Oh my my, it's been a while. Well maybe not, but it feels like forever to me. Having one of those sleepless nights. You know the ones I am talking about. Where your body is screaming "Go to sleep you dolt!" but your mind just won't shut off. Yep, that's me. I'm blaming it on the caffeine.
So, I made it through the rest of the Sookie Stackhouse novels without any more side effects, lol. Good series, though. I recommend it to anymore vampire buffs who may be reading this. Starting on another series now. It's the Vampire Academy series. Still in the beginning of the first book, so I can't tell you my opinion as of yet, but as soon as I form one, you will be the first (or second) to know...
I made it through my first year serving at the River booth at CCF. I loved it! I am now kicking myself in the butt for not serving earlier! I learned how to make balloon animals (so I can apply for a job as a clown if the DC thing doesn't work out, lol), I got to meet the missionaries from TX, and I got to love up on the community! I had a fantastic time and can't wait for next year to do it all over again!
So my tall handsome not-a-stranger (we'll just call him CH for the sake of my little hands) still hasn't asked me on a date! I have half a mind to ask him myself. Would it seem wierd to do that? It's been so long since I have been out on a date that I don't know the proper procedure for it anymore. Of course, I have changed since then, too. Plus, it's not like performing open heart surgery or something, it's just a date. Something simple, somewhere public, possibly going in a group setting would be best. I just don't want to scare him away, but I also don't want him to think that I am easy, either. I don't want to be too forward, but I don't have the patience to wait around for him to ask me. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? He could say no, and if he does, it definitely won't ruin my life or anything, so in reality I don't have anything to lose, right? Ugh, when did this all become so hard!?!
Ooh, so I signed new DC clients! I am now full and have a waiting list! I am so excited! My DCC are pretty undisciplined, though. The middle one absolutely refuses to say please, the oldest one has a bit of a foul mouth, and the baby tends to cry unless he is being held. I am working at it, and slowly but surely we are getting everything smoothed out. I feel sorry for them because I can't imagine what it would feel like not to have the security of boundaries. That must be scary. Boundaries are what make children feel safe, and these poor kiddos haven't had that. It will be a challenge, but I am up to it. Just, if you could, be in prayer for me and also for them.
The Grasping God's Word study that I am in on Wed nights has been really insightful for me. I find that I am more prepared to sit down to do my Bible study now that I have the tools to make my quiet time more in-depth. I have started to take some of my favorite verses and use the methods that I have learned and applying it to those verses. It has really opened up my eyes. I have never been a history buff (as a matter of fact, I got my best sleep in my history classes in school), but ever since I have been attending GGW, I find myself enthralled by Biblical history. I find that I have a hard time getting past step one because history is becoming so interesting! I thank God for a pastor who is willing to teach a class on hermeneutics so that we can all learn how to rightly handle God's Word. I have not attended many churches where the pastor encourages you to dig deeper into the Word. We need more pastors out there that are like that, in my opinion.
Well, I am getting tired (finally!) so I am going to get my butt in bed. I have an early morning tomorrow, and then the babes and I are going down to IL for one last visit before school starts and things start getting (more) hectic. Talk to you later! Love you all!!
A
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
For Better Or For Worse...
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5
Okay, I know some of you probably just read those and wondered: "what the heck is going on here?" I'll let you all in on a little secret: sometimes I need to remind myself of Who is really in control here. I need to remember Who's child I am. I am a child of God, a daughter of the Most High King. That does not mean that I am impermeable to trials and sufferings, though. And I think that sometimes I forget that. And when the rug gets pulled out from under me, I tend to have difficulties praising God through my circumstances. I know that everything happens for a reason. I know that every circumstance will bring Him glory. I understand all that. It doesn't make the storms any easier to weather, though.
And I am not complaining. This is not what this post is about. I believe it is more along the lines of "growing in the valleys" Yeah, that's a good way to put it, I think. Partially because I have yet to meet someone who does all their growing from the mountaintop. I think that the reason God uses the devastating, the bad, the sufferings to bring us to a place of humility. It's nearly impossible to grow when your head is in the clouds. It goes much more smoothly if you are on your knees. Now, this isn't to say that there is no growth from a mountaintop, and if you have only grown when life has been good, then more power to ya. But from personal experience (mostly because I am a stubborn fool), I can look back and see the periods where I had the most growth spiritually were the times when I was going through some pretty harsh stuff.
