This week has been exciting. So many changes have happened in such a short time. Now that vacation plans are confirmed, I have to wrap my mind around the business at hand. I need to do our taxes, clean house, do some work for school, and just get back to the business of taking care of daily business.
Ed and I have been looking at cars and we've decided to keep the money in savings for the time being, and test drive everything under the sun. We're going to watch for incentives from dealers and really compare. I'm glad about this. I hate car shopping.
I can't wait for tonight. Our dear friends Peg and Michael are taking us out to celebrate as part of our Christmas present. It's a surprise. I know that after mass, we're going over to their house because our reservations are at 7:00. If the place needs reservations, it must be something really special. This is going to be so much fun. We always have a great time together.
Becky, Katie, and I went shopping last night. She has to do this big event for work and needed two business suits. I have to say that finding them was easier than I expected. I have such a hard time finding clothes that fit me that I assume that everyone will have that same level of difficulty. We went to Olive Garden after shopping. What a nice treat.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Beach Box
It is official. The lease is signed, the rent is paid and now we start the Beach Box. In our family, the Beach Box is a huge box or crate that collects items for the beach trip...for months. It's off to a good start....new dog toys, leashes, food bowls, life vests, new tags, and toilet paper. What more could you need? I'll try to take pictures and update the progress that we make toward getting ready to go. I can't believe this is happening. I'm so excited.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Countdown to Summer
Well, we did it. We put our hard earned cash down and we have a vacation house at the beach for the week of July 3-10. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it. So many plans, so many options, so much to think about and wait for...so much excitement. I have to pay a portion of the rent by the 25th and the remainder prior to going. I think maybe I'll just pay it all. That way I don't have to worry about it.
This house is amazing. It has a pool, foosball, rec room, volleyball court, hot tub, 6 bedrooms and 4 baths. We can bring the dogs. This is going to be so much fun. Let's see how things progress. I need to start the "beach box" and start stashing items to take each time I go shopping. I just can't wait.
The kids are beside themselves as well. It's been such a long time since we've been to Duck. I am looking forward to this so much. Yay!!!!!
This house is amazing. It has a pool, foosball, rec room, volleyball court, hot tub, 6 bedrooms and 4 baths. We can bring the dogs. This is going to be so much fun. Let's see how things progress. I need to start the "beach box" and start stashing items to take each time I go shopping. I just can't wait.
The kids are beside themselves as well. It's been such a long time since we've been to Duck. I am looking forward to this so much. Yay!!!!!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Answered Prayers
How many times have you heard that "God works in mysterious ways." I believe that. I think that sometimes we have challenges that seem like they will never end. I've had a couple of years like that. But, I have to say, in His own time and in His own way, God has taught me something wonderful. He does listen and He will answer--if I ask, believe, and trust.
My first posts on this blog were about the struggles that our family is facing with NF2. Katie is progressing well with her cochlear implant and is due to go back for some adjustments. Her hearing may not ever be "perfect" but it is coming back enough to keep her safer. That's all we can really ask for, I think. This entire process has taught us the need for trust and faith to move forward and try what her doctor's suggest. They have been put in our lives for a reason and I'm so thankful for them.
The largest struggle with the NF2 at this point is the financial piece. My health insurance did a great job of covering what she has always needed...even though they needed a little persuasion from time to time...until she turned 23. Then, we had to make big decisions about what to do: do we try to attain Medicaid coverage through SSI, do we pick up a COBRA policy at a ridiculous price that we really couldn't afford, or what? Luckily, I work for a wonderful school system that truly helped me with this process. They assisted me in finding a way to keep her on my current policy for two years...with the possibility of her being able to remain on full time...with no change in premium payment. That was a huge blessing. They also encouraged me to pursue SSI for her.
Katie and I filled out the paperwork, went to the interviews, filled out more paperwork, talked with people who have no idea that DEAF is DEAF, and cried lots of tears together. Her father was the rock of support and has really been the glue that has kept us all from flying apart into different quivering pieces. We've called, written, screamed and finally...an answer..yesterday.
