Thursday was nuts. Brandon received an email from his main broker... basically giving Brandon the boot, saying that he was making too much money for them to carry leverage on (which means this came from their higher-ups as Brandon's trading size being too big and thus too much risk for them to carry.) At first with all bad news, we were momentarily devastated. This broker and trading system is what we have lived off of for the past year and a half. So, it was basically like Brandon just got a huuuuuge salary cut. We do have jobs lined up at the Christian school, MCA; however, there could be a month (July) with no income; AND, we had planned on making a salary and SAVING a salary... Now, to most people this might be a striking blow that sends them into a tail-spin or downward spiral. We allow ourselves about 24 hours or less to have a pity party. During that pity party we (by we, I mean ME) cry, say a bad word or two, use sarcasm and hand guestures (usually raising our fist to the sky and shaking it at no one inparticular...). Brandon paces while I look through scripture. We cling tightly to each other and pray.
As I have written before, God has called Brandon and me to a crazy faith life. And, I do mean crazy-mad faith. This is only a speed bump. We slow down, creep gently over the bump - front tires, then back tires - then, we move on. We ask ourselves, "What is the worse that can happen right now?" And, for us, the worse that can happen is that we both go out and get full time jobs. This may sound odd to some, but for us we enjoy, savor and work hard to maintain our freedom; freedom from crazy schedules where both of us are running in 4 different directions all at once. Freedom from only seeing each other 30 minutes before bedtime each day. We cherish our life together; we cherish our TIME together. I remind Brandon over and over, especially when we hit speed bumps that I CHOSE to live this way. I'd rather be here toughing it out with him, than with some other man... or single and working on my own all the time.
After 24 hours, we then pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and move forward. Brandon already has a plan. We've been through this so many times that our faith and survival skills kick in. I believe that when things like this happen - something is stripped away - God replaces it with something even better. We have no reason to believe that he will NOT take care of us. All our lives he has provided for us - needs, wants and desires. God knows that we are ready for and are planning on children; and our children belong to him... so he will provide for them, thus providing for us so we can provide for them. (Did you follow that?) We are believing God for a house. A comfy place to live and begin raising our babies. It's coming. Expect good things, and a good report soon.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
On Broadway.
We are house hunting. This is my favorite so far. That's Grandpa with the cane and the wacky realtor on the porch, and of course my sweet hubby with the notebook, ever ready to take notes! This house is over 100 years old, but has been well kept up and renovated along the way.
We love the porch!! And we would use it. We enjoy eating out side, or sitting
on the porch with our morning coffee!!
Here is a pic of the inside. Gorgeous hardwood floor and high ceilings. We both felt at home in this house. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, large living/dining area, lotsa porch, small retro kitchen, office, laundry room, small garage, and small yard... The folks that are selling the house are headed to Germany to be missionaries once it sells. I really, really liked this house. We both did. I am praying for this house, or something better. I'll keep you posted!
Oh, and if we did buy this house, it's on North Broadway street.
FINALLY, I'd be on Broadway!!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Not Approved
As I may have mentioned before, Brandon and I are living with his maternal grandparents, (who are divorced, but live together. Yes, they have separate bedrooms. No, neither one of them has dates or brings home a "friend." They argue occasionally, but Grandma takes care of Grandpa, who is in his late 70s and needs her help. It's odd, but works for them.) Living here is actually quite comfortable. Maybe too comfortable. HA! Grandma fixes dinner every night, esp. for Grandpa who needs to stay on a schedule for his medications. They have a wonderful furnished basement, which is where Brandon and I hang out the most, and convert into our "gym" when we work out. He has his office space down here, and there is a flat screen TV. Nice. I believe Grandpa, especially, has enjoyed the company. He does not go out or do much, and I think he has enjoyed having us here to distract him. I know we are here to show God's love to him, as he is not saved. (Please keep Gerry Rugs in your prayers for salvation! We believe it's coming!)