Just a word to you "young" Christians out there: don't trust anyone who promises you that following God will make your life easier. It won't. But that isn't to say that it isn't worth it. Believe you me, it is. There is no greater worth than Jesus Christ.
And I am not complaining. This is not what this post is about. I believe it is more along the lines of "growing in the valleys" Yeah, that's a good way to put it, I think. Partially because I have yet to meet someone who does all their growing from the mountaintop. I think that the reason God uses the devastating, the bad, the sufferings to bring us to a place of humility. It's nearly impossible to grow when your head is in the clouds. It goes much more smoothly if you are on your knees. Now, this isn't to say that there is no growth from a mountaintop, and if you have only grown when life has been good, then more power to ya. But from personal experience (mostly because I am a stubborn fool), I can look back and see the periods where I had the most growth spiritually were the times when I was going through some pretty harsh stuff.
Just a word to you "young" Christians out there: don't trust anyone who promises you that following God will make your life easier. It won't. But that isn't to say that it isn't worth it. Believe you me, it is. There is no greater worth than Jesus Christ.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Hello to all you out there in Cyberspace! Hope you are staying cool in this heatwave that we have going on right now.
I just have to say it: I love my life. Even when things start to go rough like they are getting riight now, I still love my life. I look around me and all I see is how God has blessed me. I have breath in my lungs, four beautiful and healthy children, family and friends that love me dearly, as I love them, and a church that helps me to grow in my faith and walk my talk. I am blessed beyond measure because I am one of the chosen ones. One that God picked before the foundations of the earth. One that He sent His Son to bear the punishment for. One who has been forgiven, redeemed, and adopted. Yep, I am blessed.
I am in the middle of a little Bible study. I was driving earlier and my mind was wandering (as so often happens), and I don't want to give anymore away until I am done with this study, but I will say that this has been a very interesting topic thusfar and I believe that it may open some of your eyes out there in Cyberspace. (okay, so that last sentence was a major run-on...and on and on...) I'm totally psyched about this though and I can't wait to share with you all the things that I learn so we can grow in our walk together. Woot Woot!
I got my hair cut the other day. I went from having hair down to about the middle of my back to now being able to spike it in the back. Now, some of you may be thinking that I am crazy, but I have had it this short many times before, and am actually more comfortable with short hair than I am with long hair. You know how people will say that a certain hairstyle or look makes them feel more confident? Well, having my hair like this makes me feel sassy. I guess you can say that it makes me feel more confident.
So...I have been reading these books that come very highly recommended by my aunt. They are the Sookie Stackhouse novels. The show True Blood on HBO is based on them. I like them so far. I have found that I like almost any vampire book that I read. There is only one problem with this, though. I keep having dreams about vampires. Not necessarily a bad thing, but definitely wierd.
My 10 year class reunion is coming up. I am actually looking forward to it, though. I wasn't very popular with the popular crowd, though I was popular within my group of friends. I just want to go and have a good time. I would like to hope that we have all grown up since our high school days, but you never know. Don't get me wrong, my high school wasn't super-cliquey, but there were the obvious groups. You know: the jocks, the "stoners", the artsy ones, etc. There was a lot of overlap in them though, and for the most part, everyone got along with everyone else. I don't remember having any really big conflicts with anyone in high school. I look at some of the yearbooks that I have from back then, though and think to myself "Man, we were just babies back then!" How time flies...
I had a dream last night that I went to my HS reunion and all of my former classmates were all vampires. I wonder if that is a subconscious sign that I may be reading too many vampire books, lol.
I am volunteering tomorrow at the River of Life booth at the CCF. I am actually looking forward to it although I am not really good at facepainting and my balloon animal-making skills kind of suck. I can do temp tattoos with the best of them though. I wonder if I will be seeing a particular tall dark handsome not-a-stranger there. Would be nice...I know that I keep saying that I am not looking to date right now, but it would still be nice to be asked, you know what I mean? If this certain tall dark handsome not-a-stranger (talk about carpal tunnel, lol) were to, idk, ask me out for, say, a cup of coffee or lunch, or some other such thing, I surely would not turn him down.
Well, I am tired, so I will be heading off to la-la land. Hopefully to not dream about vampires...