SHE WAS APPROVED! Thank you God, for another awesome blessing. We hadn't heard from anyone in awhile so I called our local Social Security Office. The approval had been sitting there for "awhile" and they just hadn't gotten around to telling us about it. (I wish they could have been living in this house for the past two weeks. The "not knowing" of all of this was sending Katie over the edge. She was surly, depressed, angry, and the only people she could share that with were my husband and me. I have to say that that wasn't at all pleasant.)
After that news, I heard from the attorney handling my car accident case. My settlement was mailed to me yesterday morning and will be here in days. It's been over a year. I am so thankful for the end to this process. I had no idea that when I asked for his help that it would take a year to resolve. I guess I should have known that we couldn't wrap things up until the injuries were healed.
It's really interesting, but the accident really has been another blessing. Because my car was a total loss we have been scaling back and holding off on buying another one. That has given me the time to ride with my children to more places, talk to them more, ride with friends and solve all of the world's problems as we travel to work...I even use the car pool at school. Ed and I have done much more together because we have been sharing his truck. Although I miss the freedom that I had when I had easy access to wheels, I think I'll miss this type of connection with my family when we get the other car. I'll have to make a point to keep connected.
Another blessing: my son and his girlfriend have just purchased a brand new car and now Kelly can find employment, go back to school, and find her way in life again. She has been a victim of very bad economical circumstances and has stayed strong through it. Now, a door is opening for the two of them. They both can contribute and move forward with their goals.
Another blessing: Becky and Rob are doing great and Becky is looking at going to graduate school in the next couple of years. She really wants to pursue forensic anthropology as a career choice. She's been looking for a job that is more in line with her interests and I think that she may be on to something. A local lab that tests crime scene evidence needs someone with her skills. It would really open up some doors for her. She likes her current job and won't leave it without other options but if this works out, she will be on her way to what she currently considers her "dream job". (LOL---I told her that her idea of a dream job will change 5000 times in her lifetime. My current idea of a dream job is being the sand chair tester on a wide expanse of beach somewhere--with my friends to keep me company!)
And the last blessing of the day: I feel fantastic. I've had pneumonia and didn't know it. My lungs are clearing, my follow-up appointment went great, I can breathe again and the upper respiratory nonsense has finally stopped. Thanks God for listening and giving so much to me and my family. Keep us strong, healthy, faith-filled, and full of trust in you. Amen.
My first posts on this blog were about the struggles that our family is facing with NF2. Katie is progressing well with her cochlear implant and is due to go back for some adjustments. Her hearing may not ever be "perfect" but it is coming back enough to keep her safer. That's all we can really ask for, I think. This entire process has taught us the need for trust and faith to move forward and try what her doctor's suggest. They have been put in our lives for a reason and I'm so thankful for them.
The largest struggle with the NF2 at this point is the financial piece. My health insurance did a great job of covering what she has always needed...even though they needed a little persuasion from time to time...until she turned 23. Then, we had to make big decisions about what to do: do we try to attain Medicaid coverage through SSI, do we pick up a COBRA policy at a ridiculous price that we really couldn't afford, or what? Luckily, I work for a wonderful school system that truly helped me with this process. They assisted me in finding a way to keep her on my current policy for two years...with the possibility of her being able to remain on full time...with no change in premium payment. That was a huge blessing. They also encouraged me to pursue SSI for her.
Katie and I filled out the paperwork, went to the interviews, filled out more paperwork, talked with people who have no idea that DEAF is DEAF, and cried lots of tears together. Her father was the rock of support and has really been the glue that has kept us all from flying apart into different quivering pieces. We've called, written, screamed and finally...an answer..yesterday.
SHE WAS APPROVED! Thank you God, for another awesome blessing. We hadn't heard from anyone in awhile so I called our local Social Security Office. The approval had been sitting there for "awhile" and they just hadn't gotten around to telling us about it. (I wish they could have been living in this house for the past two weeks. The "not knowing" of all of this was sending Katie over the edge. She was surly, depressed, angry, and the only people she could share that with were my husband and me. I have to say that that wasn't at all pleasant.)
After that news, I heard from the attorney handling my car accident case. My settlement was mailed to me yesterday morning and will be here in days. It's been over a year. I am so thankful for the end to this process. I had no idea that when I asked for his help that it would take a year to resolve. I guess I should have known that we couldn't wrap things up until the injuries were healed.
