Then in other family news, we have the vehicle situation taken care of too.
Today, Andrew and Robert went and got our new pick-up, it is a 2005 Chevy Avalanche.
This to go along with Robert's new SUV he got Saturday, a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Wow.....just wow
So, today is one of those days that is just unreal to me. Our State LIHEAP conference started today. I had mentioned earlier that I was one of the panelists for this morning. That session went well, really well. Then at lunch today, we got a huge surprise. The ones of us, five of us, who had worked with Jean LaPaze, writing the new STARS-LIHEAP manual were recognized today at our luncheon.
So, it is cool enough that I get to do the job I do, and the extra projects I get to do, but to be recognized to boot....its a red letter day.
Then in other family news, we have the vehicle situation taken care of too.
Today, Andrew and Robert went and got our new pick-up, it is a 2005 Chevy Avalanche.
This to go along with Robert's new SUV he got Saturday, a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
So, I think we all have things to celebrate this week.......now everyone needs to stay home and stop spending money!!
Then in other family news, we have the vehicle situation taken care of too.
Today, Andrew and Robert went and got our new pick-up, it is a 2005 Chevy Avalanche.
This to go along with Robert's new SUV he got Saturday, a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
What a week, and one to come....
So, in just another hour or so, Robert and I are heading back to Springfield to look at him a car, or an SUV, more specifically. He has decided he wants a Grand Cherokee and bless his heart, he has been just as diligent this time in his search as he was with the Stratus. The thing looks really nice on line and he has ran the carfax, etc, and we are hoping it is what we think it is. It will be good to be back to having three cars again. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, we will have 4! Andrew has found a truck he likes too, and as I said the other day, the sooner we get away from taking the Jeep to Effingham everyday, the better.
It has been a busy week, and peppered with getting the profit sharing where it belongs. I have to tell you, I am not impressed with Merrill Lynch this week. Monday, they were to cut a check to us. On Wednesday, when the check hadn't came, I looked and low and behold, our money was still in their account. We called, Andrew and I both on the line (this will be important in a minute) and they said there was a clerical error and the check came back to them. SO, I said, WIRE it to our bank account, they said no problem, took the information and told us we needed to fax a statement from Andrew stating it was fine to do this. We did that Wednesday evening before 7 p.m. The next day, the Merrill Lynch account was showing a zero balance and our bank account wasn't showing the money. Andrew called a little after 1, the money had been wired at 12:15. I called our bank, nothing. So we waited. At 5:30, Merrill Lynch called and said it had been sent back because it was a joint account and they didn't know that--hello??? We were BOTH on the phone, giving you all the account info and you never ASKED if it was a joint account???? Anyway, we did it all again and FINALLY yesterday morning, the money was safe and sound in our bank account. We had left the IRA account with them, now we are not so sure that is what we want to do.......Anyway....
I have to tell you, I have an assistant that is out of this world. If it were not for her, I would probably be at work right now. I have had so many irons in the fire this week that I didn't know where to start and she jumped in and did some things I hadn't expected her to do and it made all the difference in the world. I feel like I have a handle on things now and it is largely in part to Sheila.
This coming week is THE week to get through. Monday, we leave at 10:30 for Bloomington, we are stopping in Champaign to meet Marsha, our Executive Director, who has an appointment up there that morning and then on to Bloomington. Tuesday is the day I am part of the panel, I have my parts ready but I am still really nervous about it. There will be a LOT of people to speak in front of.
I will be home from there Wednesday evening and Thursday is our first class. This is another place where Sheila is filling in the gaps for me, she is going to get all of that set up because the computers will need to update before class.
Marsha also asked if Brenda and I would present to the Board of Directors Thursday evening. My part is to educate them on the PIPP program.
I had thought a bit about taking Friday off but realized at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, I am to drop all my PIPP clients who don't have appointments, the no-shows, so, there it is. It's gonna be a wild and crazy week.
Tomorrow we go to Simple Blessings though, that is a good start to my week, I always get a blessing out of doing this. We just go and sing and visit, but the people seem to really enjoy it.
Time to get this show on the road, I better go get ready to go.
Happy Saturday!
It has been a busy week, and peppered with getting the profit sharing where it belongs. I have to tell you, I am not impressed with Merrill Lynch this week. Monday, they were to cut a check to us. On Wednesday, when the check hadn't came, I looked and low and behold, our money was still in their account. We called, Andrew and I both on the line (this will be important in a minute) and they said there was a clerical error and the check came back to them. SO, I said, WIRE it to our bank account, they said no problem, took the information and told us we needed to fax a statement from Andrew stating it was fine to do this. We did that Wednesday evening before 7 p.m. The next day, the Merrill Lynch account was showing a zero balance and our bank account wasn't showing the money. Andrew called a little after 1, the money had been wired at 12:15. I called our bank, nothing. So we waited. At 5:30, Merrill Lynch called and said it had been sent back because it was a joint account and they didn't know that--hello??? We were BOTH on the phone, giving you all the account info and you never ASKED if it was a joint account???? Anyway, we did it all again and FINALLY yesterday morning, the money was safe and sound in our bank account. We had left the IRA account with them, now we are not so sure that is what we want to do.......Anyway....
I have to tell you, I have an assistant that is out of this world. If it were not for her, I would probably be at work right now. I have had so many irons in the fire this week that I didn't know where to start and she jumped in and did some things I hadn't expected her to do and it made all the difference in the world. I feel like I have a handle on things now and it is largely in part to Sheila.
