Home Sick from Work

Though I have been sick this past year, this I the first in over 6 months that I have been "down" sick. I feel like I have been ran over by a truck. My head, my throat, my chest, my ears and when I cough it feels like it's ripping my throat and my chest a part.

I made it through work yesterday. I had hoped to go home as soon as my interview for the management position was done. The ad director was going to try to fit me into his schedule sooner then 3 pm but he couldn't and actually I got pretty frustrated because he had a couple of different people in his office at 3 pm so I didn't get in until 3:30 or so. How dare he :o) any other time I wouldn't have minded but I really wanted to get home. Any way the interview seemingly went well. He says he has 3 other internal candidates. I know who one of them is and though it's in the Lord's hands I'll really be disappointed if she gets over me. She's young and doesn't have much experience, but even beyond that she's rude. She sits in our meetings texting the whole time. That absolutely drives me crazy as I truly believe it's rude and disresptful. But I don't know who the other two would be and no one else seems to know either.

Tomorrow I'm suppose to work the Fur Rondy for Mr Wong. If I feel like I do today, there's no way I'll be able to do it, but it too is in the Lord's hands. Down inside I think I know the decision I'm suppose to make. I've been trying to listen for God's whisper that Sister Smith reminded me of and I think it came in a way of an email for Mr. Wong's secretary. I said I wouldn't make a decision until after this weekend so that is what I'm doing.

I covet your prayers still regarding that decision as well as for my body. I'm headed back to bed now. Sleep is what my body wants, but it's also what my body is making it hard for me to get...go figure.

Please Pray!

I've got that crud that everyone has been getting. The head that's full of gunk, the throat that hurts even when your not talking or eating, the ears that are plugged or hurting, the chest that hurts and when I cough feels like it's being ripped a part, and hardly any voice. I always seem to get sick after a trip, but this time I thought it wouldn't happen as I got about 7 hours of sleep every night except Thursday night. Ithink it's being couped with all the germs on the plane for a total of 14 hours. But I couldn't get it at worse time. It's the end of the month so I have all kinds of stuff to do to close out the month and open the next month (and I haven't gotten caught up from being gone two days) but more importantly I have my interview for the manager's position at the newspaper today and then Saturday I'm volunteering at the Alaska craft show at Mr. Wong's business in hopes of it helping me to make my decision (I maybe should say confirm, I pretty much know what I'm going to do but I am hoping for the final confirmation by doing this). Bottom line I need to at least make it through today. I didn't go to church last night and dozed off and on, then actually went to bed at 9 pm (I don't remember the last time I went to bed that early and actually slept). I did wake up at 5 am when Joleesa got up and never went back into a solid sleep. I'm sitting here now with my eyes just wanting to close...Lord help me make it through this day.

Please, please pray!

We're Back

It was great trip, but way too short. Our flight left out at 1:30 am Friday morning. I laid down about 10 pm to try to get a power nap. Brother Nowling got me up at 11:30 pm. We got to the airport and Jessa got us exit row seats (lots of leg room) and we had the whole row to ourselves. We flew to Seattle and we were suppose to have about 40 minute layover. We were taking the same plane but because there was a crew change we had to get off. Which actually felt good after 3 hours. We get back on and wound up sitting there for an hour as they were waiting to de-ice the plane. But all and all it was good. I dozed off and on but by the time we arrive at my mother-in-law's we were both hungry and exhausted. We went to Culvers and then came back and her neighbor was wanting to discuss the Bible but I was sooooo tired that (shame on me) I was hoping she wouldn't answer her phone. But she did, and Lord forgive me because He helped us and we had a great study sharing with her that Christian's don't sin (my poor mother-in-law has her hands full following up with what we laid out). We then headed out to the Thompsons in what was almost a blizzard. We had rented a KIA and can you believe it, no snow tires. It took almost 2 hours to get there. We pulled up and we saw a house full of kids. It was Montanna's birthday party and I don't know how many were there but there was a lot of loud, happy screaming girls along with Shane and Ethan. Dorn and Mitzi are amazing parents. They love children and are right in there with them with games, etc. Brother Nowling had been up for over 24 hours (he didn't sleep on the plane at all) so he went to bed and slept right through all the noise. Sister Mitzi was prepared to quiet the girls down as soon as I was ready to go to bed, but hey this was Montanna's party and I know they wanted to stay up and I just got there and I wanted to visit so it wasn't until a little after midnight that I headed to bed and true to her word she got the girls quieted down.