We have been looking for a house to buy. Grandpa has been on that like a duck on a June bug. He has searched paper after paper. Then he researches the distance from here in Warsaw or from our work; gas prices, you know. We tease him that he wants to kick us out, but he vehemently denies it. He just loves puzzles and finding things. Grandma says that if we really want him to drive us nuts, we need to tell him we are looking for a car to buy! ha!!
We looked at a couple houses in South Whitley, which is only about 16 miles from church/work. I really liked this one on Maple Street. It says it has 5 bedrooms and 2 baths, but it's more like 4 rooms downstairs and 4 bedrooms upstairs. It's really old, but has gorgeous potential - for filling it up with babies! and more cats! (Margo, some of the space reminded me of your house... what I've seen...) It has a wonderful privacy fence in the back yard, a porch on front and back. Lotsa good things, but... it would need some work. AND it would cost more gas to drive back and forth. The town of South Whitley is very small and very quaint and cozy.
Wednesday we went to a mortgage company to be pre-approved for a loan/mortgage. No go. We do not qualify because our debt to income ratio is too high. We knew this going in. Our debt is high because Brandon uses debt as leverage when he trades currencies, which is how he makes our income. Plus, he has not been trading full time for two years. They take the average of those two years, which would put his average income to like $15, 000 or less, thus making the debt to income ratio high. So, if we wait til January, after doing taxes, that $15,000 will be more like $35,000... which is way better. ANYWAY, if none of this makes any sense, don't worry about it. I let him keep it all straight; that's what he does. So, bottom line: we did not qualify for a loan/mortgage, yet. But, we do have a plan. I'm not sure how long we will stay with Grandma 'n Grandpa, but I have a feeling it may be all summer, which seems to be fine with all involved.
Tilly and Mareth-Dale have settled in. They are not too sure about Grandpa or Grandma. Both have rather booming voices, so the girls have remained a bit skittish. When Grandpa is in his favorite chair, they both walk waaaay around him, as if to avoid getting too close, incase he may do or say something. He is orignially from Chicago, so he has a tough-guy, gangster voice. I asked him once if he was ever in the Mob, but he denies any connections. I suppose he would even if he were connected. I think he knew or met Al Calpone, but then again, I have a wild and vived imagination.
The other day Grandma was vacuuming. It's a small "Swiffer"-type electric vacuum that is not nearly as noisey as my huge hummer vac. Mareth has never really run from the vacuum; she just merely stays out of it's way. I think the small Swiffer vac made her curious, and jumpy all at the same time. She was watching Grandma vacuum, then turned around and there, right in front of her was Grandpa's tennis shoe-clad foot. Her feline instincts kicked in and before we could all count to three, she smacked Grandpa's tennis shoe-clad foot in three swift strikes with her furry, grey paw: BAM! BAM! BAM! We all laughed really loudly, and Grandpa said to Mareth, in his booming Chicago voice (above the sound of the vacuum), "What did I do to you???" Then for the rest of the day he mused over how she smacked his foot... and how he did nothing to deserve that... Really funny.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
P90X Update: We are still going strong! We are almost finished with week 5! I've lost 8lbs and almost two inches off my waiste and thighs. My arms and back are gaining definition! Other than being a bit sore now and then, I feel great! My plan is to keep doing this even if it takes longer than 90 days to get the results I want. Most people who start this program are already in really good shape. I was totally out of shape, so it will take me a bit longer. Brandon is looking great! He's lost two inches off his waiste, and he is gaining muscle. At the end of the sumer, we plan to go to a water park as a reward for our hard work. By then, I plan to be more comfortable with the idea of shopping for a new bathing suit!!
We have been looking for a house to buy. Grandpa has been on that like a duck on a June bug. He has searched paper after paper. Then he researches the distance from here in Warsaw or from our work; gas prices, you know. We tease him that he wants to kick us out, but he vehemently denies it. He just loves puzzles and finding things. Grandma says that if we really want him to drive us nuts, we need to tell him we are looking for a car to buy! ha!!
