Thursday, February 28, 2013

All along

I said all along that it would be a God thing if I made it through. I just got the email that I didn't.

I think that once again I need to redirect my focus. I'm not sure what my next steps will be. There is a relief in knowing and not wondering. My fabulous dress will be going back, just as I planned if I didn't make it through.

Control

I emailed both D and my Mom regarding the condo and my feelings of being overwhelmed. Neither of them was overly helpful.

I emailed the property manager.

I'm acknowleding that I'm not in control. If I was in control I would not be sitting here typing a blog post about it I would be figuring out a way to make these things happen so I could get a tenant in the condo.

Thursday Thoughts

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

I'm still worshipping. Here's the deal regardless if I get called back for the next round of interviews, and regardless if I land the new position, I still have a really good job. I will still receive a promotion and raise in April. I received a bonus which was awesome, and is all gone.

I'm trying to figure out the condo situation. The inspection came back and they have some requirements that I'm just not sure I can make happen. I'm supposed to explain where the hot water heater is, I don't know. I'm trying to find this out but it's kind of (or really a big) pain and inconvenience.

I'm checking into if I can put a rail up for the back stairs. This is HOA property and I have to have permission to do something like that. I am ready to throw up my hands and say next but my property manager has not been as willing to just walk away from a cash in hand tenant. I do understand and I do get why she's working to try and make it work. It's just trying to handle this on top of the waiting to find out if I made it to the next round has me worshipping a lot.

In my car, anytime I'm in it, there is really loud worship music playing. I'm doing my best to keep my focus on Him. At work when my work load is overwhelming I can get twitchy. Yet I know that all things are possible through Him.

I worked out with an amazing trainer on Monday and I LOVED her. I didn't feel that sore Tuesday but by Tuesday night I was starting to be sore and yesterday I was really hurting, but I wasn't crippled. Last night I forced myself to the gym and today I'm moving slightly better and I'm less sore then yesterday. My shirt is too tight in the arms so I unbuttoned it. I think my arm muscles are slightly swollen, at least I hope this is the case since it hurts to lift my arms.

Regardless of the outcome with work I know that my identity is in Him. Regardless of how the condo works out I know that He always provides.

I had to let the trainer know that I just can't afford $100 a month. Yes $25 a week is an awesome deal and I do wish that I could make this happen. It's not realistic for me to commit for a year, that's $1200, there are other things that I need to contribute towards as much as I would love to have this trainer work with me.

I stepped on the scale at the gym Monday night and I'm pretty sure it's the same as it was last January when I went in for the fitness evaluation that left me crippled for over a week. So that means that I haven't gained any weight in a year. I also haven't lost any weight in a year, that does NOT make me happy. I'm 20ish pounds more then I want to be. This same stupid 20 pounds that I've been fighting since 2001. I can lose it but my body bounces right back to this comfortable weight, and I DO NOT LIKE IT.

However, I also realize that my identity and value don't come from the scale numbers either. I'm probably struggling more with that concept then with anything else.

This week is just a challenge, not in an overwhelming way, just in an OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS MAY I PLEASE HAVE SOME ANSWERS AND MOVEMENT kind of way. And then I remember that while patience has never been my strong point His timing has never ever been mine and He is the one in control.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to Him and He will set your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Birthday

She was my first girl, she came into my life when she was 3 1/2. G will always hold a special place in my heart.

Her 10th birthday is today. I threw her 4th birthday party. I had a princess cake made in the shape of a 4. I had an all pink outfit that was just right for a special birthday girl outfit. We had the party at a place that had a stage, a vet center, a store, it was a smaller version of the Discovery Place Kids that is now in Huntersville.

It was 9:32 am I looked at the clock after just looking at my calendar and realizing that today is her day. I don't have it written anywhere it's just on my heart. Time softens the hurt. I used to not be able to walk thru the little girl clothes because it hurt too much. I think it was a good year before I could pass without the ache.

