Sweet November
Every year Election Day in the U.S. falls during the week of my birthday. On my twelfth birthday, George H.W. Bush won the election. And coincidentally, my friend Jennifer H. (who turns 40 today!), turned twelve on the day Reagan won. Like Jennifer, I found it fortuitous to celebrate a birthday on the day a new president won an election. And although this year my birthday isn’t until Saturday, I’m still feeling rather fortunate.
After receiving the news of Dadisodes’ lay-off yesterday, my mind and body shut down. The switch in my head was “on”, but nothing inside was processing. And although today we are still struggling to find our bearings, I’m feeling hopeful. In the past 24-hours I’ve had a chance to rub my eyes and assess the new roads that lay before us with a clearer view. Among the 30+ people in his company who lost their job, some were living paycheck to paycheck, one couple is just a few weeks from delivering a baby, and several families may have to relocate out of the state. After envisioning the circumstances that so many others are now faced with, I couldn’t help but feel thankful. I mean, although the rug was pulled from beneath us yesterday, we have the ability to regain our footing, for now at least. I mean, we’ve put money aside for rainy days like this. It just sucks facing the reality that our umbrella may not last long, and that it will take time to get it back.
The challenges our family now faces has increasingly become common for so many around the country. That is precisely why today means so much. I am thankful that I had the ability to vote today. I am also hopeful that by the end of the week, I will not only be celebrating my birthday, but also a new president on their way to mending the lives of Americans.
I hope your birthday celebration produces moments that become fond memories as you settle into new circumstances.
Daniel’s last blog post..A Small Kitchen Garden in Your Lawn
November 4th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Continued hugs. Professor X’s bday is Sunday, so I’ll think of you this weekend!
CC’s last blog post..Teaching Tuesday: How to make the rockin’est cake ever
November 4th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Your optimism and perspective are truly amazing. But they affirm all that I’ve thought about you.
I’m so excited that we share a birthday week! You’ll hear from me on Saturday!
Raising a glass to you and your family and wishing you many good things.
xoxo
Jennifer H’s last blog post..Milestone
November 4th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I’ve always heard that things look better in the light of day… I’m glad that things are looking, if not brighter, at least clearer today. (((hugs))) to you, Dadisodes and Babisodes.
Donna’s last blog post..Day 4 — Election Day
November 4th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Happy early Birthday! I’m glad that you can see this dark cloud.
wright’s last blog post..Three More Days
November 4th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I knew you would be better by the light of a new day.
You guys are still going to be on the top of my prayer list for some time to come.
Oh, and Happy Birthday a few days early. At least you birthday falls on an event that is a happy one. Hubby’s birthday falls on the 22 of Nov. — the day President Kennedy was assassinated.
Patsy’s last blog post..Day 4 Heads — About the Crossing Guard
November 4th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I’m glad you have a new perspective of it all, and good luck on it all. Here if you need a friend or some links. MWAH
Ashley’s last blog post..Our Weekend (and pictures)
November 4th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I’m sorry to hear he was laid off. What terrible news but it’s good you have a positive attitude.
Kristi’s last blog post..It’s Mum Mania
November 4th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I’m so glad you’re in a better place today. What horrible and scary news. But, you all can get passed this. I know you will. Meanwhile, I’m sending many, many (((hugs))) your way. Take Care.
November 4th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I can see how it would be very refreshing to have your birthday fall on election day (or even simply the week of!!)
I think you have a great perspective as far as your situation goes. I truly hope things turn around well for you.
Jacque’s last blog post..My husband loves me. I don’t know why sometimes; but he does!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Happy, Happy Birthday!!
I hope you both can continue to clarify new goals for the future and find your way towards new roads
!!
Laura@StorytellinMama’s last blog post..Stair Envy
November 4th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I voted today, but I have very little hope that a new president will have much positive affect on the woes of the nation. I hope that I’m wrong. I wish you a birthday filled with joy and new directions, and with some hot job prospects!
Eve’s last blog post..Ruby Tuesday – The Tree
November 4th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
How sad that your hubby lost his job. Sign of the times. We have a small business that has lost roughly half our business over the last year, that we’ve built up over the last 12 years. It sucks. That’s all I can say. I hope to God Obama gets in there and we don’t have to suffer the McCain policies. Sorry, but that’s my thought.
I think we should get a click network going. I know I put my ads on my site to earn money toward putting my kids through college (one starts next year). You click mine, I’ll click yours. lol.
sheila’s last blog post..It’s a good day
November 4th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Happy birthday, hunny bunny. Did you get your free coffee?
Undercover Princess’s last blog post..Gross!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Happy birthday to you!
I hope this coming year brings you everything your heart desires.
SarahHub @ Oakbriar Farm’s last blog post..Italian Beef Sandwiches
November 4th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Happy Early Birthday!
I’m glad today is a bit better. Sometimes, it helps to have the shock wear off.