Lovingly yours,
A
I just have to say it: I love my life. Even when things start to go rough like they are getting riight now, I still love my life. I look around me and all I see is how God has blessed me. I have breath in my lungs, four beautiful and healthy children, family and friends that love me dearly, as I love them, and a church that helps me to grow in my faith and walk my talk. I am blessed beyond measure because I am one of the chosen ones. One that God picked before the foundations of the earth. One that He sent His Son to bear the punishment for. One who has been forgiven, redeemed, and adopted. Yep, I am blessed.
I am in the middle of a little Bible study. I was driving earlier and my mind was wandering (as so often happens), and I don't want to give anymore away until I am done with this study, but I will say that this has been a very interesting topic thusfar and I believe that it may open some of your eyes out there in Cyberspace. (okay, so that last sentence was a major run-on...and on and on...) I'm totally psyched about this though and I can't wait to share with you all the things that I learn so we can grow in our walk together. Woot Woot!
I got my hair cut the other day. I went from having hair down to about the middle of my back to now being able to spike it in the back. Now, some of you may be thinking that I am crazy, but I have had it this short many times before, and am actually more comfortable with short hair than I am with long hair. You know how people will say that a certain hairstyle or look makes them feel more confident? Well, having my hair like this makes me feel sassy. I guess you can say that it makes me feel more confident.
So...I have been reading these books that come very highly recommended by my aunt. They are the Sookie Stackhouse novels. The show True Blood on HBO is based on them. I like them so far. I have found that I like almost any vampire book that I read. There is only one problem with this, though. I keep having dreams about vampires. Not necessarily a bad thing, but definitely wierd.
My 10 year class reunion is coming up. I am actually looking forward to it, though. I wasn't very popular with the popular crowd, though I was popular within my group of friends. I just want to go and have a good time. I would like to hope that we have all grown up since our high school days, but you never know. Don't get me wrong, my high school wasn't super-cliquey, but there were the obvious groups. You know: the jocks, the "stoners", the artsy ones, etc. There was a lot of overlap in them though, and for the most part, everyone got along with everyone else. I don't remember having any really big conflicts with anyone in high school. I look at some of the yearbooks that I have from back then, though and think to myself "Man, we were just babies back then!" How time flies...
I had a dream last night that I went to my HS reunion and all of my former classmates were all vampires. I wonder if that is a subconscious sign that I may be reading too many vampire books, lol.
I am volunteering tomorrow at the River of Life booth at the CCF. I am actually looking forward to it although I am not really good at facepainting and my balloon animal-making skills kind of suck. I can do temp tattoos with the best of them though. I wonder if I will be seeing a particular tall dark handsome not-a-stranger there. Would be nice...I know that I keep saying that I am not looking to date right now, but it would still be nice to be asked, you know what I mean? If this certain tall dark handsome not-a-stranger (talk about carpal tunnel, lol) were to, idk, ask me out for, say, a cup of coffee or lunch, or some other such thing, I surely would not turn him down.
Well, I am tired, so I will be heading off to la-la land. Hopefully to not dream about vampires...
Lovingly yours,
A
Saturday, July 9, 2011
How Forgiveness Feels...
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be forgiven? I mean REALLY forgiven. I often wonder what this being forgiven thing feels like, and I think that I may have found an interesting story that explains it perfectly. I'm sure that you all know this one, but just in case you don't, I'll give you a little background. Jesus has just prophesied His own betrayal and death for the umpteenth time, and tells his disciples that when He is handed over to His enemies, they will all fall away (forsake Him). Peter (formerly known as Simon) says that he would never fall away. Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. Peter answers "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!" Matthew 26:35
Well, Jesus indeed is betrayed by one of His own disciples and handed over to his enemies. All of the disciples scatter and flee, including Peter. But he follows the guards that have taken Jesus and ends up in the courtyard of Caiaphas, the High Priest, where more of our story plays out.
"Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times," And he went out and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:69-75
Have you done something like this? When times get tough, do you get going? Do you run? Do you blame God? It's so easy when life throws you garbage to put your nose to the grindstone and try to go it alone. I've done it, still do sometimes. Let me ask you something: How's that tactic working out for you? I can tell you from personal experience that it doesn't. It's stressful, overwhelming, and exhausting, this "turn your back" method. It isn't easy to run from God. It may come second nature for some of us, but it isn't easy by far. What does all of this have to do with forgiveness? Remember our story doesn't end there. Short version: Jesus is beaten and crucified. And all of those followers? Let's find out...
