I was off Wednesday for the icy weather. I worked Thursday and had to take off Friday since my son was on day 2 of a fever. I ended up going by RadioShack and purchased a 32 inch Samsung LCD and since they had 0% financing for 18 months I decided it was time to get a new laptop as well. Our Toshiba is over 5 years old and slow as molasses.
I spent about 3 hours Friday doing TV duty. I had 2 small tvs in my room that went to the garage. The 27 inch from the living room moved to the bedroom. The 32 inch Samsung is now king of the living room. Took a while reconnecting to DishNetwork. Their support staff was great!
Detailed a car today in near 70 degree weather. Tonight I got the laptop going and after about an hour I had the wireless internet going too!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Day Off
This is officially our 2nd day off of the year due to inclement weather. On December 16th our district was out while I was at 5th grade camp. So this is officially my first day off.
Yesterday we released kids 45 minutes early in order to beat the freeze. It was nice to get to the gym at 4pm right as the kids club opened. I walked 2 miles and then was invited to play basketball. I went to bed last night knowing that we would at least have a delayed start. The rain turned into ice just after 10pm last night with the worst of it to hit just after midnight. My wife's district called the day about 11pm last night so I went to bed knowing I could sleep in and figured we'd have the day off.
I slept until 10am this morning.....nice. I definitely want to use this day. It is already 1pm and so far I've washed our sheets, we've cleaned the bathroom thoroughly(mostly wife), I did dishes and cleaned the fridge. One goal of today is to return stuff to about 5 stores. That is dead money right now. We'll hit the gym at 4pm and then head off to church around 6pm. For now on Wednesday nights my wife and I go have dinner alone while the kids are at church.
Right now it is sunny and the streets have cleared already. Not like getting a day off up north where you might be snowed or iced in all day.
Yesterday we released kids 45 minutes early in order to beat the freeze. It was nice to get to the gym at 4pm right as the kids club opened. I walked 2 miles and then was invited to play basketball. I went to bed last night knowing that we would at least have a delayed start. The rain turned into ice just after 10pm last night with the worst of it to hit just after midnight. My wife's district called the day about 11pm last night so I went to bed knowing I could sleep in and figured we'd have the day off.
I slept until 10am this morning.....nice. I definitely want to use this day. It is already 1pm and so far I've washed our sheets, we've cleaned the bathroom thoroughly(mostly wife), I did dishes and cleaned the fridge. One goal of today is to return stuff to about 5 stores. That is dead money right now. We'll hit the gym at 4pm and then head off to church around 6pm. For now on Wednesday nights my wife and I go have dinner alone while the kids are at church.
Right now it is sunny and the streets have cleared already. Not like getting a day off up north where you might be snowed or iced in all day.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Letter
After returning from our Christmas break visiting family in St. Louis I really felt the need to write my dad a letter letting him know how much he means to me. He's 67, lives alone, has been retired from working at a GM factory for 16 years and a few years ago he had a liver scare and quit drinking. Well, last Spring his younger brother was arrested on a cold case and he's slipped back into the drinking habit. He's been given a decent bill of health so I guess that with the stress of what is happening to his brother pushed him to drink again.
One day last week I awoke about 3am to use the restroom. I couldn't get back to sleep so about 3:30 I decided to hammer out a letter on the computer. I finished about 5am. I saved it and edited it a few times and finally last Friday I sent it.
Tonight he called me telling me that he got it. He said he cried a lot and really felt appreciated. He said he had a good day. My neice, his granddaughter, had minor surgery today and that went well too. This on top of possible news that his brother is innocent and should be released pretty soon.
We also had an early release day. I walked 2 miles on the treadmill and played basketball. Overall a good day for me too!
One day last week I awoke about 3am to use the restroom. I couldn't get back to sleep so about 3:30 I decided to hammer out a letter on the computer. I finished about 5am. I saved it and edited it a few times and finally last Friday I sent it.
