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.

Some teachers

Justin needed to retake a psychics class that he and 5 other students did not pass. His coordinator told them that he would arrange to have them put into the second year class along with the second years students....so Justin has been attending class for the past 3 weeks, only to be told today that the idiot teacher never signed the paperwork; Justin cannot continue in the class nor take the exam this week, for which he is prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This coordinator is a kid...I don't know where they got him...he is 26 years old and does not have a clue about how to do anything. Now these guys have to look into taking a night course next semester, IF IT IS OFFERED, or not graduate in June, and take this class during the summer, IF IT IS OFFERED.

I am so sick of school; I have had elementary school drama, middle school drama, high school drama, now college drama!!!! I will be happy when this child of mine is graduated and gainfully employed in an excellent job. I know what we deal with in my department and some things are not fair. I don't agree with all they do, and when I can, I speak up for the student. But most times it is the student trying to get over on us and not go by the rules. They spend more energy trying to get around the rules than they do just going by the rules....such a waste of energy and time.

Now for the flip side.....I am thankful for my son, that we live in a country that he can afford college; I am thankful that he can attend where I work - no, he does not attend for free, but we save money on gas and parking fees. I enjoy his company on the ride in and home; I get to see him in the course of my day; with the help of God he will graduate on time, even though his coordinator did not fulfill his part of the deal; I have a job I enjoy, great people to work with, really good friends to lunch with; people who look out for me and are concerned about me; and I am loved. I always like to end on a positive note (although sometimes I don't).

Great Weekend

I just had the best weekend of my life!!!!! My aunts and my cousin's son came to visit this weekend; I had invited them because I had concert tickets and that was the reason for the visit. They arrived Friday evening about 5:30pm and we all were happy to see them.We had a lovely dinner of fried tilapia, scalloped potatoes, green beans and hush puppies. After dinner, we all went and clean the church - I knew we had a busy weekend and I wanted to get that job out of the way. It was nice having help to clean and the job was completed in no time....Justin and Gerren played music while we cleaned....don't worry, they helped also. We went back home and while the youngsters went out bowling, we sat around and talking into the night.

Saturday was breakfast, then shopping at the outlets. We went to Coach and the Dollarstore. Gerren and Justin had their own agenda as far as stores went, but they came back with bags. I got another Coach purse...could not pass it up. It was time to get home and get ready for the evening....we changed clothes, picked up Muriel and her mom, and off we went to Detroit. Had to make a couple pit stops at the hair store and the drug store for snacks for the concert, then off to dinner at Southern Fires. We saw so many friends having dinner at the restaurant...everyone had the same idea, dinner then concert. We got to the arena early because dinner did not take as long as I thought....it was fun to sit, and watch the arena fill up. We were excited and anticipating a great time. About 8:00 the concert started...it was so beautiful when the lights went out and everyone opened their cell phones...it looked like stars around the arena. The overture was a tribute to Walter Hawkins, and it was so moving, Aunt Maxine and I almost cried. The various choirs were fantastic - some very anointed, others just performers, but all were phenomenal....it was breathtaking. We saw so many sights and were on a cloud when it was all over.

Sunday we had a great, spirit filled service...Errol was the morning speaker and he spoke about "the Right prescription". So many came to the altar afterward. The music was soul stirring and the testimonies were encouraging. After church, we had guests come for dinner - Muriel came to church and stayed for dinner along with Charles. Artrina and Karl came also, so we had a nice group..we feasted on barbecued country ribs, roast pork, dumplings, mac and cheese, greens and cabbage and yams. We had strawberry shortcake for dessert. We did take pictures and just had great conversation about the goodness of the Lord. The young'uns went to church with Justin, because the choir had to sing at an afternoon service. Around 7:30, we ate again and the kids came back with a couple more friends to eat and take plates home....I still have some food left over. I was sad to realize the weekend was over and it was time for my company to leave and for me to go to work. I am so tired, but it is a good tired. I still have to do 6 loads of laundry, clean the church and do some computer work tonight, but it is all good. I could take a few more weekends like this one.....I love my family very much and I enjoy spending time with them.