This coming week is THE week to get through. Monday, we leave at 10:30 for Bloomington, we are stopping in Champaign to meet Marsha, our Executive Director, who has an appointment up there that morning and then on to Bloomington. Tuesday is the day I am part of the panel, I have my parts ready but I am still really nervous about it. There will be a LOT of people to speak in front of.
I will be home from there Wednesday evening and Thursday is our first class. This is another place where Sheila is filling in the gaps for me, she is going to get all of that set up because the computers will need to update before class.
Marsha also asked if Brenda and I would present to the Board of Directors Thursday evening. My part is to educate them on the PIPP program.
I had thought a bit about taking Friday off but realized at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, I am to drop all my PIPP clients who don't have appointments, the no-shows, so, there it is. It's gonna be a wild and crazy week.
Tomorrow we go to Simple Blessings though, that is a good start to my week, I always get a blessing out of doing this. We just go and sing and visit, but the people seem to really enjoy it.
Time to get this show on the road, I better go get ready to go.
Happy Saturday!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Happy Father's Day!
One more thing off the bucket list, I made Andrew his licorice caramels for Father's Day. Yeah, I think I'm gonna have a productive summer!
Father's Day, this year, I have watched my son's father be the epitome of a Christian man through great turmoil. I watched as something he knew would happen because of company politics came crashing down around his feet. I watched as he accepted that God had other plans for us and we moved on. I watched as he didn't let days of discouragement turn into an attitude of being discouraged, but to one of clinging closer to God.
And then I watched as God did amazing things in our lives.......showing us, once again, what he has showed us for years that yes, you need money to survive, but it doesn't define who you are or what you are a capable of. And I honestly believe because we took that attitude, the Lord blessed us with everything we could possible need or want.
Andrew loves the new job, he loves that it is so stress-free compared to what he had been doing. He also loves that it is going to give him the opportunity to finish his bachelor's degree, something he always regretted not doing.
God has plans for us, and sometimes I feel like he has to grab us by the shoulders and shake us to get us to really listen. I don't feel like there was ever a moment we believed we would lose everything or anything like that. I did wonder if we were going to be the statistic that I always tell people who are so quick to judge my clients, that most of the world is a couple of paychecks from needing help. We made it, the profit sharing check is being cut tomorrow and we made it.
So, on with our new plans. Before everyone starts talking about us blowing all of our money, I think I better explain what our plans are, then if you hear someone talking about us, you can tell them how it is.
In the next month, we are going to be getting a couple of different vehicle's, one for Robert, of course and a truck for Andrew. If you remember, Robert totalled his car the Saturday before Andrew lost his job. Since school was almost out, we decided it would be best to struggle through on two vehicles until the profit sharing stuff got straightened up; the difference between taking out a bank loan or just paying for a car....no brainer in my book. The jeep gets 12 mile to the gallon. Andrew is wanting a pickup that gets around 20-22, so we are keeping the jeep because it has been paid for forever and we might as well have a spare vehicle, then we are getting Robert a car and Andrew a truck. The truck will pay for itself in gas alone in no time since Andrew is driving 52 miles a day. Since we are getting a truck, there is no need for me to have the van, so I am thinking around Christmas going back to a smaller vehicle for me, that gets better gas mileage too. I used to use my van a lot for work but we enough fleet vehicles available now that if I need to tote around computers, it won't be a problem.
So, we are doing all of this as a way to save money......so when you hear otherwise.....at least you know the truth. Didn't really mean to get off on that tangent but oh well.
On to another exciting week. I have a doctor's appointment in Springfield tomorrow so Robert and I are taking in the Lincoln Library, one more thing on my list. Tuesday through Thursday, I have to get ready for the LIHEAP conference, I am on a panel of presenters for "Lessons Learned from PIPP". I have four topics to cover. I also am still working on getting the PIPP files in pristine shape for monitoring and I start class for Experience Works the day after I come home from the conference. Since the Experience Works class is paid directly, I will be doing all the prep work after hours this time. So, a couple of busy weeks until the end of the month. I knew June was going to be hectic, and it is.......at the same time, I am so thankful and grateful for all the things I get to do.
Happy Father's Day everyone, and Happy Sunday!
Father's Day, this year, I have watched my son's father be the epitome of a Christian man through great turmoil. I watched as something he knew would happen because of company politics came crashing down around his feet. I watched as he accepted that God had other plans for us and we moved on. I watched as he didn't let days of discouragement turn into an attitude of being discouraged, but to one of clinging closer to God.
And then I watched as God did amazing things in our lives.......showing us, once again, what he has showed us for years that yes, you need money to survive, but it doesn't define who you are or what you are a capable of. And I honestly believe because we took that attitude, the Lord blessed us with everything we could possible need or want.
Andrew loves the new job, he loves that it is so stress-free compared to what he had been doing. He also loves that it is going to give him the opportunity to finish his bachelor's degree, something he always regretted not doing.
God has plans for us, and sometimes I feel like he has to grab us by the shoulders and shake us to get us to really listen. I don't feel like there was ever a moment we believed we would lose everything or anything like that. I did wonder if we were going to be the statistic that I always tell people who are so quick to judge my clients, that most of the world is a couple of paychecks from needing help. We made it, the profit sharing check is being cut tomorrow and we made it.
