Let's go to Europe!

We finally settled on the date of our trip. We leave Atlanta on Wednesday June 27th. We will fly up to LaGuardia, then we have 6 hours to get over to JFK and catch the non-stop over to Prague. Our plane lands in Prague at about 10:30 a.m. Prague time. That's after probably 13 hours in the air. And we all know I cannot sleep in the air. So we figure that we will spend that first day in the room recovering,then perhaps we can go out for a walk and dinner that evening. I think we're both worried about an outbreak of crabbiness on my part again. We know that we will explore the city on foot. We will see castles, and I hope that we can visit a museum. We want to go over to Kutna Hora to see the Bone Church. We will fly back on Wednesday July 4. I wonder if we will see fireworks on our way into the US? This trip is for our 28th anniversary. I just know we are going to have a terrific time.

Taxes, no death (yet)

Much to my surprise, this year we will pay the Feds for the privilege of living in this country. Wait. We pay a good chunk of money in taxes all year long anyway, but this year, WE GET TO GIVE THEM MORE. What a thrill!
People hear me say, ad nauseum, that this is the greatest country on Earth, and how lucky we are to live here. I still believe this. But it's kinda like one of those hotel chains that you've heard of, so you figure it's a safe clean place to stay, then when you arrive, it's just slightly seedy and grimy. The luster has dimmed and you're a little disappointed.
With all the problems the US now has- a huge number of people on public assistance and happy to stay there, crime, violence, racial strife, I begin to wonder where Gil & I will live out our retirement.
Shall we live in a remote area of New Mexico? Shall we go to a gated retirement community in Arizona? Shall we leave the US altogether and become ex-pats in an American-friendly country?
So back to taxes. This has gotten me thinking that this country that I adore is not so friendly to the law-abiding, working stiff who is just trying to do the right thing. If the criminal element isn't trying to rob you of the things you've worked for and earned, this government will flip you upside down and try to get what's left.
I will continue to pray that life as I know it will revert to what it was 2 decades ago. What I worked for was mine to keep, including a large part of my wages, and I didn't have to arm myself in my own home.
Taxes and death. They're inevitable. But I didn't figure on being more frightened of the government.

Catching up

The most important news is my faith. I jumped into reclaiming my relationship with the Lord in a big way. I have had a gaping hole in my soul. It was my craving to reclaim my faith.
I have a tremendous amount to learn. For those people raised in the church, I suppose you already know all the delights I'm just now uncovering. But this is quite obviously the path that the Lord has laid out for me. I'll just have to scramble to catch up to you.
I'm fitting in extra classes as they're available to me, having fellowship with the ladies in my church, reading The Bible every day over the year ( I have an accountability partner), taking a Saturday morning 6 weeks "Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering" class, which is SO fulfilling, and praying and listening for God's instruction.
I have so far to go. And until death, I won't reach the finish line. I will make my journey and pray, pray, pray.

Gil's 55th birthday

My dear Gil celebrated his 55th on Friday. His wish was to visit the Georgia Aquarium. It's been open for several years now, but you know how it goes....you want to wait until the crowds die down before you shell out those dollars and go look-see.
Since it was Gil's birthday, he got in for free. Not only that, ke got a big round button to wear on his shirt,saying as much!
If you know me at all, you know there is nothing I like more than having my family members get attention showered on them on their big day. Why, I do believe that my husband & kids dread me being out with them on their birthday.
As we visited the various exhibits, each G.A. employee who crossed our path smiled brightly at Gil and exclaimed "Happy Birthday!"
It was fabulous!
After seeing this wonderful landmark, we had a very late lunch at The Varsity. Then we sought out a little shop I wanted to see. Didn't buy anything. I just wanted to see the shop.
All in all, a fun day!

It's 2012- New Year, New Me?

Not so far....
I'm off work today for the holiday. Don't plan to do anything except clean the house , especially after last night's harrowing season premier of "Hoarding: Buried Alive.
The homeowner/ mother ( I use the term "mother" quite loosely since this creature was not a mom to her 2 teenagers. She merely occupied space in the roach & spider infested hovel her children were forced to live in)
Dad had moved out & Sherry had custody, presumedly so she could collect the welfare & food stamps, along with her disability. You see, Sherry is lazy. I'm sorry, I mean she's disabled. She informed us that she has 13 illnesses. At least that's what I think she said. It was difficult to focus on her words due to the sheer anger forcing steam out of my ears every time she opened her mouth.
Since I basically can't talk about this creature who bears a striking resemblance to the critters that took over her home for another minute, let me suggest you watch it yourself.
Google- Hoarding: Buried Alive Roaches.
( I have a new iPad & haven't learned all it's tricks yet, sorry.....)
Spoiler alert! It DOES have a positive ending.

Awful Day at Work. When Will I Learn to Cope?

Sometimes I just don't know what to do about my work life. I work hard, I really do. I rarely visit or chit-chat. I have something I need to accomplish, andI  hit the ground running, trying to do what I'm paid to do.
And I face so many stumbling blocks. Co-workers who won't show me where to find the answers I need to move forward, who won't assist when I run out of time. Who ask me to do them favors, but won't reciprocate when I need a favor.
There are approximately 50% of my coworkers with whom I work well. We understand each other and work to reach the same goals.
It's the other 50%. And I find that those of us who work well together agree on who our problem co-workers are.
So, why do these problem people affect me the way they do? Why do they hold the power over me, the ability to ruin a full day and make me want to quit my job?
Why can't I place the problem people on my mental float boat, and send them off toward the arctic in my mind?
I have to work on this. I can no longer allow the wrong people to dictate my day.

Winter in Middle Georgia

It's early December. And it's Saturday.
When I awoke this morning, I followed my usual routine. I fixed a cup of coffee, fed and watered the cat, then opened up the wooden front door so kitty and I could look outside. We have a good storm door so minimal cold comes in, but even if it wasn't a good door, I would open it anyway. I've always liked to be able to look out windows and doors.
What do I see? Brown...... brown everything.......brown everywhere.
It's winter. And not a thing is growing.
This is a hard time of year for me. I love warm breezes, the sound of wildlife and riotous colors. The sunshine and flowers.
Winter is part of God's design. I know it. I don't easily accept it. But there's a lesson in it, isn't there?
Rebirth, the return of life and hope.
I'll work to be thankful that the Lord has granted me this time and understanding and most of all, acceptance of His grace and love.
Even in this most dismal time of year. Perhaps He wishes me to take the time to turn toward Him by removing those beautiful scenes He grants to us in Spring and Summer.
There's a purpose to it all.
I understand, I think.