FREE January - February 2006

BIRTHDAY BASH Jack hit the big 4 this year. We were in Indiana during his birthday so he had a little family party on the 3rd. After we returned to SC, we had his big party with his friends. This year, instead of a pony, we got a giant purple dino jumper. Seems like every party we go to, they have a pinata. Not to be outdone, we got one of those too. It took forever to crack. Either the kids were too small or we needed a bigger, harder stick! More photos GAZETTE ARCHIVES

GONE FISHIN Papa Joe took Jackson fishing from the dock in St Marys. He'd been begging to go for ages. He had fun even though his Mom was the only one to catch anything that day. EL GATO We've added to the family again. This time it's a cat by the name of Pepper. She's about half a year old now, has short grey hair and gold eyes. She's friendly, curious and likes to "talk". Fortunately, she has a pleasant meow, not a yeowl like a Siamese. We picked her up from the animal shelter after we got back from Indiana. She's active and plays well by herself or with us but she also doesn't mind curling up in your lap. She's one of those rare cats that will fetch thrown objects like a dog. When she's bored, she'll come running up with her toy mouse and drop it in your lap for you to throw. She never seems to tire of fetching and retrieving. It's something to see. Though she's smart enough to run most of the time, if Jackson does get a hold of her, she patiently lets him cart her around in his arms.

NEW JOB That's right, I'm a G-Man again. It's been nearly two years since I separated from civil service and they were quite possibly the longest two years of my life. That's not to say that doing contract work was a bad experience overall, just one that I'd not care to repeat ever again. Most of the people I worked with were great but the companies I worked for were not. Low pay, no benefits, no promotions and most importantly, no job security. Not only would the job end when the contract did, I could be fired without cause at anytime. No warm fuzzies there! Now that I'm back working for the government, I'll be managing the same contract I was working under before and ensuring the contractors provide the services specified. Having been on both sides of the fence, I have a unique insight into how both sides think and work. There are good and bad aspects to both, but given the choice, it's sure nice to have a stable career and future again instead of just a temp job. Rah! Laura's Cheerleader Squad took 2nd Place in a recent competition. Way to go!