We got up about 8:30 am Saturday and Mitzi fixed us pancakes and sausage and then Brother Nowling and I went to find Christopher Banks. Using my gps on my phone we couldn't find it and the lady at Caribou said she thought they closed. Mitzi had said there was a bigger CB in Maple Wood so I put that in the gps and it took us to CORPORATE headquarter of CB but my dear husband was persistent and he found Chrtistopher Banks and CJ Banks. I got Joleesa several skirts for $5 each, Jessa a jean skirt for $5, myself a jean skirt and another skirt ($5 each) and then a blouse for too much. But I made up for it with the sales. I was disappointed as I walked away without any of their gorgeous sweaters as they were pretty well picked over. But I still got some awesome deals.

Then we headed to see my dad (my brother Kelly was suppose to meet us, but things didn't work out) so we got there and found him in a friends room. Please pray for him. He has a room mate that is really bad shape and really unreasonably grumpy and he and his family are making life miserable for dad. The nursing home actually brought in a mediator to figure out how to deal with it. Bottom line his roommates family and the nursing home are trying to get dad to move out of the room and dad doesn't want to. He's been in that room for 2 1/2 years. Mom passed away in that room. This man has only been in the room for about 4 months. It's like telling someone they have to move from the home that he shared with his wife to her last days. It's just not right. They were suppose to make a decision today, so I'll have to find out what happened. Anyway, we visited in the lobby for a couple hours then took him out to Perkins and met my niece and her boyfriend there. It was a great time with him. We took him back and as we were standing outside his room in the hall saying goodbye his roommate was yelling at us to shut up and be quiet. It was an ugly scene and my heart broke for dad. Dad headed back to his friend's room.

We then headed to the Thompsons. They actually got Brother Nowling to play a dice game called Farkel. Simple game, but Brother Dorn had us laughing so hard I was crying. We had so much fun. Oh by the way I won.

Sunday morning we really enjoyed the SS class and then Brother Nowling preached. Sister Mitzi prepared an awesome ham dinner and while some napped I taught Mitzi, Autumn, Landon, and Bekah (Landon's girlfriend). Autumn won.

Sunday night I preached. Both services the worship was great. After I preached the Lord really came down and blessed. There was such a sweet and powerful spirit. We really love these people.

Monday morning we got up early as we decided to surprise dad at his breakfast. Then we met my mother-in-law for breakfast and then headed to the airport. This time the flights were full but still all in all it too was a good flight. But it was just too short.

Now to go forward to another week.

Off to Minnesota

Well tomorrow night, or I should Friday morning at 1:30 am our flight leaves for MN. We are actually on "positive space" tickets, though it looks like there are plenty of seats open and I'm kind of kicking myself for using Brother Nowling's positive space when we may not have needed to, it will feel so good to know we don't have to wonder IF were going to get on the flight or not. And we don't have to go from gate to gate to gate with the same wonder. I hate red eye flights, but hopefully I'll come home eat, back a carry on and lay down for a couple hours. I'm one that can usually sleep, or doze any way, on a plane but I'm in a middle seat as to sit next to my husband as he has to have an aisle seat. Jessa's going to ask to work that flight, and if she can get us an empty row, that would be so cool. Or you know what would be better yet, would be first class. I better wake up and stop dreaming. Anyway, it'll be so nice to get away as I haven't left Anchorage since September. That still seems so strange as when we were in WI we would go somewhere at least one weekend a month. It'll be great to see my dad (it's my dad's birthday) and brother, my mother-in-law and hopefully Brother Nowling's nephew and family. And then to see our dear friends the Thompson. We love this family. Brother Nowling will be preaching Sunday morning in Princeton and I'll be preaching Sunday night. I am really excited for the whole weekend.

