Monday, April 20, 2009

What a glorious day...minus the sunburn.

What is the best part about being laid off? Spending time with the fam! But next to that? The sun was shining bright today and I swear I could hear it calling my name from inside the house. Jaron...Jaron....Jaron... you get the point. Let me give you a quick run down of LAD #5 (lay off day #5) . First of all, I wanted to sleep in- anyone that knows me can verify that I LOVE sleeping in. But not today. Teresa wanted me to get up and go jogging with her ( I think she just wanted me to get up today). I might point out that she is training for a marathon right now- so not your ideal beginning jogging partner. I final compromised to a fast-paced walk. I swear within 10 seconds I was already lagging behind. Perhaps getting in shape should be a lay off goal as well (there are so many stacking up). We ended up going about 5 miles-thank you to my Albuterol inhaler! Mama mia!! Since I could barely walk afterwards I decided to sit in the yard and rip up some grass for a new flower bed-which led to weeding-which led to fertilizing- which led to a picinic with Teresa and Sophie-which led to Sophie and I playing "house" (no not the nedical show- man I have got to get a job quick). Which all led to the uncomfortable sumburn I have on my arms. But you know what, the sun was shining today, we are all healthy, and we were all here together today. For the record the yard is spring-ready, the garage door is fixed, the clothes dryer is spinning again, and I have installed two new faucets in the house. And it is only LAD #5!! I can't wait to tackle the next project on the "Now-that-you're-laid-off Honey-Do List"- Unless it involves jogging again.
To end, I want to say a giant THANK YOU, to anyone that has posted on my blog over the last few days. Your kind words and encouragement are exactly what I need right now. Sharing your memories brings a great big toothy smile to my face.
Your Friend,
Jaron

34 comments:

Ann M. Clemmer said...

I work most of the time in my PJ's. Please don't tell your wife or she may get ME to come on those jogs too!

In the meantime, I'll do my best to walk Stamper Dog. He deserves it & I really need it.

Good luck, Jaron. I know you'll land on your feet.

Tami said...

So glad to see that you are enjoying some time with the family and as a bonus you're flying thorugh that honey do list!

For the record- I would have been right along with you had I had to take a 5 mile jog- but look at the bright side (when you're able to breath again) you now have a wonderful excuse to eat a few more chocolate chip cookies!

I'm praying that you find your dream job soon (I have no doubt someone with your talent will be snapped up quickly), until then cherish the time with your family!

My Secret Life in Lilly said...

Jarron, I met you only once about 4 years ago at convention and what an impression you left me with! Your enthusiasm for all that you do is contagious and what a blessing to all who come to know you. I, like you, am laid off at this time and enjoy this time with my family. It's one of those little rays of sunshine that God blesses us with in times when the world seems a little to gray.
Good luck with the honey do list and I pray your LADs are few and filled with memories of your family.
Christie

hollybeary creations said...

I'm glad you are enjoying time with your family.. I belive it's important to make time for that.. and your kids will always remember having that time with you as well.

My Husband is in the Navy and he works a lot.. He wants to sleep in when he can, but I always remind him. He needs to spend time with the kids since he doesn't have alot of free time to do that. Time goes by fast!

Good luck on the job hunt.. you are a talent.. Something great will come along at just the right moment for you.

Beth said...

That sounds like a great day #5 - I am looking forward to painting my bathrooms on when I get laid off in June - so many chores to get done! Working really does get in the way!

You have such a positive attitude Jaron! Your family is very lucky.

Dina said...

Go Big or Stay Home
I asked you to sign my Canadian Flag and wanted you to right something BIG.

You wrote "GO BIG OR STAY HOME"

Cool motto - I have been in your shoes and Jaron, my life is wonderful now. I appreciate everything around me and most especially everyone!

Enjoy LAD's - because who knows how long those will last!!

Hi from Toronto!

Deb said...

"You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the Facts of Life..." Insert Tootie, Natalie, and Mrs. Garret's smiles, you get the idea.
You're SUCH a classy guy! I can can only 'ditto' what everyone else has been saying. The three F's: Faith, Family and Friends are what get us through tough times, and you've been blessed with all three. Enjoy your LAD's and tackle the world one day at a time.
Have fun playing house, keep the SPF handy, and try 'slogging', slow-jogging for those of us that would never truly jog under our own free will. :)
HUGS

Margaret de Witt said...

Hey Jaron (and family)

I am sure you will soon see the silver lining to this whole ordeal of being laid off. God likely has something bigger and better in store for you.

I was at Convention '07 and the demos you did were fantastic. We all know how very talented you are.