Tonight he called me telling me that he got it. He said he cried a lot and really felt appreciated. He said he had a good day. My neice, his granddaughter, had minor surgery today and that went well too. This on top of possible news that his brother is innocent and should be released pretty soon.
We also had an early release day. I walked 2 miles on the treadmill and played basketball. Overall a good day for me too!
He Said What?
"I don't think it would be good for you and your family to attend church here any more....."
2 weekends ago my wife and I attended a membership workshop at Hope Fellowship, a church we have been attending since October www.hopefellowship.net . During the meeting the pastor shared what he feels lots of people go through when they are hunting for a church. He described it like a business life cycle where things are good and eventually peak. When the honeymoon period wears off it is normal to find certain flaws in a church whether it be the pastor, the people, the parking or something else. He said many people then leave the church in hopes to find that spark again. Well my wife and I discussed it and it made us wonder if that is what we did when we decided to leave our last church home. Even though we sought spiritual counsel from a well respected friend and former pastor, Bro Bill. Even though we prayed about it and read scriptures. Even though we had a gnawing feeling for about 6 months which made it hard to invite friends.
That said, our decision to leave was reaffirmed this weekend. I met up with about 10 friends which I met at this church. We all attended an intense "To Your Health" training together last Feb-April. Ironically of the 11 people who attended this seminar only 2 are still attending this church. I arrived at the get together on time and had about 20 minutes to talk to the host. She came right out and talked about how she is ready to leave the church. She also said she knew why we left which she was told by the pastor and it was pretty accurate, which surprised me. Her final straw was a bit different than ours, but really fits into the mold of why we left.
She shared that her friend was asked not to come back to the church A. It seems this lady and her husband visited a church B of someone who had left church A to start his own church B. This friend attended a New Year's Ever service of this new church B. This group had been meeting in a home and on Jan 1st they met corporately in a business warehouse. This lady really loved the worship experience and has decided to attend the new church B on Sundays. Since church B didn't offer any kids programs on Wednesday nights she brought her 4 kids to the Wednesday programs of church A. A program they have been involved with for about a year. This is when the pastor suggested that it would be best if they didn't come on Wednesday nights because it could disrupt the harmony of church A if people began asking why they weren't coming on Sundays.
Really? He said that? Basically saying I know that you are a new Christian who just got baptized with your whole family and you've been in the Jehovah Witness church since childhood and you are just coming to know Christ and develop that relationship. Your kids really need Jesus, BUT not at our church. How is this a Christ like action?
I am so glad we left when we did. It was really hard not to talk about why 9 of the 11 of us left this church within the last year. It is also hard not to talk to a special friend who is still there and enlighten him to the spiritual abuse that is going on at this church.
Now we just have to decide if we are ready to become members at Hope Fellowship. We have truly enjoyed worshipping there. We found out that they are affiliated with the Assemblies of God church and one of the doctrine I'm not sure about is the speaking in tongues upon receiving the Holy Spirit. We haven't experienced it there nor has a friend of mine who has attended for 2 years Must not be a non-negotiable. Can I take an online course for this?
2 weekends ago my wife and I attended a membership workshop at Hope Fellowship, a church we have been attending since October www.hopefellowship.net . During the meeting the pastor shared what he feels lots of people go through when they are hunting for a church. He described it like a business life cycle where things are good and eventually peak. When the honeymoon period wears off it is normal to find certain flaws in a church whether it be the pastor, the people, the parking or something else. He said many people then leave the church in hopes to find that spark again. Well my wife and I discussed it and it made us wonder if that is what we did when we decided to leave our last church home. Even though we sought spiritual counsel from a well respected friend and former pastor, Bro Bill. Even though we prayed about it and read scriptures. Even though we had a gnawing feeling for about 6 months which made it hard to invite friends.