A lot has happened...

A lot has happened since I last blogged in April....I made it through the school year (barely) with my sanity intact. There were a few close calls. The students were very difficult this year. It all comes down to laziness and a failure to plan and use time wisely. Of course they blamed the faculty and staff, but we are used to that.

I kept a journal of "What I did on my summer vacation"...and it is boring. I spent time with my friends, went shopping, attended our church convocation, helped plan and execute the Kersey family reunion..(it was nice);celebrated Justin's 21st birthday, booked our plane tickets for our cruise and shopped some more; attended my family reunion, which was just fantastic...I had such a great time being with my family. I do not visit enough, but working at a college does not leave a lot of time for me to get away. Plus church activities take up the remainder of my time. I feel sad that I cannot attend various family functions and it pains me when I see the pictures on Facebook and know that I was not a part of the fun.

I put on quite a few pounds this summer and I am not too thrilled about that. My weight has been an ongoing war for almost all my teen and adult life. Many many times I am tired of the struggle, but I know if I expect to have a long, healthy life, I cannot ignore my weight. I had planned to exercise by taking long walks along the river, but the weather was so, so hot, that I just stayed in the house, eating and watching movies. I did accomplish a few jobs I had set out to do, so all was not lost, but I do wish I had gotten more done...I feel so old when I don't have the energy to do everything I set out to do. I admit, we have too much stuff, but I have a hard time throwing things out. I have been taking baby steps in that area and I have a nice bundle ready for pick up, but there is much more to do. If Justin had his way, all of it would be gone TODAY, but some things have sentimental value to me - my mom's suit, letters she wrote, a pair of shoes I got on a certain vacation, a special t-shirt, so therefore I hold on to too much junk. I am working on that, so there is still hope for me.

Our new building at work is coming along nicely and I am excited about the move we will make next year. I am not thrilled about the space I have and the way my work area is set up. You think they would have consulted me about that, but no one bothered to talk to me until it was too late to change the plan. I will still have a lot of foot traffic traipsing through my office, particularly behind my desk...but I only have 7 1/2 years more then I don't have to worry about it.

I am really looking forward to our cruise in June....Lord please bless and spare our lives. It is my first cruise and it is going to be a blast. We are going to Florida a day earlier so that we don't have to stress about last minute problems. Our hotel is one block from an outdoor mall....I will be shopping. When we return from the cruise, I will attend my 40th class reunion...I am excited about that because the last reunion I attended was my 5th. I am also planning to go to Nova Scotia with our church choir in August. The only province I have been in is Ontario, so it will be exciting to see another part of Canada....seafood galore, nice weather - not too hot, and did I mention seafood? What is so nice is that we are flying - no bus!!!!!! I have to save my money so that I can afford this trip.

Justin will be graduating from college and I will be happy about that. I pray he will find a job quickly so that he can start paying me back my money, and that he can finally afford a car. I AM TIRED OF SHARING. It has not been too bad because we have worked it out well and he does put gas in the car and pay his own insurance. Also he needs a good job because he will not be on my health insurance. Thank God he is healthy, but he will not have dental coverage under me anymore.

When I return from Nova Scotia, I will probably not take my layoff in August and just go ahead and work...I will be responsible for organizing my work area in the new building. This way I can take my time and decide where I want things without the stress of having people around or being on a short schedule.

I am sad that my husband does not want to go away for Christmas this year. For the past 2 years we have gone to Pennsylvania to spend the holiday with family. He wants to stay in Windsor - I don't know why. No one invites us anywhere and it is SO, SO , SO BORING here. He does not like to visit anyone and his family is busy with their own families, so it is just the 3 of us. I guess I will just sleep and watch movies. No fun!!!!!

That is all for now...I should be doing some work, but it is almost time for lunch. It is orientation week here and students and their parents have filled the hallways finding their way around. The school throws a barbecue each day and give away gift bags, but with my weight gain, I cannot eat hot dogs and chips everyday for a week. I brought my own lunch and I will enjoy that.

