About Me

This blog today is about me:
BEST ANTHEM: Richard Smallwood's "Trust Me"...that song gets me through a bad day in a hurry...I have to trust God for every aspect of my life.
BEST NIGHT OUT: My friend invited me and a friend to her house....we just sat and talked and ate until around midnight...it was so relaxing and fun.
BEST MOOD BOOSTER: Being able to help someone, either on the phone or in person; so many people are in need.
BEST SURPRISE GIFT: A card from my son telling me how wonderful I am; I needed to feel appreciated at that moment, and he recognized that and did something about it.
BEST BARGAIN: Buying a dress for $5; I just love bargains.
BEST SUNDAY MORNING: One where I do not have to rush to get up, make breakfast, dinner and then rush to church; I love vacations - on the cruise, I spent Sunday morning on the beach in the Bahamas, getting a tan....I love communing with nature and appreciating what God made, LOL.
BEST DECISION: To go back to school after having Justin - I have a job I love because I went back to school. It is never too late to educate yourself.

a blue funk

I am in a blue funk today....I love my job; but today, I wish I was retired...I reach a point at times where I get tired of dealing with people and issues..I have had my fill for the week and it is only Wednesday. Yesterday was a bad day...if only the students would do as they are told; they create most of the problems I am having. Since I have had this bronchitis, I have been tired and never feel rested; coughing keeps me awake and the pills only let me sleep for about 2 hours. Sometimes I feel as though my boss does not know how to take me; I admit, I do say somethings out of line, not getting smart or anything, but because i am a fun-loving person, he may take me seriously when I am not serious. He just looks at me sometimes as if to say, "where did this crazy black woman come from?" I am still unhappy about the church situation and trying to hang in there...I am doing my best to be a good Christian; but given the opportunity, I would love to have a 5 minute window just to be mean. I feel the need to be mean, something I don't do. It could be stress and needing to vent...I need to do something, which is why I am posting this....maybe writing would help me. That is all for today...I just needed to get this out of my system. I am still saved; i have not sinned.

it has been a long time......

It has been a very long time since I have been back here to post anything...I left off at the end of January with what was happening in my life. I WON THE CHILI COOKOFF !!!!! I found a recipe on the internet 2 days before the cook off. I tried it and my son even said that if I don't win, the contest was fixed....it was a white bean chicken chili and the flavor is awesome. We had some ups and downs...we were anxiously planning our cruise...did our taxes and had enough money to finish off the cruise, put some away for my class reunion, pay for my Nova Scotia trip and have a few dollars put up in my savings account. We had major changes at church that was not well received...because I don't know who reads my blog, I will not go into detail, but I have not been a happy camper since then...it is in God's hands. Know that you cannot lie and say that God allowed things to work out when it was YOUR doings and manipulation. You must fully trust God, seek His face, or it is not going to work...you have seen his hand in other things and you refuse to recognize when your plans are not God's plans, yet you go forward anyway....if you destroy 2 other churches, what makes you think your big headed, my-way-or nothing attitude isn't going to destroy this one. Long time faithful people being kicked to the curb for your agenda. Go figure....people, you need to wake up...enough on this...it makes me angry. I made it through the school year; got my area packed and ready to move in record time and managed to make it on our cruise .....................all while taking care of Justin, who happened to have a major accident and break his ankle and shatter his left heel....he was hospitalized for 9 days; it cost me a lot of money for casts, wheelchair, wheelchair ramp, special wheelchair, shower chair, crutches, patient transfer services (2x) and someone to take care of Justin while we went on the cruise without him. If he had listened to his mother, it would not have happened because so many things were going wrong with this "volunteer" job that I told him to back away. HE DID NOT. I am thankful he was not hurt worse than what he was, but he now has a lifelong piece of metal in his heel, a slight limp, no income for 4+ months and could not finish school. Not complaining but this was a difficult time for me because I lost my helper and everything was on me to do - work, yard work, run errands, drive to appointments, nurse, clean, laundry, cook - all alone. All I wanted to do was sleep or have an uncomplicated day....but I made it through. We were blessed to go to Beaver Falls during this time; I went to my 40th Class Reunion. I actually had a great time and was so happy to see so many classmates. I found a new dress at Steinmart while in Pittsburgh with my aunts and sister the day before. It was the same dress I saw in Windsor for $75 - at Steinmart for $39. Justin and I were blessed to go to Nova Scotia with the choir in August. WE HAD SUCH A BEAUTIFUL TRIP. I love Nova Scotia - it reminds me of Pennsylvania....the people drive the way you are supposed to drive; it is a calm environment; the countryside is beautiful. We also went to Peggy's Cove (it rained) and Prince Edward Island (long ride). We had a great bus driver - she brought her husband and son along - her husband was so funny; he loved to laugh and have a good time. I was grateful for all the help I received with Justin - his friends were a Godsend. I returned to work right after that trip and got my work area organized. I had over 110 boxes to unpack, by my self. I was very happy with the results. I managed to finish just before our Grand Opening, which was fun. I was so proud of our new building and I love my new work area. Sept 1, 2011 saw us out on strike.....my very first one in my life. It started with 96 degree weather, then we had 50's with wind and rain. People for the most part were very supportive of our strike; a few people tried to run us down; a lot of people brought food for us and it was great to have one on one time with people that I formerly knew by name only. The strike lasted for 19 days and I was one very happy, thankful, grateful child of God to return to work. I came back with a cold that has been hanging on for over a month; I am tired of coughing and want this cold GONE. I have not been in the best spirits; life has been beatin' my behind - responsibilities, people, things and situations are getting me down - don't worry - I am most grateful for what I have, for the life I live, for salvation, the grace and mercy of God and for his many, many blessings. I am just feeling low and really don't want to feel this way.....I need a "hissy fit" moment for about a few days, then I think I can carry on. I do not allow myself to have those because I am always trying to do the right thing, but a Madea moment would do me a world of good, LOL. I will press on.

