Latest and Greatest

It's been a wild week since 7 AM on Sunday morning. My parents and I woke up to a phone call from my cousin Nathan saying that his Dad, our Uncle Fritz, had died earlier that morning. It came as quite a shock, sure he wasn't in the greatest of health conditions, but he definitely wasn't anywhere near passing. I was still in Orlando at that point on a much needed mini vacation, full of sunshine!

The news hit me like a ton of bricks, and to be honest almost too much to handle, so much that I really haven't thought about it a lot, and I kind of feel bad. I will admit that God's timing is definitely perfect. Apparently the night before he passed, all of his kids and grandkids were at the house, even his son Markus who had come back from the Ukraine as a missionary for a short time. His daughter Tanya was even asking about family history for a college assignment and they really had the opportunity to spend time with each other for the first time in a while. However, I really do feel for Tanya, as she is planning to marry in August, her Dad won't be there to walk her down the aisle, I couldn't imagine how hard that would be to deal with.

Here's a link to my cousin Markus' account:
http://markuswolf.blogspot.com/2006/03/heres-to-you-dad.html

Later on Sunday I said goodbye to my parents who were headed back home and I finally left to come back to Lakeland area, and did my best to prepare for the week ahead.

Monday it was back to work, and watching the bosses kids part of the day, taking care of one sick one and picking the other up from school. The day definitely went fast. That evening I went with my small group to dinner at Crispers and then to see Madea's Family Reunion, and I laughed the entire time it was on, and then finished it off with coffee at Starbucks, it was a nice evening of conversation with the girls, we had been meeting weekly, but we really had the chance to talk that night!

Tuesday started off early, I got to the bosses house a little after school to wait around until the girls were awake, I took one to school and the the other to the office to hang out on the couch and get some rest. I took care of a few things at the office and then it was time to pick up Livy from school, from there we hung out at their place, and watched cartoons till Livy's game that night, her team played well, girls t-ball is cute to watch, and definitely a lesson in patience as Phil mentioned, I know I would have been the one picking daisies in the outfield if my parents and placed me in t-ball. Then after the game we ordered a pizza and watched American Idol and then I sent them to bed, and finally their Dad arrived shortly before midnight, that was one long and exhausting day! I'm definitely not rushing into having kids if and when I marry, I'm waiting till I am good and ready to give up my life for at least 18 years (and that's the minimum, I'm sure I'll always worry about them)!

Wednesday was good, I went in an hour late to work because I slept into recover from the night before. Work was good, I got a few things accomplished and then it was time to pick up the girls. After that I had to be at the Church by 5 to practice with the guys for worship that evening, we played my favorite Lord Reign In Me, and then learned Hungry, I think it went well, but I need to learn to take my gum out before we actually play for worship, signing is difficult when you are trying to chew... Afterward it was dinner at the Weilands, and Jordan made a delicious pasta dish, it was a nice evening.

Thursday I met Phil and Livy and the doctors office to start my day of work, Livy had caught what Sabrina had gone through a day or so before. However, they couldn't get her in as they had told them on the phone, so I took her with me and we got the mail, and went back to the office, she went later to the doctor and had definitely caught the same thing. When they came back from the appointment it was time to pick up Sabrina, we headed that way and took them home after Sabrina joined us, after my work day was over I decided just to chill at home, I retired early and hit the sack at 9:30, I felt really old that day!

Today was good, I woke up early, got to work in time to deliver coffee, so the programmers didn't have to suffer a day without brewed caffeine. I fed the fishies, cut checks for a lot of payables, got the mail, printed some stuff for the church, it was an all around productive day. This evening I went over to the O'Brien's to hang out with them and the Weiland's for some Steak (that was excellent), Texas Hold 'Em, and I even learned a new game called Hand and Foot, I had a great time!

Tomorrow I plan to clean the house, work on a tax return, learn a song or two for tomorrow evening and get some cafe supplies for the Warehouse at 7, it should be a fun day!

Big News!!!!

So, you saw the title, and some of you are probably wondering what it's all about, huh??? Well, here goes! Last Wednesday, I put in my two weeks notice at Exxact Express, the trucking company. I had an interview on Monday last week, and received a formal job offer the next day! From my resignation letter, my last day was suppose to be January 31, and I'd start the next day at Epic-Premier. Friday I went into work to complete the current tasks at hand and clean some stuff up, I got called in after lunch and they told me that we had gotten everything together and that it wasn't necessary to come in the next week, so I was free to go! So, yesterday I started in my new possition as an Executive Assistant / Office Manager / Accountant at Epic-Premier! Aside from an increase in pay and of course benefits, it's an awesome company to work for that truly has the best interests of their employees in mind. It's a great group of people! Anyway, that's the news, it's amazing how perfect God's timing is as everything has fallen into place!