We looked at a couple houses in South Whitley, which is only about 16 miles from church/work. I really liked this one on Maple Street. It says it has 5 bedrooms and 2 baths, but it's more like 4 rooms downstairs and 4 bedrooms upstairs. It's really old, but has gorgeous potential - for filling it up with babies! and more cats! (Margo, some of the space reminded me of your house... what I've seen...) It has a wonderful privacy fence in the back yard, a porch on front and back. Lotsa good things, but... it would need some work. AND it would cost more gas to drive back and forth. The town of South Whitley is very small and very quaint and cozy.
Wednesday we went to a mortgage company to be pre-approved for a loan/mortgage. No go. We do not qualify because our debt to income ratio is too high. We knew this going in. Our debt is high because Brandon uses debt as leverage when he trades currencies, which is how he makes our income. Plus, he has not been trading full time for two years. They take the average of those two years, which would put his average income to like $15, 000 or less, thus making the debt to income ratio high. So, if we wait til January, after doing taxes, that $15,000 will be more like $35,000... which is way better. ANYWAY, if none of this makes any sense, don't worry about it. I let him keep it all straight; that's what he does. So, bottom line: we did not qualify for a loan/mortgage, yet. But, we do have a plan. I'm not sure how long we will stay with Grandma 'n Grandpa, but I have a feeling it may be all summer, which seems to be fine with all involved.
Tilly and Mareth-Dale have settled in. They are not too sure about Grandpa or Grandma. Both have rather booming voices, so the girls have remained a bit skittish. When Grandpa is in his favorite chair, they both walk waaaay around him, as if to avoid getting too close, incase he may do or say something. He is orignially from Chicago, so he has a tough-guy, gangster voice. I asked him once if he was ever in the Mob, but he denies any connections. I suppose he would even if he were connected. I think he knew or met Al Calpone, but then again, I have a wild and vived imagination.
The other day Grandma was vacuuming. It's a small "Swiffer"-type electric vacuum that is not nearly as noisey as my huge hummer vac. Mareth has never really run from the vacuum; she just merely stays out of it's way. I think the small Swiffer vac made her curious, and jumpy all at the same time. She was watching Grandma vacuum, then turned around and there, right in front of her was Grandpa's tennis shoe-clad foot. Her feline instincts kicked in and before we could all count to three, she smacked Grandpa's tennis shoe-clad foot in three swift strikes with her furry, grey paw: BAM! BAM! BAM! We all laughed really loudly, and Grandpa said to Mareth, in his booming Chicago voice (above the sound of the vacuum), "What did I do to you???" Then for the rest of the day he mused over how she smacked his foot... and how he did nothing to deserve that... Really funny.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
P90X Update: We are still going strong! We are almost finished with week 5! I've lost 8lbs and almost two inches off my waiste and thighs. My arms and back are gaining definition! Other than being a bit sore now and then, I feel great! My plan is to keep doing this even if it takes longer than 90 days to get the results I want. Most people who start this program are already in really good shape. I was totally out of shape, so it will take me a bit longer. Brandon is looking great! He's lost two inches off his waiste, and he is gaining muscle. At the end of the sumer, we plan to go to a water park as a reward for our hard work. By then, I plan to be more comfortable with the idea of shopping for a new bathing suit!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Updates & Random Shots.
(above) Mareth-Dale & Tilly in their crates, drugged up for the trip North. (below) Tilly, despite being given meds to calm her down for the trip, made squeaky-meow sounds for the entire 7 and a half hours of the trip. She laid on her back, chewed on the metal cage doors and reminded us why we never, ever take her anywhere! Our car was packed to the brim! We left all our stuff in storage in Kentucky, packed the car full and headed to Warsaw, IN, where we are currently living with grandparents, which is going quite well. We have our own space, and the girls are adjusting, although neither of them are too sure about Grandpa. His booming voice is a bit scary, so when he is sitting in his chair, they walk waaaaaay around him. Kinda funny...
Me 'n my kitty. Mareth-Dale yet again "helping" me with packing.
Our former residence. We both miss this place. We are in the process of looking for a place to live, rent or buy. We are hoping for a really sweet deal on a heavily discounted foreclosure, or a really good rental. We will see what happens....
Mareth-Dale helping me pack.
