Okay, this is what I don't like about working. It is not the work, that has been somewhat challenging because I am having to learn Excell and everything else pertaining to my task at hand. But, The Supervisor is very patient and encouraging with me. It is not the people. I really enjoy working with the office manager and of course Susan, one day a week. It is not even the time. During the day, although I was never at a loss for something to do at home when I was not working, most of the time I can get the routine tasks accomplished. What I hate about working is the weekend and all that there is to do and only two days to get it done....the big things! And yet, the reality of that is this. Whatever is happening on the weekends happens on the weekends anyway and would not be any different if I was not working! Still....for some reason this play with my mind and I feel like there is soooo much to do and no time to do it.
I miss talking with Lizardbreath everyday...or almost everyday. Once I get to work I am so focused on what I am doing that I don't take breaks and rarely eat lunch away from my workstation. Don't get me wrong, it is not that I am not allowed to...that is just the way I am wired. Once I get started on a project...I do not like to quit until it is finished.
Then when I get home, I have been away from the routine of things there and am almost paralyzed by the "being out of the loop", so to speak. No one cares of course, it is just me and trying to adjust to the working world again.
It has been nice having Eve at the house. Although their lives are as busy as ours, especially with the Volleyball Player and her schedule as of late. But Eve is there during the day homeschooling the three youngest and does the laundry and cooking....if any of us is home to be cooked for....at least those are two things I don't have to do. But, if I did have to do them...I could manage.
For instance...right now, I need to clean house....I mean, really clean....de-hair the place. But, I have a Women's Ministry tea to go to in about an hour and should be getting ready right now. By the time it is over...I won't want to clean house. Then today, Thor went to Fayetteville for the Bikers, Bar-B-Q, and Bluegrass Festival with the Men's Ministry and although I don't generally enjoy going on bike rides that involve a great deal of highway driving, I kind of considered going,... but had the women's thing I signed up for, committed to and "should" and will go to. And then, one of our Single's, Reba, invited me to go to the Owasso Band Invitational with her tonight to see the band march exhibition. That I will do as well, but it doesn't even start until 10:00 P.M. On top of all that... I need to be reading my Lambs Bible Study book and doing the journal questions and paying bills. None of these take all my time, but they do take some time and together.... they equal all my time. Logically....I will always do something with my time...so why not all these things?
So why does this all mess with my mind? Who knows, but it does. How do men deal with this all the time?!....It just goes to show that God created men and women differently. I doubt that they ever even give things like this a thought.
And what am I doing here writing this when I should be getting ready...or I will be late! I am too busy to blog....Gotta go....Later!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
I did It All By Myself...Almost
Today, I soloed! I am sure that the office manager must have told me she would not be in, but I don't remember. The office is usually open on Monday's so I was expecting her to be there, although it really does not effect what I do if she is not. I had a note that asked if I would please answer the store cell phone in case the repairman for the sprinkler that was dripping called. He never did. When I checked my email I found the my supervisor was working from home today due to a stomach bug. I was to call her if I needed any help and she would check on me later. The others where inquiries about requests I had sent out on Thursday and Friday. After writing down information I might need for questions that were sure to come up...I called my supervisor. She told me what to do with the inquiries then continue to work on the project she had given me. When I told her I had finished, she was pleasantly surprised, but not quite prepared to give me the next part of the puzzle. I asked her about something that I had written as a part of the other project that we had not covered. That was all she needed to trigger what needed to be done next. She began to fire off what I needed to do, I wrote as fast as I could and asked as many questions as I needed to clarify. Then I was on my own. I would call if I needed help.
To be honest....I was scared to death. The task seemed daunting. But, not being one to give up or give in, I took a deep breath and told myself....you can do this. First of all though I had to decipher my notes so I was sure I knew what I was to do. I was going to be working from two different worksheets and needed to be sure I had things right. So, perfectionist that I am, I rewrote my notes separating the components on each sheet. Then I had more questions for clarification. I called my supervisor again and got my answers, told her of my fears, and she reassured me I would do fine then told me to have at it. Reminding me again that since the project was on my desktop I could not mess it up.