So, on with our new plans. Before everyone starts talking about us blowing all of our money, I think I better explain what our plans are, then if you hear someone talking about us, you can tell them how it is.
In the next month, we are going to be getting a couple of different vehicle's, one for Robert, of course and a truck for Andrew. If you remember, Robert totalled his car the Saturday before Andrew lost his job. Since school was almost out, we decided it would be best to struggle through on two vehicles until the profit sharing stuff got straightened up; the difference between taking out a bank loan or just paying for a car....no brainer in my book. The jeep gets 12 mile to the gallon. Andrew is wanting a pickup that gets around 20-22, so we are keeping the jeep because it has been paid for forever and we might as well have a spare vehicle, then we are getting Robert a car and Andrew a truck. The truck will pay for itself in gas alone in no time since Andrew is driving 52 miles a day. Since we are getting a truck, there is no need for me to have the van, so I am thinking around Christmas going back to a smaller vehicle for me, that gets better gas mileage too. I used to use my van a lot for work but we enough fleet vehicles available now that if I need to tote around computers, it won't be a problem.
So, we are doing all of this as a way to save money......so when you hear otherwise.....at least you know the truth. Didn't really mean to get off on that tangent but oh well.
On to another exciting week. I have a doctor's appointment in Springfield tomorrow so Robert and I are taking in the Lincoln Library, one more thing on my list. Tuesday through Thursday, I have to get ready for the LIHEAP conference, I am on a panel of presenters for "Lessons Learned from PIPP". I have four topics to cover. I also am still working on getting the PIPP files in pristine shape for monitoring and I start class for Experience Works the day after I come home from the conference. Since the Experience Works class is paid directly, I will be doing all the prep work after hours this time. So, a couple of busy weeks until the end of the month. I knew June was going to be hectic, and it is.......at the same time, I am so thankful and grateful for all the things I get to do.
Happy Father's Day everyone, and Happy Sunday!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Marking one more off the list...
Okay, so here is the one my mom would say was typical me.......my list included a list....yeah, that's the way I roll........
My Summer Reading List
- The Rich and the Rest of Us- Tavis Smiley & Cornel West
So Rich, So Poor: Why it's so hard to end poverty in America- Peter Edelman- The Price of Inequality- Joseph Stiglitz
The Trouble with Tulip--Mindy Starns Clark- Blind Dates Can be Murder-Mindy Starns Clark
- Elementary, My Dear Watkins-Mindy Starns Clark
- Life on the Edge- Jennifer Comeaux
- Sadie in Waiting- Annie Jones
- Heavens to Betsy--Beth Pattillo
- He Still Moves Stones-- Max Lucado
- The Power of a Praying Wife--Stormie Omartin
- Kisses from Katie- Katie Davis
The first three are obvious work-related, the second three are a series, the Smart Chick Mysteries, Christian chick lit. The next three are more Christian chick lit books and the last three are Christian non-fiction. Think it sounds like a promising summer!
So, now I can cross off one more thing............and I am reading #2 at the moment, so I am on my way!
Good to be HOME!
I have finally went somewhere to a conference that I am just not dying to take Andrew back to. Thanks so very much to my friend Tracie Crain, I had some good experiences in the Big Easy but as a whole, the part of town I was in, for the most part, I can say I have seen it and that's that.
I know better than to base an entire city's existence on about 50 square blocks of it, but to be so totally immersed in that particular culture was just a bit too much for me.
I think our first mistake was walking down Bourbon Street at 10:00 of a night. Wow, between the people who were drunk and passed out in the street and the women with all parts of their body hanging out, and I am not exaggerating, I was appalled. Tracie didn't suggest anything on Bourbon Street but we were hungry, it was late and we hadn't ate, so we knew there would be food down there, we did find Oceana's and it was good, I just wish now we would have taken a different route to get there.
Monday started the conference and it was good. I did have something really nice happen. Brenda, Sharon and I were in a workshop that Larry Dawson, Deputy Director of LIHEAP for the State of IL was speaking. I was actually sitting with Nancy Kane-Richards, a PIPP coordinator from Aurora that I spend lots of time on special projects with. The workshop was on the various states that had started PIPP programs (Percentage of Income Payment Plans) I am the PIPP Coordinator for ERBA. So, we hear from Detroit, New Jersey and then Larry. As he starts speaking, he tells that this is our first official year, that we have had several pilot years and the biggest problem with this year was that when September 1 came around, our computer system was not nearly ready and that it has been a rough year. Then, he says, "In fact, we have a couple of long-suffering LAA and PIPP Coordinators with us here today, we have been through a lot and I just want to publicly say 'thank you" to both of you." How nice was that?
That evening was the reception and I got to spend some time with some others from around the state that I have become friends with so it was nice. We went to the Riverwalk mall and to Frenchmens Street for Jazz this night. Those were the good parts, the bad parts were walking to the river and realizing the two guys sitting on the park bench were smoking pot, then on our way back to the hotel, we walked by a guy pinching around on his arm, looking for a good place to shoot up.......
Our keynote speakers for both days were great but Ron Anderson, the keynote for Tuesday was fabulous. There is such a thing as compassion burnout, people in my position have a tendency to get it. You do your job day in and day out, knowing deep down inside you are making a difference but there are weeks you just don't see it. Ron Anderson pointed out to us under no uncertain terms that somebody just like me had made all the difference in his life. His future was predicted as being spent in the local prison, but a community action agency got a hold of him and people there told him he could make something out of himself and he did. I cried, a lot. He had a very rough life, and is a better person because of it.
