from California. I put pasta in it. So I need ones for Sugar and Flour and a tall one for spaghetti. I've had a hard time finding the tall ones with a sealed lid. Maybe a new dog treat container too. I will have to make my list tomorrow! HEE HEE!

The earthquake in Hawaii, made for an interesting eveing for me at work. I knew our
cruise line would be effected just because Hawaii is one of their "specialties". It was mostly flights that were the problem (dave I'm sure can sympathize!). I had a travel agent call in a panic. None of the cruises were cancelled fortunately but because flights had been cancelled, and re routed, the ships were delayed.They didn't know about the 2nd update of one of the two flights they were waiting for. So my supervisor had to get on the phone with ground control, while I was on the phone
with the travel agent. They said to let the travel agent know they were tracking both
flights and the ship wouldn't leave without them!

My bus route also got de toured this morning. Because someone neighborhood we go through got a petition to have it taken off of that street. So now my route goes straight down Mckellips past the apartments.It might be better - we'll see in a week.
Other than that - a typical Monday! OH yea and GO BEARS! That was Awsome!!For anyone
who watched Monday Night Football and the 20pt defeciet the Bears came back and won!!
That's the SHOCKER for the week!

We had a pleasant suprise this morning when we got to church!The Pothiers were back
for the weekend!! It was sooo GOOD to see them! I was able to talk to former 'Bishop' Pothier he gave me a huge hug. They said the were just back for a day or two. They spent some time in Salt Lake for training, was my understanding.
It was funny the choir sang this morning and when most of them got done, they stopped and patted them on the back as they walked down the isle back to their seats. So many people were happy to see them! They are WONDERFUL people! I hope they are loving their mission in Idaho!

We are blessed in many ways. We have a good home,"apartment" and a wonderful family. I know I vent about both a lot, I am very much a home body and have gotten shy and content in my 'old 33 age'. I am a red head and still have my stubborn streak. But there is nothing I wouldn't do for my family my family or Inlaws. I love my family and I love Carl I don't know where I would be without them

I have struggled this month with things - work, and where I am. We struggle with the fact concept of 'children' to have them or as I often wonder "will we?". That seems to be first and for most on my mind lately. I love my family and I love Carl I don't know where I would be without them

I suppose that's why being in Primary has been another blessing. We practiced our Primary Program for next week. The kids are amazingly smart. I am impressed they can memorize their scriptures, lines and the words to the songs. I still struggle with the words to the Primary songs!! My memory is not what it used to be!Ha ha!
But they were so cute today. Sis. Lane had this really cool idea of - if the kids sing really well, she has a box, tied with pretty ribbon colors. She gets to cut each color, the better they do. If they get the whole box unwrapped before they finish they get whatever is in the box. Well, they've had this bug theme going this month, so in the box where rubber bugs in bright colors! I don't know how she found so many! But the kids LOVED it! I actually think they loved watching her cut each ribbon! Today they just told her to cut all the ribbon at the same time!

Check out how cool this is!!


Create Your Own!

So I am feeling a bit creative tonight, so I thought I would play with some Halloween graphics,
in Photoshop and see what I came up with.
I didn't have enough energy to bathe the dogs tonight like I played, but we did have a rather successful day today. I think.

We spent most of the early afternoon, house hunting. We hadn't planned it that way, Carl just wanted to drive around a few neighborhoods, where he had seen signs. Our lease is up at the end of December. We REALLY don't want to spend Christmas in this Apartment.
We looked at some apartments that they are converting in to condos (a big thing that is happening here, to keep up with the newer home developments.) it's crazy! Basically it's condos refurbished and then you actually own it. Which is the one plus. Plus you don't have to have
have money down. Another downfall for us getting into a house anytime soon. We dont' have a downpayment. I am not crazy AT ALL about the idea and we don't want something that we have to "share" with someone else.
We DON'T want neighbors. We also don't want to be in an apartment for ever. Money is a big issue right now, and I don't like that. So we are going to see if we can find some townhouses to rent, there are a few between here Greenfield that we are keeping our eye on.

Oh I did get my plant moved to a bigger pot today. I also bought purple and white petunias and planted them in the smaller pot! I will be excited when they bloom.
It was actually CHILLY today! It only got up to 75degrees today!!!! It poured rain last night. Bilko was up all night last night, barking at the lightening. So we didn't sleep very well! Neither did he! LOL! He HATES the lightening! It light up the bedroom for a good hour last night. It rained again this morning. Or what we call in Arizona "liquid sunshine" it rains while it's still sunny! It's the wierdest thing! Then the clouds would come AFTER the rain! We were so confused! LOL!