By this time it was close to noon and Thor came by and brought lunch. After we ate and he returned to work....I began. After awhile I was getting the hang of it and worked all afternoon, calling a few times for further answers. Before I knew it....it was time to go home. Tomorrow I should be able to finish this part....I hope.
I am tired...but I do have a sense of at least somewhat knowing what I am doing!
To be honest....I was scared to death. The task seemed daunting. But, not being one to give up or give in, I took a deep breath and told myself....you can do this. First of all though I had to decipher my notes so I was sure I knew what I was to do. I was going to be working from two different worksheets and needed to be sure I had things right. So, perfectionist that I am, I rewrote my notes separating the components on each sheet. Then I had more questions for clarification. I called my supervisor again and got my answers, told her of my fears, and she reassured me I would do fine then told me to have at it. Reminding me again that since the project was on my desktop I could not mess it up.
By this time it was close to noon and Thor came by and brought lunch. After we ate and he returned to work....I began. After awhile I was getting the hang of it and worked all afternoon, calling a few times for further answers. Before I knew it....it was time to go home. Tomorrow I should be able to finish this part....I hope.
I am tired...but I do have a sense of at least somewhat knowing what I am doing!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
You Can Do That?!
Here it is 3:00 P.M. and I am home already from work! How cool is that! Today I got in there and started to get everything set up to work. I felt confident in the first part of my assignment...but of course at first I could not get on the Internet site from which I needed to work. So, I called the Techno Nerd and got his mailbox. I left him a message and tried some other things on my own. Then, I decided to call Rock. After all, that is one of the advantages to having a super computer geek for a son-in-law. Not only that, but he works for the same company that I just began working for...just in a different state. Anyway, I called Rock and he asked me questions that I could not answer. He was on the road, so he said he would call me back. While waiting for him to call, I remembered my supervisor told me she had put the website in my favorites. Ya! I could get right to work. When Rock called I was up and running. It was nice to talk with him anyway. He is a good son-in-law and I love him. He takes good care of his mother-in-law even if I do invoke the PICNIC (problem in chair, not in computer) Law quite often. He is always helpful and never makes fun of my stupid mistakes!
I was on a roll. I was finished with that part of the project before noon! Now, I was hoping I could remember just exactly what it was that I was supposed to be doing with the next part. I had taken notes, but hurriedly and did not practice the Excel skills much. I took a deep breath and started in....hey, I did remember. I got started a little slow, hoping and praying I was doing this right. But then I had been told that the "undo" button was my best friend and since I had copied the spreadsheet to my desktop there really was no way to mess it up. My intention was to eat lunch then start the other project, but I didn't. About an hour or so later I was almost finished....then I would eat lunch.
About that time a car pulled up in front and it was Susan's realtor. She and the Square Dancer are looking for an "our" house. The realtor was out of breath and excited. Shortly after Susan came in and was equally excited. She had found a house. While they were doing whatever realtor's do to make an offer on a house, I finished my project. After the realtor left I asked Susan if she had eaten and she said, "No." When I asked her if she wanted to go get something to eat she asked if I wanted to drive through somewhere and she would take me to look at the house she had found. Sure! Let's go.
Well, the house was beautiful and just what they both need and what they both want! I hope it works out. On the drive back to the office she asked me about how the project was going and if she needed to help me with anything. I told her that I had actually finished it while she and the realtor were working on the house papers. She said, "Well, you can go home then." Did I hear her right?! Can you do that...just go home when you are finished? When I asked her that question she asked me if I was finished. I told her yes, and she said, "Go home." Wow, it was true. You can do that!
I was on a roll. I was finished with that part of the project before noon! Now, I was hoping I could remember just exactly what it was that I was supposed to be doing with the next part. I had taken notes, but hurriedly and did not practice the Excel skills much. I took a deep breath and started in....hey, I did remember. I got started a little slow, hoping and praying I was doing this right. But then I had been told that the "undo" button was my best friend and since I had copied the spreadsheet to my desktop there really was no way to mess it up. My intention was to eat lunch then start the other project, but I didn't. About an hour or so later I was almost finished....then I would eat lunch.
