I was thinking that this morning, instead of concentrating on what isn't going right, I would share what IS going well for a change of pace
Both of my student loans were put in Economic Hardship Deferment last week. I have been trying to do this for months, and finally got a hold of ``real'' people on the phone who were very compassionate who took care of it right then and there within a ten minute conversation for both Loan holders!
My LLMD called me out of the blue last week as well just to see how I was making out. This was very surprising as I have not been able to afford to go back, do labs, etc. for over 4 months now. Yet, he was still willing to work WITH me if I promised to make a follow-up soon.
So, I'm back up to speed on most meds, and doing pretty well this time around. Yes, there is still an ``Icky'' adjustment period as we change prescriptions around...but a slow and steady increase has really paid off for me.
I am finally making some headway on my resume, applications and portfolio this week. I really DO need to find a job ASAP, and there just happen to be a few openings that look very promising. I was immobilized knowing that if I took a job in ``The City'' over 25 miles away, I would be stuck either commuting or having to move again.
I was NOT ready to do either one right now, but found out just recently thanks to very good friends, that the public transit system basically comes right through my backyard and into ``The City''! Which means basically, no commuting or moving worries for now until I am more stable!
I also think that my health insurance is back on track- amazingly so. On Monday, when I dropped off my premium payment to my former employer, I ran into the COO of the Firm. He said at that time that he would be happy to write a letter of reference for me, and that one of my Residential designs that I began over a year ago was being submitted to the National Annual ASLA 2007 Residential Design Awards category to represent that Firm.
Last week, I was so blessed to be able to meet with some dear friends down in Newport Beach for a week of R&R with all expenses paid. I did not realize how much I needed that until I was actually there. The drive, though 8 hours each way (without traffic), was so magical and beautiful along the Pacific Coast Highway. It really helped me to concentrate on the beauty that surrounds us, and to also appreciate my friends who take me unconditionally as I am.
My kitty Bob is doing SO much better on his TBD meds, that I hardy recognize this feisty and interactive ball of fur! I feel so blessed to have been connected with a vet who would really listen to my concerns and treat due to symptomology even without positive serology.
I began a Bible study class about a month ago, and am enjoying it so much. The small weekly group is composed of several individuals that bring to the table so many different views and perspectives that I have been able to expand my own horizons and add to my knowledge of the scripture based on very individual interpretations. It is also just nice to have the energy and brain power again to get out of the house to do things other than just the basic necessities.
So, that is about it in a nutshell. Of course I am still dealing with many other issues like we all are, but to be able to focus on the good things happening really does help to put the whole picture back into some sort of positive light.
The most important thing though is that I am so very grateful to friends far and near. Thanks to everyone who has offered support to me recently, your friendships and words of comfort and love have sustained me more than you will ever know.
Wishing that we all may find and hold tight to the many blessings amongst the sorrows.
Much love, Melanie
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
May I just express my joy and admiration of all you do,,,for Bob, fellow lyme netters, fellow lyme suffers, and the world in general.
God was surely smiling when you were created,,,and you in turn have smiled upon so many of us!!! Your smile,,,,priceless!!!
YOU "CAN" get any job you wish. Turn that smiling face of yours on and it shall be given!! Go gettem "TIGER".
Get the "Tiger in your 'tank'" and go knockem dead!! They will be dead set on 'getting' you to work for them!! "NO DOUBT"!!!!!!!cheering you on as --just don--
Posted by Jill E. (Member # 9121) on :
Any one of the accomplishments you mentioned would be an incredible achievement and something to be very proud of.
The fact that you have so many wonderful breakthroughs to report is just phenomenal.
I am inspired just reading your post! You have brightened my day!
You deserve all of this happiness and more!!
Jill
Posted by serendipity (Member # 8474) on :
Melanie, I was happy to see your name next to good news.
Reading your post made my day. Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
congrats melanie on the many accomplishments that have surfaced lately for you.
an idea; post this also in success stories! you may not be all the way there, but you provide hope for others with $$ problems, etc. Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Hi Melanie,
Glad and relieved to see things are much better for you and Bob. You certainly deserve it!
The job will come to you. Pray about it. Ask the Lord to open the doors for you.
Keep us posted on your progress and your new job (which is coming!).
Geneal
Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
sweet!
What a great surprise! I knew of SOME of the breakthrus but others are just such sweet music to me ears!
2007 will be the year, I tell ya!
hooooooraay for small breakthroughs!!!
so glad some stress is finally rolling off you (to some extent)--as this happens, I do believe more oportunities for GOOD things will begin to open to you.
and when they do you will be so much more able to appreciate them.
rock on melanie! trails Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :
Thank you for sharing all that great news, Melanie!
Otherwise, I just wanted to say "what trails said" since she said it so very well.
You go girl!!! Posted by MagicAcorn (Member # 8786) on :
Wow!
You are on a roll! I hope things continue forward for you. It is nice to be in the pink once in awhile. Here's hoping for continued better days and landing that job you want most.
It's nice to hear about the good stuff too.
Acorn
Posted by SunRa (Member # 3559) on :
hehe that's how I imagine Bob.
thanks for sharing your good news and reminding us all that even when things are difficult there are always things to be grateful for!