I am not a very superstitious person. But I do believe that things happen for a reason.
It was the wierdest thing. I got on my normal bus route this morning. And we got up to Gilbert and Southern (a very major intersection.) traffic was moving slower than normal. There was an accident. This was not a normal accident. It looked like 5 or 6 cars. TOTALLED! I don't mean just a little bit. There was one car, small compact car that was scrunched . It looked like it got hit from the front and the back and bent in half, rescue workers were trying putting their arms inside the car. Another white car, smaller was sideways at the top of the intersection infront of a fire engine and an ambulance. The front end smashed. Another big truck was in on the sidewalk
wrapped around a telephone pole. That was the worst part. As I got off the bus, I had to cross going the other way, but I had to wait for the light to change. They were still letting traffic through at normal. I watched them pull a body out of the blue truck, they already had one body
on the ground all strapped up. The other body they put in an ambulance. There was another
body on the opposite side of the car that was scrunched up.There was another two cars hit on the other side.

Many years ago, I was thrown from the back seat- landing sitting up in a bush. I was lucky as were my brother Shea and his girlfriend at the time. I rubbed the scars on my elbow, that still have the glass and my fingers that have one missing bottom knuckle. We were lucky!! I hope those people today were lucky too. It was something to watch someone being pulled out of a vehicle not knowing whether they were alive or not. Fortunately for me, I don't remember much of the accident a long time ago, just the scars and that's okay! I just pray those people
were okay.

Its soooo close to Friday and then Saturday - My favorite day of the week! And for the first time in over a month we have NOTHING planned this weekend!! YEAH!!
Not that I haven't had a good time the last few weekends. It's been a lot fun - especially camping. Carls hand is healing nicely(although I think it looks pretty gross his skin his three different shades purple red and pink. I've never seen skin go purple like that even on bruise!)
It kinda freaked me out. Dr gave him a tentnis (SP?!) shot and told him to keep the ointment and the bandages on it. But to let it breathe for a little bit at night so the skin will heal.

I am really really frustrated with Blogger right now, I have been for a while, I am not sure if I am going to keep it, I will let ya all know when I switch I thought about one, but I am not sure yet.

Work has been work. It's been slow most of the week, today was the busiest so far, but it was easy stuff and people in good moods. I am going through WAY too many books too fast. Maybe I'll by Chronicles of Narnia this weekend, that will take me longer! I get through most books in less than a week.


There are two foods that I am quickly learning are off limits. Corn and sausage. The sausage was really hard to say no to especially when we were camping. One of my favorite things is the KFCS Honey BBQUE bowls - I learned tonight - no more! SO sad!! Or I'll have to get it without corn! Not that ya all wanted to know about that!LOL!

Anyway - My plant is HUGE! It's doing very well. I don't have to water it and that's a good thing. I am getting a bigger pot for it this weekend. Maybe I'll get some flowers and do a little window box for the patio! I am also considering picking up sewing. I need something to do with my hands. A trip to the craft store is in order. I just wish we had something else besides Michaels.

Here are a few of our camping pictures. I will add more details later. It was fun. COLD COLD COLD! Carl burned his hand pretty bad. He went to the doc today and it's good. It's a 2nd degree burn we think. Blister and it's gonna probably scar. Bilko did better. He only headed for the car once! It was COLD did I already mention that!

So if you haven't noticed by now, my blog changes with my mood! I know-I know it's a lot.
But lately I am longing for the ocean. Probably because of the books I am reading and watching the travel channel a lot. We were so used to going up to Oregon every 6 mos or soo.. It's been almost a year. We went for my brother Mike's graduation from the Police Academy up there. I had a good talk with him on his birthday. It was kinda funny he was tellin me Austin is going to school camp like we did when we were kids. Shea and I went to "Mill Hollow" in Utah. I also went to girls camp here for many years. Fond childhood memories. I am glad Austin is getting to go. He goes for a whole week and he's in the 5th grade! When we did it we only did it for a few days I think.

Tomorrow - I am feeling a headache coming on and calling in sick to work. I told Luis a while back that I was leaving town, but I miss my 90days (when I can start sort of requesting time off, we aren't supposed to do it till April) so I have to take it as an occurance. Right now, I only have two so I am not worried. We are allowed 7 and 5 before we get 'in trouble'. I am not really worried. I can take sick time after Oct 15th. I am not sure how it will work after that. Speaking of which. Brandi is now my new supervisor. She used to sit by me, but now she's on the other side by Luis. So I am all alone in my cubicle, especially after 5pm. It's okay though I read a lot.
Except tonight, just because I was anxious to leave, we had NO calls from the time I got back from break at 6:15pm. Andrea asked me if I had any calls at 7:28 (they shut the phones off at 7:30) sure enough I get a lady and she wants to book a new group. She was mad about the deposit date. She said she'd call back in the morning. I booked the group for her and she said she'd call back to get the date changed. I was like okay whatever. I wasn't in the mood. Fortunately it only took me 10 mins.