On another note, it's official, I'm going to England for the mission trip. I paid for my ticket. Ouch, $1100. I've struggled recently about going because of Jessa's wedding. I had committed to going before she became engaged. I knew I could probably back out, but I got the days off work and that was such a miracle. I just truly feel like I'm suppose to go. But it was always hanging in the back of my head that maybe I shouldn't be spending the money. At the time I committed I bringing in some good commission checks, but that's a thing of the past. But there's no turning back now. I'll be flying standby (or positive space to Seattle)on April 8th and then flying from Seattle to Detroit and meeting up with the team, going from there to Amsterdam and then Birmingham. Then on the 18th fly from London to Detroit, Detroit to Chicago (that legs by myself) and then standby to Anchorage. It seems real now that I have my passport and have paid for my ticket (reality will really hit when I receive my tickets).

The girls were going to go on a sister trip to Hawaii. Joleesa was so excited and they She was devastated. I talked to Brother Nowling and he said why don't I go. Yeah right, there is no way I could get more time off. Then it hit me, it's only Thursday through Monday. He doesn't work Thursday through Saturday so he just needed to get coverage for Sunday and Monday. Those two have such similar likes so they'll really enjoy the time together and when she flies with him, she doesn't have to pay. So it's going to be a father daughter trip now. He's already got Sunday covered. I think they're both really excited, although I think some of Joleesa's friends can't understand approved her time off work only to have Jessa and Jenna say they just couldn't afford it. why she would want to go with her dad (sad world). They both also are apprehension of flying for the first time over the ocean ~ they'll have calm each other ~smile.

In other news the girls I went shopping last night for bridesmaids dresses and Jessa's wedding dress. I've struggled with the idea of Jessa getting a different wedding dress as she already bought one several years ago and she had really loved that dress. It was too big at that time, but now it would need altering the other way as she has filled out more and can't quite zip all the way. That's what she was going to do but changed her mind. I was really upset at first as it's wasted money (even if I wasn't paying for the new dress). But finally I had to let it go and she did choose a beautiful dress (and it has bow under the bodice like the bridesmaids dresses). If I remember right, I think it's costing the same amount as the other dress. So anyway, she's going to put it on Craig's list and I'm going to put in the paper and hopefully we can sell it and put the money towards the wedding.

Well I need to get to bed. You may not hear from me for a few days ~ oh that's right ~ that's no different then any other week.

Today Started Off Rough

Today we were having potluck after Sunday morning service. I was fixing chili. No big deal. I planned to get up 7:30 but hit my snooze (shame on me). Got up showered, started the chili, and started gathering up everything. I went to print out the bulletins (I always wait until Sunday morning in case I feel differently about the songs for worship-I think I've got to just go ahead and do it on Saturday). Anyway towards the last couple of the copies of the inside, we started running out of black ink. So I went into the cover to change all the black text to color so I could finish it. Somehow in doing that, it threw "The Church of God" line on to what is the back page, yet it didn't show on the screen ~ ugh (but if I would've done the print preview it did show it there). Any way several of them printed that way before Brother Nowling called me in to tell me. So I had to fix it. THEN he had to print out his message and remember, no black ink so I had to change it to color for him. Then we loaded the car. We drove seperately because we were going to have the youth activity after the potluck. Joleesa and I headed to McDonalds to grab a quick coffee and Brother Nowling headed to the church. My phone rings and it's him his key card isn't unlocking the door. I get there and mine didn't work either...it's really NOT a good day. Fortunately, due to my interviewing for the job with Mr Wong, I had his property manager's phone # on a notepad in my purse. I call her and the maintenance man can't come but she'll be there in about an hour...not good. All of us standing outside wondering what to do. Jaime, the property manager calls me back and says the maintenance man will be there in a half hour. Brother Nowling says he'll stay and wait. Some of went over to Barnes and Noble, some decided to just go home (ugh) and some hung there with Brother Nowling. We know more than got our order for coffee in and Brother Nowling called to say that the maintenance man was there. It turns out we got into the 30's yesterday and today and the key was actually working but the door was frozen. Our key was only worked on the one door (which we didn't know, as Brother Nowling tried it on all the doors). They're now going to program our keys for three of the doors AND he promised us a wireless income system so if the door locks someone out they'll be able to buzz us and someone can go let them in. AND he promised he'd get it in this week. So all things happen for a purpose. So by this time is 10:30 am. By the time we got the cars unloaded and settled in for SS it was 10:45 am and being as Brother Nowling was the only one there from the adult class, he joined the young adult class. We really had a very interactive class about the conscience. I love it when eveyone gets involved.

