Too much Time

Well, time has definitely gotten away from me. I haven't posted anything since March, and I think it is time for me to catch everyone up on what's been going on. I have been very busy at work over the past couple of months. The biggest thing right now is the Building Renovation of the North Kent Service Center that is moving to its new location in Sparta.

Up until now things had been coasting along as the building itself was gutted and rebuilt inside. I'd been involved in the meetings and design of our IT room, but up until the past two weeks, things were pretty quiet. Over that past couple of weeks, I've had to get racks and cable management ordered along with patch cables for cabling. I've been working with the cablers at the site with the placement of our racks along with making sure all the cabling was done to our specifications. Yesterday, my co-worker and I built the server rack and placed it in the room.

The next two weeks will be busy and filled with adventure as we move close to our move in date of October 17. That is the date we bring the network up and move our server, stager, analyzer, UPSs, etc to the new site. October 20 is the date that the employees will be moving to the new site. I will be among those moving to the Sparta location from Grand Rapids. I will be almost 20 miles closer to home which means less time on the road and using less gas in the process.

Well, I will try to keep things more up-to-date from this point forward. Now that summer is overwith and the cooler weather is setting in, that should be easier.

Blast from the Past

This is a picture from around 1959 to 1960. I'm holding Barbie. Of course, again, I'm the cute one. What a blast from the past.

My sister, Pat, is on the left, and Barbara is in the middle. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time. But on the other hand, I don't think I would want to go back in time. Reliving life in your memories is sometimes better because you can leave out that bad things that come your way.

The Three Stooges

Looking through some pictures, I came across this picture that was taken in July, 2002, of me and my sisters at my house during a family get together.

Just in case you aren't sure, I'm Curly, the cute one in the middle.

Be Still

Yesterday, as I drove between four different sites for work, (Croton, Big Rapids, Filer City and Ludington Pump Storage) I was traveled a little over 240 miles and spent almost five hours on the road. During that time, I felt more at peace than I had in a long time. It was cold out and the landscape wasn't what I would call pretty because of the "dirty" snow, but it was peaceful.

It didn't start out that way, but as the day wore on, I felt as if I was in the presence of God. He was there inside my heart and soul. I started out thinking about work and personal issues I am dealing with, but as the miles added up along with the hours, there came a point that nothing mattered except that I was in His presence. I usually always listen to christian music during my long trips. I plugged in my MP3 player to the auxiliary jack in the van. I can't say that there was a certain point in my travels that it hit me, but it did. I wanted to stay inside of that feeling forever, even though I know that probably wouldn't happen.

This morning I received a short email from a friend that upset me. However, I didn't want that feeling to overtake the peace that I felt yesterday. All I could think of was God telling me, "Be still, and know that I am God." After awhile, it no longer upset me, and I was able to feel at peace again. It wasn't the same as yesterday, but it is close enough to be a healing balm on my soul. Thank you Lord for being there in my time of need.

I believe that is what I was feeling yesterday because I was alone in the car, but I wasn't alone. He was there constantly reminding me to be still and know that He is God. He is in total control of my life, and I need to always remember that He is there. Yesterday was the most amazing and wonderful day I have experienced in a long time. I knew that I was and will never be alone.

Happy "1st" Birthday Ryan

Well, yesterday, February 29th, was my grandson's, Ryan, fourth birthday. However, it was officially his "1st" birthday. Yes, he was born on leap day 2004. Mom and Dad threw him a great party at Chuck-e-Cheese. What a madhouse, but it was a lot of fun. I am sharing only a few pictures as I believe Kim will want to post the celebration on her blog.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today would have been my mother's 85th birthday. Unfortunately, she went home to be with her Lord on February 26, 2005. I miss her terribly. A day doesn't go by that I don't think about her.

We were very close, and we did a lot of things together, like painting, bowling, shopping, spending time together overnight, and talking sometimes hours on end. Sometimes it would be only for a few minutes and other times it was over an hour.