We leave tomorrow for our camping trip. We spent this eveing making sure we had everything.
Plans have changed again, Christy, Herb and Janet are staying in a hotel. (don't get me started!)
and Alexis now isn't coming at all. Herb is waiting to get a new tire from his car (remember they got a flat on Sunday). The tire place didn't carry one so they are having it fdex it should be here tomorrow. Carl is getting off at noon and we are leaving around 1pm. It will be interesting. But I am looking forward to taking the dogs up there and spending time with Carl and cooking in our new dutch oven.

OH and my mom would be proud. Carl made me Ceasar Salad tonight and I really liked it! I HATE salad normally unless it's got ALL the fixings on it, with tons of ranch dressing. But I actually had two servings!

It was quiet and normal today - those days are good, working out details for our camping trip. I hope it will be fun. It will be everybody, the other one S's Johanson's. (our last name is Johansson - it's the family joke for the other Johansons, no that's not a spelling err I'll explain one other day) but that's Ben, Inger, Holly&Zane. The the two s's. Herb, Janet (who say they are sleeping in tent!!) and Christy and Alexis and Alexis - maybe two friends (don't even get me started on that!). Anyway there are a few issues that have come up, that make my blood pressure go up. Some people just don't think out their decisions and how they will affect other people! I HATE that!!

Carl and I relaxed and watched the travel channel, as I seem to do at night. I really wish we had Food TV network. But we don't get it with Bob's cable! HA HA! It's not really Bob's cable, but that's what we call, it's SOOO Bad.... So I don't know if you've ever watched Taste of America?!
With Marc DeCarlo (who also did bythe way Mobsters and Mormons - very funny movie!)
He was on the East coast in Maryland. Tasting Crab Cakes. OHH I am getting a craving for seafood. I want to go back to the East coast. I really want to go to Maine and Boston. I've been to Cape Cod and Marthas Vineyard. LOVED it. Almost as much as the West Coast and our home away from home in Oregon. I could go there and just sit in a resturaunt by the ocean and eat crab and lobster till I grew my own claws.

Not to mention that Marc DeCarlo is pretty funny too..
Here's the link check it out when it' s on...
http://travel.discovery.com/fansites/taste/taste.html

PAINFUL! That's what tonight's game was! It was gonna be big - HUGE. Packers and Philly!
I got home Packers were 9-7. I could breath but only for a second. Favre threw 2 interceptions!! Count them 1 - 2!! UGGH!!

I should have stayed at work, they had hope then! I was a little apprehensive about the Packers and Favre starting another season. By all means do I NOT want Favre to retire, not go out the way they ended last year, but I worry I worry about what this year holds. I know it's early. I know there's one thing I love about football is ya never know, the tables always turn! That's the die hard in me coming out.

A BIG shout out to my brother Mike. It's his Birthday today!

This morning was nice. I watched the AM session of Confrence. Always LOVE the Sunday Morning session! Never miss it. Carl went with his parents up to Payson to check out the camping site for next week.
It was nice to hear Pres Hinkley. He keeps saying he is getting old. As a prophet I am sure it has aged him more than the normal. He's 96yrs old. He's old but he's certainly not feeble and his spirit is stronger than ever. He talked so simply today about faith of a mustard seed. But it rings true. His words struck true to my heart. I did catch the tail end of the afternoon session and hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing "We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet". It was sweet and comforting to know we have a Prophet of God on the Earth. I have faith that he is our living Prophet. His words brought me comfort today.

It was relaxing to watch confrence and I know it's terrible in the same breath watch football. There are something's I am just not willing to sacrifice yet, and football is one of them. It's been a passion for such a long time. Although Green Bay plays tomorrow for Monday night, of which I'll miss, 1. because it's an early game and 2. I'll be at work. Words can not describe how I really dislike my schedule. I am having a really hard time with this job. It's easy and the people are great, but the phone thing isn't my cup of tea anymore. I had some nasty ones on Friday night, I am sure that didn't help. I've tried really hard to let this job just sink in, but so far it's just not and that's frustrating.

On another level, I think the winds are changing and I can feel it. I am craving things like comfort foods. Casseroles and such. I made lasagne and bread sticks for tomorrow. There is a new Mac N Cheese recipe I got, with ham and bacon that I wanna do this week also. Plus they are easy to do before and Carl can just put them in the oven and they are ready when I get home.

I did apply with Deseret Book. (LDS bookstore for my non lds friends). That's the only kind of retail I would consider getting back into. I had a really strange dream about my old job at the Scrapbook Barn. It was very vivid. Don't ya hate those kinda dreams. and ya wonder where the HECK did that come from!?!