I don't regret that I made the decision to break up with her Dad. I know that I made the right choice. It doesn't change the fact that she holds a place that is just hers in my heart.

I am truly thankful that I had that time because I learned valuable lessons. I learned to remind myself that they are only 3, 4, 5 one time and that it goes quickly. I learned that I am not Mom, I am not Dad, I am Lori and when Mom or Dad or both are in the room my opinions need to be saved unless I'm asked for them. I learned how to separate myself from the parts that are not mine and still love the child.

I don't always show the most patience. I am not good at playing kitchen, or house, or imaginary play but I am awesome at puzzles and games. I have been blessed that I have the opportunity to have the family that I have and I am so thankful!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Worship while I'm waiting

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."  

These weeks are getting away from me. Work is busy, and then on top of that are additional factors.

I had 3 interviews last Thursday. At 9 I met with our HR lady. At 1 and 2 I met with the managers for underwriting in another department. I posted for an underwriting development position in December. I had a phone interview 2 weeks ago and last week I had the first round of in person interviews.

There are 9 internal candidates and 4 candidates just coming from college. I am waiting to find out if I made it through to the next interview round.

Last Wednesday night I cleaned the office and then stopped at Marshalls to see if I could find the dress I had in my head. They didn't have it so I went over to Kohls which was a stones throw away. Kohls is having their big winter clearance so I had to sort through a lot of clothes. I did find the dress that I had in my head.

At the end of each interview I was complimented on the great interview that I gave. I knew when I posted for this position in December that if I make it through it will be a total God thing. I know that this position that I have now is a total God thing.

As I wait to hear back on if I made it through to the next round I have been reminded that no matter what I will praise Him. When I was waiting to hear back about the position that I now hold I knew that I would praise Him no matter what.

The scripture that I have focused on since yesterday, as I work to let go of where my mind wants to go, is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path's straight."

Driving in to work today I worshipped as I drove through the rain and fog. It doesn't matter what the outcome is because my future is in His hands. Would I love to be able to say that this will be my next step, beyond a shadow of a doubt yes! I believe that if this is the direction that He has for me then it will work out accordingly. If this is not the direction that He has for me, then there is going to be another opportunity and I will then understand why this one did not work out.

Yesterday at lunch I decided to go ahead and look for a dress for the next interview. I went to my favorite, Belks, and was looking through the dresses. There are a lot of prints, a lot of colors, a lot of pretty dresses, but nothing that would be interview appropriate. I said a prayer as I was looking. I prayed that He knew what I needed, and what would work for this next interview and thanked Him that if I was to find the dress that I would recognize it.
I was getting ready to leave and I realized I had missed a small section. At the end of a rack was a very classic navy dress with a bolero 3/4 length sleeve jacket. I looked at the clearance price and decided to try it on since it was my size. I realized looking in the mirror that it was just what I needed.

I took it to the lady at the register and as it rang up this $170 dress ran up for $45. It was 1/2 off the clearance price. I showed Daron the look last night and he told me that it looks very professional and even looked good with my hair up, he's not a fan of hair being up so that said something.

I have the dress; I am ready for the next round. I will prepare as if it all depends on me while acknowledging and understanding that it's all in His hands.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

the picture

I know I'm not the only one who has consistently been working out and has not seen the desired results.

I realize that my eating habits contribute.

I got home from Florida in October and I have consistently been working out since then. I tracked on the calendar the consecutive weeks of working out. Even through the holidays I was active.

Last night I was moving pictures from the camera to the computer. My brother had grabbed my camera on Christmas Eve and took a picture of me taking the picture of him and Jenny.

I had a freaking meltdown not even kidding. I had seen pictures from Christmas Eve and thought oh I look kind of cute and OK. It was a magical evening and I was on cloud 9 that I was able to be with everyone.

This particular picture, was horrific. I have arm fat hanging down, I look as big as the chimney I'm standing beside. Is it possible some of it might have had to do with the angle? I don't know. I do know that I have forever deleted that picture.