Influential People

I was reading something today in someone else's blog; they were talking about people who had an impact on their life. It made me start to think about the people in my own life who had an influence on the things I do, say or think. My list is as follows:
1. My mother - the one line I always remember my mother saying when asked why she was nice to mean people - "God only holds me responsible for how I treat people, not for how they treat me". This line has carried me through many a difficult situation and had kept me out of jail. My mother was kind, loving and meek - but mess with her and she could put you in your place in a nice way. This is what I try to do. She was the best mother. One day I asked my mother why she did something things when raising us...she said she did the best she could do....that answer was enough for me....I love her so much and miss her even more....I want to hear her voice again, and just smell her skin...I forget what she smells like.

2. My grandmother - Grandma reached out to the very people most of us would ignore. She reached out to the drunk in the ditch, or the sick and homeless. I am friends with the friendless, I hug people who smell or who are dirty; I am especially nice to the people that others are not nice to. I will feed the hungry, even when we are selling dinners at church and that person has no money. I will share what I have even if nothing is left for me. I miss her so much and just want to hug her.

3. My father - he taught me to stand up for myself; to work for what I want in life; to not settle for cheap products - get the best for your money. He made sure each of his children had a car, purchased with their own money; he taught me the importance of keeping a clean car and maintaining the upkeep to have your car running at its best. He taught us to do nice things for people, especially older people, and do not expect to be paid in cash; never charge your family for anything. He taught us to pay our tithes to the church. He may not have always made the best decisions or did things the right way, but he is my father and I love him very much.

4. My son - having a child makes you examine everything you do because now someone is watching you and learning by your example. He has made me a better person because I think about my choices, my words, my attitude and my actions because he is learning from me.

5. My husband - he accepted me for the person I am when someone else rejected me because I was not what they wanted me to be. He loved me unconditionally. He taught me how to fix things, the different names for screwdrivers; he let me push a lawnmower for the first time in my life. He puts up with me, and I with him.

6. My pastor's wife - I learned how to be a quiet storm - dignity under fire. I could be angry with a smile on my face. I did not always have to speak my mind because I had the right. There are times it is better to be quiet than to be right. And to always support your husband and never publicly speak against him. Have discussions with your husband in a moving car so that he cannot walk away from you....he has no where to go.


I have also learned things from negative people and how NOT to be like them. From these people I have learned to:
1. Be thankful
2. Don't complain
3. Always see the bright side
4. Look for the good in people
5. Being right is not always a good thing
6. Always tell the truth and deal with the fall-out; it is better than telling a lie and never being trusted again. Trust is harder to earn the second time around.
7. No one is better than you.
8. Appreciate the people in your life.

Enough said for today. These people and the way they lived, spoke, acted has helped to shape my life, and for that I am most grateful.

Cleansing my Soul

I don't know who reads my blog, other than Jessie, but I will still let you know this post comes with a warning:

*****My blog is my place to vent, rant, and just let loose without judgment from anyone. I have not sinned, I am a thankful, blessed woman of God, but there are times when we just need to say what is on our minds....this is what this blog is about for me today.****

We can be just going along in life and reach a point where you are tired of always doing and saying the right thing; just tired of being nice to rude, belligerent people....TODAY IS ONE OF THOSE DAYS.

I don't want to be nice; I don't want to smile at mean people; I don't want to be calm and soothing on the phone. When people call and get ugly with me because I cannot accommodate them, I want to yell back, "It is not my fault you chose to ignore your teeth for 10 years then decided it was my problem because they are falling out of your head and I should make an appointment this afternoon and fix them immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!" No one wants to take responsibility for their bad choices or decisions. It is always someone else's fault. I don't want to hear complaints; everyone is having a hard time....that is what "difficult economic times" mean; it is not just you, it affects everyone.