About that time a car pulled up in front and it was Susan's realtor. She and the Square Dancer are looking for an "our" house. The realtor was out of breath and excited. Shortly after Susan came in and was equally excited. She had found a house. While they were doing whatever realtor's do to make an offer on a house, I finished my project. After the realtor left I asked Susan if she had eaten and she said, "No." When I asked her if she wanted to go get something to eat she asked if I wanted to drive through somewhere and she would take me to look at the house she had found. Sure! Let's go.
Well, the house was beautiful and just what they both need and what they both want! I hope it works out. On the drive back to the office she asked me about how the project was going and if she needed to help me with anything. I told her that I had actually finished it while she and the realtor were working on the house papers. She said, "Well, you can go home then." Did I hear her right?! Can you do that...just go home when you are finished? When I asked her that question she asked me if I was finished. I told her yes, and she said, "Go home." Wow, it was true. You can do that!
Workin 9:00 to 5:00...La la la la la la la la
So far work is good. My supervisor is very patient with me. She told me there are no useless questions. That is good to know....because to be quite frank with you....right now I feel pretty ignorant about this new world I have entered.
I remember when I started back to school after 15 years to get my elementary certification and master's in reading. During the first class, sitting among students mostly 15 years my junior, I felt like Charlie Brown when his teacher talks..wa, wa, wa, wa, etc. After that class I was ready to drop out. My professor told me to hang in there, before I knew it I would be familiar with the lingo. And so it was.
Well, that is the way I felt on Monday. I must have looked like I had no idea what she was saying, because she would explain it again in different terms. It did make it better that she is my age and a Christian to boot. By the end of the day she asked me if my head was swimming with all the information I had been given.
Of course the first day was primarily just an orientation and setting up of all the one hundred billion sites, user names, and passwords you have to know to access all the places your information is stored. (Yes, Rock, I said "one hundred billion"! ) When I finally learned to get around on the computer and was given my project...it was mid-afternoon! And we won't even go into the prank calls I received!
The second day I got there, made my way through the maze of information to get to where I needed, just got ready to work.. and suddenly my computer screen started talking to me. "Do you have the time for me to set up Log Me In and Instant Message?" Of course I did. I had to have those to stay in touch with my supervisor, who today was at the main office and not with me at mine. And if I hadn't I don't think there would have been much I could have done to prevent it anyway. It was interesting to watch as the Techno Nerd took over the screen and navigated through the process. But of course it is never as simple as it sounds, so after several a good while the programs were up and running. The computer screen asked me if he could do anything else for me. I asked him how he made that notepad thing appear on my computer and if I could do the same so I could talk with my supervisor that way. He said, "No, it was something he did." I had to laugh, and told him that he and the Rock had an unfair advantage over the rest of us. He agreed. After lunch, I was able to get back to my project....and I am happy to say I was able to complete at least one part of it, although the office was busy. Who knew that a tax office could be so busy on the off season!
On Wednesday the office was quiet, I knew where I was going, how to get there, and got finished with my first project! Ya! Success!!! I called my supervisor to tell her and she was on the phone and would call me to give me my next project. I waited....and about five minutes to closing she called to say she would call me in the morning....go home. So I did.
Today, I did nothing I had done before so people were talking gibberish to me again, but Susan was there today so she helped when I got stuck. By the end of the day I was once again back on track with success but not completion....she told me to get used to that. Tomorrow I should be able to complete the assigned tasks.....I hope. Anyway, this job is not going to be boring...and I am going to learn a lot. But I don't mind telling you it is a bit perplexing...why would anyone want me to work in the accounting office of a multi-million dollar business!! When I say that, they laugh and say....you will be fine.
So far working 9:00-5:00 has been good. And, Lizardbreath and the Bohemian will be glad to know I am learning how to use the Ctrl C and Ctrl V keys to copy and paste!
I remember when I started back to school after 15 years to get my elementary certification and master's in reading. During the first class, sitting among students mostly 15 years my junior, I felt like Charlie Brown when his teacher talks..wa, wa, wa, wa, etc. After that class I was ready to drop out. My professor told me to hang in there, before I knew it I would be familiar with the lingo. And so it was.
Well, that is the way I felt on Monday. I must have looked like I had no idea what she was saying, because she would explain it again in different terms. It did make it better that she is my age and a Christian to boot. By the end of the day she asked me if my head was swimming with all the information I had been given.
