HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The year, 2004, started on a depressing note, being unemployed for 18 months can do that to a person. My savings were completely gone and the job offers were just not to be found. That quickly changed when I started working at Watkins, in mid-January. While the pay was not (still isn't) the best, I was happy at having finally an income again. It was a challenge not only to learn about the trucking industry but to train myself for the job. For my 6 month review, the rating my boss gave was "Outstanding" and that came with a raise. Hopefully my hard work will pay off again, in the near future. As I noted on my last entry, I applied for a job as District Trainer. Two Management level trainers interviewed me the week before Christmas and I'm anxiously awaiting the results of the 1st round of interviews. If I make the cut, there will be a 2nd interview that will take place in Lakeland, FL. This position will also give me a sizeable pay increase as well as a company car! Hopefully, I will hear about the job, next week.

Last July, there was a major happening in our family where my brother's children were taken away from their mother. One nephew, Ricky, came to live with me temporarily. In late August Ricky was placed in a residential facility and has been doing well at the facility. He's had his problem times but that was expected. Ricky is expected to remain at this facility until sometime in 2006.

My other nephew was placed in my parents home. He is doing great there and while the home is crowded, it's the best place for him, at this time. The girls are currently together in a foster home. That will be changing in the near future. It was originally thought best to keep the girls together. DCF has since come to understand what my parents had told them all along. The children have constantly fought each, all their lives, for 5 minutes of attention. The girls have continued the fighting, in the foster home. The youngest girl will be moved within the next few weeks, to a new foster home.

Now that my ex-sister-in-law has managed to get rid of all my brother's children, she decided to have another baby! That's right, she's pregnant with her boyfriend's child. She made this know several weeks ago, during a supervised visitation at my parents house. It's almost like she couldn't wait to get rid of the kids so they could start their own family. DCF has already asked her to voluntarily give the child up to them. Of course she told them "no way" since this child is not a Damboise and the "problem child" has been removed from the home. You see, she blames Ricky and my parents for her other children being taken away. DCF has already stated they have enough evidence against Lisa, to take the infant when it's born. Things should be interesting this Spring.

My brother, Rick, is planning on another trip home around mid-January. At this time, his wife, Jasmine, is still refusing to visit CT. They did move into a larger apartment but it's still not large enough. It's only a 1-bedroom apartment and they would need atleast a 2-bedroom if he tries for custody. On a better note, Rick no longer pays child support to his ex-wife!! Last month the court orders for his child support to be paid to DCF finally came through. His money is now going to his child and not to support his ex and her boyfriend!

As for me personally, my home/love life has been quiet. I meet plenty of guys but there is no love interest in my life. It's not that I don't want a relationship, I just keep finding guys that want to be friends and not have a lasting relationship. Sometimes I think it's because I'm too self-reliant. I'm certain that comes across but I've had to be self-reliant. For the most part, aside from a few close friends, I'm the only person I can rely on 100% of the time. Maybe 2005 will be the year I finally find someone for me.

For all my family and friends, I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!