Have You Seen My Sole?

Who knew that participating in the Turkey Bowl could be so hard on the soul! (I mean, sole.) I was debating on even going to our Ward Turkey Bowl. It was a yes, no kind of thing. Obviously I did end up going. It was a good thing too. If I didn't go there would have been an odd number of players. There were 8 people that showed up. This was my first ever Turkey Bowl. It was a good experience.  It felt good, for the most part. I hadn't done anything real physical for about 3 years! I played without a sole for an hour or more. Afterwards we went to a friend's, the Thomas's, place for breakfast. Amanda has a picture of them on her blog.

We spent Thanksgiving at Aunt Julie's and Uncle Stuart's place. It was a tummy buster. Ella even ate some jell-o, mashed potatoes, and some yam/sweet potato. I also participated in their annual sport event. This year, though it could be every year, was soccer. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to play because I was really sore from football. I played anyways and it hurt but was able to loosen up enough.

I hurt for a week afterwards. I had work the following day and luckily it wasn't too busy. I was able to stay sitting for the most part. 

There was a much better way to share this but I thought the need to post it, sooner than later, was more important. (Considering it was eons ago when this all happened. I apologize for that.)

I Showed IT Who was Boss!

I knew there was a reason for keeping the half ton slab of wood! Let's start at the beginning. (Please clarify this story with my wife.)

In preparation for our, my wife and I, life together (sorry about the grammatical errors) we bought a bed. The bed was a decent deal but it came with a very large, and HEAVY, slab of wood. We used it between the mattresses for a while, it made the bed more firm, although I didn't feel much of a difference except where it ended. My back would hurt when I woke up in the mornings.

When we moved to another apartment we decided to use it as a desktop. As you can see below we place it on top of a desk, file cabinet, and even some boxes, which you can not see. I wish I had a picture of just the slab of wood, it was impressive. (Emphasis on WAS!)

When we found out about the job here in Utah we didn't have much time to go through things like we wanted. We only had a few weeks and both Amanda and I were still working, and ofcourse we had Ella to worry about. Which there was no regrets, just when one of us were at work the other one would try to pack but Ella wanted some attention. Needless to type, we didn't get much done. My point, we took most everything with us instead of getting rid of things that we could, and should have.

(Thinking about it, you can ignore the above paragraph because I still would have brought the half ton slab of wood with us.)

When we arrived here in Utah we did not have our own place. Aunt Pat was kind enough to allow us to live with her until we found a place. She even provided storage space! (THANK-YOU Aunt Pat!) We were able to fit all our belongings in her garage. I do not like asking people for help much, among other things, so Amanda, Ella, Aunt Pat, and I unloaded the truck ourselves. (I would have done it all myself if it was possible.)

May I pose a question? Does anyone get the hint that I have rather ill feelings for this slab? Ok, now let me tell you why.

There was only a few things left to unload from the truck. One was the slab of wood, ofcourse. Another was a bedroom dresser, (THANK-YOU Sheri!). The slab of wood was leaning against the wall of the truck. I had one end of the dresser and Amanda had the other. Walking with the dresser created the truck to sway and the half ton slab of wood landed on my leg. (If only I had a better way with words to share this with you.) Amanda yelled out "Watch OUT!" I asked "What?" but it was too late. It slid down the lateral side of my left calf. BOY did it sting! Amanda felt really bad, although there was no reason for it. With the help of Amanda we finished. Except for the stinging I was fine, until I didn't continue using it. I iced it, at the demand of my wife, and took it easy afterwards. When I tried walking after that, I limped. It left a big bruise and it felt really cool too! (I'll have to ask my wife to expand on this story, she has a much better way with words.)

I'm making this entry too long, I apologize. Getting right to the point, I used a wedding gift (THANK-YOU Foresters!) to saw the slab of wood in pieces. I bought some Gorilla Glue and some screws and used my power drill, that came with the saw, to make a book/shoe shelf. Seen below.

We tried looking for a good sturdy bookshelf at a store but couldn't find a satisfactory candidate, that didn't cost an arm and a leg. I've always wanted to build things with wood and this is my "first" project. I still have all my fingers and the shelf looks half decent, pretty successful in my opinion.

The Move

This is the truck the Winston Family rented. This 16 foot truck was a 2008 model with 8662 miles on it. I enjoyed the experience of driving something big while towing something as well. With the help of my wife we were able to transverse the states of Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Utah to get to our destination. 

I want to thank my wife for being the navigator and helping me watch our car being towed, and Ella, my baby for sleeping so much.

My Work.

    Well, I am kind of doing these blog entries in reverse order. Aunt Pat took us around and I was able to get a picture of the place I was going to work. The tallest building is the actual hospital. Any guesses on what floor Radiology is? Amanda, Ella, and I tried to go see my new boss but she was out sick.

This other picture I took so you could see the building I will be working in up close.

Utah, Here We Come!

Going to Utah!

A Combination

Ella and I were enjoying ourselves while Amanda was making it possible for us to continue living, by working at her job at 'Learning is Fun'.