Of course the first day was primarily just an orientation and setting up of all the one hundred billion sites, user names, and passwords you have to know to access all the places your information is stored. (Yes, Rock, I said "one hundred billion"! ) When I finally learned to get around on the computer and was given my project...it was mid-afternoon! And we won't even go into the prank calls I received!
The second day I got there, made my way through the maze of information to get to where I needed, just got ready to work.. and suddenly my computer screen started talking to me. "Do you have the time for me to set up Log Me In and Instant Message?" Of course I did. I had to have those to stay in touch with my supervisor, who today was at the main office and not with me at mine. And if I hadn't I don't think there would have been much I could have done to prevent it anyway. It was interesting to watch as the Techno Nerd took over the screen and navigated through the process. But of course it is never as simple as it sounds, so after several a good while the programs were up and running. The computer screen asked me if he could do anything else for me. I asked him how he made that notepad thing appear on my computer and if I could do the same so I could talk with my supervisor that way. He said, "No, it was something he did." I had to laugh, and told him that he and the Rock had an unfair advantage over the rest of us. He agreed. After lunch, I was able to get back to my project....and I am happy to say I was able to complete at least one part of it, although the office was busy. Who knew that a tax office could be so busy on the off season!
On Wednesday the office was quiet, I knew where I was going, how to get there, and got finished with my first project! Ya! Success!!! I called my supervisor to tell her and she was on the phone and would call me to give me my next project. I waited....and about five minutes to closing she called to say she would call me in the morning....go home. So I did.
Today, I did nothing I had done before so people were talking gibberish to me again, but Susan was there today so she helped when I got stuck. By the end of the day I was once again back on track with success but not completion....she told me to get used to that. Tomorrow I should be able to complete the assigned tasks.....I hope. Anyway, this job is not going to be boring...and I am going to learn a lot. But I don't mind telling you it is a bit perplexing...why would anyone want me to work in the accounting office of a multi-million dollar business!! When I say that, they laugh and say....you will be fine.
So far working 9:00-5:00 has been good. And, Lizardbreath and the Bohemian will be glad to know I am learning how to use the Ctrl C and Ctrl V keys to copy and paste!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Theraputic Cleaning
Today, I clean! That was my goal and I made it. Yesterday I did absolutely NOTHING! And while it was nice to be able to do nothing....it did not get my dirty house clean.
Since all of my family had been here I had cleaned before they came and so it was not at bad as it could have been. But the kitchen, where the hub of "all things happening" is, had taken quite a hit. I tried to ignore it, after all it was straight, nothing on the counter and dishes washed in the dishwasher, but the floor where all the spills and splatters had been wiped up haunted me. Granted, my automatic floor cleaning system, more commonly known as Sophie and Sadie had done their jobs so there was no food but those tell tale smudges got to me. So, this morning I decided I had to clean house. After all, I am going back to work on Monday and can't do it then! Also, The Trainer told me last evening that Eve and the three youngest in the family of boarders that are currently residing with us will probably be coming on Monday to stay. So, If another woman is going to be working in my kitchen I cannot let her find it dirty now can I?!
I cleaned the refrigerator, inside and out, top to bottom. No more science projects now. Then the stove...even removed the bottom drawer and discovered some broken glass and an over abundance of dog hair...EEEEWWWWW! Finally, the pantry and cabinets. Swept and mopped the kitchen and entryway and now my kitchen is clean enough to eat off the floor....just ask Sophie and Sadie! No....wait, they eat off of it anyway. Well, you will just have to take my word for it.
From there I dusted every leaf on all of my artificial plants, and almost decided I don't need artificial plants anymore...what a job. Finally, I dusted the rest of the house and vaccuumed the "fur"niture and floors. I would have mopped my bathroom and utility room, but it began to rain. And when it rains for some reason the dogs feel it necessary to go in and out of the house all day long tracking wet muddy paws through the utility room. With that going on there is no reason to even try to mop that area so I just swept it.