Kudos to you also for the way you have handled yourself in this tough time.

Kim said...

What a great attitude! I'm so sorry that you lost your job. I'm impressed with your 5 miles with Theresa! I hope you find a job very soon. Take care!

Nicole said...

Jaron, you have a wonderful positive attitude. It's that attitude that will help you find a fantastic job when the time is right. For now, continue to enjoy those things most important in your life and have fun!
Take care and best wishes to you and your family.
Nicole in NJ

Cindy Major said...

hehe, you have such a way of telling stories! So entertaining! No wonder your kids are full of spunk :)

Glad to hear you are putting your downtime to good use! Make sure not to let your wife kill you with all that running...

Cindy

Anne said...

Jaron,

Oh how I have so enjoyed you at Convention each year since I became a demo in April of '06. Your talent on stage is amazing. You are entertaining, creative, and articulate. Enjoy this time of being displaced as a "gift of time" from God to spend with your family. That is how we looked at it when my husband was displaced in '02. It was awesome having him around so much during the day--temporarily our children had a stay-at-home mom AND a stay- at-home dad. How cool is that? We actually loved it (severance softens the blow, doesn't it?). In fact, it was a big adjustment for me when my husband started a new job 6 months later.

God has more undiscovered blessings already planned out for you. As I am sure you know, God's provision for you doesn't end when a job ends--layoffs don't catch God off guard. For now, enjoy these precious moments with your precious family. And your positive response to this "bump" in your road speaks such a beautiful and lasting testimony to your children. I bet you'll journal this experience for your children to read about when they are older--yeah, you'll probably turn it into an awesome scrapbook project with some of your new techniques. Please consider posting your new projects on your blog 'cause we still want to see what you are making. By the way, I enjoyed your HH inspiration video today. I think we'll use some altered HH at my club meeting this week. Thanks!

Please continue to keep us updated through your blog as we all want to hear where God plants you next. God's best blessings to you and your family in the days ahead.

Design With Ink said...

Thanks for the update! It is so good to hear that you are at least somewhat enjoying your time. :) I know it's stressful, but know that you have SO MANY people praying for you and your family. I watched your Hodgepodge training video today and got teary eyed! You are SO GOING TO BE MISSED!!!! Can YOU be the Keynote speaker at Convention now?!?!?!?!?! :) Good luck with everything! You are one amazing guy! Have fun with your family and enjoy this time!!! I'll keep praying that you find a job soon!!!!

Kristina Lewis said...

My SU! group in Minnesota thinks you are a rock star! We are so sad to think that we won't be benefiting from your enthusiasm and extreme talent, but know that life has something wonderful waiting for you! Keep your chin up! Enjoy your time with your family!

Kimberly Johnson said...

I first met you in Vegas---wow that was fun! I had the pleasure of meeting your lovely wife and family a bit later in Salt Lake. You are a LUCKY man! Your enthusiasm for life is contagious and good things will come your way. For now, your place is at home...catching up with the"honey do's" and spending much deserved time with your beautiful family.
I will certainly miss you and your presentations, but I know our paths with cross again somewhere along the way.
Jaron, have a wonderful day!

Nancy said...

I have no doubt that somthing bigger and better is in store for you Jaron! What a talented guy you are! In the mean time just love on your family!

Billie Rose said...

Hey Jaron! I've been under a rock for the past week, so I just found out the news.

You've always been a favorite of mine at SU events - your talent is extraordinary, your attitude is awesome, and your devotion to your family is outstanding. And I'm as certain about this as I am about anything - you're destined to be a smashing success at whatever you choose to do!!! I can't wait to hear what happens next!

Enjoy your time off in the meantime - and if you want to organize a stamp room in TN, come on over!!! :)

Patrice Pierce said...

I'm glad you are enjoying the extra time you have now, and are trying to make lemonade from lemons!

I just found your blog, but I've been a fan for years. I love your presentations! I'm hoping now that you have a little extra time, you'll find some more time to stamp and post what you're working on... :)

If you need a job reference, I'm sure you could get thousands from all the demos who have seen you present at SU events! Best of luck!

Anonymous said...

I've written this about a hundred times and it never comes out right. Ever been there?

I know that you'll be just fine... Broadway might even call, right? Thank you for all the memories!

I only wish the best of success to you and everyone else!

Betty Button said...

Jaron,
I met you once or twice at convention and you always had a way to make us laugh. You will be missed. Keep you head high, You deserve the best and you will find something when the time is right so enjoy the time off while you have it and enjoy the wife and kids.

Anonymous said...

God bless. thanks for letting us in......

mom48 said...

