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Random act of kindness

2009-10-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Starbucks like I do every morning before work. I go through the drive through and I always order a grande mocha. Today when I got to the window, the barista told me that the lady in the car before me had paid for my drink today.
"What?" I said
"Why?"
"She just wanted to do something nice" Said the barista.

The lady was already half way down the street. Gone.
My jaw just dropped and I couldn't stop saying how nice that was. My eyes filled up with tears and then I couldn't stop smiling! I've had family and friends do special and kind thing for me before, even out of the blue, but I have never had a stranger bestow upon me a random act of kindness. It was truly amazing and I tell you, it made my whole day. I smiled more today. I was kinder to others today. I laughed more today.
Was it just a 4 dollar coffee, yeah, but it was so much more.

What if

2009-09-17T00:42:00.000-07:00

Over the past 10 years my life has had a few highs and many extreme lows. Through it all I felt like God was teaching me something, whether it be strength or faith or love or what not. I have always tried to take everything that has been handed to me with a smile and turn it into a learning experience or a better understanding of what it is to have faith in God.
This year, instead of a New Years resolution I started praying daily for a crisis free 2009. Almost immediatly Joe and I started to deterierate even more than normal and shortly there after Joe injured his back, and shortly there after I found out that so much of our relationship had been a lie, and shortly there after I couldn't take any more and I left, and shortly there after I found myself at age 30 at my parents house, not sure what was worse, and shortly there after my sister died.
So what if this time I can't smile. What if this time I don't have enough faith or maybe even any. What if this time I want to scream at God and say Why do you hate me so much. What if this time I can't get down on my knees and I just turn around and walk away instead. What if this time I can't praise Him through my storm. What if this time all I can see is how I can never catch a break and I just get screwed time and time again and I just say Fuck it all.
I've been praying for 10 years that God would bring me a friend and instead I loose my sister who is also friend, my only friend, my best friend. I can't see through all of this fog this time. The road map is all fuzzy and I don't know where to go. I know in my head who can lead me, but I don't think my heart wants to trust anymore.
Maybe I never had the faith that I thought I did. Maybe I was lying to myself and to God because when the going got tough and wouldn't let up, I gave up. I give up. I can't see the good in it all. I can't see You in it all. I can't be strong anymore. I just don't want to be strong anymore.

Keep moving forward

2009-08-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

I took a little break from blogging while my life fell apart. Now, I'm trying to pull myself up by my boot-straps and keep moving forward. The last year has been one of the hardest of my life, and although I feel sadness for the chapters that are closing, I also feel a great relief to finally say goodbye. I am so blessed to have such huge support from my family and friends and am thankful that even though I am now on my own, I'm really not. My goal is to work on my body, mind and spirit this year and I know that writing will be a big part of that. It has always been the best way for me to express how I am feeling, and although I am not very good at it, it helps me work through my emotions, what I want to say to others, and my conversations with God.

I am truly thankful for all of those who are praying for Zach, Katie and myself and ask also that you will pray for Joe as he continues to self destruct and spiral to dangerous places.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Circus guilt

2009-03-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

This week I took my kids to the Shrine Circus. It was my first time at the circus and it was probably the coolest thing that I have done in a long time. It was fun just to watch the amazement on the faces of my children. Katie even got to ride on an elephant. It was truly a spectacular show.
When I got home, I was so impressed with the show that I went on Face book to become a fan of the Shrine Circus. When I pressed search, what I got were several, if not many, protests against the circus because of the treatment of animals by the circus, particularly the elephants. I read a fiction novel a few years ago, based on a true story, called Water for Elephants and I actually knew going into the circus that the animals in the show are often abused, and yet, I still went and I even had a great time.
Now I'm feeling guilty. I watched about 5 YouTube videos when I got home of these poor elephants being hit with bull hooks. It's wrong and I shouldn't have been supporting the circus to begin with. This particular circus had 2 elephants, 2 black bears, and a bunch of poodles, all of which are possibly being miss treated.
It is disappointing though, because my kids and I really did have a good time. We really were amazed. It was a great experience. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be going again.

Dodging potholes

2009-03-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

The roads in Ely are bad on a good day. Since all of the snow that we've had this year, they have become even worse to drive on. The pot holes are huge and dodging them is impossible. Yesterday as I was taking Katie to school I witnessed the city filling in some of the potholes with sand. Even I know better than that. Filling a pot hole with sand might make it seem better for a week or two, but it's not going to fix the problem. I know that Ely gets some of the money from the states gaming, so why I am having to drive on the wrong side of the road to avoid pot holes, and why is the city filling them in with sand instead of asphalt? I guess I'll have to take it up with the city. Not my cup of tea, but I'm really irritated.