I remember a time when we stayed overnight at my Aunt Gloria's house, and she told me that she had memorized the state capitals. And, being the competitive person I am, what did I do starting that night in the dark as we talked, had her teach me all of the state capitals. By the time we got home the next day, I had them all memorized. Don't ask me to say them now, but during that 24 plus hours we spent together, I did something that she helped me do.

There were so many memories that I can't even start to mention. We laughed together, cried together, had fun together, bowled together, painted together, talked together, and enjoyed to love of music together.

I miss you Mom. You were more than a mom, you were a friend and confidante. Someone I could always count on to be there for me. And, I tried to be there for you.

My mom is one of the blessings that God has given me. And, her memory, will live on in my life.

Young and Carefree

Oh to be young and carefree again,

Free of the worries,

Free of mistakes,

Free of the heartache,

Free of the pain.

Just to be young and carefree again.

Sometimes I feel as though being an adult it more work than it is worth. Even though I don't want to go back to my childhood, I wish that life could be easier.

I think that is why Jesus told us in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

God's Handiwork

I received an email from my girlfriend, Ann, that I wanted to share here on my blogsite. This is truly a blessing that I hope to see for myself one day.

THIS IS A FIRE RAINBOW - THE RAREST OF ALL NATURALLY OCCURRING ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENA.

THE PICTURE WAS CAPTURED IN JUNE OF 2006 ON THE IDAHO/WASHINGTON BORDER THE EVENT LASTED ABOUT 1 HOUR CLOUDS HAVE TO BE CIRRUS, AT LEAST 20K FEET IN THE AIR, WITH JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF ICE CRYSTALS AND THE SUN HAS TO HIT THE CLOUDS AT PRECISELY 58 DEGREES.



Isn't God a wonderful God. He gives us so much to see and be thankful for. His wonderous beauty within our world is amazing. I cannot believe that people don't believe that there is a God that has created everything that we have. Who else would care so much to show us these wonderous things.

This is totally awesome. Just like our God is!!!

Memories

Well, this morning when I checked out my daughter's blog site, I went to Danielle's. It is hard to believe that the kids that I had in Children's Church for so many years working on different musicals are all grown up, getting married, and will one day have children to call their own. She was my daughter's maid of honor, and now, Kim, is going to be hers. They are like sisters. I know that Kim claims her as one since she doesn't have a sister to call her own. For that matter, neither does Danielle. Both just have brothers.

Even though I had sisters of my own, my best friend, Ann, is more like a sister to me. What a wonderful blessing to have is a friend that you call a sister. You can't always say that your sister is always your friend.

Beautiful Rainbows

This morning as I think of the never-ending winter, I reflected back to last summer when I had the honor of viewing several rainbows after a rainstorm. Fortunately, I was able to capture them on my digital camera (what a wonderful invention) so that I can look upon God's wonder. Too bad we can't see rainbows after a snow. Now that would truly be a blessing and a wonder to see.

When I see a rainbow, I always reflect on God's wonderful gifts that He gives us on a daily basis. Maybe if He would show us a rainbow in the winter, we would take the time to look upon those gifts and not dwell on the never-ending winter and those mid-winter blues.

Just something to think about.

Working Relationships

Getting back into the "work world" after being off for almost five months has been interesting. We have a 26-year-old contractor named Chris that took over for me while I was off. Now, Judy, my co-worker, is off work so Chris is staying on. He is a GREAT asset to Consumers, and I hope that he will be able to some day find a permanent job with us.

I am twice his age. He is the same age as my daughter. It isn't easy sometimes working with someone who is half your age, but it has been a blessing. He works hard and has made me realize what it is to be young again. I have been able to communicate with him on a level that is working for both of us.

Due to my perserverance, I have a job that I love. It is something that I never thought I would do. It is challenging and taxes me at times, but it is something I hope I continue to do for another several years. I hope that he will be able to find that same blessing.

Winter Blues

Well, it seems like winter has come in again with a blast of cold air. Stuck in the house and not wanting to go outside, feeling cold and trying to keep warm. Winter sets in and soon many of us feel the "winter blues." I know that I do. I love watching the "big and fluffy" flakes when the season starts just before Christmas, but by the beginning of February I am tired of the winter storms and freezing arctic air. So, here I am trying to make the best of the winter.

