So so sorry!

     I haven't updated in months, I'm really sorry. Part of it was just being busy, but a lot of it was me being lazy.  Bob and I have both been working a lot, did I mention I got a new job?  I work at a popular toy store/ baby products store.  Usually I'm in the baby department, and it has been really fun so far.  TONS of cute babies to coo at every day, and I get to help people pick out gifts and set up baby registries all day.  

     Of course there is cashiering and cleaning, and I get the occasional grumpy Gus, but I have fun almost every day.  I even got a raise already! 35 whole cents...it sounds a little less impressive when I say the amount but it was nice anyways, my first raise at a "real" job ( I got raises as a babysitter/nanny but that was so much more personal and intimate, it's a different situation).    

     Unfortunately, as much as I like my job, I've just started working towards getting a new job.  I have the closing shift a few nights a week, and Bob and I are both getting tired of me getting off work after 10pm, especially because he rides his bike over to pick me up when I work nights.  And I feel really awkward trying to push people to sign up for credit cards. As a person  currently in debt, why would I want to help someone else get into debt themselves? Especially our less affluent customers, or those whose English isn't very good.  The whole idea makes me feel very guilty.  

     One other problem with working retail is the schedule.  It hasn't made too many problems for us, given our natural reclusive tendencies as a couple, but knowing when I work and don't work more than two weeks in advance would be great.  Bob works a regular Monday through Friday schedule, 8a.m. to 5pm. (often six p.m.though).  I could work from 9-5, 10-2, 5-10 or 2-10, any day of the week.  Again, not a big deal, but if  we could both have weekends off together, just to relax or go to Sacramento for more than eight hours, that would be very nice.  

     So, in response, Bob bought me some typing software so that I can learn correct form and pick up speed.  I'm hoping I can get a simple administrative assistant job sometime in the next few months, start making at least $10 an hour again, and get off work in time to make dinner again.  When I use the correct fingers for each letter, I type about 10 words per minute, which is both laughable and depressing, but with time I will get better.  My goal is to get up to at least 60 words per minute, but 100 words per minute would be awesome.  That's about my reading speed, I just need to get the muscle memory going  so my fingers catch up to my eyes. 

     We rejoined the gym, 24 hour fitness again, and as usual Bob is perfectly skinny again and I've lost MAYBE two pounds.  It's slow going, but feels good.  We are in the process of changing our diet as well, we've cut almost all dairy out, are lowering meat and severely limiting  processed foods.  Our budget doesn't quite match up, as fruits and veggies can be expensive, but luckily two of my favorite foods are very cheap, and whole grains! White rice and homemade popcorn help a lot.  I miss everybody tons, but we are doing well so I hope no one has been worrying about us.  Love, Emi

ps here's the Father's Day card I made for my Dad. He wasn't feeling well today so we didn't get to see him, but next weekend hopefully I will be able to give it to him in person.  I found the idea for the front on a blog, and thought it was a great fit because he read The Hobbit to me twice as child.  Thanks, Dad! (The inside reads: "You are not nearly short enough, and your feet are only half as hairy.  You don't even eat second breakfast! Alas, you make a very poor Hobbit indeed. Luckily for us you make up for that by being an awesome dad. Happy Father's Day! Love, Bob and Emily".)