Roots

Since moving to rural Indiana, we've become the proud owners of a very bountiful apple tree. It has been here a very long time. All the apples that it produces. along with it's size, is a testament to how deep it's roots run.

We recently picked over 100 apples and hadn't really done anything with them. That changed today when I decided to make apple butter.  As I stood at my kitchen sink peeling and coring the multitude of apples, I was reminded of my Grandma Martin or "Brim" as she was known to family and friends. I remember her standing at her kitchen sink, either cooking or canning, and always wearing an apron. I never heard her complain as she cared for her family and others in the community. From what I understand, Grandma's house was THE HOUSE to gather at and an invite was not necessary. I can see her plain as day as she'd weed her strawberry patch, pausing to wave if someone drove by, taking a break if someone stopped to chat.

The flood of memories spent at my Grandma's home helped the time at my sink fly by and I kept my focus on the task at hand. I continued to peel, core, dice and make periodic runs to the burn pile to dispose of cores and peels that filled my 'garbage' bowl. After I finished with the apples that were designated for today's recipe, I went ahead and took care of the remaining ones. Some were prepped for tomorrow's apple butter adventure while others were left whole for future use. Five hours later, all were taken care of and the canner was at the ready. As I lowered the jars into the boiling water, I thought of my Grandma once again. I had air conditioning as I worked against the heat that was rising in my kitchen. She did not, but continued with the tasks at hand. I also started cooking dinner on the only open burner available. This too, reminded me that my Grandma probably did something similar, but more importantly- she did what needed to be done.



Fruit of today's labor

My Grandma passed away in 1979, however I felt her here with me today. She was motivating me to get the job done and instead of complaining about how much was left to do, focus on how much was accomplished. Seems family roots run as deep as that ole apple tree out back.

Not like riding a bike

I had an interview today. Not that big of news unless you consider that I haven't participated in that dog and pony show for 8 years. It doesn't get any easier or less nerve wracking. I was stressed to the nth degree!

 I was unsure on how I should answer the most annoying question of all time (IMO) "Where do you want to be in five years." Really pointless. The true answer would be "making more money than I am now and hopefully advancing in this company." The PC answer is more along the lines of  "contributing to an organization and having my health." blah the blah blah.

 Like any techno savvy person, I turned to Google to be my guide on not only how to answer the questions that may come up but also what to wear. Seriously.  I mean, is a 'pant suit' really appropriate for a first interview? One site I looked at said a 'skirt suit' was more appropo. I don't own or can afford one (after all I am unemployed) so that sent me into a panic. I settled for my tried and true interview suit with a patterned shirt to show I wasn't ultra conservative but could behave like a grown up when necessary. I even wore pearls to bring home the "I am a mature, employable person" vibe.

I then started obsessing over the time the interview was scheduled. Three in the afternoon. This could be a blessing or a curse. Thankful that I didn't have to get up early but praying it would end prior to rush hour as the thought of driving thru downtown Indy on I-70 was far from appealing. Besides, I had no idea where I was going. Garmin solved that for me...after I received a quick lesson on how to use the GPS. I'm more of a print out directions off MapQuest type of girl. Happy to report I was early and avoided rush hour altogether.

My nervousness went away soon after the interview started. The TWO people interviewing me were very nice and laid back. I feel we established a rapport and I did well. Bonus points to them for NOT asking the five year question. I was given a tour of the warehouse so in my opinion that is a good sign.

I made it home without incident. I was so exhausted from all the worrying that I had a 2 hour nap to decompress followed by the faithful dinner standby, pizza.

The old stress has now been replaced by the new stress-waiting to hear a decision. Never ends...