I got it together so that I could go to the gym and continue with my workout that I was planning on anyways. While doing my extra set of arm everythings a trainer walked by with a girl who was probably new to the gym and doing her fitness evaluation. The trainer is female, which to me is key.

I've worked out with guy trainers before. I suppose that some actually do know what they are doing when it comes to working out a female. I worked out with a guy trainer for several months after Chuck and I broke up. The bad part of those workouts is that they would leave me so sore I wouldn't be able to do anything until the next week's appointment. I have since learned that this is not how it should be.

Last year I had my free fitness evaluation after signing up for my gym. I went in and worked out with the guy on a Saturday morning. It took over a week for me to be able to move normally again. This was not a good time in my marriage and this actually created a huge fight between D and I regarding the fact that training sessions should not leave you in so much pain that prescription pain pills don't even touch the hurt.

I was very clear last night when I talked to the training director that I was only signing up to talk to Melissa. I do not want to be traded out at the last minute. I'll be meeting with her on Monday. I'm not sure if I'll be able to swing it. I'm not sure if it will make sense. But I've been working out consistently since October and I'm not seeing any true change. Last nights picture sent me over the edge.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Life gets away from me

Last Friday I got my taxes done and then I painted the condo with my Dad. With the tax return I figured out that I would be able to take the CIC commercial casualty class. Friday night, after painting, I registered for my class.

I picked Audra up on Friday afternoon. Saturday morning I took her to ballet. We spent the day together, the 3 of us. We went to my condo to check the paint, it looked wonderful. We went to lunch. We picked out a present for Daron's grandmother. I had nursery on Saturday evening. I had 4 little boys. Oh my goodness give me little boys in nursery anytime. They entertain themselves, they are sweethearts, ahh they are just awesome. I love my girl and all things girly but little boys are just amazing!!!

Sunday we had church. We celebrated Daron's Grandmother's birthday. We took Jack to my parents. We took Audra back to her Mom. We had a conversation with her mom. Friday I found out from D that Amy was contemplating a move to Hickory. My heart dropped. Hickory is about an hour away. We told Amy that we want them to stay close and we love them and we will offer whatever support necessary to keep them close.

Monday morning when I arrived at work we had a scheduled meeting at 7:30. This is unheard of in my office. Unfortunately early meetings do not mean good news. My special coworker who I have prayed for and who is such an amazing lady, her daughter had passed away early that morning. Oh my gosh the tears and the shock, and the heart break as we processed. Monday was an extraordinarily quiet day in our department as we thought of our friend and coworker.

Tuesday Amy and I texted about school. After a LOT of prayer I believe that both Audra and her brother will be attending a wonderful school next year. We go to an open house on March 5 to learn more details but for now all signs point to this being the school where they will attend next year. This is such an answer to my prayers and I can not begin to explain the elation I felt after learning that they would likely be attending this school next year.

My day was about to get better. I had a meeting with my manager. I am going on 4 years with my company. I have not had any kind of salary increase or bonus in the years that that I have been with my company. I have ALWAYS been incredibly thankful for my job. I found out on Tuesday afternoon that not only would I be receiving a bonus but I have also been recommended for a promotion. I will know in a few weeks if this has gone through. Additionally I had a phone interview for a position and I made it through to the in person interviews. This interview should take place sometime in the coming week. When I learned of my bonus and promotion recommendation I felt the same way that I did the same day that I accepted my job offer with the company.

Wednesday morning I had my department meeting. I had a presentation. I left from the meeting to drive to Greensboro to attend my class. My brother and SIL graciously provided me a place to stay and amazing food. I will know in a few weeks if I passed. I honestly have no idea. I left the test and my head hurt.

I left from test and drove to my co worker's daughter funeral. Unfortunately I had to leave before the actual service started. We had snow here in NC. My drive was through quite a bit of snow and ice but the roads were just wet.