The stuff that is my life

2009-03-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

So here's what's been going on with me.

The kids have been sick FOREVER. I think between the two of them, it's been a month now.

I took a short trip to California to visit my Parents. It was wonderful. I had really missed them. Plus they took me out to Chili's and Sushi. YUM! Can't beat that.

Joe decided against the prison job and didn't even show up for the physical. I'm not really sure how I feel about that choice, but hey, what can I really do. Fortunately, the mine is still open and copper prices have risen a wee bit in the last month. Fingers crossed, he'll keep that job.

I took a tour at the local Head Start. They just received a huge grant and are planning on hiring in the near future. It would be perfect for me since they run on the same schedule as the kids. My neighbor is on the board there, so I'm pretty sure I have a good chance at a job.

The car that we got for Joe a few months ago won't start. We've now put 4 different parts in, thinking that each would fix the problem. Not so much. Bummer. We have a friend coming over some time this week to help us figure it out and I'm hoping we can get it fixed on Joes week off so that I don't have to go back to walking everywhere. We'll see.

I've been saving up for a trip to Disneyland in May. My birthday and Katies are only 2 days apart and this is how we will celebrate. I can't wait! My Mom and Dad and possibly my sister are going to join us and it's going to be a great time.

Joes band Iokane laid down their first track on their demo C.D. and I'm feeling a little proud. I think they are really good.

The snow here just won't stop and although it's not as bad as I thought it was going to be, I'm pretty much over it and ready for some warmth, which I have been told I won't get until June. Seriously? URG!

4 day school week

2009-02-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while I was standing outside waiting for my kids to come out of school, the principle came out and we had a little chat. He wanted to know my opinion on a 4 day week for school. Nevada, as many states are going through some major budget cuts and they are trying to figure out the best way to deal with these cuts. He explained to me that by switching to a 4 day school week, that they would be able to save 2 teachers spots with the money that they would save on transportation and electricity and such.

I'm not really sure how I feel about it. For one thing, a 4 day week would add 75 minutes to each school day. I know that for Zachary, he is already tired by the end of a school day, and adding an extra hour at the end of the day, might not be the best thing for him. Not only that, but it seems like we are already cramming a lot in after school between homework and sports and dinner and getting ready for bed.

The principle also told me that they would be teaming up with the Magic Carpet Day Care for parents that work Monday through Friday. parents would still be able to drop their kids off at school on Fridays, but it would be day care, not school. It seems like such a waste for the kids that will have to do that. I know that this aspect really isn't the schools problem, but I'm not convinced that it's a good idea. The reality is that Parents do have to work Monday through Friday and now on Fridays they won't be learning or spending time with their families. Like I said. What a waste.

I guess, now that I am really sitting down to think about it, I don't like the idea at all! However, the alternative is that people loose jobs, and class sizes get bigger. Maybe there just isn't a good solution.

My husband is heading for prison

2009-02-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

We wanted to be prepared for the rumors that the mine that Joe works for is going to shut down or lay off soon, so a few months ago, Joe applied at the prison here in Ely. We didn't hear anything until a few days ago when we got an e-mail saying that his application had be reviewed and accepted and they would send him via mail a date for a physical test and interview. He has this test on the 25th and an interview to follow if he passes the physical part.

If I remember correctly, he has to run a mile in 17 min. and do some timed push-ups and sit-ups. We are headed to the local football field on Tuesday for a little bit of training, and just to see if he can do it. It should be interesting to say the least. I've never seen Joe run! I know they do make it fairly easy though, and I'm sure he can do it.

He is not allowed to wear any blue to this interview, which I know is gang related but I find highly amusing since he won't be around any prisoners that day.

We are both just a little bit excited about the whole thing. For one thing it will be a change of pace for Joe, and he needs that. And for another thing, once he has some experience we could put in for a transfer and head back to Vegas or California. It's really a great opportunity during this economic crisis since it is one of the more stable jobs out there, unlike his current occupation which has been one of the hardest hit industries.

In response to: A brief word on discipleship vs. legalism

2009-02-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

I fully and completely agree that as followers of Christ, we are called into a lifetime of discipleship, of walking in the way with Jesus, seeking righteousness, holiness, Christ-likeness throughout our lifetime.

However, as far as discipleship goes I do not think that you can disciple to every person in the same way, which may be the problem with legalism.