I actually like to clean. Most people think Iam crazy, but it is theraputic for me and I love the sense of accomplishment when I am finished. And in this case....since I am going back to work on Monday, it could not be a better time for Eve to come and stay for good...or at least until they find a house of their own.. and if she is going to be the one at home all day long, the least I can do is start her out with a clean house!
Since all of my family had been here I had cleaned before they came and so it was not at bad as it could have been. But the kitchen, where the hub of "all things happening" is, had taken quite a hit. I tried to ignore it, after all it was straight, nothing on the counter and dishes washed in the dishwasher, but the floor where all the spills and splatters had been wiped up haunted me. Granted, my automatic floor cleaning system, more commonly known as Sophie and Sadie had done their jobs so there was no food but those tell tale smudges got to me. So, this morning I decided I had to clean house. After all, I am going back to work on Monday and can't do it then! Also, The Trainer told me last evening that Eve and the three youngest in the family of boarders that are currently residing with us will probably be coming on Monday to stay. So, If another woman is going to be working in my kitchen I cannot let her find it dirty now can I?!
I cleaned the refrigerator, inside and out, top to bottom. No more science projects now. Then the stove...even removed the bottom drawer and discovered some broken glass and an over abundance of dog hair...EEEEWWWWW! Finally, the pantry and cabinets. Swept and mopped the kitchen and entryway and now my kitchen is clean enough to eat off the floor....just ask Sophie and Sadie! No....wait, they eat off of it anyway. Well, you will just have to take my word for it.
From there I dusted every leaf on all of my artificial plants, and almost decided I don't need artificial plants anymore...what a job. Finally, I dusted the rest of the house and vaccuumed the "fur"niture and floors. I would have mopped my bathroom and utility room, but it began to rain. And when it rains for some reason the dogs feel it necessary to go in and out of the house all day long tracking wet muddy paws through the utility room. With that going on there is no reason to even try to mop that area so I just swept it.
I actually like to clean. Most people think Iam crazy, but it is theraputic for me and I love the sense of accomplishment when I am finished. And in this case....since I am going back to work on Monday, it could not be a better time for Eve to come and stay for good...or at least until they find a house of their own.. and if she is going to be the one at home all day long, the least I can do is start her out with a clean house!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Hi Ho, Hi Ho It's Off to Work I Go!
Life as I know it today, is about to come to an end....and I am about to embark upon yet another new adventure in the many chapters of my life. After six years of retirement I am going back to work.
This venture is taking place solely to pay off our house. God has been good to us, and had we been really wise with our provisions, the house probably could probably have been paid off when I was teaching. But...life happens and hindsight is always better than foresight, so I am going back to work with the full intention of devoting every penny made to paying off the mortgage. If our calculations are right it should take about 30 months on what I will be paid starting out and less as I receive raises in my pay.
Everyone keeps asking what I will be doing and where. Well, I will be working at the Jackson Hewett office in Owasso. That is about 3 minutes from the house. At first I thought I would be working from home, but we decided yesterday that this would be better for everyone involved. And that is fine with me. At least I don't have to drive to 71st and Lewis! Next, and this is the part that blows my mind....I can work as little or as much as I choose. Now, I am not sure what you do with that option really. I love the idea of being able to decide that, but I never want to take advantage of a lifelong friendship. But the bottom line is this.. Susan has been trying to get me to work for her for EVER, and when I told her I would she said she was just happy to have someone she knew she could count on, would work, work hard, and give 110% at whatever the task at hand. That brings me to the "what" I will be doing. I will be the assistant the person in the main accounting office who does everything in the accounting office that does NOT pertain to ACCOUNTING. I used to laugh when Susan asked me to work for her. She knows how I am with numbers and I did not understand how you could work in an accounting office without working with numbers. About three years ago I had a taste of that when she called and begged me to work for her for just two months getting new buys set up. So now I know. The reality of it is this...I may do something different everyday. Then during the peak of the season I will more than likely assist in the office with greeting customers, having them sign on the dotted line and distributing refunds.
So, I have my key, my destination, and will receive my first assignment Monday morning at 9:00.
