Okay, friends, here's the update.
This morning was the greatly anticipated "FIRST INTERVIEW" of my recently unemployed status. It went fairly well - I say this because I'm trying not to get my hopes up. The job was managing an Opthamology Center. It's a four physician practice, so it's large, and I would be managing the front desk operations, the Operators, the billers, and the Medical Records department.
The woman who interviewed me was very pleasant, I let her do the "interviewing" before I showcased some of my experience and talents that I thought would be desirable for the position. Then, I took control of the interview, asked what my biggest challenges would be in the position, what the organization had to offer, and asked if there was room for advancement. All the answers were satisfying for me. We closed with my asking her how many candidates she was considering. She explained that she'd narrowed it down to three, and I was one of the three. She mentioned that it worked to my benefit to be the last person she interviewed (all the other interviews were done last week). She was so friendly, and I'm hoping not to mistake that for thinking that I've landed this job. It's hard to read friendly people like that.
I've only been on about four interviews in my working life, simply because I've typically been recruited to other positions and have bypassed the interview process. However, the four that I have been on, I've either been offered the position on-the-spot, or been offered the job at a later time. Hope saying that doesn't jinx my streak.
Sooooooo...I should hear back about this job by tomorrow or Monday. I'll keep 'yall posted.
Off to eat some dinner and write a few cards out to friends I miss. (Maybe you'll be fortunate enough to get one)
Until next time...

Greetings on this Tuesday!
I've been in bed for most of the day today with a horrific headache. Don't know why, think it's stress. Stacey brought me back to Sacramento Sunday evening and she left for home last night. It was so nice to spend time with her! Nice to hang out with the friends I have in Oaktown, too! Now, I'm back her in Sactown and gotta put my nose to the grindstone again - have to find a
J-O-B! Have an interview on Thursday, so I'm hoping that I get the job, even if it's not exactly what I want...at least I'll have SOMETHING until I find somethin better.
Gracyn called me today (Yes, her and Will are still in Fresno) - she's missing me and ready to come home. Stacey and I were supposed to leave for Fresno this week Friday for a funeral (my Dad's sister, Susan) next Tuesday - we were going to bring Mr. Ray and Gracyn back home with us. Apparently, my Aunt Susan's son is in Japan and won't return until the 5th of August, so arrangements will be postponed until then. Sooooooo...Gracyn was super disappointed that we weren't coming to Fresno until further notice. Seems Will might have his sister bring them home this weekend, or the beginning of next. He says he's missing me too. So, once the husband and daughter come home - we're really gonna feel the sting of living with someone else. (It'll go from being 3 of us in the house to 5) Maybe it'll be the push we need to get outta here...
Okay so lemme see...what's new? Stacey bought me a pair of diamond earrings and a pair of diamond hoops. (My first REAL diamonds) I started drinking water on Sunday (which is good because I've NEVER been a water-drinker). I now drink about 40 oz. of water each day, which is modest for some, but GREAT for me! Forrest had his first sleepover with my sister-in-law Michelle this weekend, which was so nice, for both of them! She's such a sweetheart!
Guess those are my updates for now, I'll keep you all posted a little more regularly now that the fun is over (Stacey and I aren't together anymore!)