That said, our decision to leave was reaffirmed this weekend. I met up with about 10 friends which I met at this church. We all attended an intense "To Your Health" training together last Feb-April. Ironically of the 11 people who attended this seminar only 2 are still attending this church. I arrived at the get together on time and had about 20 minutes to talk to the host. She came right out and talked about how she is ready to leave the church. She also said she knew why we left which she was told by the pastor and it was pretty accurate, which surprised me. Her final straw was a bit different than ours, but really fits into the mold of why we left.
She shared that her friend was asked not to come back to the church A. It seems this lady and her husband visited a church B of someone who had left church A to start his own church B. This friend attended a New Year's Ever service of this new church B. This group had been meeting in a home and on Jan 1st they met corporately in a business warehouse. This lady really loved the worship experience and has decided to attend the new church B on Sundays. Since church B didn't offer any kids programs on Wednesday nights she brought her 4 kids to the Wednesday programs of church A. A program they have been involved with for about a year. This is when the pastor suggested that it would be best if they didn't come on Wednesday nights because it could disrupt the harmony of church A if people began asking why they weren't coming on Sundays.
Really? He said that? Basically saying I know that you are a new Christian who just got baptized with your whole family and you've been in the Jehovah Witness church since childhood and you are just coming to know Christ and develop that relationship. Your kids really need Jesus, BUT not at our church. How is this a Christ like action?
I am so glad we left when we did. It was really hard not to talk about why 9 of the 11 of us left this church within the last year. It is also hard not to talk to a special friend who is still there and enlighten him to the spiritual abuse that is going on at this church.
Now we just have to decide if we are ready to become members at Hope Fellowship. We have truly enjoyed worshipping there. We found out that they are affiliated with the Assemblies of God church and one of the doctrine I'm not sure about is the speaking in tongues upon receiving the Holy Spirit. We haven't experienced it there nor has a friend of mine who has attended for 2 years Must not be a non-negotiable. Can I take an online course for this?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
I finally jumped into the world of Facebook last week. My wife actually got into it before I did. She's attempted to blog before without success so I'll see how long she lasts with this. Immediately upon registering I had one friend request. I've only added 7 friends to this point and have 15 people asking to be my friend. My wife likened it to school days when someone asks you to be their friend and the possibility of rejection becomes real.
After being on it for one week I can honestly say it doesn't excite me much. I did make one connection from high school which was cool. Then I haven't decided how many friends I REALLY want to have. I don't want to be a snob, but don't want that many people knowing my business, especially from work.
So, after a short break from blogging I think I'll recommit to blogging on a regular basis. I may combine this blog with my http://www.cravetheword.blogspot.com/ site as well.
After being on it for one week I can honestly say it doesn't excite me much. I did make one connection from high school which was cool. Then I haven't decided how many friends I REALLY want to have. I don't want to be a snob, but don't want that many people knowing my business, especially from work.
So, after a short break from blogging I think I'll recommit to blogging on a regular basis. I may combine this blog with my http://www.cravetheword.blogspot.com/ site as well.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Blog Rut
I think I'm in a funk lately and really don't feel like blogging. Could be burn out or could be that we are busy. Seems like each night of the week fills up with something. Plus working out. Guess this is why blogger is blocked at work. Otherwise I'd probably post everyday. Probably about something that could get me fired.
I'll be back in full force sometime.
I'll be back in full force sometime.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Lost Coupon Book
If you've followed my blog any at all you know how much I enjoy getting deals. Before the Christmas break I ended up putting together a coupon binder. I always cut coupons, but often find them after they expire or forget that I even have them. Often times I just can't find them. I bought clear sleeved business card holders and probably clipped and cataloged over 50 coupons. I do know that Pillsbury puts out a lot of coupons for their biscuits and such.
We took the binder to St. Louis with us and used it a couple of times. One time I took it to a grocery store and shopped for my mom. A few days later I couldn't find the book. I searched my mom's vehicle and even called the Schnucks to see if I left it. No such luck we never found it.
I guess someone hit the coupon jackpot that day. I will come back and arise from the ashes. I bought Sunday's paper and pulled the 3 coupon sections. I have one clear sleeve ready to go and need to get a one inch binder. I think I may get the baseball card sleeve because it should make it easier to read the coupons.