On a sidenote: When I am doing a Bible study, I try to put myself in the person's shoes that I am reading about. Try to see things through their eyes, feel what they felt, etc. It helps me understand the story better. So we will try this here: imagine you meet this man who says He is the Son of God. You follow Him, giving up everything in the process (your job, your family, your old life). You put your heart and soul into learning from this man. He tells you things you have never heard before and does miracles. He is amazing beyond words. You would follow Him anywhere...then He dies. Not only does He die, the whole thing plays out just as He said it would. And you put your trust in Him. You thought He was a Savior, the Messiah you have been taught about for as long as you can remember. How would you feel? I would feel afraid, uncertain, angry, confused, and that's just scratching the surface. Now, imagine you are Peter. You said you would die before you denied Him, and you just did it three times. Devastation doesn't even begin to describe it. How could you ever be forgiven for that?
Fast forward to John 21. Jesus has been resurrected. The Son of God has beaten death! Everyone is rejoicing! Well, they should be, at least. But if I were Peter, I would be feeling immense shame.
"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep," He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep." John 21:15-17
Now, I believe that this is Jesus' way of saying "Let it go. You are forgiven. Now go do what you were commanded to do: Tend to my sheep." When I read this, I am overwhelmed. This story brings tears to my eyes. Even when we are not faithful, He is faithful. Thank God for this, because I know that more times than not, I prove myself to be a Peter, denying Him when times get tough. I am crying right now, because I am being convicted even as I write this. How much time have I spent feeling shame, instead of accepting God's forgiveness? I am done feeling exhausted, getting beaten because I continue to try to "go it alone". Beloved, do you have something that you need to ask God's forgiveness for? Well, do it. He is faithful. You will be forgiven. Stop being beaten, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. What a freeing feeling to be forgiven, I can only imagine the flood of emotions that Peter must have felt.
Well, I have to get off to bed, I have church in the morning. God bless!
A
Well, Jesus indeed is betrayed by one of His own disciples and handed over to his enemies. All of the disciples scatter and flee, including Peter. But he follows the guards that have taken Jesus and ends up in the courtyard of Caiaphas, the High Priest, where more of our story plays out.
"Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times," And he went out and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:69-75
Have you done something like this? When times get tough, do you get going? Do you run? Do you blame God? It's so easy when life throws you garbage to put your nose to the grindstone and try to go it alone. I've done it, still do sometimes. Let me ask you something: How's that tactic working out for you? I can tell you from personal experience that it doesn't. It's stressful, overwhelming, and exhausting, this "turn your back" method. It isn't easy to run from God. It may come second nature for some of us, but it isn't easy by far. What does all of this have to do with forgiveness? Remember our story doesn't end there. Short version: Jesus is beaten and crucified. And all of those followers? Let's find out...
On a sidenote: When I am doing a Bible study, I try to put myself in the person's shoes that I am reading about. Try to see things through their eyes, feel what they felt, etc. It helps me understand the story better. So we will try this here: imagine you meet this man who says He is the Son of God. You follow Him, giving up everything in the process (your job, your family, your old life). You put your heart and soul into learning from this man. He tells you things you have never heard before and does miracles. He is amazing beyond words. You would follow Him anywhere...then He dies. Not only does He die, the whole thing plays out just as He said it would. And you put your trust in Him. You thought He was a Savior, the Messiah you have been taught about for as long as you can remember. How would you feel? I would feel afraid, uncertain, angry, confused, and that's just scratching the surface. Now, imagine you are Peter. You said you would die before you denied Him, and you just did it three times. Devastation doesn't even begin to describe it. How could you ever be forgiven for that?
Fast forward to John 21. Jesus has been resurrected. The Son of God has beaten death! Everyone is rejoicing! Well, they should be, at least. But if I were Peter, I would be feeling immense shame.
"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep," He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep." John 21:15-17
Now, I believe that this is Jesus' way of saying "Let it go. You are forgiven. Now go do what you were commanded to do: Tend to my sheep." When I read this, I am overwhelmed. This story brings tears to my eyes. Even when we are not faithful, He is faithful. Thank God for this, because I know that more times than not, I prove myself to be a Peter, denying Him when times get tough. I am crying right now, because I am being convicted even as I write this. How much time have I spent feeling shame, instead of accepting God's forgiveness? I am done feeling exhausted, getting beaten because I continue to try to "go it alone". Beloved, do you have something that you need to ask God's forgiveness for? Well, do it. He is faithful. You will be forgiven. Stop being beaten, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. What a freeing feeling to be forgiven, I can only imagine the flood of emotions that Peter must have felt.