My Favorite Things

I heard the song "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music, so I decided to just write about my favorite things. These are questions we rarely ask people so I will save you from having to ask me:

1. Chocolate - good chocolate like Hershey's, Rosalind Candy Castle, Lindt, Turtles
2. Chocolate cake with Chocolate frosting, french vanilla ice cream
3. A hot shower after a tiring day
4. Shopping with friends (with money in my pocket)
5. Praise service at church - I love entering into the presence of the Lord.
6. Singing
7. Watching old black and white movies
8. Being with my family, laughing, eating and having fun.
9. Peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches
10. Barbecuing on the grill - I love the smell of meat cooking
11. Cooking or baking and having someone enjoy it.
12. Spending time at the beach, just watching the water.
13. Sitting on the porch, watching the world go by
14. Climbing into a freshly made bed, with clean pajamas on and snuggling under the covers.
15. Being out on the open highway, with the windows down, letting the wind blow.
16. Christmas season - I love the lights and the cheerfulness of people.
17. Picnics with family
18. Holding a newborn baby
19. Coffee with french vanilla cream
20. Wandering around a bookstore or a mall, checking out the new merchandise.
21. Reading books
22. Having lunch at work with my friends.
23. Listening to my son play music
24. Having my husband tell me a story
25. Celebrating life's precious moments
26. Folding laundry - I know, it is crazy, but I love it.
27. Helping someone in need.
28. Washing dishes - I know, another crazy one, but me and the Lord commune then.
29. Being in love
30. Being loved.

Randoms

This new year has been quite a year so far...We started out the year with a break in next door. The neighbor must have a few enemies because she is the only one who has break -ins; but you cannot make people mad by dating their husbands and not expect retaliation. A couple days after that we had a gas leak and had to move out of our house overnight. When they fixed it, it was discovered that there was a leak around the meter also..God spared our family's life because just after Christmas there was a gas explosion in Detroit and 2 people were killed. We had revival at church; I taught Bible Study; I attended a Pampered Chef party with friends; had the Kersey Family Reunion meeting at our house and actually had a nice time - I made my chicken and dressing casserole, salad, rolls, and strawberry trifle for dessert. Had a very interesting Missionary Meeting last night; let's just say I do not understand the Canadian way at times...I don't know who reads my blog so that is as far as i will go with that statement. That meeting has me rethinking the whole being on the missionary board thing. I am having Val and Anthony over for dinner on Saturday. We will play Scrabble after dinner. I love games and do not always have willing game partners in my house. My dad's 80th birthday is next Saturday and to him it is just another day. He does not want to do anything special, so I will make him a pineapple cake and visit for a short time. No presents - he does not need anything. The choir is having a chili cook off on the 30th and of course I am going to compete...I am adding vegetables, like onions, shallots, green and red pepper, celery, hot italian sauage, diced kielbasa, ground beef or turkey, kidney beans and northern beans to my chili, along with one secret ingredient. I PLAN TO WIN !!!!

I was in a funk the other day, but I got over it...it was just a matter of trusting God for a situation and of course God came through as he always does....I don't deserve his grace and mercy, yet he sees fit to bless me with them anyway...I love the Lord, he heard my cry and pitied every groan...as long as I live, and troubles rise, I'll hasten to his throne....be blessed, I am.

The Year will end soon.