We wound up just doing SS so at noon, we closed in prayer and had our potluck. We usually do our youth activity on the 3rd Saturday, but Brother Nowling and I will be gone next Friday through Monday to Minnesota to see our family. It seems like forever. I am so looking forward to it. The great thing is we're not flying standby and yet it's not costing us a thing as we're using Brother Nowling's postive space that he received some how from the airport. Meaning they're secured seats at n/c. PTL. We'll be staying at Dorn and Mitzi Thompson. I love this family. Sister Mitzi and I will cry and laugh together. As well as see Brother Nowing's mom, and my dad and brother (maybe another brother and sister will come to see us). Anyway, sorry for straying...because we'll be gone I moved the youth activity to the second week but Saturday was vacation day so I didn't want to take away from those that wanted to do something so it was Joleesa's activity so she agreed to do it Sunday afternoon, and thus the potluck also.

Brother Nowling had to work Friday and Saturday nights (as to get next Sunday off) so we went out for breakfast when he got off work on Saturday morning. He was trying to say that was our valentine date...not to sound ungreatful but we would've done that anyway. Then today different one's were asking me what he got me...and I would just look at him and grin and he would tell them thanks for nothing (basically). It was great! So he owes me big time. Especially since I got him a card and the 4x4 truck driving game for the WII.

Now tonight is my youth service so hopefully all the bad stuff is out of the way so we'll have an awesome service.

Tomorrow is President's day so two of my co-workers are off (we do a patriots day and employees chose a day off in Jan or Feb - thus my Friday to go to MN) but this mean I have two desks to cover.

Oh by the way, I am really frustrated, around September we had our piano tuned, and it's needing it again. All we can figure is the temp got down to 60 degrees when it got really cold. I just find it hard to believe that would do it...but it is so out of tune that Micah can't even play the guitar. So I'm going to call the lady tomorrow about it. Brother Nowling wanted to, but I wanted to talk to her and see what her thoughts were and see if maybe she'll discount it.

Big Decision

Please pray for God to show me what I'm suppose to do about this job opportunity. I met with Mr. Wong AGAIN last night. He is so adamant that I'm the person for this job. I had hoped I'd have until May 1st if I was to take it but he's told the person that's in the position now that he's done March 1st (they both agree it's not working I guess). I told him I didn't want to make the decision until after I helped them out with Fur Rondy because I needed that observation to make my decision. Then there's the newspaper...our new VP of advertising started yesterday. My first impression of him is that I think this guy will do great at getting things turned around, then it turns out he's from Wisconsin originally and worked with my boss from the paper their Menomonie. If ever there was boss I really enjoyed working with it was the publisher of the paper in Menomonie. So I sent an email off to my former boss to get his take. I'll be talking to the VP probably today. I really need direction with a peace that even it takes me out of my comfort zone, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt this where God wants me. So please continue to pray.

Also, remember Jessa as she came home with terrible cold...the vicks on her feet has helped the coughing some but not entirely. AND the rest of us don't need or want to get sick.

Feeling Much Better

It's been a rough week of just feeling yucky. PTL it didn't go full fledge though. More in my sinuses and my vocal then anything. Mornings were terrible but after a hot shower and a few hours into the day I wouldn't be too bad. Yesterday was actually was a good day and I actually came home and worked out with the wii fit. I really had a work out with it and it was fun. I love it. Brother Nowling did it too, but he goofed off more than anything.

The only other news is that apparently there's going to be more people laid off at the newspaper where I work. My job is secure as it's revenue driven but I've not made goal for 3 months as sales have been down so much so that means commissions have been next to nothing. I go to meet with Mr. Wong on Monday night. With the economy like it is I don't know what to do. I have this "feeling" I'm suppose to take this other job, but I don't know why. I'm asking the Lord to make it clear beyond a shadow of a doubt, as there's no going back once I leave the newspaper. I told his son I wanted to wait until after the Fur Rondy celebration which they are a huge part of and I've committed to helping with it and then I'd make a decision after that. He thought that was a good idea. That's not until the end of February so PTL I don't need to make any quick decision. If you think about it, please remember this in your prayers.