Hey folks!
Okay, by now you've witnessed that my "daily" blogging isn't EVERY day. (laughs)
Let's see...having a great time with Stacey, here in the bay area. I noticed that since I've been here, my sleep patterns have changed. When I was staying with Jennifer in Sacramento, I didn't go to sleep for the night until after 2 am and then I was up by 6 or 7 that same morning. I felt, I dunno, edgy, frustrated...just uneasy. Since I've been at Stacey's, I've been to sleep before 1am and have managed to get almost 6 or 7 hours of sleep each evening - which is something I've not been able to do, historically. I've decided that it's because I feel like I'm "home" here with Stacey. Sure, I still have the same pressures and decisions facing me, but I feel a sense of encouragement and optimism that I wasn't feeling in Sacramento.
I've also been faced with the fact that there is nothing I'd like more than to live in the Bay Area. I love the weather, the people watching, the hustle and bustle - I loved it when I lived here years ago. I've thought about just trying to find a good job and a safe place for my family settle into, but then there's the reality:
1. The cost of living is just as high here, as it was in Hawaii - in some areas, higher.
2. The school districts in some areas, leave a lot to be desired
3. The extreme difference in culture may be a little too overwhelming for the kids
So, I've been forced to appreciate that despite my strong desire to live here, it's not the best choice for my family as a unit. Tough pill to swallow, but it's what I signed up for when I committed to being a mother and wife, right?
I'll be leaving on Sunday, to go back to Citrus Heights and I'll be back with a vengance, the determination that I need to secure a great job! I guess this time away has been rejuvenating for me. And I'm on my way already. I got a call (only my second call back from the 50 resumes I've sent out, can ya believe it?!) yesterday, from an Opthamologist's office looking for an Office Manager. Have an interview next week Thursday. Hope it works out.
My father's sister died on Monday. She'd been suffering from congestive heart failure and her body just couldn't function anymore. She's the youngest of my father's sisters, and his siblings insist that she and I have always looked just like one another. I'm honored!
Stacey and I will be traveling to Fresno next week Friday, and staying until Wednesday. (The funeral is on the 5th, that Tuesday) It'll be nice to see all of my father's side of the family, I'm not nearly as close to them as I'd like to be and it's difficult to have such a somber reunion. On the flip side, only a few members of that side of my family have met my kids, and none have ever met Will - so it will be an introduction of sorts, too.
After that, August will be well underway and before I know it, it'll be time for the kids to start school and then we move closer to the end of the year and the beginning of another. I was just telling my sisters (Stacey and Michelle) last night, that I hope my 39th year is better than the year I had at 38. Don't think I could handle it, on top of everything else.
Off to enjoy a day of sun and solace in Oaktown!

Hey there!
It's been a couple of days since I've blogged, guess I've just had alot going on. Let's see...
I'm here at Stacey's, she came to get me yesterday...thank goodness. I was about to lose my mind sittin up in that house everday, ALL DAY. Several things factor into this...one being that I'm not used to being without my friends for so long. (I'm used to having my friends, two or three, or FIVE, at my house, at all times of the day) Next, it's that I'm bored. I'm without a car, so I'm basically stuck within the apartment...that's difficult. Lastly, I'm fairly certain that not having my own "space" is wearing on me. The four of us have ALL of our stuff in ONE bedroom. ONE closet. ONE bathroom. It's cramped. I must sound like a super-duper complainer, but it's just gettin to be "close quarters", I think. I'm doing my best to be patient, diligent, and ....well, I guess that's it.
Made a big change today, and I'm sure it's gonna turn out to be one of the best decisions of my life. (Some of life's secrets are meant to be shared...this is not one of em) (laughs)
Will's sister texted me last night, which was a surprise. I've not spoken to her since she disrespected me 7 years ago (in my own home, for the record). So...I'll have to see how this works out. I will either approach this as a "fresh start" for her and I or...I'll realize it's something I'm not capable of doing. I'll just have to see.
More later...gotta go to the store.

Hey all!
Looked for so many jobs yesterday and today! I am still maintaining a positive attitude. Feel a little out of touch with "adulthood", living with another adult when I'm almost 40, for an unknown period of time. It's difficult, but I'm dealin...I could use all the positive reinforcement I can get.
I found out today that my father's sister, Susan, is dying of congestive heart-failure and I'm supposed to prepare for a funeral. It's difficult for me for several reasons: The family says I look just like she did at my age; Because of geography I haven't been as close to my father's family as I'd of liked to be; I feel for my father...this will be the second sibling that he has lost. (I can't even imagine what that must feel like)
It seems I've been a candidate for scams at every turn this week. On Saturday I was offered to rent a 3BR/2BA house for $950, but couldn't see it until I'd filled out an application. The keys would be sent to me by FEDEX courier, because the "owner" was in Africa, doing "missionary work". More Red flags? The application was six questions relating to my age, occupation (not salary), address, phone number, marital status, and transportation (specifically "Do you have a car"). I mean, two of those questions it's illegal to ask. So I googled the address and found out that the house was sold in May, purchased in June and appeared to be for sale again. Luckily I found out before I took the bait and gave out my personal information. I would've never sent money without good reason, but I'm sure there's someone out there that would have.
Next, I was declined a job by a company but told they had another position that I was "qualified and met requirements" for...this was a job where I would be sent checks, I would deposit them into my personal bank account, keep 10% as my commission and give the rest to the company as an "accounts receivable" transaction. All of this under the guise of being "perfectly legal". People are scammin fools dontcha think?
This "moving" experience has been just that...moving. I've realized who considers my friendship seriously and who blew smoke up my skirt when they said, "we'll keep in touch". If you're a friend, and you're reading this, I don't have to tell you which category you belong in...you'll know. The bottom line is...I'm glad to have my eyes open and be willing to look at the reality of the situation. Some say, "friends come into your life for a "reason, season, or momment". I have friends who've shown this to be true. Makes me appreciate life and it's practicality.
Well, off to bed to get four hours of sleep (yep, that's my sleeping pattern these days) and hit the job search again, running.
i.