It's really interesting, but the accident really has been another blessing. Because my car was a total loss we have been scaling back and holding off on buying another one. That has given me the time to ride with my children to more places, talk to them more, ride with friends and solve all of the world's problems as we travel to work...I even use the car pool at school. Ed and I have done much more together because we have been sharing his truck. Although I miss the freedom that I had when I had easy access to wheels, I think I'll miss this type of connection with my family when we get the other car. I'll have to make a point to keep connected.
Another blessing: my son and his girlfriend have just purchased a brand new car and now Kelly can find employment, go back to school, and find her way in life again. She has been a victim of very bad economical circumstances and has stayed strong through it. Now, a door is opening for the two of them. They both can contribute and move forward with their goals.
Another blessing: Becky and Rob are doing great and Becky is looking at going to graduate school in the next couple of years. She really wants to pursue forensic anthropology as a career choice. She's been looking for a job that is more in line with her interests and I think that she may be on to something. A local lab that tests crime scene evidence needs someone with her skills. It would really open up some doors for her. She likes her current job and won't leave it without other options but if this works out, she will be on her way to what she currently considers her "dream job". (LOL---I told her that her idea of a dream job will change 5000 times in her lifetime. My current idea of a dream job is being the sand chair tester on a wide expanse of beach somewhere--with my friends to keep me company!)
And the last blessing of the day: I feel fantastic. I've had pneumonia and didn't know it. My lungs are clearing, my follow-up appointment went great, I can breathe again and the upper respiratory nonsense has finally stopped. Thanks God for listening and giving so much to me and my family. Keep us strong, healthy, faith-filled, and full of trust in you. Amen.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A visit to the doc
I went into school on Tuesday after posting that I wasn't feeling all that great. Tuesday morning I was tired but not feeling too bad except for my lungs. They felt tight but, nothing too major. By 10:00, the tightness was not easing, I was having trouble getting enough air to talk to folks so I left and went to the doctor.
I found out that even though I didn't feel it, I have pneumonia. This is the fourth time in my life that I've had it. It doesn't happen often and it doesn't happen each time I get a cold. Unfortunately, a prior episode of pneumonia left me with a little asthma that acts up with upper respiratory stuff and that has recurred.
I'm so glad I went into the office. They gave me a breathing treatment, some medication, and a lecture about letting health concerns go too long. I agree with them. I often put off what I need to do other things and that isn't working for me.
I spoke to my friend Peg last night and she told me the same thing. I love Peg dearly. She is like the big sister that I never had. I can tell her anything and she will tell me objectively what she thinks about it. I really value her. My other friends are fantastic too but they don't always tell me what they really think. They do what most of us do, tell you what you want to hear. True friends are honest and Peg's advice has been spot-on many times. I watch how she re-invents herself and takes on new tasks and challenges with confidence and joy. She asks for God's guidance and tries her best to follow it. I think she is one of the bravest people that I have ever met. If a challenge presents itself, she embraces it, finds a solution, and moves on. She is awesome.
I found out that even though I didn't feel it, I have pneumonia. This is the fourth time in my life that I've had it. It doesn't happen often and it doesn't happen each time I get a cold. Unfortunately, a prior episode of pneumonia left me with a little asthma that acts up with upper respiratory stuff and that has recurred.
I'm so glad I went into the office. They gave me a breathing treatment, some medication, and a lecture about letting health concerns go too long. I agree with them. I often put off what I need to do other things and that isn't working for me.
I spoke to my friend Peg last night and she told me the same thing. I love Peg dearly. She is like the big sister that I never had. I can tell her anything and she will tell me objectively what she thinks about it. I really value her. My other friends are fantastic too but they don't always tell me what they really think. They do what most of us do, tell you what you want to hear. True friends are honest and Peg's advice has been spot-on many times. I watch how she re-invents herself and takes on new tasks and challenges with confidence and joy. She asks for God's guidance and tries her best to follow it. I think she is one of the bravest people that I have ever met. If a challenge presents itself, she embraces it, finds a solution, and moves on. She is awesome.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
What! No Snow!
The weather channel told us all to watch the heavens for those lovely, delicate, lacy pieces of ice that sparkle so brightly in the sun that it makes diamonds shrink. So, I did. All night. NO SNOW. I have to go to school.