Variety is the spice of life huh...

So I figured I would change things up a bit since I walked around the apartments near my house the last four days or so. Today I decided to rollerblade around the same area! Now, I can safely say it's been about 8 years since I have really rollerbladed, but it's probably been more like 10! I tried once or twice during my time at Southeastern, but as fast as I put those puppies on I took them off.

So mind you, when I was about 13, I was roller blading every Monday with the Armed and Dangerous Puppet team after our practice following school! We would have a good time and completely wear ourselves out, and back then I felt completely fine and comfortable blading around.

Now, like 10 years later, I'm not so steady in them, my balance is definitely not good, and falling is a little harder on the ego now than it was when I was a goofy child, now I'm just a goofy adult. Anyway, I made it around the apartments with out falling, or killing myself in the process. I can assure you I am completely worn out! It's a great work out my lower body, which is definitely a good area for me to focus on to put it politely :) Plus my heart will thank me later for the cardiovascular workout. Okay, right now I feel pretty good, but I'm not really looking forward to waking up to the pain I will experience tomorrow morning!

So anyway, I had the full gear knee pads, elbow pads, and wristguards, all except the helmet, I don't like hat hair! I started out really slow, and my neighbor asked if I was getting excercise or trying not to fall down, I told him today I'd be happy just to not fall down, but I think I accomplished both! I didn't bother to time myself, as I really didn't want to know and everytime I'd gain enough speed and feel confident, I'd realize I probably shouldn't do that, get a little nervous and slow down, I guess it will just take some getting use to again! On the way back I finally picked up a comfortable speed, and on my way home he said he didn't see any blood, so I guess I accomplished the goal!

I hope everyone is having as much fun acheiving their New Year's Resolutions as I am!!! Later!

Things are looking up!

We'll it's been a great week. I've been experiencing a great start to 2006. While this is very cliche for this time of year being January, so far I've been doing well on the good old diet resolution (I know less than a week, knock on wood), well actually I desire it to be more of a healthy lifestyle change. I have gained a few pounds since graduation, I was really disciplined in my eating habits previously and then I kind of just didn't watch what I was feeding my body. I am making the effort to really nourish my body with foods that will benefit my health. I am also starting to walk more often, I realize this is something I need to schedule in at least for now till it becomes habit or a way of life, I've got to make it a priority! I lost the weight a few years ago, and kept it off for a while, but now it's back and I am determined to take if off again and keep it off! I have a positive outlook for my life this year. I realize I don't necessarily display a high level of confidence, this is something I want to change. While I realize I am not perfect, I have done well for myself and I should be proud of that and take credit for my accomplishments. I've decided that no matter what, I will try to see myself from God's perspective and be confident in who He made me.

In other news, on my first paycheck this year, yesterday, I finally received my raise that I've waited for since August! I'll be making $50 more a week than I was last year, this is a blessing, God's taking care of me! This year is a good one at work, now that I've worked there for an entire calendar year, I get a second week of vacation, I had a Christmas bonus, and I get to contribute to a retirement plan that my employer matches up to 3% of my gross pay! Employment is wonderful!

I also found out I will be going to see Sanctus Real and Ezekiel's Eye on Friday January 13th (a little freaky huh being the 13th and all), thanks to the Kevin O'Brien, the coolest youth pastor in Florida, for my involvement with The Crave Youth! All the youth leaders and a few of the youth will be heading to Orlando to hear them play, it will be a great time to spend time with good friends! I am so blessed to have been involved with the Crave this year, 2005 was pretty good, and I think I owe a good chunk of this to the youth, the O'Brien's and the Weilands for welcoming me into the The Crave Family!

Otherwise, of course I am excited to see the both bands play, at first I wasn't sure if I was familiar with Sanctus Real, but after doing a little web searching, they play one of my favorite songs on the radio, Everything About You, and I finally bought the CD today to prepare for Friday! Secondly, Ezekiel's Eye will be a treat as well, I finally get to see Wheeler and Shaun play(2 other wonderful Southeastern Alumni, we're so talented)!