Tuesday also brought a workshop that excited me work wise. Part of the PIPP program is supposed to be educating our clients to budgeting and conservation. You have to remember, personally I am a budgeting freak, it is how we survived the 2 months of Andrew being out of work and truly NEVER felt a difference. Anyway, New York is using a 12 month budgeting class, it is in a kit and the presenter is sending me a kit, but I believe I could make my own and it looks really good. Can't wait to get this on the table for when things calm down enough with the computer system that the state says it is time to incorporate the REST of PIPP.
Tuesday we took the trolley down St. Charles Street, which took us into the Garden District, went to the French Market, had beignets at Cafe du Monde and ate dinner at the Gumbo Shop. All fabulous and this was probably my favorite day as far as seeing New Orleans. We were in our rooms by 8:00 p.m., that probably had something to do with it too.
Wednesday morning we basically got up and got ready to get to the airport, not until one last run-in with a beggar. We went to Arby's to get a hot breakfast. A guy came up to the counter in a wheelchair, being pushed by another man. They bumped into me, I said excuse me and he started in asking for money. I told him I would buy him breakfast but no, he just wanted the money, I said no.
So, we got off the ground at 12:35, I was so ready. We touched down in St. Louis at a quarter after 2 and was out of the airport by 3. We stopped at the Old Spaghetti Factory on the way home and I still made it home just in time to go to church, which was probably just what I needed after some of the things I had seen.
All in all, I am still glad I went. VERY thankful for Tracie making me a bucket list, because those were the good things and I know as much as she loved living there, the town has lots to offer outside of downtown. So, glad I went, not planning on going back but I am always thankful when I get to take in this conference. There were people there from all 50 states this year. I ate lunch Monday with THE lady who runs Hawaii's LIHEAP. Yep, all one of her. She does 10,000 apps a year, granted all year as it is "energy assistance" in Hawaii instead of heating. It is hard to fathom poverty in Hawaii but when I really think about it, it doesn't surprise me and the cost of living is so high that I am sure there are people in need that don't qualify.
Tuesday I ate lunch with software developers for Portland Oregon.They are working on a program to automate the scheduling processes for offices like ours. I had to explain we are rural, have two people per office and two phone lines and most of us despise automated systems and we can handle our incoming phone calls pretty efficiently. They were good with that but then Sharon mentioned something about us IT geeks and they figured out I was IT. Then they really got excited because they realized I spoke their language AND the office's that they were working with's language. They have my email address and are sending me mock ups of what they have done to test. Funny the things I get myself into.
I know better than to base an entire city's existence on about 50 square blocks of it, but to be so totally immersed in that particular culture was just a bit too much for me.
I think our first mistake was walking down Bourbon Street at 10:00 of a night. Wow, between the people who were drunk and passed out in the street and the women with all parts of their body hanging out, and I am not exaggerating, I was appalled. Tracie didn't suggest anything on Bourbon Street but we were hungry, it was late and we hadn't ate, so we knew there would be food down there, we did find Oceana's and it was good, I just wish now we would have taken a different route to get there.
Monday started the conference and it was good. I did have something really nice happen. Brenda, Sharon and I were in a workshop that Larry Dawson, Deputy Director of LIHEAP for the State of IL was speaking. I was actually sitting with Nancy Kane-Richards, a PIPP coordinator from Aurora that I spend lots of time on special projects with. The workshop was on the various states that had started PIPP programs (Percentage of Income Payment Plans) I am the PIPP Coordinator for ERBA. So, we hear from Detroit, New Jersey and then Larry. As he starts speaking, he tells that this is our first official year, that we have had several pilot years and the biggest problem with this year was that when September 1 came around, our computer system was not nearly ready and that it has been a rough year. Then, he says, "In fact, we have a couple of long-suffering LAA and PIPP Coordinators with us here today, we have been through a lot and I just want to publicly say 'thank you" to both of you." How nice was that?
That evening was the reception and I got to spend some time with some others from around the state that I have become friends with so it was nice. We went to the Riverwalk mall and to Frenchmens Street for Jazz this night. Those were the good parts, the bad parts were walking to the river and realizing the two guys sitting on the park bench were smoking pot, then on our way back to the hotel, we walked by a guy pinching around on his arm, looking for a good place to shoot up.......
Our keynote speakers for both days were great but Ron Anderson, the keynote for Tuesday was fabulous. There is such a thing as compassion burnout, people in my position have a tendency to get it. You do your job day in and day out, knowing deep down inside you are making a difference but there are weeks you just don't see it. Ron Anderson pointed out to us under no uncertain terms that somebody just like me had made all the difference in his life. His future was predicted as being spent in the local prison, but a community action agency got a hold of him and people there told him he could make something out of himself and he did. I cried, a lot. He had a very rough life, and is a better person because of it.
Tuesday also brought a workshop that excited me work wise. Part of the PIPP program is supposed to be educating our clients to budgeting and conservation. You have to remember, personally I am a budgeting freak, it is how we survived the 2 months of Andrew being out of work and truly NEVER felt a difference. Anyway, New York is using a 12 month budgeting class, it is in a kit and the presenter is sending me a kit, but I believe I could make my own and it looks really good. Can't wait to get this on the table for when things calm down enough with the computer system that the state says it is time to incorporate the REST of PIPP.
