I'm not exactly sure how to take the start of this year. Granted, it is not nearly as bad as the start of last year, but it has had its "scratching of the head" moments. For starters, I have been employed in my career just shy of four years. Every November, we turn in a shift preference form to our supervisors. On this form, we put our shift preferences in order from our first, second, and third choice. For the first two years I worked here, I always put morning watch (11:30 p. m. to 8:00 a. m.) as my first choice because I was a single mother, and this shift worked wonderfully for everyone, especially my parents. However, for the last two years, I have put in for day watch (7:30 a. m. to 4:00 p. m.), but I have been denied both years. I have been on day watch since August of last year, but that is only because another deputy needed to come to morning watch because of childcare issues. I gladly switched with her. I just knew that I would be on day watch this year because of my seniority, but to my astonishment, I was again denied. I love being on day watch because I am able to maximize my time with our son, and I am able to see my husband at night. I feel that the reason I have been unsuccessful at receiving the day watch shift is that so many people put in hardships to be on day watch because they do not want to work at night or in the evening time. I believe that it is unfair for people to be granted hardships when they accept employment here knowing that shift work is involved and that you can be placed on any shift. I feel as though I have put in my time and I want what is rightfully mine. I was so hurt and angry last week when our assignments were posted and I saw my name under the morning watch column. But you know what? I am fine now. I got out my frustrations, but most importantly, my family and I prayed. God is entirely in control, and he did NOT bring me this far to leave me!
My father called me a few nights ago and expressed his desire to return home to my mother. Any other time, I would have been elated at this news. But now, I am not so sure. My mother has grown so independent since my father left her a year ago. She has done excellent in paying her bills, building her confidence, and enjoying all that life has to offer her. My father is in a financial bind, and he is going to end up filing for bankruptcy. He wants my mother and him to divorce so that his creditors do not come after her, and then he wants them to remarry. He understands that they are in severe need of counseling, but more than anything, we all want the piece of mind knowing that he will never do this again. But how do you achieve that piece of mind when he has done this so many times before?
I don't know what the future holds for my brother and his wife. My brother has moved into his townhouse, and the kids stay with him every other weekend. God only knows what my sister-in-law gets into during the times when she doesn't have the children, but whatever it is, I hope she is aware of the consequences of her actions. I just want the best for my niece and nephew, for all children, because they should never have to pay for the choices that their parents make.
My husband is adopting my son, and everything should be complete by May. Knowing that my husband wishes for my son to become his makes me love him more and more each day, even though we get snippy with each other from time to time. :o) That is truly going to be a day to remember.
My husband and I became incorporated with his trucking business on Thursday. This is a major accomplishment, and he has waited a very long time to do this. Being incorporated has great advantages, including a better tax advantage, and financial possibilities are endless. This is also a huge step in our marriage because I own 50% of the business! LOL! I hope and pray daily that we can continue on in this marriage the way that God intends for us to.
Well, this wraps up the beginning of 2011. Tah-tah for now................