So, what to do to make the best of this time of year. Here is a list of things that I have to help relieve the dreaded winter blues. Along with the normal working each day and then coming home to an empty house many days when Jack is working, I have tried to keep myself busy.

1. I am converting VHS tapes to DVDs. Didn't realize how many movies I had on VHS
2. I am xcanning pictures of my family taken before the digital camera.
3. I am looking through pictures to figure out when the pictures were taken. Many are without dates.
4. I am exercising trying to get back into shape before summer comes.
5. I am reading books and I am back into reading my Bible.

Other things that I want to do include:

1. Painting some emu eggs to give away.
2. Painting some pots to plant some summer flowers in.
3. Painting a nice picture on canvas.
4. Playing the piano and singing again.

There are lots of things that I need to do now while I am stuck inside because once nice weather comes around, I want to be outside gardening, laying in the sun, fishing, taking long walks, and taking rides around the lake. I guess that I should feel blessed with the "winter blues" because it gives me time to do the inside things that get passed by during the warmer months.

Life

Life is short. We need to live everyday as if it may be our last. This week has been difficult. Early Monday morning, I was reading my email and there was one from Jo, my friend and hairdresser. The email was sad. She said that her husband, Brett, who was only 50 died on Sunday after her and her daughter did CPR until the paramedics arrived and tried for 45 minutes to revive him without success.

Yesterday, again I was checking email and saw one from a neighbor. He stated that another neighbor who is in her early 50s was killed in a terrible car accident less than 2 miles from home on her way home from work. I broke down and cried. A couple years ago, her husband died of a heart attack at work just before Christmas. Last October, she was so happy because she had just gotten remarried starting her life all over again.

We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Take the time to give your loved ones a hug and tell them you love them. Don't wait until tomorrow because tomorrow may never come. And, don't let the sun go down on your anger. The bible tells us that, but do we always do that. I used to, but I have swayed from that. I believe God had a reason for telling us that. He is the one in control and if we do, and we lose the one we love, we are the ones who suffer in more ways than the initial loss.

Take the time now, today, and don't wait until tomorrow.

Having Fun

I picked up my new van on Thursday, and people from work wanted to see a picture. Well, this is what I sent them. Earlier in the week, my boss sent out an email containing pictures of women drivers. The very last picture, which was the gold medal winner, had my picture super-imposed in it. It was a good laugh. So, when asked to send a picture of my van, I decided to find the worst picture I could and super-impose a picture of me in it. It was lots of fun. Our group, DOT, really does work hard at our jobs, but we have lots of fun in the process. Laughing is a GREAT stress reliever. And, I love to help out whenever I can.

New Van

Well, I'm 52 years old, and I am finally getting a brand new vehicle. Not just a new vehicle that was previously used by someone else that maybe wasn't exactly the color I wanted or had the features I wanted. I was always settling for someone else's hand-me-downs. And, I didn't always have a real say in the matter. Well, yesterday, I signed the papers to purchase a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country. It is the color I wanted and has the features I wanted (heated seats was the big one... LOL).

I know that buying new isn't always "smart" according to some people. But, in my lifetime I always wished that I would have at least one, which has finally come ture. The big selling point was the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. With all the driving I do for work, that will be a big plus. I had to give up some gas mileage for comfort, but it is worth it with the amount of hours I spend in my car.

We will pick it up on Thursday. I am really excited.

Proud Parent

Just wanted to let everyone know how proud I am of my daughter, Kim. She completed her LPN training late last year, and she has taken her state boards. She passed, which is not surprising to me. I had no doubt in my mind that she would. She has a new job, and she will excel as she always has.

She is a loving and kind woman. She will make a fantastic nurse. Great job Kim! Keep up the good work.

Working full time again!

Well, I started back to work full time after the first of the year. It has been good but challenging at times. I am still not 100% even though the neurologist released me with no restrictions. Had to contact my family doctor and discuss the restrictions. He did fill out the appropriate paperwork to allow me to work into no restrictions. This will take time, but each day and each week will get better.

Feels good to be productive again!