When I used the example of the beach in response to this blog, it was a generalization of many things that Christians could see as causing another to stumble and to me seemed just as outrageous as the Superbowl discussion. (Not that I think that the discussion it's self was outrageous)

I think that if any one person feels like an event such as the Superbowl is not honoring to Christ, than he/she should absolutely not partake in the festivities. You should most certainly do what you believe God wants you to do in your life.

A little background: I am married, but spiritually single. In my life I am continually made fun of by my own husband for my beliefs and often what I take a stand on. One of the nicknames that Joe has given me is Flanders. (The Jesus freak on The Simpsons) I have been told that I am brainwashing my children simply because I take them to church and celebrate advent and things like that. I was not allowed to enroll my children in a Christian pre-school. In my situation, I have learned to pick my battles carefully while maintaining my core values and beliefs. Only God knows my struggles in this everyday situation and only those whom are in the same situation as I am can truly understand.

In my case, it would be more of a discipleship for me to sit down and enjoy the game despite whatever negativity there may be, than to refuse to watch it and have my husband look at me like a crazy person and think to himself that he doesn't want any part of my God that will not even allow me to watch a football game.

I guess my point is simply that you do what you believe God wants you to do. If you believe that God cannot use the Superbowl as a time of discipleship in your life, than by all means skip it! But if you can see how God could use even the Superbowl as a time to witness, even if it is just through a gentle and quiet spirit, than He will give you that opportunity. I don't think that this is a subject that you can generalize for all Christians. I have a tendency to look at things how Joe would see them, and spend my time doing studies on how to be the happy wife of an unsaved husband. So I guess my opinions are often from this perspective and the will of God through prayer in my own life and experience, which I am fully aware is different from many.

For those that are using Superbowl Sunday to help the homeless, that is an amazing ministry and I am glad that God is using those women in that ministry. One of my major ministries is Joe, and although it may not seem as important to some, I believe that I can be the hands and feet of Jesus in my own home.

And on a personal note to Dan. The George Knight comment was meant to be light hearted and funny. I hope you didn't take me seriously.

United Methodists

2009-02-09T09:33:00.001-08:00

I've been attending the United Methodist Church in Ely. This past Sunday, the pastor decided to do a healing service where anyone that needed healing of any kind could come to the front of the church and have the pastor lay hands on them and pray for them. I've been through this myself more than once and it has always been an extremely personal, emotional and spiritual experience. However, in the United Methodist Church they do not pray from their hearts and the whole thing seemed a little weird. I did not participate in this service, and I am not trying to tell you how the ones who did felt. The pastor prayed the same prayer, which she read from a sheet of paper, for every person. I know that this is just how the Methodists do things since all of our prayers throughout any service are printed in the bulletin, but it's not something that I think that I will ever get used to. To me, Christianity is about having a personal relationship with God. He doesn't expect everything to be scripted and allows you to share your whole heart. The Methodists, take the personal out of your relationship with God.
I am certainly glad that I have a church to go to in Ely and that my kids are going to Sunday school. I just don't understand the ways of the Methodists.

Yuck!

2009-02-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Joe came home very proud with this story:

At the mine, there aren't any bathrooms anywhere near where we are working, so sometimes we have to poop in a bucket. This was one of those days. "that's disgusting" I said. "And then what do you do with the bucket?" I asked foolishly. I put a bag in the bucket before hand, and then when I was done, I took the bag and threw it down one of the blast holes so that when they blast, my poop will fly into the air!

Seriously. What is wrong with boys.

Drugs are saving Joes job!

2009-01-27T16:50:00.000-08:00

The mine started drug testing every crew last week. Now there's a way to eliminate employees without having to lay anyone off! Especially here in Ely. They should be able to get rid of at least 1/4 of the labor out there since we live in the Meth capital of the world! Tee-hee! Joes job is safe for now!

Spot light on Katie

2009-01-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

My 5 year old daughter brings me such joy everyday. Her creativity amazes me. Her favorite thing in the whole world is doing art, and when she brings me her latest creation, I am almost always in awe that she made it. I know that every mother thinks that the things that her children make are the best, and maybe I'm crazy, but this girl is going to grow up to do something artsy. She makes her own paper dolls, engineers bridges for her ponies to cross out of Knex, makes Kites that can actually fly, built a farris wheel for her pollypockets to ride in, and the list goes on. She is such a blessing in my life, and I love to just watch her go.