Well, I have to get off to bed, I have church in the morning. God bless!
A
Up on my soapbox again...
If there is one thing that I cannot stand, it is someone who continually complains about their walk, yet does nothing. Now, by nothing, I mean exactly that. There is an excuse for everything. Their life is so completely full that they have no time to spend in the Word. No time for a 5-minute devotion. Not even time to spend reading the Bible with their children. The church ultimately becomes responsible for showing the children how to walk with the Lord. But unfortunately, many times the children end up becoming just like their parents: complainers. Would you like some cheese with that whine? I find it really interesting to talk with people like this because they always seem to have time to update their Facebook status every hour on the hour, check out all their friends' Facebook statuses, shop online, read other books, etc. But in all of this apparent busy-ness, there is no time left to abide. We are told in John 15 that Christ is the Vine and we are the branches. (John 15:4) We cannot bear fruit outside of Him. (John 15:5) Our walk will falter without this abiding that we are commanded to do. As a matter of fact, Jesus goes on to say: "If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." Ouch, sounds painful.
Not only that, think about this rationally. Why would you want to stray from your Heavenly Father? The God of the universe, who sent his Son to be a sacrifice, to pay the price for your sin? This may come as a surprise, but one day Facebook will be gone. You won't be able to update your status anymore, nor will you be able to keep up with the Jones' because the Jones' won't matter. That cool new TV show? Gone in a blink of an eye, along with all of the neat new things that you "had to have". What will matter then? In the end, it will come down to this: did you abide? Did you take time out of your busy day, out of your hectic life to give thanks and spend time with the One who gave you the breath in your lungs? Did you glorify Him by not obsessing over what you don't have and what you want or think you need, but instead put your focus on how He has blessed you beyond measure?
So, quit complaining, stop making excuses, and start living what you claim to believe. Log off of Facebook, turn off your computer, unplug the TV, and silence your phone. Grab your Bible, brush off the layer of dust that has collected on it, and open it up. And abide. Spend time with the One who picked you out of creation and said "This one is mine". You may just find that life isn't so hard, not so overwhelming.
(For those of you who just got offended by reading this: I wrote this for you. I have heard enough complaining and belly-aching to last me a lifetime, and frankly, enough is enough. And you know what: so has everyone else. Give us all a break. Sometimes life sucks. Deal with it. Quit making excuses for not spending time in the Word. We are all busy. But some of us know how to prioritize our time.)
Lovingly yours,
A
Not only that, think about this rationally. Why would you want to stray from your Heavenly Father? The God of the universe, who sent his Son to be a sacrifice, to pay the price for your sin? This may come as a surprise, but one day Facebook will be gone. You won't be able to update your status anymore, nor will you be able to keep up with the Jones' because the Jones' won't matter. That cool new TV show? Gone in a blink of an eye, along with all of the neat new things that you "had to have". What will matter then? In the end, it will come down to this: did you abide? Did you take time out of your busy day, out of your hectic life to give thanks and spend time with the One who gave you the breath in your lungs? Did you glorify Him by not obsessing over what you don't have and what you want or think you need, but instead put your focus on how He has blessed you beyond measure?
So, quit complaining, stop making excuses, and start living what you claim to believe. Log off of Facebook, turn off your computer, unplug the TV, and silence your phone. Grab your Bible, brush off the layer of dust that has collected on it, and open it up. And abide. Spend time with the One who picked you out of creation and said "This one is mine". You may just find that life isn't so hard, not so overwhelming.
(For those of you who just got offended by reading this: I wrote this for you. I have heard enough complaining and belly-aching to last me a lifetime, and frankly, enough is enough. And you know what: so has everyone else. Give us all a break. Sometimes life sucks. Deal with it. Quit making excuses for not spending time in the Word. We are all busy. But some of us know how to prioritize our time.)
Lovingly yours,
A
Thursday, June 9, 2011
How long???
Good evening fellow cyberspacers! Writing a little earlier today than normal, but I have to get something off of my chest. Went to court today for child support. I must say that I am officially disgusted with the whole process. First off, B was able to get a public defender FOR A FAMILY MATTER, which I was told they didn't handle. Then, his almighty p.d. didn't show up for court, and B got a continuance! On a contempt hearing! So, when all was said and done, I asked the child support attorney: "How many years behind in child support does he need to be before you guys decide to hold him accountable for his responsibilities?" So she said what anyone trained in diffusing hostile situations would say: "I know exactly how you feel..."
