leaven'....

...on a jet plane.... this afternoon for California...going to visit a client in Glendale and I'm not really looking forward to it. This project has not gone well and this is the first project for this new Trainer (why they hired this guy, I'll never know...if I were doing the hiring, I would never have considered him) and that's just what I need....for this training to not go well on top of everything else that's gone wrong.

I've been on the road (or in the air) a lot more than I anticipated when I took this job. I've been to Seattle about a dozen times (that's where my company is based) and to Kansas, New York, Salt Lake and California a couple times since I started with McKesson / Practice Partner a little over 6 months ago. The reason why I took this job is so I wouldn't have to live the "road warrior" life any more, but so far it hasn't quite worked out that way. Of course I had to travel in the beginning just to learn the product, but having to go to clients sites to play PR is not my bag...especially since I don't really care for this product...I like my job, but I just don't care for the software.

Oh well...I do see the light at the end of the tunnel. I foresee having to get on a plane a few days every 6 weeks or so, but I see in the future that I'll get to be planted more than not. And that's such a blessing at this time for many reasons.

1. Gas prices - I can't imagine having to commute everyday to work. Getting to work from home these days is a raise in itself.
2. Flexability - I can schedule my appointments around my home life. I can get the girls off to school, pick Jess up...take a couple hours off in the afternoon if I want and work in the evenings if I wish.
   
3. I do have a great team - And that's huge. At any time I can send out an eMail with a question and I'll get at least 4 responses. Although I'm secluded in my office anywhere from 6-12 hours a day...I'm never alone.
   
4. Get to see family and friends - When I do have to travel...if there's anyone in that state, I make a point of connecting with them while I'm there. I got to see Rhyannon about a month ago while I was in New York. I got to see Damian a week later while I was in Salt Lake...and of course going to Califorinia...there are all kinds of family and friends to see, but most important is to see my kids. I'm going to see Joel tonight...Ally Monday or Tuesday I hope.
   

In short...leaving is bitter sweet. I don't like leaving home (home is where Greg is)...but I do get to see family and friends on the expense of McKesson. Thank you "uncle mickey"!

and it continues from August in to September....will it ever end?

I was going to be out of town for Gabe's birthday so we...me, Greg, Troy and Jodi took Gabe and Rosie out for dinner at the King Fish in Tempe. We had a great time with great food and great company.


Then came Rachel's 14th birthday on the 26th. Of course I didn't know Rachel until 2 1/2 years ago so I can't tell you about her birth, but what I can tell you is that she certainly plays a key part in me deciding to make a big change in my life. It was at our first meeting that I knew that this was where I am supposed to be. And also if it weren't for the fact that Rachel is who she is...kind, sweet, respectful and not the typical teenager at all...I would never have became an Arnold.


I was going to be out of town for Rachel's birthday as well...so we took her out to dinner on our way to the airport...it was there that we gave her a birthstone necklace.



Then a week later...I made the dinner of her choice (shephard's pie) and she got to invite several friends over. We had an ice cream cake and then Greg dropped them all off for some shopping and treated them all to a movie.






Then came Greg's birthday....September 2nd he turned the ripe old age of 41. I keep telling him that he's in his mid 40's just to make myself feel better. We didn't have big plans but since his day falls the day after Labor day...we planned a bbq with our good friends the Hansen's and relaxed in their pool. I made his favorite pecan pie for dessert.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Greg!!!







Then Rosie's birthday is September 4th...her parents came out the weekend before to celebrate with her, the following weekend we took her and Gabe out to Macaroni Grill. I wish I could give the world to Rosie...she is such a special person. She is such a good daughter-in-law, she's such a hard worker, she is so supportive of Gabe and is the best mom to our grand daughter. We love you Rosie!

The month long celebration ends with Ren. My baby brother Aaron turned 41 on September 6th. Who'd of thought that my sickly, annoying baby brother that I used to physically fight with would turn out to be one of my very best friends and on my list of those that I most admire. I honor him because he has grown in to an intelligent, hardworking, successful man in all aspects of his life. I love him because he has always been there to listen to me, give me sound advise and has loved and supported me no matter what. I love you Ren!!! Happy Birthday.

Now we get a little "breather". The next slew of birthdays don't start 'till the end of October! PPHHEEEWWW.........