Tracie's World

The next morning, Valentine's Day, I took off for several days at home in Hermiston. I really needed a break in-between jobs, and it had been over a year since I'd last seen everyone up there. I was missing the nieces and nephews like crazy. So off I went to the airport, hopped on a plane, and headed home. Mom and Awesome Sister-in-law #2 and the kids came and picked me up at the Pasco airport. They took me home and I got to see Mom and Dad's new house, and got to play with the kids at the park. It was a beautiful day, and it was great to be there.  Later that evening, the Brother treated us all to dinner at a Thai joint.  Sunday, we went to church, then cooked up a feast to take over to the Brother's house for family dinner and birthday party. His two oldest had both celebrated birthdays recently, and this was the first chance for everyone to get together. My sister's family also came over from the Tri-Cities for the occasion. What a great time! The next da...

After 18 years, 8 months, and 24 days, Friday the 13th was my last day at IHG.  I have to say, it was a most emotional week leading up to it, though. During those few days, I was busy transitioning my projects, taking care of temporary insurance and prescriptions, and finishing up lab work for SelectHealth. I was also going through old files and packing up my desk. I didn't really have time to breathe, and when I did, it was pretty stressful.  But in the midst of all that, I felt excited, and confident, and lighter than I had in a long time. I also received many notes and emails of best wishes from colleagues all over the world (all of which I forwarded to my personal email, so that I can print them up and save them), and many friends came by my desk to bless me with hugs and positive feedback. I laughed a little, and I cried a lot. The final day was more of the same. I decided to pick up some donuts as a final gift to everyone (I didn't have time to make my famous chocola...

One of the requirements of the new job was that I needed to go in for a Drug screening. And not just that, but all potential employees need to verify that they're up-to-date on their immunizations and don't have any infectious diseases.  The recruiter scheduled me for a time, and gave me very specific instructions for what information I needed to bring with me. Faithfully, I wrote it all down so that I'd remember. And let's just say, a lot of good that did. So this morning, I went down to the Employee Services Center to pee in the cup. Now, you should know that I have a bit of a history with this medical procedure. In fact, when it comes to medical procedures, there are two that I am absolutely horrible at: the popsicle stick on the tongue, and peeing in a cup. I have never been able to do either one. I can never get the cup in the right spot, and I always end up splattered in urine. And with this history, my nerves were definitely on edge. A couple of other I ha...

This week, after nearly 19 years at IHG, I gave my two-weeks notice. It's probably not a huge secret, but for some time, I haven't been completely content there. I haven't had the opportunities I'd have liked, and I can't seem to crack the management ceiling. And my future there was not going to be looking any brighter.  For months I've been praying and pondering and seeking advice from trusted friends about what to do.  Eventually though, through a lot of miraculous events, where the hand of the Lord was definitely evident, another opportunity has come along, and I got a fantastic offer to join another company. But even with all the miracles that have occurred, it was an agonizing and stressful decision, and I was really having a hard time making it. On the one hand, it might be good to move on, and on the other, it's the only job I've had since moving to Salt Lake all those years ago. Finally, last Monday night I went down to visit the good brother...

A few months ago, our Bishop in the Parleys 7th Ward introduced us all to a favorite group of his, The Lower Lights. They are a popular local group that sings Revival-Style versions of LDS and other gospel hymns. One of the sisters in the ward had a connection with them, and was able to book them for a special concert at our building, and it was a rollicking good time. Hands were clapping, people were praising, and a great spirit was present. After the concert, I rushed out to Deseret Book, and bought one of their CD's for myself, and one for my Gram and my Aunt for Christmas gifts (I'm not sure how much Gram enjoys hers, but my Aunt is loving it). I had it on auto-play in the Monty for several days, and listened to it over and over again. Well, December happened, and I got hooked on Christmas music. And after that, I didn't listen to anything for awhile. But as this week started out, and I was struggling to boost my spirits, I happened to be reading a message from ...