School

2009-01-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

In the fall, I will have both of my children in school all day. I have been a stay at home mom since my son was born almost 8 years ago, but the time is coming for me to either get a job, go back to school, or both. Today I spent a bunch of time researching scholarships for school since I cannot afford school without a second income. From what I read, it's pretty tough to get a scholarship if you are not coming directly from high school, or a returning student. Since I will be neither of those, I'm not sure if I can pull it off. I do know that I don't want to end up cleaning hotel rooms or becoming a waitress! I'm crossing my fingers that I can figure it all out before the fall semester begins.

The goings on

2009-01-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

As many people in my life know, I've been having trouble with the wireless Internet that I have through alltel. Our service has been so slow, that going on the Internet has been frustrating. It seems to be going better today, so I thought I'd sit down and write a blog. This one is for my mom, as she told me she has been waiting for me to post something, even though, she already knows all about my life! This one is just the goings on.

-Joe completed his drill training at the mine. He can now add this to his resume and that is a good thing. He is currently drilling on his own and enjoying it. As my Ground (Grandpa) said, as long as they don't let him handle the dynamite, we'll ll be O.K. LOL!

-Currently, the mine is still running and they have not started layoffs. At the moment they have a lot of skilled individuals shoveling snow by hand to cut costs and keep everyone working. I think that shows that they really are concerned about the employees since we know that they could operate with 40 percent of the labor that they have.

-Last week, Joe went to the Doctor and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Although this will be a long term battle for both of us, and our children, I am thrilled that Joe took the step to go to the Doctor and get proper medication. I know that we will all be much happier people.

-The holidays were FABULOUS!!! My parents, sister, and niece came to Ely for Christmas and we had a blast! The kids enjoyed playing in the snow with Nana and Papa, we got to ride on the Polar Express and Christmas day was such fun. My mom and I even had a good time going to the Laundromat about 4 times! It was nice to be with them and I am missing them already

-We got a second car!!! After about 6 months of me walking everywhere while Joe had the car at work, we finally got ourselves an 88 Dodge Ram Charger. It is perfect for Joe to take to and from work and even has 4x4 for the snow. I feel truly blessed!

-Zachary has his first loose tooth at the age of 71/2 and he is very excited. It's coming out any day now.

-Katie read me her first book last week and I am trying to go overboard on the encouragement as she tells me daily that she hates school.

I am looking forward to 2009 and praying that it will be crisis free, as I have not experienced a quiet year in a long time.

When the magic fades

2008-12-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

When I was in third grade, My fingure was smashed in a minivan door and I had to get stictches. While my mom and I were waiting for the doctor, I asked her if Santa was real. She said, "well, what do you think?" and I told her I didn't think he was. She revealed the truth to me then and that was the end of the magic of Santa for me.

Christmas was always magical at our house, even after I found out that Santa wasn't real. My Mom did such an amazing job of making sure that we remembered the true meaning of Christmas that even after the magic of Santa was gone, the miracle of Jesus birth remained. Even when we did believe in Santa, we knew that Santa brought presents at Christmas to remind us of the greatest gift of all.

Zachary is in second grade this year, which is why I am remembering the moment that I knew that Santa was just Mom and Dad. This could be his last year of that magic and anticipation of Santa. It makes my heart a little sad to think about how quickly the time has gone by. My hope is that Zachary will still find Christmas magical even after he discovers the truth, as it was for me. We have continued the tradition of our daily advent from Thanksgiving through New Year at our home, and I know that both of my kids know why we celebrate Christmas. I pray that the miracle of Jesus birth would be the joy of their Christmas for the rest of their lives.

All by my self

2008-12-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

This coming week I am preparing for my family to come for a nice long visit. One of the things that I need to do is get to a Walmart to pickup various things. The nearest Walmarts are either in Utah, or Vegas each a good 3 hour drive. Joe and I were going to take a day trip to Utah to look at a car and go to Walmart while we were there to kill two birds with one stone. This plan has fallen through. Now, I am going to Vegas BY MY SELF! Joe is staying home with the kids while I am gone from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening. This may not seem like a big deal to some people, but what you have to understand is that this is the FIRST time since the kids were born almost 8 years ago that Joe is watching the kids over night without me there. I know that I will come home to a house that looks like a tornado hit, and the kids will probably have skipped a bath, but I'm confident that they will survive. And as for me, it's a short break that will be very busy, but I can't wait!