I want to hit stupid (yes, I said "Stupid") people....I had a teacher, of all people, ask me if Room 274 was on the second floor----I wanted to say, "No, it is on the 74th floor, the 2nd room, that is why it is numbered like that." I am the frontline person on my job...I take pride in garnering information so that I can answer any question asked of me....SO I DON'T NEED SNOBBY TEACHERS COMING TO ME TALKING TO ME AS IF I AM A 1850'S BACKWOODS SLAVE FROM MISSISSIPPI JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE A DENTAL EDUCATION AND I DON'T....I have an education, but I will never let people know exactly what I know....and I know a lot. I do a good job; I am not saying this being conceited....my boss tells me on a regular basis that I am doing a good job and I am irreplaceable....so get your nose out of the air, teach these kids like you are being paid to do, and get out of my face.

I cannot believe I am asked time and again, "Do you file charts by the first name or last name?". Go figure....kids are being graduated from high school and do not know their alphabet...yet they are in college, getting ready to go out into the real world and work on humans. I have met some 4 year olds that know their alphabet better than some students.

I am not finished ranting, but I feel better already....so with that said, "God forgive me for feeling this way...I know you know our hearts, and I want to have a pure heart, to treat people right and to be found worthy in your sight. Forgive me for having these feelings, and help me to let my light shine in the midst of the darkness I face daily. Lord I love you and praise your holy name." There, all done.

Springlike day

Today is so beautiful outside....60 degree temps and I am indoors. But I am not complaining because if we don't get anymore snow...then WINTER IS OVER FOR US. This is the best winter we have had in Canada in a long time...we did not have any measurable snow this year, while everyone else had mountains of snow elsewhere. The only thing I dread about the weather getting better is the ongoing battle with the neighbor boys with the basketball net situated between the shared driveway and the fact that the ball keeps bouncing off my van. NOT GOOD.

I wish I was going away for March break...my finances are a little low since I am not getting compensated for cleaning the church at the moment, so I have to stay put...but one thing I have learned...the Lord is blessing; He has provided us with just enough to meet our immediate needs, and for that I am grateful.

Even though our cruise is 15 months away, I am so excited....it will be here before I know it. I am looking for luggage for the three of us. I don't want to take too much; I am going to do my best to pack light. I think the only thing I do want is new sandals and a new bathing suit. I have enough capris and tops and skirts to take; I am only taking one evening dress; if I need it for two occasions I will wear the same dress. I am believing Errol will be fine and not need medical attention while there. i will get travel insurance for him. This will be a lifelong dream come true.

I am looking forward to the weekend; I might start some of my yard work - cleaning up debris, clipping my bushes etc. I love the weekend...Justin can take the car to work; I want to sleep in; then we get our taxes done. I'll visit my dad since I will be just around the corner from him. I want to make a good dinner for Sunday - maybe sweet potato pie for dessert.

It is March....is winter over, because we did not have one.

I cannot believe this is March already...I just heard on the news that the time will change in less than two weeks.....I AM NOT READY!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate this time change most of all because it is so hard to adjust to one less hour of sleep. I am already sleep deprived.(so I think) I will enjoy the longer days, more sunshine, sitting on the porch at night - but my sleep is very important to me.

We did not have much of a winter this year...I am happy but I was really hoping for a couple snow days - everyone got a few but us, and we live in CANADA. Pennsylvania was almost wiped off the map with all the snow they had...the pictures were beautiful. I don't mind a lot of snow in Windsor because the terrain is so flat - it is a joy to drive in the snow here. We still have time to have a snow storm....I remember March 20, 1996.....14 inches with rain. That was no fun.

I am still in need of a serious break....from everything for a few days. I need pampering....to be fed, allowed to sleep as long as I want..not to have to answer the phone, to be able to watch movies or read uninterrupted....to not have to do anything for anyone...oh, what a dream. One day...!!!!!

I have been breaking out in hives every morning for the past two weeks and I cannot pinpoint the cause...it is so uncomfortable....I went to the campus nurse, she gave me some medicine and it helped with the itch, so I have to get some more. I have eliminated Crystal Light (dye), body wash (allergic reaction) and my newest vitamin to see if that helps. I hope so. later, peace out...it is getting busy here and I cannot concentrate anymore.