Adam Stigall. Adam was in my first ever English class, my first year teaching at Williamsburg High School. We practically grew up together. I gave him detention for using sign language behind my back! He was also Benvolio in our amazing production of Romeo & Juliet. He is now 25 and will start his third year of law school this fall. No, he does not make me feel old! It is such a blessing to have former students who remain close, personal friends! (Ladies, he's single!!)
Rachel Patrick and my little brother Luke Edwards sitting on the porch swing at Mom 'n Dad's.
Random shot of my feet.
Rachel Patrick will soon be Dr. Rachel Patrick! She is getting her doctorate in psychology.
I think I will call her Dr. Rach.
Now that we are here and have settled and rested a bit AND have fast internet access, I will do my best to post more updates. A quick update on P90X: we are still going strong. This is our 4th full week and considered our "recovery week", which means that we are not doing any weight lifting, mainly stretching, yoga and cardio. I've lost 6 lbs total, which might be disheartening, BUT I can tell I have lost inches off my waist and posterior, AND I can tell my legs and arms are shapening up! Whoo Hoo! Hubby is lookin' mighty fine as well! Yesterday I sooo did NOT want to work out. It was a new workout, and blah, blah, blah... I just did not want to do it. BUT, I "showed up." Brandon and I worked out together. It was actually a really good workout, and I actually felt stronger than I have before! It's exciting! (More to come...)
Monday, May 26, 2008
X-treme!
As I mentioned before, Brandon and I have committed to a work out program. So far. So awesome. The program we are doing is called P90X. And it is NOT for the faint of heart or those who do not like to sweat. It takes commitment, gumption, courage, and a strong will to get fit and eat right. I highly recommend this program. BUT. And you gotta hear me on this. BUT, you must do this as a team with your spouse or best friend if you truly want to succeed!! We are succeeding because we work as a team and we encourage and push each other in a very positive way. This past week we busted our tails every day for six days (the 7th day is a rest or stretch day; we opted for rest!). We began our program on Monday, so our rest day was on Sunday, which is of course perfect for us. It's a 90 day program. For 90 days we will bust our tails, guts, arms, abs, backs... and we will eat really well. Once the 90 days are over, we will post our before and after pictures. I will say right now: my before picture is horrible. I did not realize I looked like that!! All those bulges and dimples!! Oh, my! After only one week, I have lost almost 3 and a half pounds. If I keep that up for 90 days, I'll lose about 40lbs, which is about what I would like to lose. BUT, we are also building muscle. So, if I only lose about 25lbs, but am totally ripped-out in muscle, then that is OK by me!! AND, after one week I FEEL so much better! My stomach and body feels tighter. I have had NO lower back pain. (Before P90X, I was having bad lower back pain, mainly from just not using my muscles, muscles tightening up, etc.) We have been sore, but a good sore. We have not pulled anything, or knocked anything out of joint! Praise God! You can also go on YouTube and search for Tony Horton or P90X for videos. Some of the videos are from the second stage! So don't freak out! and Don't get scared off! Tony, our fearless, ripped-out, X-man is always stressing to "do your best, and forget the rest!!" Our first week, our goal was to do our best to get through the videos. There was puke and tears, but we learned NOT to over work ourselves and to be proud of our small accomplishments! Today started off our second week, and I have to say... I am very proud of us! We had better form, did a few more reps, and finished our work out with a sense of improvement and accomplishment! Yay us!!!
By discipling ourselves to do this program, the WHOLE program, including the nutrition part, we are:
On a side note: We leave for Warsaw, IN this Saturday May 31st. We are leaving our stuff in storage down here in KY, and will be living with grandparents until we find a place to live, which I am believing God for only about 4 weeks or less! Pray with us about housing! It's all a bit scary, but exciting, and we are faith filled!!
By discipling ourselves to do this program, the WHOLE program, including the nutrition part, we are:
- establishing good lifestyle habits.
- eating high quality foods often to keep up our metabolism.
- EXERCISING our WHOLE body!!
- learning about and building muscle in our upper body and back!!
- learning portion control
- drinking more water!
- learning new cooking methods.
- learning that better foods are a bit more expensive, especially high quality meats, but it is worth the expense to put good fuel in our bodies, fuel that will build muscle!