Today is December 10th and so much has happened or is going to happen. I went shopping with girlfriends in Utica, Michigan. We had a grand time and ended the evening with dinner at Carraba's - great Italian food. Then I went "Black Friday" shopping with Errol, and my friend, Bonnie. Justin had an exam that morning and decided not to go. The weather was not too bad, and I did dress warmly. The stores were more crowded than usual and a bit disorganized but we managed to get everything we wanted and was out of the store in short order. We were back in Windsor by 9:30am and I ended the day at a friend's house in her hot tub. I FELL ASLEEP!!! But it was relaxing and a nice close to a perfect day.
My cousin Keli has been seriously ill, but I can say that I serve an awesome God. Keli was declared brain dead. With the help of God and millions of prayers, Keli is making improvements, have come off life support and her brain activity is increasing. WHO WOULD NOT SERVE A GOD LIKE MY GOD? It amazes me at the awesomeness of God. I know I keep using that word, but it best describes my God. I am so thankful and cannot wait to hear the testimony Keli is going to have.
We had the Missionary's Tea, the Choir concert, the Kersey Family Christmas dinner and the Kidney Foundation dinner. All were very nice, and I am glad it is over. I have my Christmas shopping almost finished...we are going light this year. I have a couple more gifts to buy, then I am done. I will be baking cookies on the 19th and the 22nd, my aunts are arriving the 23rd, then the festivities begin. I am going to enjoy being off work for about 10 days. When i return to work, the craziness will start. I will be busy until June. I am looking forward to the new year; I am expecting a prosperous year; I am planning to have a great year, physically, spiritually, and financially and mentally. Because right now, I AM SO TIRED.

Just a Hodge Podge of info....

I have not blogged in a while and it is because I have been busy. October is always Pastor's Anniversary month, and I did not have one free weekend in October. We had Canadian Thanksgiving; we did our traditional trip to Colasanti's that weekend - Muriel went with us. It was a beautiful day and we had a nice time. I had my dinner on that Sunday - it was good; then we were invited to Muriel's family dinner. Errol was not feeling well, so Justin and I went. I had a very good time with her family. Monday was going to be a rest day, but Bettyann invited us to her family dinner at her church. Justin did not want to go so Errol and I went. We had a great time; I got to see a lot of her family that I have not seen in a long while. The food was off the chain and of course I ate too much. The next weekend I went to Cleveland to spend the weekend with my aunts for their "Sister's Weekend". I had a wonderful time with my aunts and cousins and a couple of uncles. The weekend went too fast then it was time to come home. We had 3 Sunday's in a row of afternoon services; the last weekend was very busy. I had a friend's wedding, which was so nice. The reception was fantastic and beautiful; then the closing of the anniversary. The Nurse's Board was in charge of dinners that Sunday, so I was up early that Sunday morning to make lasagna, tossed salad and dessert. The dinner was a success and we were able to bless our Pastor with a very nice love token.

I went to visit my Dad the first Sunday in November and I was feeling sort of down that weekend - I was reminiscing about my mom and my grandmother and starting missing them in the worst way, to the point of tears. My dad was not doing his best and that made me sad. It is hard to see him age - he will be 80 years old in 2 months and he is getting weak in his legs. I miss being around my family; I miss my sister and wish she and I could see each other more often.

This post is not all bad; I am looking forward to going shopping this weekend with my lunch friends - we are going to an area in upper Michigan, and it is going to be so much fun. I have started my Christmas shopping - I am not planning to spend a lot this holiday season because I am trying to save money for our cruise. I have Errol almost finished - Justin will be finished by Friday night; Muriel should be done by Friday night and that will leave a few odds and ends. I know what I am getting my dad;he needs assistive aids, so I will get him a chair for the shower, so he does not have to worry about falling in the shower.

I am anxious to get the house ready so that I can put up the tree and decorate; I need to clean the windows and carpet, dust the furniture and rearrange it so I will have room for the tree. We are expecting company for Christmas so I am excited about that. I have not had company for Christmas since my sister and her family came about 3 years ago. We had a blast. This year for Christmas Eve, we are going to have a game night, with finger foods, then go to midnight mass at the Catholic church around the corner from my house...if it is a nice night, I just might walk. I just want to experience what a Midnight Mass is all about.

We have our Missionary's Advent Tea coming up and then the Annual Choir Concert the next night. My cousin's son Gerren is coming for a few days; it will be nice to have him here...he enjoyed himself so much last time. We have a busy weekend for him; the tea, choir concert, bowling and shopping, church, a Christmas dinner and such. He will be glad to go home and rest.:-) We are going to have a potluck Christmas dinner at church and the pastor's wife put me in charge of organizing it. It will be nice because after dinner we will have the children's program then be done for the day. I like to try different recipes whenever we have a potluck dinner, so time to hit the internet. That is all for now.