Today was good, I slept in a little longer than I had the rest of this week, enjoyed breakfast, paid the bills, got ready for the day had the oil changed on the car and did a little shopping. I usually find some pretty good deals in January. I got a couple of shirts from AE, a very cute pink hoodie with some embroidery (it will go well with my pink/grey Converse All-Stars), and another top that will look nice as well! Aside from the Sanctus Real CD, I also finally picked up Room Noises by Eisley, I've been wanting that one for a while, I just decided it's time! I love the CD, sort of fills the void for my recent Sixpence crave! Ok well, It's time for me to sign off here, have a good night!

I'm Home

Well, I arrived in Michigan sometime around 11 PM last night after a couple of flights. I stayed up a few hours hanging out with my parents at brother Ryan. I surfed a while on my Dad's new wireless network he had setup, a nice change from the good old dial-up PeoplePC service I can afford. Today I woke up around a lot later than I normally do on Wednesday, and it was a beautiful thing. Then my Mom had the day off, Ryan was around, so we decided to go to South Bend to take of some last minute shopping for Christmas. We went to the Harley-Davidson dealer there to pick up something for Dad. Then it was on to a few stores and the mall.

After that on the way home, we got a call from my cousin Tanya, she was asking Ryan about a drum set for her son Isaiah and was on her way to Woodwind & Brasswind to pick one up. We met her there as she was deciding between two different sets. For being just shy of three, the kid can really keep a beat, apparently everything in his hands becomes a percussion instrument, and he was jamming a way at all the floor sets while we were there. Strolling through the store brings back a lot of good memories growing up. I remember Dad use to take us like every other Saturday to browse. Ryan bought his drums there, my bass guitar and saxaphone. Just for kicks I decided to stroll through the bass room. Something really nice caught my eye while I was in there, they had a G&L ASAT Bass in silver metal flake, it's absolutely beautiful. Sure it's a little flashy, but what girl wouldn't like a bass like that, with the sound of a G&L! So anyway, I think I have a new savings goal, who knows how long it will take to save for this, it retail's at around $1,850 but I could pick it up for around $1,000. Oh well, just another thing to add to my current savings goal list! I really would like to play more often before I purchase another axe, I am not really interested in playing at all professionally (that's probably not going to happen), but just more often for the sheer fun of it! So that's whats been rolling around in my head today.
Anybody want to start a band, or need a bass player???

Other than that it's just been so nice to get away from work! I watched The Day After Tomorrow as well as In Good Company. Two movies I've been watning to see for a little while, the first one only because of Jake Gyllenhall (I hope that's the right spelling), what a cute face. Oh and I've always like the movies Dennis Quaid has been in too, and he was in both of these as well! Right now it's just me up watching the movies and my dog curled up by the fire, it couldn't have been a better day!

Tomorrow night should be a blast as well, I will be meeting up with a group of friends with whom I grew up! We are heading to Hacienda to have dinner together and maybe end up at my parents house to hang out afterward. It will be so nice to see everyone again! Okay, well my battery is draining as I type so I will sign off for now. It's just great to be back home! Have a good evening!

It's been a while since my last real update. Things have been busy, between small group and The Crave, the fun just never stops! I had a nice time starting off the Holiday Season with Thanksgiving in Ocala, Ingrid and Jay, the coolest aunt and uncle were there visiting my uncle Jay's parents and they invited me to join in their family's Thanksgiving, and the crazy shopping the morning after. Friday we left the house at 4:30 AM to make it to Circuit City at 5 to find a gift for my cousin, which I am sure he will enjoy (I can't tell ya what it is, he might read this... so you'll just have to be patient too and wait for Santa!)

The week after Thanksgiving my parents made their way down to the Sunshine State to visit me, we had a great time. I like when they visit! It's nice to have someone cook, or go out to eat more often than I normally would for a few days! More than the variety of meals I receive, it's nice to be able to spend time with them, I am very close with them and that's probably the hardest part of living 1,000 or so miles from Michigan!

The weekend after was Southeastern's graduation, and Mindi a good friend that I graduated with was in town. We had the opportunity to go to dinner and catch up on what's going on. It was nice to see her, and remember our two years at Southeastern and the stupid inside jokes, it made for quite a few laughs! The next day we went to graduation, after that I went to lunch with another friend that had graduated who is more like family than anything!

This last week was a busy week at work, with all of the different monthly tax items due on the 20th, those were prepared and mailed on Friday, new projects starting, and the billing lady out for a day, the week went fast.

In other news, being forced to listen to Country music at work has finally payed off somewhat. I qualified in 97 Country's Take 2 Contest to win a Ford Ranger 4X4, so Saturday I went out to Bartow Ford. The truck they were giving away was kinda cute, even for a girly girl like me, it was yellow too! I didn't win the truck, but they did give a $50 check to everyone who qualified, that's worth listening to the same song 5 times during and eight hour period I guess, oh and I did get a Harry's Seafood gift certificate too, that's always good.