She was making more noise but when she saw the camera, she focused on it instead of talking more. The camera and I were safe, that time*. Later on she did end up slobbering on me. *(Notice the big bubble she blows, I had to protect the camera before the bubble became a slobber bomb.)

Ella enjoys flying. ...and Mommy and Daddy enjoy watching her fly!

Ella gets bored easy so we have to change things up pretty often.

Well there you have it. I have thrown out all my cards, 3 videos!

Stake Wide Cancellation

This past Saturday we got a call from a member of the Elder's Quorum Presidency. He told us that Church was cancelled on Sunday. Not only our Ward, but the entire Stake! Apparently 30 young women were "taken out" by the norovirus at Girl's Camp. Norovirus can be deadly to little ones because of dehydration. It consists of diarrhea, vomiting, etc.

Come to find out a friend, Sheri, saw the homecoming. She was leaving the Temple and noticed a horrific smell. She described it as smelling like dead fish or throw-up. Girls were laying on the ground, there were cleaning supplies in some of their hands. She didn't know what to make of it until we told her that we had a Stake-wide cancellation. That is when she told us the story.

Extended Family Walk

For those of who were not there, I have included this clip for you to enjoy. It really isn't much but some may enjoy it. 

Ella Smiles

This is an attempt to catch Ella smiling. This has been brought about because of Mom Winston wanting to see her smile. (Sorry, it's not her biggest, but it's there!)

UPS Loader NO MORE!

I am pleased to type that I will longer longer be loading, or unloading, for UPS. In memory of my loading days I have posted the above picture. I honestly will miss loading. I enjoy the game Tetris and loading was just a life sized game of Tetris, except you felt the weight of the pieces! It was satisfying work to build a solid wall. There are many things I won't miss about loading. The rollers, the jams, boxes that would be broken and the contents falling out, and getting backed-up are a few.

I was asked a couple of weeks ago if I wanted to go pick-off on the Yellow Belt. It is on the opposite side of the building where I have been working. I will be separating boxes into 6 different trailers. During Peak Season, when I picked-off for the belt I loaded on, I separated boxes into 3 trailers.

I was able to pick-off on Thursday and Friday of last week to get some practice. This week I am on vacation, YEA! Next week I go back to picking-off. I will not get a raise increase, because I had already received it earlier, but it is a change.

Gloves

These pictures are in order from oldest to newest. My wife bought me the first two pairs of gloves. Work bought me the last pair. Work actually bought a pair for every employee, all of which were XL. I was just happy I didn't have to spend money on another pair. After wearing them for a week I realize that, though they were free, I am not so sure about them. Because they are too big they cause my fingers to get blisters. Luckily they aren't bad blisters, mostly just a layer of skin, no puss. Gloves are nice, they keep my hands clean but they also make my hands stink!

My sneaky Wife snapped a quick photo while Ella and I were sleeping, with MY phone. Yesterday we came home from church, changed our clothes, Amanda fed Ella, and took a "family nap" on the couch.

Oh, and when we were coming home the traffic light closest to our apartment wasn't working. We followed after the fire truck next to us went. Come to find out, when we arrived home, the power was out. The car thermometer read 101 degrees when we got out of Church. With the power being out we couldn't turn, what little of an air-conditioner we have, on. Luckily it was surprising, to me at least, that it wasn't too unbearable in the apartment, considering the over 100 degree weather outside.

Pet Peeve

It bugs me when people do not leave some sign that they have been to someone's blog. A simple, quick comment is better than nothing. It gives the blogger reassurance and helps motivate them to continue. I am not singling anybody out because there are many who do it. I am not just blogging about my blog either. Please do not take offense, just be sure to leave some kind of comment, as a sign that you have read the blog. 

What to Type.

I am really at a loss on what to type. Amanda has Ella covered in the other blog, which I include some comments of my own in. Since Ella is really the focus of life there isn't really anything else to type about. Any ideas? Please comment.

Am I Willing to Relocate?

I have filled out several applications, whether by e-mail or online, for months now. Republic, Washington was my last lead, or potential, in getting a job in X-ray. That was a little over a month ago. 

This morning I received an e-mail from Salisbury, Maryland. Amanda made the comment about "why would I put in an application to somewhere I had to relocate if I wasn't willing to relocate". I will keep the Maryland situation up-to-date on this here blog. 

 

Back to Work.

I was blessed to be able to be home with MY family for an entire week! (Emphasis on MY because on June 9, 2008 at 9:47 pm a new branch of the Winston family has begun!) Ella JoAnn has officially debuted in our family. For more information please go to my Wife's blog. (If you find nothing, please leave a comment letting her know she needs to update it and that 1st time babies should not be used as an excuse!)

Having been off a full week I get a good 'back to work' surprise! Today I get to go to work a half an hour early and get to get slammed by Benjamin News. Benjamin News is a book company and likes to send lots of books through UPS. Packages are around 30 lbs. It really isn't bad when the packages get sent alone and at a steady pace but it sure becomes a REAL pain when other sized and weighted boxes come along with them, and/or they come all at once down the conveyor belt.