We took the binder to St. Louis with us and used it a couple of times. One time I took it to a grocery store and shopped for my mom. A few days later I couldn't find the book. I searched my mom's vehicle and even called the Schnucks to see if I left it. No such luck we never found it.
I guess someone hit the coupon jackpot that day. I will come back and arise from the ashes. I bought Sunday's paper and pulled the 3 coupon sections. I have one clear sleeve ready to go and need to get a one inch binder. I think I may get the baseball card sleeve because it should make it easier to read the coupons.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
70/50/30
70
Saturday here in North Texas was amazing with temps in the high 70s. I got the call on Friday to see if I could detail a car. I previously traded childcare for a detail and yesterday was the payoff for a friend. While I was finishing up the Infinity, which hadn't been detailed since new and 58,000 miles I got a call to see if I could detail a truck. This would be in exchange for the Christmas tree we got late November. I went ahead and detailed the truck and a Hyundai Sante Fe to pay off that debt. So, on the nicest day in months I detailed vehicles from 10am until about 5pm. I am on the bit sore side today.
50
Today the temps are in the 50's. The wind is whipping from the north making it unenjoyable to be outside. We came home from church to find our front door wide open. My daughter that we were going to leave behind didn't pull it all the way shut. (We came back from Missouri to find that our front door was unlocked for 10 days as well. So far I haven't found anyone living in the attic or under a bed. My truck was here as well as the laptop.)
30
Tomorrow the temps will top out in the upper 30's with a chance of freezing rain. Maybe we'll get lucky and have a late start. Haven't got out of bed before 8am in 2 weeks.
Saturday here in North Texas was amazing with temps in the high 70s. I got the call on Friday to see if I could detail a car. I previously traded childcare for a detail and yesterday was the payoff for a friend. While I was finishing up the Infinity, which hadn't been detailed since new and 58,000 miles I got a call to see if I could detail a truck. This would be in exchange for the Christmas tree we got late November. I went ahead and detailed the truck and a Hyundai Sante Fe to pay off that debt. So, on the nicest day in months I detailed vehicles from 10am until about 5pm. I am on the bit sore side today.
50
Today the temps are in the 50's. The wind is whipping from the north making it unenjoyable to be outside. We came home from church to find our front door wide open. My daughter that we were going to leave behind didn't pull it all the way shut. (We came back from Missouri to find that our front door was unlocked for 10 days as well. So far I haven't found anyone living in the attic or under a bed. My truck was here as well as the laptop.)
30
Tomorrow the temps will top out in the upper 30's with a chance of freezing rain. Maybe we'll get lucky and have a late start. Haven't got out of bed before 8am in 2 weeks.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Travel Day
Happy New Year. We are heading home and it's 10:30am. Wonder what we'll leave behind. Already know we left our daughter's jacket at her aunt's house 75 miles away. $50 jacket that we picked up at a yard sale for $4. Not worth adding another hour to the trip.
Had a great New Year's last night. Spent it with lifelong good friends. We all have 2 kids each and they played together great. The adults got to talk and play a few games of Joker.
We'll be in Carthage MO arond 4pm. Hope to score some El Charros for dinner. Should be in Texas, at home, after 10pm.
Few days to rest and get ready for work. Teaching has its perks.
Snacks for the road: $10
Filling up the gas tank: $20
Spending 10 days in St. Louis with family and friends: Priceless.
Had a great New Year's last night. Spent it with lifelong good friends. We all have 2 kids each and they played together great. The adults got to talk and play a few games of Joker.
We'll be in Carthage MO arond 4pm. Hope to score some El Charros for dinner. Should be in Texas, at home, after 10pm.
Few days to rest and get ready for work. Teaching has its perks.
Snacks for the road: $10
Filling up the gas tank: $20
Spending 10 days in St. Louis with family and friends: Priceless.
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