Tuesday we took the trolley down St. Charles Street, which took us into the Garden District, went to the French Market, had beignets at Cafe du Monde and ate dinner at the Gumbo Shop. All fabulous and this was probably my favorite day as far as seeing New Orleans. We were in our rooms by 8:00 p.m., that probably had something to do with it too.
Wednesday morning we basically got up and got ready to get to the airport, not until one last run-in with a beggar. We went to Arby's to get a hot breakfast. A guy came up to the counter in a wheelchair, being pushed by another man. They bumped into me, I said excuse me and he started in asking for money. I told him I would buy him breakfast but no, he just wanted the money, I said no.
So, we got off the ground at 12:35, I was so ready. We touched down in St. Louis at a quarter after 2 and was out of the airport by 3. We stopped at the Old Spaghetti Factory on the way home and I still made it home just in time to go to church, which was probably just what I needed after some of the things I had seen.
All in all, I am still glad I went. VERY thankful for Tracie making me a bucket list, because those were the good things and I know as much as she loved living there, the town has lots to offer outside of downtown. So, glad I went, not planning on going back but I am always thankful when I get to take in this conference. There were people there from all 50 states this year. I ate lunch Monday with THE lady who runs Hawaii's LIHEAP. Yep, all one of her. She does 10,000 apps a year, granted all year as it is "energy assistance" in Hawaii instead of heating. It is hard to fathom poverty in Hawaii but when I really think about it, it doesn't surprise me and the cost of living is so high that I am sure there are people in need that don't qualify.
Tuesday I ate lunch with software developers for Portland Oregon.They are working on a program to automate the scheduling processes for offices like ours. I had to explain we are rural, have two people per office and two phone lines and most of us despise automated systems and we can handle our incoming phone calls pretty efficiently. They were good with that but then Sharon mentioned something about us IT geeks and they figured out I was IT. Then they really got excited because they realized I spoke their language AND the office's that they were working with's language. They have my email address and are sending me mock ups of what they have done to test. Funny the things I get myself into.
 |
| View from my room on the 26th floor of the Sheraton |
 |
| Brenda and Sharon on the Riverwalk |
 |
| Best part of my room, floor to ceiling window with shutters |
 |
| At Mojito's Jazz |
 |
| Cafe du Monde |
 |
| Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etouffee and Jambalaya at the Gumbo Shop. |
Saturday, June 9, 2012
What I'm crossing off:
1) Paint the porch
2) Sign up for a 5K (yes, I would have to be doing better physically, but may do it anyway)
3) go geocaching with our AWANA kids
4)
5) have a yard sale
6)
7) Coordinate a Girl's day out with my HS BFF's- DATE SET!
8)
9)
10) get a pedicure
11) catch up on my scrapbooking
12)
13)
14) Go to at least 1 auction
15) Make a scrapbook of Robert's car for him
16) Visit New Harmony
17) have a picnic
18) take an aimless road trip
19)
20) make our name out of pictures that I have found--going to look for a couple of letters in
New Orleans!
21) Visit Indianapolis
22) 2 crochet projects done (for my pay it forward promise from fb)
23) revamp my laundry room
24) help Andrew make a new headboard
25) sew Robert a vest (it's cut out, just not started)
26)
27) Visit the Fox
28) Make myself a new outfit
29) revamp our exercise room--STARTED!
30) try my hand at making a necklace ( I used to, just haven't forever)
Actually quite proud of how well this is coming together! I know it wasn't on it but my craft room, even though I had moved down there, I wasn't thoroughly organized, we got started on that today too. This is fun!
UPDATE
I hope I continue to think of highly of this security company as I do right now. Of course, the last post I stated he was back looking for a job. Thursday evening, they called and asked if he would be interested in a full time position at Menard's, as security for the yard. Well, yes, I think he would. The coordinator had just gotten the opening and called him. So, she told him she would check into it more and give him a call. Yesterday she called and told him to be at work at 9 Monday morning. Now, on top of all that, she told him that if the positions at the power plant open back up, he is more than welcome to transfer. I am so happy with how they are taking care of him.
So, I had just went into the budget yesterday morning and pulled all his estimated paychecks out, today I get to go in and put them back in......still looking good.
And, the profit sharing---almost embarrassing how much money we have made off of Walmart since he left. Stock went up $2.35 yesterday. I'm not disclosing the number of shares we have, but 27 years of profit sharing, two stock splits in there........Yep, once again, God is taking VERY good care of us.
I always said we wouldn't have money until we were old or dead.......I'm okay with being old :-)
And since he has gotten all the benefits of retirement, I think we are quite simply going to say he retired, yes, it was forced, but it happens all the time, so that's that, we got our retirement, our profit sharing and even our little Long Term Associate Discount Card so we still get our 10% off and 20% at the vision center and the special things like even 10% off all groceries in December (normally we don't get a discount on groceries except for fresh items-fruits and veggies).
So, onward and upward.
It's Saturday and my Bucket list is calling. Kelly is coming in at 9 and the four of us are going to tackle my garage. As soon as we get that done, we are hitting the basement. Kelly and I are going to sort all my craft supplies, Andrew is going to work in his workshop and Robert is going to work on the exercise area.
Then, later today comes the packing. New Orleans tomorrow and I am bound and determined to simplify and still look great. I have a plan---I always do, don't I?