Here's how the conversation went:
Me: "No, obviously you don't know how I feel, because if you had even a small idea, we wouldn't be standing here right now. And I would like to know why he(B)even had the right to object to a warrant when he was in contempt in the first place."
CSA: "Well, two years ago, a man was thrown in jail for nonpayment, and he fought it. The case went before the supreme court, and that was how the law was put in place giving the non-payer the right to object to a warrant. Also, B says he is starting a job on Monday, so we will see how that goes..."
Me: "Did I mention to you that I am a heart surgeon, and I took the afternoon off of work to be at this hearing, which I must admit is an absolute joke."
CSA: "Really? You're file doesn't say that you are a heart surgeon..."
Me: "Well, just because I say something doesn't mean that it is true. He told you that he hasn't been employed for two years, but that isn't what he told the mediator. He admitted to her that he worked for a moving company a year ago, but didn't pay any support while he was employed there. That's why you need to start making him provide proof for the things that he is telling you."
CSA: "I understand your frustration, but that is the law. Unfortunately, he has the right to object. But one thing that is good. The burden of proof is on him. He has already been found in contempt, so he has to either provide payment on that day, or give good reason as to why he cannot pay."
Me: "Are you going to make him prove whatever he tells you? I mean, when he says he has been looking for employment, are you going to make him provide proof of application? Or, if he says that he is starting a job, are you going to make him provide proof of that, like names of employers, contact information, etc."
Well, the conversation went on like that for a few more minutes. If I hear one more person tell me that they understand my frustration, I swear they will get clocked! That CSA lady must have told me that at least five times! I know that she is trained to say that, but if I may give some advice: Don't say that you understand someone's frustration/pain/sorrow/etc. if you have never felt that type of frustration/pain/sorrow/etc. It only pisses the other person off.
I would really like to know why in the state of Wisconsin the DEADBEAT DAD'S have so many rights? What about the childrens' right to be financially supported by both parents? I keep hearing the family court people harping about not being on either parents' side, but instead trying to do what is in the best interest for the children. But more and more, I see the truth. The family court could really care less what is in the best interest of the children. I'm not really sure whose best interest they are looking out for, but I will be sure to keep you posted as I get more information.
As if the child support thing isn't bad enough, but I am also grounded from the gym for the rest of the week. Doctor's orders. Turns out that all the training for the 5ks that I wanted to do later this summer is making my colitis flare up. Sucks...I kinda use the gym as a way to relieve stress, and to find out that for at least a week I am grounded just really sucks.
Well, I'm getting tired, so I'm going to pop off for the night. Just a word to the wise...don't drink and type. Cuz once it's out there, you can't take it back.
Think before you publish...
A
Here's how the conversation went:
Me: "No, obviously you don't know how I feel, because if you had even a small idea, we wouldn't be standing here right now. And I would like to know why he(B)even had the right to object to a warrant when he was in contempt in the first place."
CSA: "Well, two years ago, a man was thrown in jail for nonpayment, and he fought it. The case went before the supreme court, and that was how the law was put in place giving the non-payer the right to object to a warrant. Also, B says he is starting a job on Monday, so we will see how that goes..."
Me: "Did I mention to you that I am a heart surgeon, and I took the afternoon off of work to be at this hearing, which I must admit is an absolute joke."
CSA: "Really? You're file doesn't say that you are a heart surgeon..."
Me: "Well, just because I say something doesn't mean that it is true. He told you that he hasn't been employed for two years, but that isn't what he told the mediator. He admitted to her that he worked for a moving company a year ago, but didn't pay any support while he was employed there. That's why you need to start making him provide proof for the things that he is telling you."
CSA: "I understand your frustration, but that is the law. Unfortunately, he has the right to object. But one thing that is good. The burden of proof is on him. He has already been found in contempt, so he has to either provide payment on that day, or give good reason as to why he cannot pay."
Me: "Are you going to make him prove whatever he tells you? I mean, when he says he has been looking for employment, are you going to make him provide proof of application? Or, if he says that he is starting a job, are you going to make him provide proof of that, like names of employers, contact information, etc."