All in all UPS has been a good place to work. The insurance is GREAT! I just pay Union Dues and insurance for MY entire family is paid for. I get pretty good time off. I got paid for staying home with MY family! The only downside is what the labor does to the body. I just hope I get out of it without permanent back damage.

* Just a note. I tried to post a picture of Ella but ran into problems. Will try again later.

* This picture was added on Thursday, June 19. Sorry for the delay. 

(3 days after the original post.)

Work Pants

For those of you who don't know, which I can't think of anybody who would come to my blog that doesn't, I work at UPS. I mostly load packages into trailers of semi-trucks. During the Summer the trailers are like green houses. They collect the heat throughout the day. During the Winter, they are like refrigerators. Obviously one would dress appropriately for the different Seasons. I happen to work in the evenings and am the one who sets up the trailers in my work area. This being stated, I get to open the trailers and release the hot, or cold air from the trailers. By the time the packages start coming the atmosphere in the trailers have had the time to balance out a little.Now that I've explained a little about work I want to share the real reason for this entry. Sometime at the beginning of this past winter I asked my Dad if he had any old jeans I could use for work. I wanted to stay somewhat warm but did not want to buy a replacement for some other pants I had. They took a beating and I decided to toss them. My Dad did give me an old pair of his pants and that is what I used, and continue to use.

They lasted a few months but ofcourse the wear and tear was getting to them. Winter was not over and I did not have another replacement. I needed these to last. I decided to fix them as I had fixed my suit pants when I was on my Mission. Duck Tape! Why Duck Tape? It is less hassle than a needle and thread. At the top is a picture of what my pants look like now, after several patch-ups with Duck Tape and also needle and thread. As great as Duck Tape is, it wouldn't get the job done with the long tear from the knee down. Now this picture isn't the same thing as seeing it in person. but it will have to do.

The second picture, below, is the same pants just turned inside-out so you can learn how to fix-up your own articles of clothing.
Oh, one more thing. Like I mentioned before, I did use needle and thread. That lasted one day. I admit, I could have sewn it better. I could have sewn it in multiple places but it takes tedious time. I decided to try the staple. So my pants are fixed with staples, 3 of them, Duck Tape, and the thread is still there, for decoration.

Also, just yesterday a co-worker asked if I washed my pants. Ofcourse I said "No.". He didn't think so because he thought the wash would shred them to pieces. Which is why I CAN'T wash them.

Disappointed.

I'm quite disappointed. I was at my parent's scanning hard copies of photos into my computer and now I am noticing lines on many of them. I guess the scanner is going out. I am going to have to re-scan all the pictures. Yes, quite disappointing.

In today's age I think it is better to have digital copies of pictures than hard copies. Digital copies are easier to store, takes up less space to store, can be edited, and can also be printed into hard copies when needed.

Glimpses

I'm the kind of person that doesn't think about stuff until it happens. Every once in  a while I catch "glimpses". One of those "glimpses" happened yesterday. My wife and I were sitting on the couch and I looked at her. I saw her face and... it is hard to explain. I realized that I was married, my wife is beautiful, this is my life (for eternity). It played out better in my mind. Similar "glimpses" happen with Baby Winston #1 as well, just not as strong, as of yet.

3.5 Weeks.

My wife reminds me that we have less than three and a half weeks until Baby Winston #1 arrives.  Now that really isn't much time. Baby Winston #1 could even come sooner.

Why?

What is wrong with businesses these days? Where did a little common courtesy go in returning phone calls and other inquiries? I guess one can expect being ignored or forgotten a few times but this is getting ridiculous. I have been very polite thus far but I'm beginning to think it has been too polite. My strategy has got to change. I will wait another week to see if my last set of inquiries will bring forth fruit but next week this "Nice Guy" will be no longer!

Moving On.

I am sitting here watching the classic show "Macgyver", until I go to work this evening at UPS. Today I spent most of my time on the internet applying to Radiological Technologist jobs all over the United States. I would have also tried applying to jobs outside of the United States as well but am unable to at this point due to current circumstances. I graduated from Apollo College about 5 months ago. The need to stick with UPS is almost over due to Baby Winston #1's coming arrival. Sure, it would be extremely nice to keep UPS benefits but the time to move on with life is drawing ever closer. I'm itching for change and though Baby Winston #1 will be a huge one, I'm ready to move on.

Did You Know?

If you are looking at this blog you might want to think about clicking on the link to my Wife's blog. Her's is much more interesting and I have also added a few of my comments in bold and italicized. Enjoy!

Just Looking.

I was looking at my blog after I put the above picture on it and realized the the above picture matches my color scheme quite well. I must type that it looks better, to me at least, now that it has more entries in it.

Frustrating!

I don't know what I think about this blog template I have here. I am constantly going through the choices and can't find anything I like. It is pretty frustrating!