One of the best things about this is that I will get to work at least one day a week with Susan. She is after all my best friend. And for that reason she has chosen NOT to be my supervisor (although whether she knows it or not, she is the BIG BOSS. The company is owned by one of her younger brothers, but she is the oldest of six siblings and the BIG SISTER). She has been debating whether or not to work from the Owasso office, since she lives here now with her new hubby, the Square Dancer. I have tried to convince her that she should work from here all the time now that they have the new Peachtree system up and running.....and so due to a strike with Boeing (The Square Dancer works for Spirit, an airline company associated with Boeing) she is working on Thursdays in Owasso to accommodate his schedule.
She told me yesterday that she may end up doing just that, since it seems that all of the houses they have been looking at are here, even though the "better deals" seem to be else where, but keep falling through. She accused me of praying for her to live and work here and using my influence with the Lord to make it happen! I was shocked...OK, not really. I openly admitted it. After all...we have been trying for at least 29 years to live in the same town and attend the same church. Of course the whole working part was not a part of the dream.....but I will take what I can get!
This venture is taking place solely to pay off our house. God has been good to us, and had we been really wise with our provisions, the house probably could probably have been paid off when I was teaching. But...life happens and hindsight is always better than foresight, so I am going back to work with the full intention of devoting every penny made to paying off the mortgage. If our calculations are right it should take about 30 months on what I will be paid starting out and less as I receive raises in my pay.
Everyone keeps asking what I will be doing and where. Well, I will be working at the Jackson Hewett office in Owasso. That is about 3 minutes from the house. At first I thought I would be working from home, but we decided yesterday that this would be better for everyone involved. And that is fine with me. At least I don't have to drive to 71st and Lewis! Next, and this is the part that blows my mind....I can work as little or as much as I choose. Now, I am not sure what you do with that option really. I love the idea of being able to decide that, but I never want to take advantage of a lifelong friendship. But the bottom line is this.. Susan has been trying to get me to work for her for EVER, and when I told her I would she said she was just happy to have someone she knew she could count on, would work, work hard, and give 110% at whatever the task at hand. That brings me to the "what" I will be doing. I will be the assistant the person in the main accounting office who does everything in the accounting office that does NOT pertain to ACCOUNTING. I used to laugh when Susan asked me to work for her. She knows how I am with numbers and I did not understand how you could work in an accounting office without working with numbers. About three years ago I had a taste of that when she called and begged me to work for her for just two months getting new buys set up. So now I know. The reality of it is this...I may do something different everyday. Then during the peak of the season I will more than likely assist in the office with greeting customers, having them sign on the dotted line and distributing refunds.
So, I have my key, my destination, and will receive my first assignment Monday morning at 9:00.
One of the best things about this is that I will get to work at least one day a week with Susan. She is after all my best friend. And for that reason she has chosen NOT to be my supervisor (although whether she knows it or not, she is the BIG BOSS. The company is owned by one of her younger brothers, but she is the oldest of six siblings and the BIG SISTER). She has been debating whether or not to work from the Owasso office, since she lives here now with her new hubby, the Square Dancer. I have tried to convince her that she should work from here all the time now that they have the new Peachtree system up and running.....and so due to a strike with Boeing (The Square Dancer works for Spirit, an airline company associated with Boeing) she is working on Thursdays in Owasso to accommodate his schedule.
She told me yesterday that she may end up doing just that, since it seems that all of the houses they have been looking at are here, even though the "better deals" seem to be else where, but keep falling through. She accused me of praying for her to live and work here and using my influence with the Lord to make it happen! I was shocked...OK, not really. I openly admitted it. After all...we have been trying for at least 29 years to live in the same town and attend the same church. Of course the whole working part was not a part of the dream.....but I will take what I can get!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Breathe
Normally I am a person who has things in order. But what do you do when you are on overload? I have just spent the most glorious weekend with my family. Both of my children and their families were here for the weekend to help celebrate a very special day in the life of Thor. It was great! But it all came to an end as quickly as it began.
The festivities were over on Sunday night and on Monday morning by 10:30 everyone was gone, the beds were stripped and remade and the laundry was in full bore.
We had a luncheon at the church at noon and I was there by 11:30. That was over at 1:30 and there were still clean-up details from the night before to be done. Once home with all the "things" that had been taken to the church, they of course had to be put back where they belonged, all the while still doing the laundry. There was a mountain of trash that had to be bagged and put out to be picked up and I ran out of trash bags. A neighbor was good enough to allow me to dump my trash can from the garage into her dumpster and while in the process of doing that our family of boarders returned from their weekend stay with another family.