Well, the conversation went on like that for a few more minutes. If I hear one more person tell me that they understand my frustration, I swear they will get clocked! That CSA lady must have told me that at least five times! I know that she is trained to say that, but if I may give some advice: Don't say that you understand someone's frustration/pain/sorrow/etc. if you have never felt that type of frustration/pain/sorrow/etc. It only pisses the other person off.
I would really like to know why in the state of Wisconsin the DEADBEAT DAD'S have so many rights? What about the childrens' right to be financially supported by both parents? I keep hearing the family court people harping about not being on either parents' side, but instead trying to do what is in the best interest for the children. But more and more, I see the truth. The family court could really care less what is in the best interest of the children. I'm not really sure whose best interest they are looking out for, but I will be sure to keep you posted as I get more information.
As if the child support thing isn't bad enough, but I am also grounded from the gym for the rest of the week. Doctor's orders. Turns out that all the training for the 5ks that I wanted to do later this summer is making my colitis flare up. Sucks...I kinda use the gym as a way to relieve stress, and to find out that for at least a week I am grounded just really sucks.
Well, I'm getting tired, so I'm going to pop off for the night. Just a word to the wise...don't drink and type. Cuz once it's out there, you can't take it back.
Think before you publish...
A
Sunday, June 5, 2011
My first 2-mile...
Good evening fellow bloggers! Hope you all had a great weekend! It was Milk Days down in Harvard, so my kiddos and I spent the weekend vegging out on carnival food, watching the parade, and hanging with family. Good times, good times...
On the way down to IL, I almost hit a boat on the Interstate. Yes, you read correctly, a boat...on the Interstate. Why you ask? Well, what happened was this: we are cruising along singing with the tunes on the radio, when I see what I thought was a small car coming from the opposite direction across the grass. So I did what every sane person would do and wondered what the heck the person driving that "vehicle" was thinking, when I realized that it wasn't a car, but in fact a boat. A red and white striped boat on its trailer coasting in the grass, directly towards where my van was headed. I slammed on my brakes, narrowly avoiding colliding with the rogue watercraft, and the vehicle in the lane beside me (which happened to be a silver late model truck) smashed into it, decimating the boat and sending trailer parts into the air. It was mad crazy! Woke up the babies! So I called 911 and reported what happened, asked K and K if they were okay, and made sure I kept my eyes open for runaway boats for the rest of the trip.
Saturday was my first 2-mile. That was so much fun! I got there at 6:45 to register, then waited till 8 am for the race to start. My mom came with K and K and MacKenzie, which was a nice surprise. I liked having someone there to cheer me on. It made me feel good about myself. Saturday was a hot day. My temp thingy in my van read 83 degrees at 6:30. The race started and ended at Jefferson School. They also had a 10k, but I think I'll do that next year. This being my first real race, I didn't want to overdo it. I got to keep my bib from the race, and I got a printout of my stats. My overall place was 129th, my place according to sex was 62nd, and according to my age group I came in 10th. Total time was 26:32. I'm super happy with that time! To some people, that may not sound like anything spectacular, but this is where I came from: I quit smoking just over 7 months ago, I had a baby 9 months ago, I was hospitalized 6 months ago, and I have NEVER been able to run distances, even before I started smoking. So yeah, I'm really happy with how I did because I gave it my best, and I had a blast doing it. I think I may have found my new habit. There are a couple of 5ks that I would really like to do this summer as well, and this 2-mile gave me a little taste of what those will be like.
Okay, there is something that has been driving me absolutely crazy for a while, and I have to vent, so if you want to stop reading here, I promise I won't be offended...
Have you ever known someone who is always trying to one-up you? Someone who is constantly trying to undermine your good news with something of their own? Whether it has to do with some activity or group their child is involved in or some new hobby they picked up. No matter what you say, they have a better story about the exact same thing. Almost like they are trying to convince you that their life, morals, ways are better than yours (or better yet, trying to convince themselves) I have a friend like that. He doesn't seem to have an identity of his own, he just borrows bits and pieces of other peoples'. You can take any hobby, any moral, any like/dislike and attribute it to one of his peers. It almost seems like he finds a friend and tries to become that person (I know, I totally get visions of The Talented Mr. Ripley when I think about this him), down to the attitudes, the clothing style, the vocabulary, job choices, etc. Now he is doing it to me. I have noticed it getting worse bit by bit, but I'm starting to get a little aggravated. And I don't know how to mention it without sounding snobbish. I mean, doesn't this sound a little second-grade to you "Stop copying me!" (nasally voice and all) I just don't know what to do. I don't want to let this go on any longer because I will end up snapping and probably saying something that I will regret and I would rather not sacrifice the friendship, but at the same time, if I wanted a "swim fan", I would go out and buy the movie...ugh. It's just so darn frustrating. I don't even know if he notices himself doing it. Maybe its a psychological-thing that he can't help, I don't know.