I hope things keep looking up for you! XO
Posted by hatsnscarfs (Member # 6562) on :
Thanks for sharing the good news. You do so much good for us all. Hoping good things keep coming your way. hats
Posted by meg (Member # 22) on :
Positivity begets positive results....the glass really IS half full Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
I LOVE that photo!
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
Hi Melanie,
Was great to read your post. Nice to hear about the good things going on in life.
Sometimes we can get really bogged down with all the negative stuff and forget the wonderful simple pleasures.
I love to drive too if I'm not too sick. One thing I can do is look at the sky. Love clouds and sunsets.
High on the list is peppermint tea and the way my dog smells. I know that dog thing is kinda weird.
He smells like good clean dog with grassy, dirty paws! Love it!
Posted by TNJanet (Member # 10031) on :
Dearest Melanie,
If ever there was a story to prove "you reap what you sow," yours is it. You have given and given, taken on more and more work to help others at the expense of your own health, that it's ABOUT TIME
for some great things to come your way. I'm really glad you are doing the Bible study. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed with our physical problems that we inadvertently pay less attention
to our spiritual selves. And you get human interaction at the same time!
Though we must focus so much on our bodies, we are NOT our bodies. Practicing gratitude is often difficult but it's so important....have to remind myself to do that a LOT.
So your student loans are deferred, you got your insurance problems resolved, Bob is better, and you can hop public transit from home so you can work nearby.
I'd say you are one fortunate lady, Mizz Melanie, and thank you SO MUCH for sharing your blessings with us here!
Now, put on some weight!
Love and light, Janet Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Good morning everyone!
I'm sorry it has taken me a bit to get back to this post. I have been working pretty much non-stop on getting my resume, applications, and portfolios together. I had a deadline of yesterday for the position that I really want, Campus Planner...so, after turning that submittal package in...it was a huge relief to me. (I celebrated with a cheeseburger!)
I am still pursuing other positions, because I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket... (well, not till Easter anyway )!
I know one of these positions will be just right for me, so I have to simply keep trying, and then, turn it over to higher powers than myself.
Another bit of good news happened yesterday.
About a month ago, I was denied unemployment insurance the first time out. This was the decision of someone in the UI office. I was really disappointed and perplexed, as my fellow co-worker's claim went right through.
Anyway, our former firm appealed his decision, and I had been helping him to gather evidence for his appeal hearing last week. At the time of the hearing, the firm did not send anyone to represent their side, so in effect my friend won the decision.
We asked the judge then, about my position. She assured me that I also needed to get my appeal letter in ASAP, before the expiration date of 20 days post denial letter. So, I immediately came home to work on it...but found out at that time, that my expiration date had passed. Typical.
Anyway, she had also said that I could still appeal, even IF the date had passed, if I could then show ``good cause'' for the delay. So, I did my best to fill out the form anyway, and mailed it in.
Yesterday, I found several letters from the UI office! It seems they are allowing my appeal to go to the hearing process, and bypassing the office. So, this means that I still MAY have a shot at UI! We shall see. I have been unemployed now for 5 months...and you all know how difficult that can get.
One more thing, and then I will stop...not too sure HOW much good news you guys can take!
My best friend, who lost her beloved Miss Goldie back in November, has been calling almost daily since. She even packed up her cats and came to stay with me for a few days weeks ago. It was a lovely visit.
It has been the most difficult transition for her to live alone again, missing her Mentor/ Mother. Yesterday, she sounded really good. She has returned to work, and I asked her how she was doing with this.
She relayed that although there was still a huge loss in her daily life, that she was, in fact, feeling much better about things in general. That the joy was returning to her life, and she was learning, day by day to move past the pain.
This thrilled me beyond belief. I love her so, and always want only the best for her. I was just so pleased to know that she was beginning to heal from the enormous loss. And also so pleased to hear the laughter return to my old friend's voice again.
Thank you each so very much for your most touching sentiments and words of comfort and love. Please know that I appreciate and cherish each of you.
Much love, Melanie
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
May the "CHEESEBURGERS" continue to flow,,,one right after another!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by SunRa:
Amen over here!!
Posted by MagicAcorn (Member # 8786) on :
I'm so happy that you are doing so well. It's a beautiful thing.
Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :
Congrats, good luck, yay... it's really hard to think of something to say after Acorn's perfect cartoon.
Keep the good news and cheeseburgers coming, sweety! We can take it! Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
I could never compare to those hysterical posts above, but I wanted to let you know that I read this and I AM SOOOOOO HAPPY for you and YOUR FRIEND and your opportunities that are opening and the sound of hope and joy in your writing that has been missing for a little while now.
I had a cheeseburger TODAY to celebrate....umm....being ALIVE! Let's eat cheeseburgers REAL soon together okay? love, trails
Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
Glad some good things are finally starting to happen in your life.
Its also good to hear your friend is doing better and that Bob is doing better.
Thank You for sharing your good news. Posted by Andie333 (Member # 7370) on :
Great news, Mel!
Glad to hear about you and Bob!
Andie
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
good deal melanie! things are finally going the CORRECT WAY. you're making progres on a new job, appealing the other, and continuing to grief for your friend's mother and the joy she personally brought you.
may each week have a surprise even if it that cheeseburger acorn put up there! acorn; gotta love your photo characters! and your nuts!! Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Dear Melanie,
Just know that you are going to get that UI. See it happening for you.
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