At home for the holidays

2008-11-29T08:04:00.000-08:00

This year, I was not able to make it to California to be with my family for Thanksgiving. I was upset about it, especially since this has been the longest stretch without seeing my family that I have ever had. I am happy to say, that Thanksgiving with just the Hornback 4 turned out to be a really nice day. I ended up making a full on Thanksgiving dinner, which I had debated doing for weeks before-hand. I've never made a turkey all by myself and I'm rather proud that it turned out so well.
It didn't snow like it was supposed to, but it was quite cold outside so we all cuddled up and watched a movie. Then we pulled out all of our Christmas decorations and the kids had a ball putting them up. I let them put everything wherever they wanted and just go crazy. It was so fun to watch them.
At dinner time we all went around the table and told what we were thankful for. It was a tearjerker moment for me to hear my children tell me that they were thankful that Jesus takes care of them and my husband say how thankful he was that we are all together after such a long, rough year.
I even managed to get a piece of black Friday down at the mercantile where I found a pair of sketchers for Katie on sale for only 15 bucks!
We won't be leaving Ely for Christmas either, but I am thankful that my parents are making the trip to spend Christmas with us. I can't wait!

Driller part 3

2008-11-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that Joe got the position to train as a driller. He is so excited! Thankyou for your prayers.

Pet peaves

2008-11-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

- little potatoes! You cannot buy a bag of potatoes these days with potatoes that are bigger than a babys fist. What am I supposed to do with those anyway? By the time you microwave them they are all shriveled up and uneatable.

-Pull up! Why can't the parents in the school pull around, pull ALL the way up in the line so that more cars can fit in the driveway. Is it really going to kill them to have to take a few extra steps.

-Utah news. Seriously, I'm not Mormon and I'm pretty sure there is news that is not related to the LDS church going on in the world. My local channels come from Utah and it drives me crazy!

-Big dogs. There are big dogs running all over this town and they FREAK me out! Keep your dogs fenced in people!!!

The future for the mine

2008-11-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest news on the mine copied from the Ely Times, from an article this week.

Robinson Mine eyes future as copper prices plummet
By Kent HarperEly Times Editor
Quadra Mining, Ltd., has $266 million cash on hand and no debt, giving it a “healthy balance-sheet” as the U.S. and global economy enters a downturn, reports the company's president and CEO, Paul Blythe.