Well, I have to get to bed. Tomorrow is the big day. My first daycare family is starting tomorrow afternoon, so I have to make sure I get enough sleep tonight so I can get the house in order tomorrow morning. You all have a good night, and I'll catch ya on the flipside, lol.
A
On the way down to IL, I almost hit a boat on the Interstate. Yes, you read correctly, a boat...on the Interstate. Why you ask? Well, what happened was this: we are cruising along singing with the tunes on the radio, when I see what I thought was a small car coming from the opposite direction across the grass. So I did what every sane person would do and wondered what the heck the person driving that "vehicle" was thinking, when I realized that it wasn't a car, but in fact a boat. A red and white striped boat on its trailer coasting in the grass, directly towards where my van was headed. I slammed on my brakes, narrowly avoiding colliding with the rogue watercraft, and the vehicle in the lane beside me (which happened to be a silver late model truck) smashed into it, decimating the boat and sending trailer parts into the air. It was mad crazy! Woke up the babies! So I called 911 and reported what happened, asked K and K if they were okay, and made sure I kept my eyes open for runaway boats for the rest of the trip.
Saturday was my first 2-mile. That was so much fun! I got there at 6:45 to register, then waited till 8 am for the race to start. My mom came with K and K and MacKenzie, which was a nice surprise. I liked having someone there to cheer me on. It made me feel good about myself. Saturday was a hot day. My temp thingy in my van read 83 degrees at 6:30. The race started and ended at Jefferson School. They also had a 10k, but I think I'll do that next year. This being my first real race, I didn't want to overdo it. I got to keep my bib from the race, and I got a printout of my stats. My overall place was 129th, my place according to sex was 62nd, and according to my age group I came in 10th. Total time was 26:32. I'm super happy with that time! To some people, that may not sound like anything spectacular, but this is where I came from: I quit smoking just over 7 months ago, I had a baby 9 months ago, I was hospitalized 6 months ago, and I have NEVER been able to run distances, even before I started smoking. So yeah, I'm really happy with how I did because I gave it my best, and I had a blast doing it. I think I may have found my new habit. There are a couple of 5ks that I would really like to do this summer as well, and this 2-mile gave me a little taste of what those will be like.
Okay, there is something that has been driving me absolutely crazy for a while, and I have to vent, so if you want to stop reading here, I promise I won't be offended...
Have you ever known someone who is always trying to one-up you? Someone who is constantly trying to undermine your good news with something of their own? Whether it has to do with some activity or group their child is involved in or some new hobby they picked up. No matter what you say, they have a better story about the exact same thing. Almost like they are trying to convince you that their life, morals, ways are better than yours (or better yet, trying to convince themselves) I have a friend like that. He doesn't seem to have an identity of his own, he just borrows bits and pieces of other peoples'. You can take any hobby, any moral, any like/dislike and attribute it to one of his peers. It almost seems like he finds a friend and tries to become that person (I know, I totally get visions of The Talented Mr. Ripley when I think about this him), down to the attitudes, the clothing style, the vocabulary, job choices, etc. Now he is doing it to me. I have noticed it getting worse bit by bit, but I'm starting to get a little aggravated. And I don't know how to mention it without sounding snobbish. I mean, doesn't this sound a little second-grade to you "Stop copying me!" (nasally voice and all) I just don't know what to do. I don't want to let this go on any longer because I will end up snapping and probably saying something that I will regret and I would rather not sacrifice the friendship, but at the same time, if I wanted a "swim fan", I would go out and buy the movie...ugh. It's just so darn frustrating. I don't even know if he notices himself doing it. Maybe its a psychological-thing that he can't help, I don't know.
Well, I have to get to bed. Tomorrow is the big day. My first daycare family is starting tomorrow afternoon, so I have to make sure I get enough sleep tonight so I can get the house in order tomorrow morning. You all have a good night, and I'll catch ya on the flipside, lol.
A
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