- neither of us have had any back pain since beginning our work outs.
- sleeping better.
- building a since of team spirit and working together to accomplish our goals!
- establishing a healthy home and living lifestyle which we will pass on and teach to our children.
- creating better self image and self esteem!!
- not feeling "old", which is: tired, weak, poor self image and self esteem, aches or pains, medical issues....
On a side note: We leave for Warsaw, IN this Saturday May 31st. We are leaving our stuff in storage down here in KY, and will be living with grandparents until we find a place to live, which I am believing God for only about 4 weeks or less! Pray with us about housing! It's all a bit scary, but exciting, and we are faith filled!!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Ripped 'n Fit.
We are done with the talkin'... it's time for the walkin'. No more "I should work out...." or "I should eat better"... We have woken up to soft, squishy bodies... and we'll have no more of it!! Quality of life is being fit and active, good rest, spiritual closeness to God, and multi-generational relationships. We do really well, except in the being fit part. Now is the time. No more "well... I should but..".
Tomorrow morning, it begins. Brandon and I begin a serious work out regimen with a serious tweak in menu. I don't say we are on a diet, because it is not a diet, with the negative connotations and the "I can't eat this...." and "I can't eat that...". It is a course in how to make wise and healthy eating choices, training that we both need, training for the rest of our lives. What I like about this menu is that it is balanced. It does not leave out breads or fruits or even sugars. Things are removed, then reintroduced. We are taught portion control, which I think all Americans have lost the ability to truly evaluate WHAT a true portion size is, ourselves included.
Soap Box time: One of my biggest pet peeves is when people, women especially, say things like the following: "Oh, I can't have that. I'm watching carbs."; "I was good today; I only had one piece of bread." ; "I really should not have this, but..." ; "Oh, I gave up _____. I don't eat that any more." And the list goes on and on. Big hairy deal! NO body wants to hear other peoples' issues with food, self esteem, weight issues.... Just get your food and deal with it. Don't make excuses for yourself!! It's all about balance and moderation! While on this new menu, I will NOT say any of the previous comments. I CHOOSE to change my eating habbits and refuse to subject others to my cans and cannots. I will quietly make the proper decision, and feel good about it. With out complaint. With out whining. I will be grateful for each and every bite of food I do or do not have. I don't need nearly as much food as I think I do! So there!
Ok. That said. Moving on.
So, yeah.. Tomorrow begins our boot-camp-of-sorts training. I am actually looking forward to changing my body. I can and will control that. Brandon and I have taken "before" pictures... which will NOT be posted until AFTER we have completed our training in 90 days. We also took before measurements. Yes, this was all humiliating and mortifying. I am extremely furious with myself for letting my body "go.." (Yes, it done went.. and I gotta hunt it down and find it...), but that's the past. I'm gonna do my BEST and forget the REST. So, tomorrow it is. 7:00 a.m. over an hour of bust-yer-ass moves that will whip me back into shape! Whoo hoo! Bring it on! I'm ready to get Ripped 'n Fit!!
Tomorrow morning, it begins. Brandon and I begin a serious work out regimen with a serious tweak in menu. I don't say we are on a diet, because it is not a diet, with the negative connotations and the "I can't eat this...." and "I can't eat that...". It is a course in how to make wise and healthy eating choices, training that we both need, training for the rest of our lives. What I like about this menu is that it is balanced. It does not leave out breads or fruits or even sugars. Things are removed, then reintroduced. We are taught portion control, which I think all Americans have lost the ability to truly evaluate WHAT a true portion size is, ourselves included.
Soap Box time: One of my biggest pet peeves is when people, women especially, say things like the following: "Oh, I can't have that. I'm watching carbs."; "I was good today; I only had one piece of bread." ; "I really should not have this, but..." ; "Oh, I gave up _____. I don't eat that any more." And the list goes on and on. Big hairy deal! NO body wants to hear other peoples' issues with food, self esteem, weight issues.... Just get your food and deal with it. Don't make excuses for yourself!! It's all about balance and moderation! While on this new menu, I will NOT say any of the previous comments. I CHOOSE to change my eating habbits and refuse to subject others to my cans and cannots. I will quietly make the proper decision, and feel good about it. With out complaint. With out whining. I will be grateful for each and every bite of food I do or do not have. I don't need nearly as much food as I think I do! So there!