Mixed Bag

Today is going to be a mixed bag of emotions and thoughts. I am tired; my husband has been sick since January 8th and is on the road to recovery, but we have had our moments. I am the primary caregiver, with Justin assisting here and there, but he does not have the patience for that job. I have had to wake up in the middle of the night for various reasons to assist my husband, then go to work in the morning....I just want to sleep in for a long while. I will rest better when he is feeling better.

I am seriously considering not being the church janitor anymore because I am tired of planning my life around having to clean the church. New Year, New Me...I am giving it a try at living on my present income, without the added bonus from the church, not that it was that much, but it made things a bit easier when I was financially challenged. I like to have days, especially in the winter, when I do not have to leave the house. I am too wrapped up in what is happening at church; I feel the need to be in the know about everything; now I don't care to know - ignorance is bliss. By removing myself from some jobs, like financial bookkeeping, janitorial duties and such, I can just be a bench warmer, which is what I want at this present time.

My great niece and her fiance are getting married tonight...they are so in love it is refreshing...counting down the days until the wedding on Facebook, sending out sweet messages, etc. How nice to be just starting out on your new life together...Oh the adventures they will have!!!!! They will be living in the cold Yukon Territory....I have not been to a family wedding in a while so I am looking forward to this grand event. Justin is playing at the wedding and during the reception...I also am looking forward to the meal. Nice not to have to cook. I wish my husband was feeling better so that I can really enjoy myself; as it is I may attend for a while then go back home to be with him.

I have not enjoyed 2010 yet....it came in with a bang!!!!! Problems, issues, illness, more problems, upheaval, and that was just the first week. All these things are a part of life and when everything has been good for a while, it can throw you for a loop. I will be ecstatic when I can see the light at the end of this tunnel....I cannot complain really because every time I think about the earthquake in Haiti, I say "there but for the grace of God go I and my family". God bless those people and those poor children left without parents.

I have said enough today, but have not really touched the surface of my feelings...it is hard for me to put them into words today. I just need a big hug, a cup of hot chocolate and for someone to tell me it is going to be alright....then they will get to work and make it alright. Dear God, I know you've got my back, I feel the hug. All my faith and trust is in YOU...I love you Lord.

Happy New year

Okay, it has been a while since I have blogged, but life has been busy....getting ready for the holidays and such. We had our Advent Tea at the beginning of the month, the choir concert (very nice); my Christmas party with work friends, the Kid's Bazaar at church; I took a friend shopping; our Quilting Class party; the Union Social - I won two prizes; the Kersey Family Christmas party - attendance could have been a lot better - for a family that large, 35 people in attendance is sad; Justin's production at the Cleary; my great niece's funeral - rest in God's arms Shana; Staff Brunch at work; baking cookies with Muriel, church family dinner, friends over on Christmas eve, then leaving for Pennsylvania Christmas day....and that was just December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had to deal with some drama on Christmas Eve, but you know, I don't allow drama to control my life....I dealt with it, and I will just end it by saying some people need hobbies or jobs so they will not have time to be peace breakers or disturbers. Don't bring that mess to me, because there is no room in my life for junk.

I had a great time with my family in PA...I love my family and enjoy being with them. The time went too fast and it was time to come back to Windsor. I am looking for bigger and better things in 2010....I want health and prosperity for my family, salvation for my unsaved loved ones and friends, more of Jesus for me, peace, grace and mercy for everyone, and to be the best person I can be to everyone I meet. I am thankful for my dear husband, my loving, handsome son, my father, brothers and sister, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, beautiful nieces and handsome nephews, my job, coworkers, my church and church family, my pastor and his wife, my job, my home, the ability to pay my bills, for my van, for the love of God, for salvation, for my health, for God's hand on my life, and for His faithfulness to me and mine. I am grateful for the loving, Godly mother and grandmother who raised me and left me with qualities that have shaped my life; I am thankful for a mind stayed on Jesus, and peace of mind...for the common sense not to fall under Satan's spell; I love you Lord, and I lift up my voice to worship you, oh my soul rejoice....take joy my King in what you hear and let it be a sweet sound in your ear. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. In Christ's service I remain....forever.