Well, I don't know about anyone else but I'm thrilled it's the weekend. I'm not sure what all I'll be doing. We do have our youth Bible Study tomorrow night. Brother Nowling wants me to do our taxes so we know how much money we still need for my trip to England. Other than all that I don't know what I'll be doing. Oh we're going to start the South Beach diet so we'll be going grocery shopping for the "right" foods. No matter how you look at it's the weekend and that means no having to go to work and we have church. That makes it all good.

Oh, Sister Tammi's blog talked about spiritual giants, I commented on her blog as to who one of my spiritual giants were but I want say here is this; I just really ask God to help me the type of person that some day someone will see so much of Him in me that they may say that of me...not for the glory, but because that means I've made a difference. I remember as a young girl wanting so much for Christ to be seen in me in such a way that a complete stranger could see Christ in me from a distance or close up. I have a long way to go, but my prayer is so much that I might be the example that I need to be and the help that I need to be. I hope it's not wrong to feel that way. I hope it's not wrong to have that desire. God knows my heart and whether I should have shared it here or not, I don't know. But I did...so take it for what it's worth.

Feeling pretty Rough

Saturday night, or early Sunday morning I was woke up by the pain in my throat. It hurt so bad. After some hot tea and lemon it felt better. By the time I got done leading song service Sunday morning and evening I was starting to feel it a little. Once again in middle of the night the pain woke me up. When I got up this morning I had hot tea and lemon and by the time I left the house my throat was scratchy. All day my nose was running, my head was hurting, as was my chest. Tonight I have all that plus the scratchy throat along with it being sore. I'm sure that means a cough tomorrow. Several have been sick at work, and when Brother Nowling came home from Colorado he was sick...I don't why they think they have to share it.

The worse part is, I can't call in to work tomorrow as I have 3 appointments with clients. Ugh! I could use your prayers please.

Still Waiting

Everyone is still watching Mt Redoubt. A fly over was done and the volcano is putting off gases that are only emitted prior to an eruption. Other than that the rumblings have quieted, it's kind of like the quiet before the storm so they are still figuring it will blow it's just a matter of when, and if the winds will blow the ash towards Anchorage. Brother Nowling picked up four cases of bottled water and bought masks. Whether he take any other percautions, I'm not sure but please continue your prayers. Sister Becki, usually I love to think about the fact that we'll have memories to share with grand kids, but you know, I'm ok if I don't get this memory :-). And Jessa, you need to watching things closely and kind of have a plan B in case you can't get home.

As far as other news. I'm so excited, I got Wii Fit. I had read it about it I think it was on Emili's blog and I've been trying to figure out what to do about an excercise program. I hate joining health clubs and having to have a contract. So I was asking Matthew if he knew about Wii Fit and he actually borrowed me his Wii console until I can get money saved up to buy it (that was if it looked like it worked for me). So after going to Fred Meyer and having all the Fred Meyer's called, calling Best Buy and Game Stop no one had it. I was so bummed. I called Joleesa and she asked if I tried Target, and ah "no" I forget about them being here. So I called and sure enough they had a bunch. So I headed over, then later in the evening Matt came over and set it up and we enjoyed doing it. I'm going to love it. It's basically playing games with your body. How cool is that. I'm going to try to start getting up 1/2 hour earlier to do a 1/2 work out (won't happen tomorrow as I pretty tired tonight). So I'm really excited.

It was men's retreat this weekend so I had charge of service this morning. We only 7 but we had a good SS that I allowed to go long as everyone was really into it and then we had a good worship time. Then a bunch headed to our place for sloppy joes and other food and junk food and watch the superbowl. 3 of Joleesa's friends came over plus Matthew, Nathan, Isaiah, Jacob, and Megan so there was about 11 of us (we really need to find a bigger place ~ please pray, as we're looking). There were a lot of laughs over the commercials and yelling over the game. Fortunately there wasn't anyone that was sold on any one team (although Jacob and Jazzy kind of are) so it cheering over just good plays. Then it was off to church where we enjoyed a good Spirit and a message by Brother McMahon.

Well I'm off to bed. Everyone have a good week.