I arrived home to a sick husband. Today is our 2 year anniversary of our first date. I can't believe that it's been 2 years. I have been as transparent as possible while also learning to try and avoid throwing my husband under the proverbial bus. I do not suggest to anyone getting engaged after 4 weeks and married within 6 months, yet for me and for us, I have seen miracles happen and that all things are possible because God is in control.

I can honestly say that I truly love my husband. I am so thankful for my family. I am incredibly thankful for my friends and the support system that I have been blessed with. God is good, He is faithful, and while I know that the challenges come with the territory of being married, I am exactly where I am supposed to be!!!

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Help from D and friends

Yesterday right before I left work I got a text from Daron stating he was at my condo.

Yesterday morning I had emailed him explaining my game plan for the condo for this week. Yesterday my plan was to drive home, change, go to home depot and then go to the condo to clean.

Instead I drove from work to the condo to check in and then I went on to Home Depot.

I had to purchase a new toilet seat, grout, caulk, a magnet, and a few other things.

While I made these purchases Daron was cleaning my condo. It took almost 2 hours at Home Depot by the time I found everything I needed to purchase. By the time I got back he was almost done.

My little shoe box looks incredible!!! I can't explain how thankful I am that he did the clean for me!!!

Tonight I clean the office and then drive back to my condo. My friend Nicole and her boyfriend are going to help me with grouting and caulking the tub. Then I'm going to try and get started on the paint.

It's all coming together and I am SO THANKFUL!!!!!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Grout, Caulk and Paint, OH MY

The good news... I have a tenant. I'm thrilled.

I have a list of things to get done so I can get my place rented again. I have to paint the living room, I have to grout and re-caulk the tub, I have to replace the toilet lid, I have to buy new light bulbs for the kitchen light, I am hoping a big magnet will pull out a metal rod that is in the window frame.

My goal is to have all this done by the end of this week. I've never painted, never done a tub. I may be a little freaked out. Daron works all week cleaning so he has no energy at the end of the day. He wants to help but I want to get it done.

I really want to just hire someone but that's not do-able right now. So I'm going to have a crash course in grout, caulk, and paint.

Any tips are greatly appreciated!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Sunday Shoot

When I picked Audra up on Friday afternoon I met Kodi, the new puppy. He's adorable! He's going to be huge, but right now he's just a little furball.

Amy had a photo shoot scheduled for Sunday to update portfolio pictures. She had clothes laid out and she was trying to figure out outfits. I went back with her and helped by giving my opinion on what would work. I style Audra all the time, I love putting looks together!

I knew what Amy would be wearing so Saturday I took Audra to Children's Place. We weren't sure how many shots the kids would be in but since I knew what Amy's wardrobe looked like I picked up a few things that would compliment her looks.

Amy actually invited me to be there during the photo shoot. I talked to D and we figured out our weekend schedule so that I was able to participate.

The photographer shooting is an old friend of Amy's. I had Audra there at the appointed time. The first shot Amy wanted to do included an outfit for Audra that Audra hated.

Because she hated it, and she was being told she had to wear it anyway, she promptly turned on the waterworks. Because it was her mom, I told her that she loves her mom, her mom needs her to cooperate, and that she needed to get over it. Then I backed off and bit my tongue. It's up to her mom to handle it, not me. I think the pictures are going to turn out great in spite of the attitude and I can't wait to see them.

After the first shot, Amy packed up her wardrobe and I went with her and the photographer to Birkdale to shoot a few more outfits. 

The pictures of Amy will likely be amazing. I am so glad that I was able to participate. After 3 outfits at Birkdale we made our way back to the house and she had 2 more outfit shots. I enjoyed the experience, despite the very chilly temperature!

We put Audra in her colorful swing dress that she wore to the wedding she and I went to back in September. The photographer said he got some fantastic shots of her, so I'm excited to see how those turned out.

I truly believe that these updated shots for the portfolio will land her new jobs. She looked amazing and so sophisticated. I'm looking forward to seeing where this takes her!

