On The Road Again.

Back to the 'Burg, again.

When we moved back to Warsaw, IN in June, I had no idea we'd be headed back to the 'Burg so soon! (with in less than a year!!)

For most people, 2008 has been a rough year. For us, 2008 started out wonderfully. We were renting a cozy 3 bedroom house in Williamsburg, KY. Brandon was home, trading currencies full time from his office across the hall from our bedroom; a short commute in his robe, jammies and house shoes. I was home full time taking care of Brandon and getting taste of the full-time domestic life that I love so much.

All of that lasted until the end of May when we moved back to Warsaw, IN to work/teach at a private Christian school. We felt that it was our mission to work at the school while Brandon would continue trading, which would bring in two full time incomes, giving us a chance to save money.

The first of June we moved in with Grandma 'n Grandpa Rugs (who are divorced but still live together... just in case you are just now reading my blog. There are other posts that explain this dysfunction.. if it can truly ever be explained.), thinking we would live with them for a month at the most. We were looking to buy a house. We did not qualify for a mortgage; we looked for and found an investor, who then invested elsewhere. We looked for a co-signer...still nothing. Seven months later we are still living in the basement at G'ma 'n G'pa's.

Between September and October when the markets began to crash, we lost our investment nest of $25K. Brandon was using this money to make money for us to live off of, so basically he was "laid off." I can actually say that with a smile. I mean, let's get real. I CHOOSE to be a diamond. The more pressure there is, the more beautiful and precious I become. I refuse to let circumstance crush me. I refuse to be defeated.

John 10:10 "The Thief [Satan] comes to only to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY; I [Jesus Christ] came that they [You & Me] may have life and have it ABUNDANTLY."

So, no income from trading currencies. The school is paying about 1/3 of what was promised (which is no fault of theirs! Less students = less income for the school.. We knew this coming into it...) BUT!! BUT!! Hear me here... It just is. It is what it is. We are not bitter or angry that any of this has happened. It's just happened. Overall we are only making about 1/4 of the income that we THOUGHT we were going to make when we moved here! Crazy, huh?

Now, here is the miracle:

Our bills are always paid. We are tithing. We have a warm place to sleep. Food to eat. Cars that run. (We've been doing some serious repairs on both cars and have been able to pay cash for them both.) We were able to pay off a $1400 debt. Hackers hacked into one of our bank accounts and stole about $500 plus about $200 of over-draft charges... All has been restored and taken care of.

The Thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus Christ came so that I can have ABUNDANT life... Though the Thief comes to hinder our financial growth, God creates miracles in our life to remind us that He takes care of us. Because if we did not belong to Him, all of this could have been much, much worse...

Arrows began pointing OUT of Warsaw...

More miracles:

I got a GOOD full time job in the Burg! Now listen to me... and listen good. Yes - I recognize that our country is experiencing "economic hard times." I hear of people being laid off right 'n left. People keep telling me that down South "jobs are scarce." HOWEVER -- hear me here... I serve a Living God! I serve a Living God who wants to PROSPER me and not to harm me, who wants to give me HOPE and a FUTURE!! (Jeremiah 29:11) I know I have His favor and he blesses us beyond measure. Therefore, I know that this job is divine. I am also believing God for a job for Brandon. If you are sceptical or cynical about him getting/find a full time job, then please keep your mouth shut. Please be sceptical in silence. The rest of you, please be in prayer about him finding a full time job down there.

Also, please be in prayer for us as Brandon and I are separated for a few months. This will NOT be fun. We hate it. But, we feel this is what has to be done to accomplish our goals at this time.

I'll be working in a dentist office doing clinical assistance and office management. I will be learning new things. I look forward to working with people and learning something that is completely different than I have ever learned before.

We plan to settle in Williamsburg. We like the quiet, small town life. Us kids who grew up in our small town fought like the dickens to get out, now... some of us fight to get back in. I'm looking forward to living close to my folks again. And, I am ready to completely settle down, save money and then start our family.

Thanks for all your love and prayers! Much love to each of you. I am soooo thankful to Facebook for reconnecting me to so many of my friends and family. I am blessed to share my life with each of you.

