July Ramblings

 

Good morning, almost afternoon, friends!  I'm not so good at keeping this blog updated often.  This summer has been a mix of busy and lazy.  This morning I woke up just before 9am and then had to drop my daughter off to her last dance workshop of the summer at 10.  I'm sitting here sipping on the same cup of coffee since this morning, having reheated it a few times.  I've been cleaning, moved a plant I received from my head cook into a new pot and added it with what's left of the plant a friend had bought for me a few years go.  

It's the end of July and this summer is moving along very quickly.  In one month the kids will be going back to school and I'll be starting work again.  Last post I said how I was being moved to another school but since one of the cafeteria women are moving to an aide position I get to stay.  I'm so relieved!  However, I did apply for a secretary job at the school and have an interview on August 4.  Secretarial is what I did prior to having children and I always had hopes of going back.  Wish me luck, say a prayer!  As my kids are getting older their needs are becoming more expensive so more money would be quite helpful.  

I was just sitting at the computer gathering things needed to transfer my son back to the middle school.  He did part of last year at home through a cyber school and as much as he loved it, my husband and I both agree it's time to send him back to in person.  He's not happy about it but we know it's what's best for him and our family.  I am all for homeschooling and admire those who do it ... but it's just not possible for us at this time.  

I had so many plans for this summer and most of it hasn't been done.  I go to bed late, wake up late and spend the day fighting exhaustion while attempting to get through endless chores.  I don't know why I'm so tired all the time.  Some days I drift off into a mid day nap and that helps but I hate doing that.  I've pushed myself back into exercising because good health is important to me.  I might sneak in the kitchen for a cookie or two throughout the day but most of the day I'm snacking and eating healthy.  Mostly fruit.  

Last week my husband son were at scout camp so it was just me and my daughter having our annual girl time.  We binge watched some of her favorite shows, did some shopping, and made some crafts.  She had a friend over one day where they made slime and had a dance party.  She also started violin lessons once a week.  That's something she wanted to do for awhile.  

I guess that's about it for now.  Time to get more cleaning done before picking up the girl.  Have a wonderful week, everyone!  It's going to be a busy one for us.  

This Week

 This has been a rough week for me.  Yesterday I took that negative energy I was feeling and did some planting.  The front flower bed has been so bare and boring so I added these plants, which will eventually grow a lot bigger filled with white flowers.  

I also split the hostas and added them around the edge.  The great thing about hostas is they're low maintenance and continuously grow.  They can be split and moved very easily.  I'm happy with this change.  I wish I could be happy about all changes.  

I got a phone call earlier this week that I'm being moved to a different school to work in the cafeteria.  I know the staff and it wouldn't be so bad.  I'm thankful for a job at all.  But I've been in this current school for 4 years.  This is the school my kids attend(ed) and I've gotten to know all of the teachers, staff and students.  I have a special relationship with all of them.  I would hate to start over somewhere else.  I applied for an office job at the school but haven't heard anything yet.  Another girl in the cafeteria just got a teacher's aide position so I'm hoping this means I can stay.  I doubt it, but I hope.  It feels so awful now but I know things happen for a reason and I'm sure something good will come from this eventually.  

I also had 6 spots removed and found that 2 of them are skin cancer.  I have an appointment tomorrow to see if surgery is needed.  

My depression has really been  hitting me hard this week and I've felt alone in it.  I know my husband means well, but he's said a lot of things that I just didn't need to hear.  I don't need advice or lectures.  I just need to be given peace when I'm down.  When Elijah battled depression God did not send an angel to preach to him, He sent an angel to comfort him.  That's all I ever want in those times.  

I'm really not sure what the future holds but I'm hopeful.  All I can do is take it one day at a time and know that whatever path I'm given to take it with gratitude and appreciation.  I can also find some good along the way.  

And I have to end this post by showing you something wonderful my husband did.  He's been wanting to do this for a long time and it's finally complete.  I have to say he did a really amazing job.  

Independence Day

 "For you were called to freedom, only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." -- 1 Peter 2:16

This year the 4th of July fell on a Sunday and our church took full advantage of that.  The pastor suggested we give this day to the Lord, and that we did.  Normally we spent the 4th having a barbecue with my parents, and we did that Saturday, but this Sunday was definitely going to be reserved for God.  We started the day with a wonderful patriotic church service that honored God, our country, and the military.  Our local congressman was a guest speaker and it was an amazing experience.  Then we were back that evening for another service followed by food trucks and fireworks.  This had been the best firework show I had ever seen.  The entire thing was like the grand finale.  

It feels like this country is so divided on so many issues, there's always debates and arguments among people but it could be so much worse.  Here in the good ol' USA we can speak our minds about anything and practice our religion without fear of being killed or thrown in jail.  It's a wonderful thing but I also know that this freedom we have can so quickly go away.  So, I'm not taking what I have for granted and I'm teaching my kids to know just how lucky they are and I pray that they grow up with the same privileges I had, or even better.