This shot of mining activity near Ruth, taken in 1909, shows a Bucyrus-Erie railroad steam shovel loading ore cars. The work was in the Eureka Pit, which in 1916, was merged with the Liberty Pit, now called the Ruth Pit. Quadra Mining, Ltd., has planned to return to the Ruth Pit to work in 2010 as the Veteran Pit reserves are limited, but additional permitting will be required to remove water from the surrounding aquifer, a perennial problem.
“Clearly, the current metal price environment will have an impact on Quadra going forward,” Blythe said in a summary of the Vancouver, Canada-based company's third quarter 2008 financial report.Quadra owns the Robinson Mine near Ruth, and all of the company's revenues, to date, have been generated by the mine.Revenues from Robinson have declined in the third quarter from the same period last year, but the year-to-date revenues still are running above 2007 because of the high price of copper in the first two quarters.Robinson revenues are listed as $115,957,000 in the quarter that ended Sept. 30, 2008. That's down from the $134,587,000 in revenues during the third quarter of 2007.But for the first nine months of 2008, there was $494,559,000 in revenues, compared to $412,181,000 in the same period during 2007.The report notes the changes in revenues reflect market trends.“Since 2003, the growing demand for copper, particularly in China, coupled with an inability of the copper industry to increase supply due to a lack of immediate development projects, has resulted in decreased global inventories of copper,” the report explains. “The combination of high demand and low inventories, together with a weakening U.S. dollar, led to a substantial increase in the copper price through the first half of 2008. Recent events in the credit markets, together with impact of unwinding speculative long positions and fears of a global recession have led to downward pressure on the price of copper.”During the 12 months that ended Sept. 30, 2008, the spot price for copper has ranged from as high as $4.07 per pound, to as low as $2.85 per pound. But at the end of October this year, the closing spot price for copper had plummeted to $1.81 per pound.Another downward pressure on Quadra's earnings is the time lag in how the copper concentrates price is determined.Revenues from the sales of concentrates are recognized at the time of delivery, which usually is when the ship is loaded at the port of Vancouver, Wash., the report noted. But due to the timing of those shipments, the amount of product sold in any quarter may differ from the actual production at the mine. And final pricing isn't determined until a future date.As each quarter ends, price adjustments are made based on the “payable pounds” actually received by the customer.The payable pounds usually run 3-5 percent “lower than the metal volume actually delivered, and the amount of the deduction varies depending on concentrate grade,” the report added.“This sharp decline in the copper price is an unexpected outcome, and one that has led to full review of our plans for 2009 and beyond,” Blythe said. “Pending completion of this review, which is targeted for the end of November, we will not be in a position to provide production guidance.”Blythe noted that the mine, however, has met all of its current 2008 guidances.“At Robinson, copper and gold production were in line with expectations and we are on track to meet or exceed our 2008 guidance of 150 million pounds of copper and 115,000 ounces of gold. The cash cost per pound produced was $1.21 for the quarter as compared to $1.62 per pound for the same period in 2007 and $1.03 per pound of copper produced for the nine month period ending September 30th 2008.”The review underway may effect the production outlook for the mine.“The Company has been evaluating two options for the Robinson mine plan going forward - either moving to the Ruth pit in 2010 when the existing reserves in the Veteran pit have been mined, or expanding the Veteran pit for an additional phase of mining,” the report says.But recent hydrological work at the Ruth Pit has determined that additional permitting will be needed to remove excess water from the surrounding aquifer, which are above amounts already permitted under the mine's water use permits.Because the permitting process can be lengthy, as well as installing the needed, new equipment, the timing to resume operations in the Ruth Pit would be uncertain.“Furthermore, recent testwork indicates that the concentrate grades from ore mined in the early supergene area of Ruth may not meet the contained copper specification unless this ore is blended with material from another source. As a result, the Company is considering an additional phase of mining in the Veteran Pit, and revising the sequencing of mining operations, which would allow time to obtain the additional permits for the Ruth Pit, and also allow for an orderly blending plan to be executed,” the report continued.But expanding the Veteran Pit and the transition to the Ruth Pit will require a large capital investment, so the plan is being reviewed.The company's future profitability and cash position depends on the price of copper and gold. If the copper price remains low, because of the time lag between delivery and actual pricing, the company could be forced to repay customers as much as $50 million, while “copper put options,” based on the Oct. 31 price of $1.81 per pound would generate only $11 million. The price has dropped since to $1.62.Quadra has cut back its plans for the Sierra Gorda project in Chili and the Malmbjerg project in Greenland, basically putting both on hold until copper prices recover.But leaching activities at the Carlota project began in early October, and first production at that Arizona mine is expected to add some to Quadra's bottom line by the end of the year.Another bit of good-weather news in the economic storm, is the declining price of fuel.The “onsite costs” at the mine increased by $3.3 million in the third quarter because of supplies, which is mostly fuel. But the huge drop in diesel prices can only help in the fourth quarter and in 2009.

Driller part 2

2008-11-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

Joe got a call that he is to come in for an interview for the driller position/training. The interview is on the 19th at 10:00 and we are really praying that Joe gets it. The mine is not doing well and has cut all temporary positions, special projects, and over time for many of the employees, and has a hiring freeze. It is a miracle that they are going through with the drill training at all. There have been several jobs posted within the company, and then taken down a week or two later as copper shares continue to drop. There are rumors that there are only 18 days worth of Ore to mine, and other rumors that they are going to try to keep their doors open until at least June. I am praying that none of them are true and that the original 7 years of mining continues. There are limited opportunities in Ely and the closing of the mine would be devastating to not only our family, but all of the 500 employees.

A little bit retro

2008-11-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you saw metal slides, horsey swings, and merry-go-rounds? We have a retro park here in Ely that my kids and I adore, and I'm just hoping that OSHA never decides to shut it down. It is one of a kind and a favorite of ours.

I choose joy!

2008-11-03T16:45:00.000-08:00

My five year old daughter just told me that today was the greatest day of her life because she blew a bubble with her bubble gum. LOL! If only such little things in life brought me such joy! I heard a sermon, or read a devotional somewhere about choosing joy. It's harder as an adult to see the joy in the day to day grind, but sometimes you just have to decide, or choose joyfulness no matter what. Today I choose joy! I hope you do too!

Driller

2008-11-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

There is an opportunity at the mine for Joe to train to be a driller. He signed up for the training, but there are only a few spots. He is REALLY excited about it and is hoping to get it. Joe doesn't get excited about anything work related too often, so I am praying that he gets it and asking everyone else to do the same. Not only would it be something fun and different, it would be great on his resume. Drillers are hard to find, so it would be HUGE for him to get the chance to learn it while getting paid.

In case you're wondering what a driller does, they drill holes for the explosives to go into for when they are blasting pieces of the mountain to mine.

Please keep Joe in your prayers and specifically this drill training. Thanks!