Ice Storm '08

This morning we woke up to the radio saying that several school systems in the area were canceled, which included our private school! We knew an ice storm was coming. The professional weather watchers have been predicting it for about two days. Yesterday at school we had our gift exchange and party refreshments, as well as exams and end of the semester last minute details to finish up. Good thing we did all that yesterday! Our kids (and their parents) blessed us with gift certificates to Starbucks, restaurants, and much more!
We are both honored! Thanks y'all!!

Brandon had to go to work today. He has a second job assisting/working with developmentally disable adults. So, he had to get out in this mess this morning; fortunately, the apartment where he works is only about a mile away! (He called to say he made it safely!! Thank you, Jesus!!) Brandon did not think the storm was that bad. (Of course when you're snuggled up in a warm, dry bed, no ice storm seems bad!!) But, once he stepped outside this morning, he said, "OH! I see why the schools are closed!!"

I'm celebrating this "Ice Day" by drinking coffee, snuggling with the cats, staying in my pajamas all day (which includes NOT wearing a bra!! Is it just me ladies, or can you agree those things are instruments of torture?...slowing cutting their wearer in half...), maybe doing some domestic chores, but only if I really feel like it... and drinking more coffee. Oh, and I might watch a chick-flick since my man will be gone all day. (The Hallmark Channel is such a girlie station! I mean, I'm a girl, but some of those Hallmark movies are oozing with so much estrogen, even I can hardly stand watching!!) And, I'll drink more coffee and browse a holiday magazine and later finish up some Christmas gifts... Sounds like a perfect day.

When I saw the car, I was a bit amazed. It looked like it had been dipped in water, then stuck in the freezer!! We let it warm up for about 20 minutes, then Brandon used his masculine, upper-body strength to chisel the ice off. It's been mostly slush. It's only 32 degrees right now, but we are suppose to get snow on top of this and the temps are suppose to drop. It could be nasty for a few days. But, I'm fine to hold up here in the basement at Grandma 'n Grandpa's for a couple days. As long as I can stay in my pajamas and drink coffee, I'm fine!!

Quiet Sunday Morning: Random thoughts.

It's hard to believe it's been over a month since my last post. It's been crazy here. We were in Bloomington, IN for a wedding a few weeks ago. Then I spent a week in KY visiting family and friends. Then back to Warsaw, school/work.. home...eat... sleep... then do it again.

I spend most of my computer-time on Facebook, which is the most ingenious networking system. For those of you not on FB (as it is abbreviated), I highly recommend it. I think it is for a more "mature" crowd than those on MySpace, which is mostly geared toward teens and music fans. Just two days ago, I had a guy contact me. I knew him in elementary school!! I had not seen or heard from him in *gulp* about 25 years!!!! And, as my "friend base" has grown to over 400 (!!), I've realized that the number of people I have come in contact with, the number of people who have been a part of my life... the number of people I have touched... Well, it's just mind boggling!!

I also want to say I am grateful to those of you who read my blog. I'm sorry it has not been kept up to date. There is so much more I would like to add, but since this is a public forum of sorts, I cannot post everything... not just yet. When you think of us or read this blog, just say a prayer for us. Our marriage is awesome. We are very healthy. So, praise God for that! But, there are other things that need prayer and attentions. Believe with us for miracles and God's divine, perfect will to be done!!

It is snowing here this morning. Big, fluffy flakes. It's quite beautiful, really. Brandon has started working a second job, and is gone - working- this morning. I'm still in my robe, reading, reflecting, writing and praying. The cats are curled up, sleeping. Tilly is in her "den" - a corner of the room with her special blanket and a basket. She alternates from the corner with the blanket, to the basket. If I listen carefully, I can hear her snoring. Mareth-Dale is curled up on a pillow next to me. Her furry, grey paw is curled over her nose, and she is sound asleep, breathing deeply. I enjoy the quiet serenity of cats. They sleep a lot, and are very calming. And, I love the fact that I don't have to take them outside to go potty, especially on a snowy day like today!!