Once back at the house after helping them get settled in again, I still needed to take Thor's suit to the cleaners and since I was going that direction I took the 16yr. old to the golf course and picked up the 14yr. old up from volleyball practice. Mom and the three youngest were headed back to OKC and where gone when I returned.
In the hour I had before visitation I cooked supper and folded clothes and put in another load to wash. Then it was off to the church. After our visit we had a time of light snacks and report back time.
Finally home for the evening, one more load of clothes to fold then I went to bed. I barely remember my head hitting the pillow.
Tuesday and Wednesday were equally as busy and today I went and filled out papers for the new job I will begin on Monday...that alone was another overload. So much has happened in a comparatively short time that my mind, emotions, and body are having trouble keeping up.
My daughter-in-law asked me in an email when life gets back to normal? I had to laugh! When I was younger I used to ask that question, only to conclude later that whatever this was....it was my normal. But there are times when so much happens I almost have to remind myself to breathe. I just want to lay down and sleep!
Gotta run...the volleyball game is over and the crew brought in pizza and cookie dough that needs to be cooked.
Ah life....it happens....just remember to breathe.
The festivities were over on Sunday night and on Monday morning by 10:30 everyone was gone, the beds were stripped and remade and the laundry was in full bore.
We had a luncheon at the church at noon and I was there by 11:30. That was over at 1:30 and there were still clean-up details from the night before to be done. Once home with all the "things" that had been taken to the church, they of course had to be put back where they belonged, all the while still doing the laundry. There was a mountain of trash that had to be bagged and put out to be picked up and I ran out of trash bags. A neighbor was good enough to allow me to dump my trash can from the garage into her dumpster and while in the process of doing that our family of boarders returned from their weekend stay with another family.
Once back at the house after helping them get settled in again, I still needed to take Thor's suit to the cleaners and since I was going that direction I took the 16yr. old to the golf course and picked up the 14yr. old up from volleyball practice. Mom and the three youngest were headed back to OKC and where gone when I returned.
In the hour I had before visitation I cooked supper and folded clothes and put in another load to wash. Then it was off to the church. After our visit we had a time of light snacks and report back time.
Finally home for the evening, one more load of clothes to fold then I went to bed. I barely remember my head hitting the pillow.
Tuesday and Wednesday were equally as busy and today I went and filled out papers for the new job I will begin on Monday...that alone was another overload. So much has happened in a comparatively short time that my mind, emotions, and body are having trouble keeping up.
My daughter-in-law asked me in an email when life gets back to normal? I had to laugh! When I was younger I used to ask that question, only to conclude later that whatever this was....it was my normal. But there are times when so much happens I almost have to remind myself to breathe. I just want to lay down and sleep!
Gotta run...the volleyball game is over and the crew brought in pizza and cookie dough that needs to be cooked.
Ah life....it happens....just remember to breathe.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
MY TRIBUTE
MY TRIBUTE
by
Andrae Crouch
How can I say thanks, for the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved, yet You give to prove Your love for me.
The voices of a million angels, could not express my gratitude,
All that I am or ever hope to be...I owe it all to Thee.
To God be the Glory,
To God be the Glory,
To God be the Glory,
For the things He has done!
My heart is full to overflowing! And the portion of words to the above song keep ringing through my head. This past weekend our church family honored us for Thor's 25 years of faithful service to Bethel Baptist Church in Owasso, Oklahoma. And it was quite a celebration!
Thor first surrendered to the ministry at the age of 16. His first churches were part-time positions as music and/or youth minister. These churches were: Southside Baptist Church in Stilwater, Southside Baptist Church in Tahlequah, then Trinity Baptist Church in Claremore. It was while attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, majoring in Music and serving at Trinity in Claremore as music and youth minister that I met and married Thor. He had enlisted in the army so it was off to Ft. Bragg in Fayetteville, NC. Here he served as a Chaplin's assistant and also had a part-time position at Trinity Baptist Church in Fayetteville as music minister. After he got out of the army Thor got his first full-time church at Barnsdall, OK as music and youth minister. From there he went to Plainview Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK as music and youth minister, First Baptist Church in Stroud, OK as music and youth minister, and finally Bethel Baptist Church in Owasso.