I was really hoping for a snow day today because I'm not feeling very well, again. My voice is almost better. My throat isn't on fire any longer. The issue now is that I feel like it has moved into my lungs. I tried to sing last night at Taize service and had a very hard time catching my breath. I truly believe that I need to visit the doctor again. I don't think this is as simple as it appeared.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Now What?
School continues to roll on...it's calling for snow tonight and I'm preparing myself for the traditional snow day happy dance. I shouldn't really count on it but, I just can't help myself.
We had Joysong Chorale practice last night. We sight read through some of the new music and I was able to keep up. I think that I'm getting better each time I try something new.
Stephen is looking for a car for his girlfriend. I have big reservations about this but, he is the "adult" making the payments. We'll see how this works out.
There isn't anything truly exciting happening so I'll say goodbye.
We had Joysong Chorale practice last night. We sight read through some of the new music and I was able to keep up. I think that I'm getting better each time I try something new.
Stephen is looking for a car for his girlfriend. I have big reservations about this but, he is the "adult" making the payments. We'll see how this works out.
There isn't anything truly exciting happening so I'll say goodbye.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Year and Here We Go
We had a blast on New Year's Eve. Steve, Micki, and Stevi came over. Peg and Michael were there, Bob was there and Jim and Margaret. We had a lot of food, plenty of beverages, and a very nice time. I'm sure that the dogs were pests but folks were kind enough to not really complain.
Now, I'm back at school and the circus starts.
We have several students with significant behavioral concerns that need special attention. We've met multiple times for two of them...I just wonder...What's Next?
Here's a rhetorical question: Have you ever wondered why you stress yourself out over things that you just can't change? I'm working with a family right now where the parent feels that it is reasonable and expected to treat the staff here like we are less than human. If I used the language that he uses he would be totally offended and absolutely insulted. Yet, he feels that it is OK to use that kind of threatening language with us.
We met yesterday to talk about how we are going to support each other with this individual. The key here is to address the issue, not own the personal attacks, and stand up for what we feel is the right thing to do for the child. I can feel the stress building by the minute. I don't know why I let this get to me. I can't change this person. I can only stand by my beliefs.
Speaking of beliefs, I am very proud of the way that I was able to assist some of my department mates during a crisis situation yesterday at school. They were ready to quit and I was able to share with them that God stands by us all of the time. We may be tested, but he doesn't abandon us. We just need to be open to his guidance. It's hard to talk about faith in a public school setting. Some people get offended and I have to keep a level of neutrality here. I have to work with so many folks from such varied backgrounds that I can't force my ideas and beliefs on them. I do take opportunities that arise to try to show others that God is important to me and does great things in my life. Sometimes, that's the best way to go about it. That's about it for now. I'm leaving early today to sing at a Vespers service for the deceased mother of our former parish priest. I'll take every opportunity to sing. I love it.
Now, I'm back at school and the circus starts.
We have several students with significant behavioral concerns that need special attention. We've met multiple times for two of them...I just wonder...What's Next?
Here's a rhetorical question: Have you ever wondered why you stress yourself out over things that you just can't change? I'm working with a family right now where the parent feels that it is reasonable and expected to treat the staff here like we are less than human. If I used the language that he uses he would be totally offended and absolutely insulted. Yet, he feels that it is OK to use that kind of threatening language with us.
We met yesterday to talk about how we are going to support each other with this individual. The key here is to address the issue, not own the personal attacks, and stand up for what we feel is the right thing to do for the child. I can feel the stress building by the minute. I don't know why I let this get to me. I can't change this person. I can only stand by my beliefs.
Speaking of beliefs, I am very proud of the way that I was able to assist some of my department mates during a crisis situation yesterday at school. They were ready to quit and I was able to share with them that God stands by us all of the time. We may be tested, but he doesn't abandon us. We just need to be open to his guidance. It's hard to talk about faith in a public school setting. Some people get offended and I have to keep a level of neutrality here. I have to work with so many folks from such varied backgrounds that I can't force my ideas and beliefs on them. I do take opportunities that arise to try to show others that God is important to me and does great things in my life. Sometimes, that's the best way to go about it. That's about it for now. I'm leaving early today to sing at a Vespers service for the deceased mother of our former parish priest. I'll take every opportunity to sing. I love it.
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