Ok. That said. Moving on.
So, yeah.. Tomorrow begins our boot-camp-of-sorts training. I am actually looking forward to changing my body. I can and will control that. Brandon and I have taken "before" pictures... which will NOT be posted until AFTER we have completed our training in 90 days. We also took before measurements. Yes, this was all humiliating and mortifying. I am extremely furious with myself for letting my body "go.." (Yes, it done went.. and I gotta hunt it down and find it...), but that's the past. I'm gonna do my BEST and forget the REST. So, tomorrow it is. 7:00 a.m. over an hour of bust-yer-ass moves that will whip me back into shape! Whoo hoo! Bring it on! I'm ready to get Ripped 'n Fit!!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Great Adventure!
"Saddle up your horses! We've got a trail to blaze!
Through the wild, blue yonder...with God's amazing Grace!"
-Steven Curtis Chapman
The words to that song ring clear to me. Brandon and I are always living an adventure. A life of crazy faith IS a life of adventure. Even though it is scary sometimes, it is also very exciting!! We have set a moving date: May 31st. We plan to put our stuff in storage her in W'burg, then pack my car with what we can, including two sedated kitties, drive to Warsaw and live with grandparents until we find a house, which God has prepared for us. I've wrestled with living with grandparents. No an easy thing. But, God told me to chill out... that I need to show them God's love, serve and bless them. Once we find a place, then we will drive back down here and pick up our stuff to haul back to Indiana. I do love Warsaw. For 5 years I worked, lived and recreated there, diving head-first into wonderful relationships with church family, students and family. I have many, many wonderful friends there whom I have missed greatly since being here. Since we have been living here in Williamsburg, we have quite literally lived as hermits. We have not gotten involved in a church or relationships with people... Leaving is still difficult though. We do NOT want to leave my family. We have had a wonderful year living close to them, developing a deeper, warmer friendship with them. AND, we hate like the Dickens to leave the mountains and the gorgeous weather here!! The "winters" are so mild compared to up north. I don't think we scraped our car off once this past winter!!! But, God's plan and purpose is divine and beautiful.. We will go, grow and prosper. Babies will be coming soon! It's a Great Adventure that I am privileged to be a part of!
We greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we move. Much love to all our friends and family who read this blog! And now, I'm off... to saddle up the horses!!
Through the wild, blue yonder...with God's amazing Grace!"
-Steven Curtis Chapman
The words to that song ring clear to me. Brandon and I are always living an adventure. A life of crazy faith IS a life of adventure. Even though it is scary sometimes, it is also very exciting!! We have set a moving date: May 31st. We plan to put our stuff in storage her in W'burg, then pack my car with what we can, including two sedated kitties, drive to Warsaw and live with grandparents until we find a house, which God has prepared for us. I've wrestled with living with grandparents. No an easy thing. But, God told me to chill out... that I need to show them God's love, serve and bless them. Once we find a place, then we will drive back down here and pick up our stuff to haul back to Indiana. I do love Warsaw. For 5 years I worked, lived and recreated there, diving head-first into wonderful relationships with church family, students and family. I have many, many wonderful friends there whom I have missed greatly since being here. Since we have been living here in Williamsburg, we have quite literally lived as hermits. We have not gotten involved in a church or relationships with people... Leaving is still difficult though. We do NOT want to leave my family. We have had a wonderful year living close to them, developing a deeper, warmer friendship with them. AND, we hate like the Dickens to leave the mountains and the gorgeous weather here!! The "winters" are so mild compared to up north. I don't think we scraped our car off once this past winter!!! But, God's plan and purpose is divine and beautiful.. We will go, grow and prosper. Babies will be coming soon! It's a Great Adventure that I am privileged to be a part of!
We greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we move. Much love to all our friends and family who read this blog! And now, I'm off... to saddle up the horses!!
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