Saturday, and the sucker punch

I had a full day on Saturday. I had my first race of the year. I took Audra to Children's Place to pick out some outfits for her photos yesterday. I went to my condo to clean, only to discover that the power is still out, and I'm not sure how to get to the breaker.

I got home and Audra had the little girl from across the street as her guest. They were playing, not well, but they were playing. I was thoroughly entertained when our little drama queen tried to turn on the water works because she wasn't getting her way and her guest looked at her, asked "what's wrong Audra", then promptly went back to doing what she wanted to do.

After her guest left we decided to watch a movie. I was reading a book so I wasn't paying that close of attention. Then we put Lion King on, and I was paying a little more attention to that one.

I decided to check FB and on my news feed I see it, and oh talk about feeling like I had been sucker punched in my stomach.

I always broke up with him. I always wanted to believe it could work. I can't drive to High Point, which is right next to Winston, or Boone, without thinking about him.

I understand why it never worked between us. My marriage has taught me quite a bit about relationship, and Al-Anon has taught me how to handle things when dealing with the disease of alcoholism.

I kind of lean towards the belief that the one whose engagement I saw had some issues with alcohol of his own, except he was never mean to me. We were together off and on for 3 years, but always in touch.

When I met Daron I didn't tell him. He found out about my engagement on FB, fitting that I found out the same way. I didn't expect an email, or forewarning. I had to cut contact after the wedding. He's one of the few ex-boyfriends still on my FB. We went back too far and had too much history for me to delete him. We were friends, who never could make a relationship between us work.

I know the reasons why. I've probably talked about the reasons at some point or another. I know I married the right one for me, no matter how frustrating and aggravating he can be. I've had some time; I left a comment, congratulations and best wishes.

I don't think I ever realized that just because you get married it doesn't make the old feelings go away. Just because you are now tied to someone doesn't erase the past. It never crossed my mind during the revolving door of my love life that there would still be those who would haunt me even after I said "I do".

Friday, February 1, 2013

classes, work, condo, pain

So much going on, and it has left me with a lot to say but no time to put the words down.

The phone call Wednesday I will follow up on Monday. Despite having a candidate identified I was told that they often have openings because of employee advancement in the department. I've pinpointed an area that fascinates me and is obtainable, I'm hopeful for good things to happen.

Class on Wednesday night finished. It has been fascinating. The class dealt with Israel, Islam, and end times. I grew up learning about how important Israel is, and how that part of the world is the place to watch. I've been trying to make sure to read the stories about the defense secretary hearings.

I have a lot of reading ahead of me. They gave a list of all the books that they read for the class, I plan to read them too. I have some studying to do and while it's not likely I will post much, I just might.

Thursday afternoon I went by my condo. My tenants have moved and I had to make sure that everything was turned off and unplugged. The power was already off, I just had to make sure everything was ready for the power to be cut back on today. The condo looked really great! I was nervous going in but other then the bathroom needing a deep clean the place looked just fine.

Thursday night I went to my abs and booty class. It was fabulous! She had us in plank position a lot. I didn't really think anything of it.

This morning I woke up and turned the wrong way and across the top of my back I felt that muscle pain, oh I hate muscle pain. I took ibuprofen as soon as I got up. I have a severe tightness in my left side.

I had my year end review. I'm so thrilled, I ROCKED this year. I have a GLOWING review for the year. It's awesome and I am really appreciative to my manager for the nice things she had to say. Then we talked about how to sustain the awesomeness and continue to grow.

 I had another meeting after my review. Due to the muscle spasms happening in my back, I have lost my voice. I'm really not sure what to take to relieve the pain, and it hurts! I have a race tomorrow morning, my first one for the year. I should be able to run, but I wish I knew what to do about my neck and back!

It's been 2 weeks since our beach trip. I am so ready to go back to the beach! Instead I will get back to work and finish out the day.

Happy Friday!!!