"Make what you want to make, and make it the way you want to make it." Gwen Marston

Friday, June 24, 2011

Life's Ups and Downs

Just when we get accustomed to one reality, there is a new reality.  Life is full of ups and downs. Let's start with the downs.

This is what my life has felt like lately.  I knew it was coming, and it was painful.  I lost my job yesterday.  We will lose our health insurance at the end of the month.  If you're a regular reader, you know that might be problematic for Mr. QD.  We're trying to get signed up for his insurance in time for a doctor appointment on July 1.

Now for the ups!
What started as a wonderful job just over 3 years ago, turned into a nightmare about a year ago.  I have suffered much emotional pain and agony for many months.  I'm not a quitter, so I decided to try to ride it out.  However, someone else made the decision for me, and I am now FREE!  And even though there will be no fabric buying sprees in my near future, I have enough fabric and patterns and thread to last a very long time.  STASH is GOOD!  And I'll have lots of time to stitch and sew!  And garden.  And cook.  And spend time with Mr QD.  And clean my house.  And paint my porch.  And catch up on some scrapbooking.  And finish crocheting my pink afghan.  And do some work on my blog.  And catch up on all my swaps.  And exercise.  And make my Christmas cards.  Whew!!  This has been cathartic.  The ups far outweigh the downs (except financially), and my emotional, mental, and physical health will all benefit from this change.  Naturally, I'll spend a lot of time soul searching and job hunting as well. 

On another UP note,I finished my orientation today to become a volunteer for our local Hospice.  I'll be a companion:  sitting with, talking to, listening to, reading for, hand holding, etc.  I think Hospice is such a wonderful concept, and I've thought about doing this for a very long time, but finally made the first phone call a couple of months ago.  Now the process is finished, and I may be assigned my first patient as early as next week.  I hope I can make a positive difference in someone's life as they near the end of their journey.
Counting...and appreciating my many blessings....Sunny

21 comments:

  1. Oh sweetheart - that had to hurt - but look at your attitude, I love it. You and Mr. QD are in my prayers. God bless you for volunteering for Hospice...you are a blessing to me...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sunny, my first reaction was Oh No. But then when I read how you felt about your job.... I am glad. I too have been in a job I hated, eventually I packed it in, from that day forward my life changed for the better. I hope you get your Health Insurance sorted then at least that's one less thing to worry about. Big Hugs my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Sunny, life is indeed full of ups and downs but usually when something like this happens it is for a reason , you may not know what that reason is right now but maybe it is just so you can spend more time with Mr QD .You have such a positive attitude and the fact you have decided to spend time doing hospice is indeed a special need and you are obviously a very caring and compassionate person so I send my blessings to you in this new venture it will be very rewarding . All the best to you in your future and keep your chin up brighter days are in the future . hugs Sheila

    ReplyDelete
  4. You have turned an icky situation (losing your job) into such a postive feeling. How wonderful to be volunteering with Hospice! I'll say my prayers that the insurance thing will come out well. Enjoy your 'free' time :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. GOD Bless you for the Hospice, and may you come into a windfall soon! BLESSINGS

    ReplyDelete
  6. It will be so much better than you imagined. I was on vacation Christmas of last year. My vacation had been cancelled twice because they needed me. On the Tuesday before Christmas, I got a call, don't come back, that was it.

    I was devastated but now realize it was the best thing that could happen. The money was nice, but as a friend once reminded me, we are only here for minutes, not years or weeks but minutes.

    Enjoy!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi girl friend--losing a job hurts even if you hated it--but as the first few bloggers have said--you will be better for it--and you have answered a question I keep asking myself--'why am I building such a stash of fabric and patterns"--now I know it is for when I lose my job--oh that's right---I don't work!!!!
    Hugs, and love from Di and miss gracie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Stash is good and you're blessed to have stash xxx
    I love the way with the downs your life has given you - your attitude is still Sunny :)
    xxx
    hugs to you and Mr Q
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. I believe things happen for a reason Sunny so now your life will take on a different journey.Enjoy your ride and do not worry about the money it will always come from somewhere when really needed.
    What a beautiful and special person you are to help people with their journeys end in this world.
    My god bless you and your family Sunny.oxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Keep that positive attitude Sunny. It will see you through any crisis. You sound like you will be busier than you were when working. By the way, I love your new banner. Pretty in pink!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh Sunny, I am so sorry for this devastation. I know the sense of freedom that comes from this, and wish you all the best. Glad you have a good stash and lots of plans, and time to spend with Mr QD.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Often when one door closes it's because there is a better one out there for you !!!!!
    Wishing you all the best ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. With your attitude the future is sure to be full of "ups." Hang in there and enjoy the ride.

    ReplyDelete
  14. It sounds like you are ready to enjoy your free time, that is great! Hospice is a WONDERFUL thing, toward the end we used them for my Mom and it was such a positive thing. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  15. I know you have nor been happy at work for a long time so maybe it is a good thing.
    You have lots of free time now to do what you enjoy and also work at the Hospice. something in the work line may come from that.
    Hugs
    maria XXXX

    P.S. You are in the pink now.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Sunny, way to keep a positive attitude! It always seems like when you do that, things work out for the better. And thank-you for being such a light and being willing to share your light with the hospice patients. I know in my heart they will be blessed beyond measure!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow, I feel for you. I am in similar circumstances. The only difference is I resigned from my position. Then was hit with health issues beyond what I suffered in my job. Things are working out slowly for me and they will for you too. It's not always easy having a positive attitude and hope. I'll definitely be thinking and hoping the best for you!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh, honey, I've been thinking about you so much this weekend. I too think that this job loss is a sign that means something bigger. It was for a right reason. You need some time for yourself and your husband now. I just pray that you find the perfect insurance to cover yourselves. I'm sending positive thoughts and big hugs your way. Keep positive, just like you are. This will turn out to be a blessing in disguise, I just know it :)

    Stay strong with the hospice volunteer too. You are an amazing woman for doing that.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I was so sorry to hear of your troubles. Isn't it wonderful to have faith in Our Heavenly Father and to KNOW that the outcome is His will for us.

    It will be some hard times but remember that we are holding you up in prayer.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sunny I am just catching up on some blog reading and hope you are doing ok. I found there were lots of costs involved with working and when I had to give up (due to health) we actually lived a lot cheaper eg home cooking etc. I hope you have fun delving into your stash and getting those things done you haven't had time for. Love your positive attitude. Good on you for taking on the hospice work - you will be appreciated by the patients - a smile and an understanding heart will go a long way.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Just read this now Peggy,I have been thinking about you.I am so sorry to hear.Wishing all the best for you and DH.
    Hope you find time to dig into your stash and forget things when you keep sewing.
    And I am sure hospic work may be a good thing in the furture.
    Love you hexie flowers:-)

    ReplyDelete

You comments mean a lot to me. Thanks for stopping by.