Well, plans for my trip to Oakland fell through. I was SUPER disappointed because I'm getting "cabin fever" being stuck in this apartment all day, no car and no job. Most of the time, no money, either. (lol) But, I put my nose to the grindstone again this morning and went out to the web for another day of job searching. Found more exciting things today then I have in the last five days, so I...remain hopeful.
The bright side of yesterday and this morning was being able to spend some time with Carla. It had been so very long since we'd seen eachother and we got the chance to catch up, talk story, and just really enjoy eachother's company. I cooked us dinner, we sat and talked until 2am and then fell asleep. We looked at her wedding album (One of the two weddings...lol) and I saw myself with my 90's hairdo...sitting with a man I don't even remember, but apparently he was my "date". (lol) I'm gettin old, I have such memory loss it's embarassing. (Gotta keep the pin code to my atm card in my cell phone...lol)
Forrest and Gracyn just got a puppy. His name is GER (gur), if they don't change it again in the next couple of days. He's brand new and a miniature chihuahua. (Didja even know they came smaller than the orignal's?) This will be good for Forrest, help him to learn responsibility and nurturing. The puppy is so cute, but...I'm not pickin up poop or sprayin down pee. Feel me?
I miss Gracyn alot, and my mother is trying her best to convince me to let her "keep" Gracyn, until we're settled into our own home. As most of you know, this isn't my first time around this conversation with Roz...sometimes I get the idea that she thinks I might just say, "You know what, Mom, I know how much you love her and...you can just keep her. We'll visit occassionally". Never. NEVER. I love that little girl, love both of my kids, and giving her to my parents (just because they adore her) isn't in the cards for me.
(Can I get an AMEN?)
Anyhoo, this is all for now, time to go eat my meal for the day. (Haven't really had much of an appetite lately)

Sorry for the delay, I know I announced that my blog would begin last night, but I just didn't get to it.
What's new? Still haven't had anything solid as far as the job market is concerned. I'm not discouraged yet, though, I've only been here in Sacramento for two weeks. I was talking to Neil Meatoga (some of you may know him from Hawaii, he worked for me as our IT Director)...he told me that he's been here since June 6 and hasn't really found anything yet. I guess neither one of us has gotten totally worried yet. He told me that there was an L&L Drive-In here and that I could get local grinds (food) there. I was so excited! I feel like I'm gonna lose lots of weight seeing how I don't really make rice here. I think I've made it twice, on the stove top, and it wasn't as good.
Miss all of my Hawaii Posse so badly, it brings tears to my eyes sometimes! I've kept in touch with some of my friends, and the ones I haven't, I guess it says something about the depth of our friendship to begin with.
The cost of living here is so inexpensive. I've looked at 3br/2ba houses that rent for anywhere from $975-1300 for a nice place. If you pay more, you're getting a beautiful house in a great area.
Today my friend Carla is coming to spend the day and night with me and I'll be taking the train to Oakland tomorrow to work for the day with a friend, in her law office. Wednesday, Stacey flies back from New York and I'll spend a couple of days with her and take the train back on Saturday sometime. Can't wait to spend time with her, always good fun!
William and Gracyn are in Fresno. She's visiting with her grandparents and he's kickin back with his family and friends. I'm hoping he'll come back ready to hit the job market with me! We need to move out within the next month! We need our own space and I wanna get the kids settled for school in whatever neighborhood we'll be living in.
As far as any other changes or updates...don't really have any, except...I'm looking forward to a new beginning of some sort, here in California. I turned 39 yesterday (7/13) and I'm certainly hoping that this year is waaaay better than the last year. I don't think I could go through much more disappointment and worry.
Miss all of you and hope to hear from you soon!
i.