Funny things that happened at work this week. Wednesday evening, I was working late. I normally work late on Wednesday evenings during AWANA because it is just easier than driving to Newton and then back to Hidalgo. One of my good friends at Ameren, Anthony, knows this but AWANA has been over since April, it was just a fluke I worked late about every night this week. So, at 10 til 5 Wednesday evening the phone rang. I went ahead and answered and from the other end of the phone was a shout, "Hallelujah, Praise the Lord, Mindy is still at work!" It was funny, he needed help and knew I could do it. He made my day though..
Then, yesterday, I am talking to one of the other coordinators from another agency. She says, "By the way, I suggested you to be a grants manager." I about fell over, very honored by her faith in me but uh, no.
First of all, I would have to drive to Springfield everyday, I used to drive from Altamont to Decatur everyday, been there done that, it gets old. And second, I have more power to change the world from the position I am in now than from a Grants Manager's spot. I cannot fathom leaving ERBA either.
But it did make me feel good.
So, happy Saturday everyone! Have a GREAT weekend!
So, I had just went into the budget yesterday morning and pulled all his estimated paychecks out, today I get to go in and put them back in......still looking good.
And, the profit sharing---almost embarrassing how much money we have made off of Walmart since he left. Stock went up $2.35 yesterday. I'm not disclosing the number of shares we have, but 27 years of profit sharing, two stock splits in there........Yep, once again, God is taking VERY good care of us.
I always said we wouldn't have money until we were old or dead.......I'm okay with being old :-)
And since he has gotten all the benefits of retirement, I think we are quite simply going to say he retired, yes, it was forced, but it happens all the time, so that's that, we got our retirement, our profit sharing and even our little Long Term Associate Discount Card so we still get our 10% off and 20% at the vision center and the special things like even 10% off all groceries in December (normally we don't get a discount on groceries except for fresh items-fruits and veggies).
So, onward and upward.
It's Saturday and my Bucket list is calling. Kelly is coming in at 9 and the four of us are going to tackle my garage. As soon as we get that done, we are hitting the basement. Kelly and I are going to sort all my craft supplies, Andrew is going to work in his workshop and Robert is going to work on the exercise area.
Then, later today comes the packing. New Orleans tomorrow and I am bound and determined to simplify and still look great. I have a plan---I always do, don't I?
Funny things that happened at work this week. Wednesday evening, I was working late. I normally work late on Wednesday evenings during AWANA because it is just easier than driving to Newton and then back to Hidalgo. One of my good friends at Ameren, Anthony, knows this but AWANA has been over since April, it was just a fluke I worked late about every night this week. So, at 10 til 5 Wednesday evening the phone rang. I went ahead and answered and from the other end of the phone was a shout, "Hallelujah, Praise the Lord, Mindy is still at work!" It was funny, he needed help and knew I could do it. He made my day though..
Then, yesterday, I am talking to one of the other coordinators from another agency. She says, "By the way, I suggested you to be a grants manager." I about fell over, very honored by her faith in me but uh, no.
First of all, I would have to drive to Springfield everyday, I used to drive from Altamont to Decatur everyday, been there done that, it gets old. And second, I have more power to change the world from the position I am in now than from a Grants Manager's spot. I cannot fathom leaving ERBA either.
But it did make me feel good.
So, happy Saturday everyone! Have a GREAT weekend!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
What is God up to?
So, yesterday afternoon, I kept having visions of God and the Devil playing a game of checkers and we were the checker pieces........not in anyway comparing ourselves to Job because we have lost nothing compared to Job, but there are just some tug-o-war"ish" things going on that I don't understand but I know He does. Andrew went for training in Bloomington all day Tuesday. So, we paid $150 for a new pair of workboots, gas to Bloomington, shelled out money for fingerprinting and a state Security license and yesterday afternoon he gets a call NOT to come to work because they have cut hours. As soon as they have more hours, they will call him in but all in all, he basically doesn't have a job again. Don't know what God is thinking, but we know His ways are always right so that's what we will go with.
Everything from his profit sharing/retirement will be finaled in the next 10 days or so, which means as soon as we get there, life will be like he retired, not really like he is out of work. We will make it through that before we ever see the final "doling out" of his paycheck into the budget, once again God has taken VERY good care of us. Andrew needs a job for his sanity but we are in a situation where our income will look like he still as one. We will pray for God's direction and follow where he leads.
My bucket list is starting to come together well,
Here are the things I have already been able to cross off:
4) buy a lounge chair for the back yard and take a nap
7) Coordinate a Girls Day out with my HS BFF's- Date set: July 28th, one couldn't make it, but we will try again!
13) Start a new Women of Faith Bible Study- did that this morning!
So, we are off to a good start, I have enlisted some help this Saturday morning to work on my garage and my craft room.......good things!
Happy Thursday!
Everything from his profit sharing/retirement will be finaled in the next 10 days or so, which means as soon as we get there, life will be like he retired, not really like he is out of work. We will make it through that before we ever see the final "doling out" of his paycheck into the budget, once again God has taken VERY good care of us. Andrew needs a job for his sanity but we are in a situation where our income will look like he still as one. We will pray for God's direction and follow where he leads.
My bucket list is starting to come together well,
Here are the things I have already been able to cross off:
4) buy a lounge chair for the back yard and take a nap
7) Coordinate a Girls Day out with my HS BFF's- Date set: July 28th, one couldn't make it, but we will try again!