Kim’s last blog post..Hitting The Ground & Climbing Back On
November 4th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
happy early birthday. i’m so glad y’all have been saving. sorry about daddisodes’s job.
jameil’s last blog post..Election Day
November 4th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
I really admire your optimism!
*SQUEEZE*
Simply Fearless’s last blog post..4 Things I Learned From a Blogger with 45,000 Subscribers!
November 5th, 2008 at 12:10 am
For some reason I missed that post. Hope he finds something very soon!! (((HUGS)))
Happy birthday!!
Jeanette’s last blog post..Saige and Lemon
November 5th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Love your perspective, Sandy. You are right that there are so many in a similar boat but perhaps in some different waters. I hope you got your wish. I’ll say that I did and that it gives me some hope. I hope I’m right.
Maggie’s Mind’s last blog post..Larry the Screw
November 5th, 2008 at 12:17 am
I am happy to hear you are feeling better although it does not wipe away what has happened. I hope you enjoy your Birthday and take time to hug Dadisodes and Babisodes
November 5th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Obama has won. Now it’s time for all of us to get to work. So that people like Dadisodes can work in an atmosphere of safety, security, and job stability.
lceel’s last blog post..Election Day
November 5th, 2008 at 12:51 am
I hope that things go smoothly for you over the next few weeks. A layoff can often pull the rug out from under a family and I’m glad you are having a somewhat softer landing than some.
Happy Birthday. I’m a fellow November baby as well on the 13th.
Jessica’s last blog post..Work Sucks
November 5th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Happy Birthday! We hope your family finds what they need. Layoffs suck.
OhCaptain’s last blog post..Make This Your Election Headquarters
November 5th, 2008 at 2:11 am
Oh, I am so sorry for your family’s troubles. I truly hope things start going your way again soon. Your attitude is amazing.
And happy birthday!!
Cecily R’s last blog post..WordFUL Wednesday and The Norm
November 5th, 2008 at 2:11 am
Today is indeed a great day to be an American. Everything is possible. Choose the happy possibilities!
Elaine B.’s last blog post..10 Things that will Build your Branding (Besides a Logo)
November 5th, 2008 at 2:57 am
May the new path for the country extend to your family, as well.
Jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..November 4, 2008 11:01 PM
November 5th, 2008 at 11:49 am
You have an amazing spirit. Better days are ahead!
Christine’s last blog post..Trans Siberian Orchestra
November 5th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Ooo, so sorry to hear about the layoff. It seems like a lot of businesses are pulling back, just in case. I hope our new president will improve things a lot!
Dot’s last blog post..Are You Able to Relax?
November 5th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Happy birthday to you!!! I’m proud of you (and relieved to learn) that you’ve been able to see your situation in a hopeful light realizing you’re one of many in our country facing such challenges and knowing ‘change’ is on the minds of the vast majority in our nation. I continue to pray for you and your family … along with all those in need.
Hugs and blessings,
storyteller’s last blog post..Almost WW#53 – Dreaming of Change & Peace
November 5th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Happy early birthday to you! I’m glad to hear that you guys are going to make it through! Best of luck to you, Dadisodes and of course, the cute Babisodes.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I voted. And today I am very proud. We all have reason for it. *another hug*
Miss’s last blog post..Tonight, we lived history
November 5th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Ug…. so sorry about that. I hope this is the beginning of an upswing for the economy!
Autumn Dahlia’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday – What happens when the dog is done with her Halloween costume
November 5th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Happy Bday week! There will be change & hope for the future.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Happy Birthday!!!
I’m ready for a new chapter for this country. I think we are all ready to move on and make this country better than ever before.
Amy @ The Q Family’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: The Pumpkin Witch
November 5th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Happy Birthday Sandy… your attitude is great. Hope with the vote and renewed optimism for the country Dadisodes gets something great real quick!
Karen MEG’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday -”I can see clearly …”
November 5th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Happy Birthday!
Even us here in the Philippines are hoping for a change.
kat’s last blog post..Halloween ‘08
November 6th, 2008 at 3:14 am
You’re finally getting your 13th birthday? No really…I jest.
Glad the fog is settling. Let me know if I can do anything.
Maybe hummm a song??
Grandy’s last blog post..Do you see a resemblance?
November 6th, 2008 at 4:02 am
Sorry to hear about Dadisodes’ lay off. Uncertainty about the future is always scary. I’m sure things will find a way of working themselves out though
Hope you have a truly wonderful birthday this weekend. When adversity strikes, it’s always important to remember all the good things you’ve got. Hugs XO
C’s last blog post..Hard
November 6th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Oh Sandy..I am sorry..I am just getting caught up on your blog..I am so sorry that Dadisodes lost his job.. Your outlook really is wonderful though..
I hope you enjoy your birthday this weekend!! Happy Birthday!
Kim’s last blog post..As you blow out your candles I will count my blessings
November 6th, 2008 at 2:01 pm