What a way to start of the New Year

The governor for the State of Idaho gave his address and presented his budget for the next fiscal year. Not good news. He has recommended that the Idaho Human Rights Commission be phased out over the next three years with a 25% reduction in funding each year. If the Commission can generate funds on its own without relying on the general budget, then it can exist. But, if it cannot, which it cannot, it will have to close its offices unless another plan comes into play that will keep the Commission going. I never thought I would see the day!!! Essentially, the Commission has been given a life span of three more years. Unfortunately for me, this is one year short of early retirement. I don't know what will happen but I will hang on for the long haul.

On to other things, I do have blessings in my life. First, I have a job for the time being. I have my kids and my husband for whom I am very thankful. I have Jackson who is adding joy to our family with each new day. We have a home and cars, albeit old ones, to drive us back and forth. We have food on our shelves and heat for our home. I have been blessed when many are seeking these basic things in their lives. The economy is so bad that unemployment has sky rocketed - - people have lost their homes, families, and all sorts of disruption has occurred. For Robb and I, we are very thankful to have what we do have.

Somehow this begins to sound like the Book of Mormon over again. The turmoil in the world is great with wars going one in various places. Our nephew, Kendall, is now serving in Afghanistan, a hot bed of warfare. We hope he remains safe and will return home safely when his turn is over. He is with the Marines. News reports come every day of some fatality that has occurred. We keep our fingers crossed and pray he returns safely.

The war on terror is still raging on. The latest incident was when a person attempted to blow up a flight coming into Detroit. The incident was stopped and everyone was safe but this man got past airport security. We never know when our turn will come, whether we will fall on the way to work, in our homes, or in a public place. I guess the lesson is to prepare and always be prepared to meet Heavenly Father at any point in our life. We have to remain vigilant in all that we do.

Robb has started tax season again and he is gone long hours. I spend evenings by myself and keeping myself busy writing posts and other things. It is difficult to prepare meals when Robb works so late. Often times he comes home and eats very little and goes directly to bed. Well, so much for the "wonderful" outlook on my work and life.