13) Start a new Women of Faith Bible Study- did that this morning!
So, we are off to a good start, I have enlisted some help this Saturday morning to work on my garage and my craft room.......good things!
Happy Thursday!
Monday, June 4, 2012
My Very Own Summer Bucket List
Inspired by some friends of mine who decided to make a family summer bucket list, I decided to come up with my very own list of things I want to see happen before the 1st day of September.
Here is a peek, in no particular order:
1) Paint the porch
2) Sign up for a 5K (yes, I would have to be doing better physically, but may do it anyway)
3) go geocaching with our AWANA kids
4)buy a lounge chair for the back yard and take a nap (actually did that yesterday!)
5) have a yard sale
6)Visit Springfield's Lincoln Museum 6-18-12
7) Coordinate a Girl's day out with my HS BFF's- DATE SET!
8)make Andrew licorice caramels 6-16-12
9)organize the garage
10) get a pedicure
11) catch up on my scrapbooking
12) make a summer reading list posted 6-15-12
13) start a new Women of Faith Bible Study
14) Go to at least 1 auction
15) Make a scrapbook of Robert's car for him
16) Visit New Harmony
17) have a picnic
18) take an aimless road trip
19)make nutella fudge bars
20) make our name out of pictures that I have found
21) Visit Indianapolis
22) 2 crochet projects done (for my pay it forward promise from fb)
23) revamp my laundry room
24) help Andrew make a new headboard
25) sew Robert a vest (it's cut out, just not started)
26) Visit the Muny
27) Visit the Fox
28) Make myself a new outfit
29) revamp our exercise room
30) try my hand at making a necklace ( I used to, just haven't forever)
Some of it sounds like work but they are all things I want done so.......might as well make it fun!
Here is a peek, in no particular order:
1) Paint the porch
2) Sign up for a 5K (yes, I would have to be doing better physically, but may do it anyway)
3) go geocaching with our AWANA kids
4)
5) have a yard sale
6)
7) Coordinate a Girl's day out with my HS BFF's- DATE SET!
8)
9)
10) get a pedicure
11) catch up on my scrapbooking
12)
13)
14) Go to at least 1 auction
15) Make a scrapbook of Robert's car for him
16) Visit New Harmony
17) have a picnic
18) take an aimless road trip
19)
20) make our name out of pictures that I have found
21) Visit Indianapolis
22) 2 crochet projects done (for my pay it forward promise from fb)
23) revamp my laundry room
24) help Andrew make a new headboard
25) sew Robert a vest (it's cut out, just not started)
26) Visit the Muny
27) Visit the Fox
28) Make myself a new outfit
29) revamp our exercise room
30) try my hand at making a necklace ( I used to, just haven't forever)
Some of it sounds like work but they are all things I want done so.......might as well make it fun!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
He is still taking care of us
Andrew got a job! Hallelujah, What a Savior! We knew God would take care of us and He has once again, shown us that faith can move mountains.
Andrew goes to Bloomington Tuesday for orientation and to get his security license. Wednesday, he is supposed to be at the Ameren power plant outside of town to start his job as a security guard. (Okay, is it just a little weird that I have read the senate bill that caused the improvement at the power plant and all the commotion out there that I assume they are beefing up security for?)
It's a 40 hour a week job, with the possibility of overtime but for the most part, a 40 hour a week job. He has never had one of those. While he was off, he looked into going back and finishing college, he only has 3 semester left to get his bachelor's, so I think he will start to pursue that almost immediately, if nothing else just to have it but he also thinks as time permits, he might like to do something like substitute teach.
I had gotten very used to having a "house husband" as he has done 90% of the housework even back since he was off for his surgery. He told me yesterday evening that since we were going to be working more even hours, he could probably continue to help out. And you have to ask why I love this guy? Well, no, most of you don't, you know I do and a select few even make fun of me for it :-).
Anyway, life is good, God is better and I feel like the most blessed person on the planet.
I also had a big milestone this morning as I got to get back on the treadmill after 17 days away. I just ran 8 minutes but it was a great 8 accomplishment-filled minutes. Not only does it mean I didn't lose everything I had worked for the 5 week before my flare, it meant I still have the desire to do it. I am still loving that feeling. And, while on the flare, I have had to hit high doses of prednisone again AND HAVEN'T GAINED WEIGHT, which tells me it boosted my metabolism too.
My flare isn't completely over but it is enough better to say I am feeling good again. One of my best friend's from high school has Crohn's, the sister to my problem, I hate it when I know she knows what I am going through. I have to tell you, the fear of not being able to control your bowels has to be one of the biggest ones I have ever faced.
God took care of me there this week too. Yesterday, we had a huge fieldworker meeting at work. I knew I was going to be doing at least 2 hours in front of everyone. As I went over everything on Thursday, practicing using the smartboard and my notes, I had to stop to go to the bathroom three times. I prayed hard that I wouldn't have that happen on Friday. I made it through the entire training without needing to go. Once again, answered prayer.
So, about work. Monday we start our PIPP recertifications, it is probably the hardest thing we have ever asked the field to do and I was really afraid of how they were going to accept it. I believe it is going to be fine. They seemed to grasp the training and I know they know most of their clients well enough to have a sixth sense about what needs to happen.
