157

157 days. Can you believe it? I checked my addition. Twice. Even used a calculator. I was shocked. 157 days of unemployment. Full-time-salary employment, technically. Thankfully he was able to work for Merkley's Driving School during those 157 days. We survived! There are many explanations how we survived.

Prayer.

Tithing.

Hard work.

Faith.

Prayer.

Savings.

Absolutely zero spending.

Prayer.

Tax Refunds.

More hard work.

Prayer.

Selling Ryan's car.

Stimulus Package.

Tithing.

And more prayer.

And yes, today is the first day of (hopefully) the next 20-30 years of a successful career with an amazing company. If you count golfing with the company as a "work day" I guess he started on Saturday! Chesapeake had their golf tournament, and his departments scramble team needed one extra person, so they called the "new guy"! Of course! He'll be up for anything. Especially if it includes golf, free food, prizes and a day to relax! He had a great time, got to know his co-workers, and won some free stuff (including $60 Fossil sunglasses)! I will miss having him around so much, but I am looking forward to everything this job will bring (paycheck! insurance! security!!!) Love you Ryan, and I'm so grateful you were so persistent!

Does he look excited?

(yes, his shirt is tucked in. Dress code calls for shirts tucked in and pants not looking like they "were taken out of the dryer or dirty clothes hamper". We got him that new shirt for his first day. Also when he got in the car, the new Weezer CD was playing. Surprise!)