Sometimes, when I think about blogging... I get hung up on the fact that I THINK I need pictures. I love reading other people's blogs, especially when they have pictures to illustrate what they are talking about. So, sometimes I don't blog because I think, "well, I don't have a picture for that" or "I have pictures for a great blog post, but I don't have time to upload them all and write about each of them." Enough of that. I am going to start posting more often. Even if it is random thoughts. Isn't that what a blog is? An online journal.

Tilly has shifted from the corner blanket to her basket. Mareth is still sound asleep, oblivious to my tip-tapping on the keyboard. The twitching of her feet, ears and whiskers lets me know that she is SOUND asleep, probably dreaming.. Ah, to be a cat!!

Hmmm. I suppose that's all for now. I hope all of you are well and prospering! Again, thanks for reading!

Autumn Rain.

This is the "West Wing", or the new addition to mom 'n dad's house. They have had this wing now for about 4 years or so. It's my favorite place in the house; the porch swing is my favorite spot outside. Presently I am sitting at this table blogging... journaling. I've journaled all my life. (Funny how we take nouns and make them into verbs: journal = jouraled/-ing; Google = Googled/go Google; blog = am/is/are/was/were blogging... etc.) I have a tiny red jouranl from when I was in elementary school, where I professed my undying love for Brad Taylor. Brad, if you read this, I love you, man and wish you well; but, honestly, I'm glad I did NOT marry you! I've kept travel journals that have wonderful accounts of events that happened while I was traveling to and from Australia. I have written in journals that I titled "Letters to My Husband", which is full of entries from when I was single and waiting for him, telling him what is going on in my life and that I love him even before we had met. (I gave those to him as a wedding gift. Being a girl, I thought he'd want to read every single page and soak up the fact that I loved him for years and years before we married. He's read a few entries here 'n there. Ahhh. Love is good! ha! Eh, it was cheap therapy!)

We've been here at ma 'n pa's since Monday night of this week. It has been a much needed retreat! It's such a haven out here. They live in a log cabin on 20 acres of land. Daddy's got goats 'n chickens 'n sheep, oh my! It's quiet and peaceful. Truly a retreat!

It has quite literally rained all day long today. Brandon and I have both spent the day out here in the West Wing lounging, napping, and computer-ing. The picture below is in the West Wing; where I am sitting at the table, this scene is to my left, so I am actually facing Brandon as he sits in our leather recliner. (Mom 'n dad are keeping our couch and chair for us while we are away.)


The picture above shows rain on my mom's Trailblazer. And, the picture below is my brother Luke's jeep. It's shiny because it is wet from the rain! Did I mention that it has rained all day? Actually I'm not complaining one bit. The West Wing has a metal roof. The rain has truly been melodious and soothing, no wonder I took a 2 hour nap on that red couch!

My favorite spot: the porch swing.

Field Trip & Grandpa (Highs & Lows)

We took our students on a "mandatory" Fun-Day Field Trip. We went to Ft. Wayne to the Anchor Room Book Store, Fazoli's restaurant and to the dollar theater to see Kung Fu Panda, which was a hoot! Skadoosh!

Lucas played classical music! It was wonderful!
The ladies working in the book store said
they wanted to hire him to add some class to the store!

Our kids were great! The enjoyed a much earned "free-day" to chill out and enjoy their accomplishments! 63% of our kids have all A's and B's!! We are sooo proud of them!!

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We had a bit of a scare with Grandpa tonight. He was having issues with his sugar levels. We could not tell if he was slipping into a coma or if he was having a stroke. We called 911. A fire truck showed up; the fire fighters are trained for EMT and were the first on the scene. Then the ambulance showed up. He was looking much better as they took him on the gurney and loaded him up in the ambulance. Grandma, Theresa and Jack (Brandon's folks) went to the hospital with him so that he could be checked out. We now have word that his sugar levels have been stabilized and he is coming home. It was quite a scare. I am so glad that Brandon and I are here so that we can help. Grandma works herself into a tizzy. It was good that both of us were so calm and level headed. Thanks for your prayers!!