Thor was originally hired as Minister of Music and Youth. After a few years the church had grown so that we needed both a music minister and youth minister. Thor was asked to do the music. He served as music minister for 16 years. The church then wanted to start a singles ministry and felt that Thor was the one for the task so he was then titled Minister of Singles and Sr. Adults (he always worked with Sr. Adults at every other church, but this was the first time he was given the official title). In June, the church found itself in need of a music minister again and asked Thor to take that position as well as his other duties. His official title now is Minister of Music, Singles, and Sr. Adults. He has many responsibilities to go with his many hats and at times jokingly says, "Ministry is my life!" But the truth of it is....ministry is his life.
Thor is 57. He has been a minister for 40 years. Ministry is his life. It is what God has called him to do....and he is good at it! Few people realize what a minister does. Most people think ministers work on Sundays and Wednesdays and have no idea what they do with the rest of their time. Well, let me say this...it is a full-time, 24/7 ministry to others. If done correctly it is a selfless profession given totally in service to others. Sometimes it can be thankless, frustrating, and heartbreaking, sometimes it is joy filled and rewarding, but all of the time it is an opportunity to be obedient to the Lord, trusting His heart when you don't understand, and maturing through the process of growth in the midst of trials.
At our church Thor is the "go to man". When someone needs something....they call on Thor. They know he does not know this word....."No."
I am very proud of Thor. We have been married for 35 years. He is my best friend, a loving husband, a wonderful Daddy and tremendous Grandpa. He is a good son and brother and you won't find a better friend. When we were dating I knew that he had been called to the ministry, as a matter of fact, I knew that God had called me to be a minister's wife, so although I can't say I knew what to expect...I knew that whatever it was that God had in store for us...ultimately it would be good....and it has been. There have been times Thor has lamented the fact that he can't give me all he wants me to have, but I have more than I need.... and want. And I can honestly say that I am content with the life that God has given us together. We love each other, and are happy....what more could you ask for?!
As I count my blessings I think of how good God has been to us. He has given both Thor and me wonderful Christian parents who love and serve The Lord and taught us how to as well. He gave us brothers and sisters that love and support us and each other. He has given us two wonderful children, our daughter, Lizardbreath, who is married to The Rock and have four beautiful children: The Professor (8), The Princess (6), The Warrior (3) and Baby J (1), and our son, The Bohemian, who is married to The Busy Bee and have two beautiful boys: Mr. Golden Curls (4) and Lil' Spitfire (2). Our children love The Lord and serve Him. There can be no greater blessing to parents than to have their children love and serve The Lord and rear their children to do the same. God has given us a church family that loves us and a beautiful home that we have the privilege to share with others when needed and even given us two cute little doggies: Sophie and Sadie...and two granddogs: Maya and Roxie. God supplies every tiny detail of life for our enjoyment. He loves us that much! I am thankful that He loves me and He is faithful even when I am not. Again! My heart is overwhelmed with his wondrous grace and mercy.
This weekend as I watched my family interact with each other talking and laughing, teasing and playing, hugging and kissing, and at times even having to discipline their children in love I felt a since of humility and honor to have been so blessed of God.
Then on Sunday morning to hear my son and his Daddy sing "How Great Thou Art", I thought my heart would burst with the sense of God's presence. That night The Bohemian sang "Be Still My Soul" and accompanied himself on the piano. Both of these songs to the Lord brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
Then as the church family came through a reception line and greeted us with congratulations and remembrances followed by a time of even more words of kindness and accolades it was almost more than I could bear. And to top it off we were given an all expense paid trip to Hawaii!!
There are not enough words to express what I feel in my heart! Just the words of the song "MY TRIBUTE that keep ringing in my head:
How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me,
Things so undeserved, yet You give to prove your love for me.
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude,
All that I am or ever hope to be....I owe it all to Thee.
To God be the Glory,
To God be the Glory,
To God be the Glory,
For the things He has done!
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