Next Sunday morning, right after church, Sharon, Brenda and I leave for the National Energy an Utility Affordability Conference in New Orleans. I can't wait. I know I have said it before, I love this conference, I may have also referred to it as the National Energy Assistance Director's conference, it is both really.
June 2012 may just turn out to be one of the best month's of my life, Andrew's job, this conference, and the last week of June, our LIHEAP conference. I have been asked to be a panelist at one of the workshops, what an honor! We will also be handing out the STARS-PIPP user manual, which I helped write along with 3 people from two other agencies and our PIPP liason in Springfield. I am very proud of what the draft looks like so far and am hoping it helps many people down the road grasp how to get through the computer program.
In the meantime, inspired by another blogger, I am going to spend next week writing my own personal "Summer Bucket List". I know there are several things I want to do and see this summer so I think I will just put them in list form. I make lists for everything else, so I might as well!
I have to mention, we ran uptown to the Strawberryfest for a bit today. I was visiting my friend Sarah's booth (and buying jewelry of course) when a lady asked if we were the Browning's? I answered yes and she said I didn' know her but she reads my blog.......I know her now, (hi Jane!). I had decided I was probably writing my blog anymore for myself. Some of the fieldworkers yesterday though told me they had lost the link to it, so I guess you all are still out there.......feel free to comment once in awhile so I don't feel all alone!. I was afraid after Robert graduated, life would be less exciting, guess God proved me wrong there!
Jane said her favorite thing was how much I loved my job :-). I DO love my job, that is for sure.
Happy Saturday everyone!
Andrew goes to Bloomington Tuesday for orientation and to get his security license. Wednesday, he is supposed to be at the Ameren power plant outside of town to start his job as a security guard. (Okay, is it just a little weird that I have read the senate bill that caused the improvement at the power plant and all the commotion out there that I assume they are beefing up security for?)
It's a 40 hour a week job, with the possibility of overtime but for the most part, a 40 hour a week job. He has never had one of those. While he was off, he looked into going back and finishing college, he only has 3 semester left to get his bachelor's, so I think he will start to pursue that almost immediately, if nothing else just to have it but he also thinks as time permits, he might like to do something like substitute teach.
I had gotten very used to having a "house husband" as he has done 90% of the housework even back since he was off for his surgery. He told me yesterday evening that since we were going to be working more even hours, he could probably continue to help out. And you have to ask why I love this guy? Well, no, most of you don't, you know I do and a select few even make fun of me for it :-).
Anyway, life is good, God is better and I feel like the most blessed person on the planet.
I also had a big milestone this morning as I got to get back on the treadmill after 17 days away. I just ran 8 minutes but it was a great 8 accomplishment-filled minutes. Not only does it mean I didn't lose everything I had worked for the 5 week before my flare, it meant I still have the desire to do it. I am still loving that feeling. And, while on the flare, I have had to hit high doses of prednisone again AND HAVEN'T GAINED WEIGHT, which tells me it boosted my metabolism too.
My flare isn't completely over but it is enough better to say I am feeling good again. One of my best friend's from high school has Crohn's, the sister to my problem, I hate it when I know she knows what I am going through. I have to tell you, the fear of not being able to control your bowels has to be one of the biggest ones I have ever faced.
God took care of me there this week too. Yesterday, we had a huge fieldworker meeting at work. I knew I was going to be doing at least 2 hours in front of everyone. As I went over everything on Thursday, practicing using the smartboard and my notes, I had to stop to go to the bathroom three times. I prayed hard that I wouldn't have that happen on Friday. I made it through the entire training without needing to go. Once again, answered prayer.
So, about work. Monday we start our PIPP recertifications, it is probably the hardest thing we have ever asked the field to do and I was really afraid of how they were going to accept it. I believe it is going to be fine. They seemed to grasp the training and I know they know most of their clients well enough to have a sixth sense about what needs to happen.
Next Sunday morning, right after church, Sharon, Brenda and I leave for the National Energy an Utility Affordability Conference in New Orleans. I can't wait. I know I have said it before, I love this conference, I may have also referred to it as the National Energy Assistance Director's conference, it is both really.
June 2012 may just turn out to be one of the best month's of my life, Andrew's job, this conference, and the last week of June, our LIHEAP conference. I have been asked to be a panelist at one of the workshops, what an honor! We will also be handing out the STARS-PIPP user manual, which I helped write along with 3 people from two other agencies and our PIPP liason in Springfield. I am very proud of what the draft looks like so far and am hoping it helps many people down the road grasp how to get through the computer program.
In the meantime, inspired by another blogger, I am going to spend next week writing my own personal "Summer Bucket List". I know there are several things I want to do and see this summer so I think I will just put them in list form. I make lists for everything else, so I might as well!
I have to mention, we ran uptown to the Strawberryfest for a bit today. I was visiting my friend Sarah's booth (and buying jewelry of course) when a lady asked if we were the Browning's? I answered yes and she said I didn' know her but she reads my blog.......I know her now, (hi Jane!). I had decided I was probably writing my blog anymore for myself. Some of the fieldworkers yesterday though told me they had lost the link to it, so I guess you all are still out there.......feel free to comment once in awhile so I don't feel all alone!. I was afraid after Robert graduated, life would be less exciting, guess God proved me wrong there!
Jane said her favorite thing was how much I loved my job :-). I DO love my job, that is for sure.
Happy Saturday everyone!
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