I have been in shock, almost grieving the loss of one of my favorite SU staff. Happy we will be able to keep up on what you will be doing in the future. Thanks for caring about the demos. to speak to us about this through your blog. It does motivate me to kick it up a notch, fight the sluggish economy and get my business back on track. I only wish we all could have done this before the layoffs.

Good luck, Jaron. I have no doubt you will not be home long enough to finish all the Honey-do's.

Holly said...

Hey Jaron,

Just wanted to let you know that you are on my mind and I am serious about you coming up for a Twins game!!!

Holly in Minnesota

Marjori Miller said...

Hey Jaron! I'm glad your Honey Do's are getting done...I have a list of my own that I have been trying to get my husband to finish. Some are even from 5 years ago! ack! LOL

If you want a nice little Phoenix vacation, I have a craft room that looks like a tornado hit it. We have a pool & an extra room! :o)

Take care and you know that when God closes a door, he opens a window. Enjoy the days you have off now...your babies will grow so fast. Love on them a little for me, ok? :o)

God Bless!

Terri Mongeon said...

What? Jogging with Teresa? I thought you'd be on the couch with a bag of PB Cups and a diet coke!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Jaron. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Connie B.

Beverly said...

Thanks so much for your positive attitude!! My downline and I will miss your wonderful presentations at the SU! events. I don't know you personally, but I appreciate all you've done for SU! and know that you will do well, wherever God leads you.

Linda Schnabel said...

Hi Jaron ~
So glad to see that your light shines through! Your description of the moment you walked back into your department brought tears gushing from my eyes (flashback!) I too had that experience and no matter how well "we think" we prepare, seeing those you've worked closely with and have to leave is not easy. BUT ... for each door that closes, one opens and with your charm and wit, it will not be long. You'll find something great.

I remember your very first convention ... as I recall you "just" started working at Stampin' Up! and I though ... WOW - where did they find this guy - he's great! You had the whole room laughing and learning! And you know what ... you still had our full attention at the Minnesota regional ... YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND and I will truly miss you.

Good luck to you ... and enjoy your beautiful family. You may also want to stay out of the sun for awhile :-) or at least wear some sunscreen. Take good care!

Shannon said...

I just want you to know that Diet Coke isn't the same w/out you. :( Maybe I will cut back.

(yeah right!)

thanks for today!!!

Anonymous said...

I want you to know this past year I attended my first regional and my first convention. You were fabulous at both!! You were the most memorable person there. I loved your comments about the new ribbon scissors and I used them often (two reasons you need to have these....snip...snip). I thought you were the reason SU came up with the Easter set that has the words "you crack me up" because you do (now that I found your blog) and did. You have such an incredibly contagious, humorous way about you that so many connect with and love. I know you will find a fantastic job soon but your possibilities are endless. In the mean time, we will keep praying and you should keep enjoying every moment with your kids and your wife!! As a part time demonstrator it is hard not to feel like I was one of many that let you down. I am sorry for that. Keep up your positive attitude and know that many, many, many people are praying for you!! Keep going on that honey do list!! Before you know it you will have no time to breath again!!

Debbie

Barbara Dykhouse said...

I will miss your presentations at Convention and Regionals, Jaron! You are the best!!

When I was 30, my mother died very unexpectedly. Someone said to me, "No matter how bad things seem, God will have hidden blessings for you." That proved to be true, and I know it will be for you as well.

May God shower you with rich blessings!

Barbara V said...

I am so glad I stumbled onto your blog...a ray of sunshine (or even sunBURN!!) I have so enjoyed your presentations at convention and most recently at Leadership in Orlando. I never look at a Crate & Barrel brochure in the same way since you pointed out the great color inspirations in these magazines.

I know positively that it is only a matter of time until you find an awesome job (or it finds you!). In the meantime, it is so delightful hearing about your LAD adventures. You still make me smile!

Anonymous said...

Jaron, I had the pleasure of attending one of your seminars on Faux Shaving Cream 3 years ago at Convention. You made us laugh so hard. You were telling us the first time you saw the stampset HAPPY EVERTHING you thought is said "helehoy" instead of the cursive Happy. We laughed so hard. I always thing of you when I see a card made with that stampset.Sending you tons of warm hugs and sunscreen wishes. Glad you are using your energy productively . May the force be with you! You are a STAR!!! Your Fan, Tricia from NH

NeedsARibbon said...

Jaron, I am glad to see that you are keeping up with your zest for life or some French joi d'vie saying). You are still the same funny guy I loved listening too at all the Conventions. Don't ever change! You are terribly missed already... I am sorry, that does not help with the honey-do list!!!