I spent yesterday evening taking care of some laundry so I can pack to go home for Christmas! I will leave Tampa in a little less than 48 hours, I am excited to be able to spend Christmas in Michigan again! Although last year I had the privilege of holding Christmas in my home, it's just not the same without a White Christmas, and a big family dinner with more than just your immediate family and Tante (Aunt) Eva's Frankfurter Kranz (a delicious cake unlike any other, I must get the recipe this year!)

While I am home I'd like to be able to hang out with a few friends, so I sent out an email last Thursday with a proposal on how to accomplish this. Looks like we'll all meet this Thursday for dinner, and then come back to my parents house afterward to hang out a little more, maybe watch a movie or have my cousin Tanya's little guy, Isaiah, entertain us!

That's about it for now, a little more packing, a little tidying up around the house, day and a half of work, a flight, and I'll be home for Christmas!

Evolution; Noise

Noise - A disturbance, especially a random and persistent disturbance, that obscures or reduces the clarity of a signal.

This past weekend I went camping with the Crave Youth (the teen ministry at Oasis where I attend Church). It was a great experience. The focus of the weekend was to get away from all of the distractions so prevalent in society today that we allow to hinder us from what God is trying to tell us. So often we are surrounded by so much noise we are unable to hear God's still, small voice asking us to draw near to Him. He desires to be close to us, He created us for that purpose. I find it to be a challenge even if I am in my home alone with everything silent to quiet my mind and just listen for God. Tuning out all of the distractions must be intentional.

We practiced this a few times during our stay at Camp Gilead, the final session for me was amazing. We were to read and reflect on Psalm 23. Where it talks about the Lord being our shepherd, it talks about how to really depend on God, not just through the difficult times to get you through, but in everything you do. Sheep are completely dependent upon the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection. God is a good shepherd, we are not frightened passive animals, but follow obediently, and are wise enough to follow God who will lead us in the right places and in right ways. The passage isn't so much about the animal like qualities of the sheep, but the discipleship qualities of those who follow.

I've probably read that Psalm several times. When I finally did quiet myself, and took the time to focus in and really used the Bible to listen to God, He showed up in a big way through this passage. If I would just be obedient and follow God, and take the time to focus on Him in a time of silence, He'll lead me to the "green pastures" so that I can be restored.

I am pretty independent, I like to do my own thing. I am a smart girl and can take care of myself, I often think. Sure I have a decent idea for my life at times, but is it really the best plan for me? Probably not! I don't always realize all that God has done for me, it's a shame, He's been so good to me my entire 23 years of existence. I could learn to depend on God more often for His provision, guidance, and protection. His plan is perfect for my life, and if I am obedient and follow Him, I will be well taken care of and fulfilled.

I look back at the last few years of my life, and the whole experience I've had in Florida has been God leading and guiding me. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine myself living in Florida. Visiting Southeastern was probably the first step, I had toyed with the idea of going to Full Sail, and after visiting there, I was certain that was not God's plan for my life. I am not knocking the school, it's excellent, it just wasn't the path of obedience to God in my life. That same trip to FL I visitd Southeastern as well, before this I was pretty much dead set against attending a Christian College, from what I heard from other folks was that Pastors sent their heathen children their to get saved, and more often than not it never worked and they ended up worse than before. I didn't want to be with that kind of group. But my visit to Southeastern wasn't like that at all. Sure that crowd probably exists, but if we are obedient God will guide us in the right place. Southeastern is a place where people strived for excellence, and could pursue a liberal arts degree and work in the real world, be a professional of the highest caliber, and still a strong witness for God in the workplace. I truly enjoyed my Junior and Senior year at Southeastern. It was a time great time of personal, professional, and spiritual growth. I would not have had the same result had I chosen my own path instead of God's.

Even though this weekend was designed for the youth, I received so much from it as well. In the past, finding that time alone with God was not always a priority for me. Sure I love God, and do my best to honor him, and to worship Him, but after this weekend, and what I have experienced, I realize it's a necessity, I want to know God so much more, and to grow, but that won't happen if I don't spend any time in His presence.

Back to the rest of the trip, Friday we played a great game of capture the flag; Saturday a kickball tournament; swimming, tubing, and canoeing at the lake; the best camp food in the world; and great friends! I am so thankful for what I experienced on this trip! I wish more of the students would have been able to go. I am soooo looking forward to next year!