From the Funny Farm

Saturday mornings are my favorite mornings. I get to sleep-in, lay around in my pajamas all day, and watch cartoons. Yesterday morning Brandon got up early, so I had the WHOLE bed to myself to stretch out and snuggle under the covers. I was just heading back to a second round of REM sleep when the following boisterous conversation woke me up with a start:

Grandpa: It won't kick on at 76.

Grandma: What's the problem?

Grandpa: What?

Grandma: I SAID, WHAT'S THE PROBLEM??

(...which was being YELLED just outside my very thin door...)

G'pa: Oh. Ah, well, I think the problem is in the thermostat.

G'ma: What?

G'pa: I THINK THE PROBLEM IS IN THE THERMOSTAT!

G'ma: What's the matter?

G'pa: It's not kicking on at 76.

G'ma: Should I call the repair guy?

G'pa: What?

G'ma: SHOULD I CALL THE REPAIR GUY?!?

G'pa: I don't want to pay some guy to fix it!

G'ma: Well, then what should we do?

G'pa: WHAT?

G'ma: THEN WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO ABOUT IT???

G'pa: I guess I'll have to call the repair guy.

Yes, I was laying in bed trying to stifle my giggles.

Grandma calls the repair guy and he shows up at 10:30. (Right in the middle of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...) He checks the furnace in the basement, where we were watching cartoons. He seemed like a competent man, probably has been fixing furnaces for 10 years or more. We had a chit-chat about Kentucky; he has family from there, around the Richmond and Renfro Valley area. He then goes back up stairs. Grandpa proceeds to tell the repair guy that the problem is in the thermostat. The guy checks it. Grandpa's voice gets gruff and he insists that the issue is in the thermostat. The heat will kick on if it is set to 72, but not if it is set to 76. The repair guy said it takes a bit before it will kick on, but Grandpa insists. The guy calls his boss. The guy leaves, then eventually comes back. Badda-boo, badda-bing, new thermostat.

Grandpa: I don't get any pleasure in tellin' a guy how to do his job.

Yeah, right. Grandpa LOOKS for problems, finds them, then enjoys telling people how to fix them, where to go, what to do...all the while arguing and ranting and raving.

The story does not end here.

I had been out shopping during the afternoon. (Goodwill had a 50% off sale day. And I found a formal dress at Elder-Beerman's; the original price was $140, and I got it for $10.69. I should have bought a Lottery ticket yesterday, but since I don't buy'em, why start now...) I came home and the house was HOT. Hot and stuffy. Grandpa is very sensative to heat and cold. I'm not sure if it is his ailments or if he just likes to make a big deal and fuss about the tempature; I presume it's a bit of both with a heavy helping of the latter. As I unloaded my purchases, this is what I heard him to say.

G'pa: It's too hot. I'm gonna turn on the air conditioning.

I decended the stairs into the basement to find my huband on the desk top computer. Brandon said, "Did I just hear Grandpa say he is going to turn on the air conditioning??"

"Yes, that is what you heard, " I replied.

"Am I the only one who sees the irony in that? " he laughed.

I commented, "No, not the only one." We laughed and laughed. Then Brandon said,

"Welcome to the Funny Farm."

Randon Kid Conversations

I have always loved being a teacher. Teaching is in my blood. Being a TEACHER is not only what I do, it is who I am.

I love random kid conversations. So far, I have had two really funny random kid conversations:

In English class with my Fantastic Four Freshmen, we were discussing grammar, when to use a colon and a comma when writing a letter. When writing a formal letter, one should use a colon after the greeting. After I shared this with students, I gave this example: (note the colon...)

"Students, use a colon after you use such greetings as 'Dear Sir or Madame:' or 'To Whom It May Concern. '"

*Larry pipes up and says, "or 'You People:'"

I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my chair!!

then after lunch...

*Liberty was discussing using air freshener after one goes "poo" in the restroom. She said that if it is an apple scent, it smells like "someone just pooped an apple." I laughed soooo hard. I have often thought that many air fresheners do not truly cover up the poo smell. Then I said, some air fresheners smell like some one just pooped a tropical breeze... and of course there was another round of laughter, as we each began to come up with the next funniest poop smell.

Ahhh, yes.. I love teaching.

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*I have changed students' names to protect the guilty... er innocent, that is.. ha.