READY TO GO

AOL managed to fix the problem with finding the journals; I finally have access to my private one.

Since my last post, my husband has been receiving job offers from EVERYWHERE! LOL And he managed to find "bridge" work until he starts working for the city December 31st.  Getting the job is great, but he still needed to earn some money in the meantime! LOL  He likes this temp gig that he has, too.  They are paying him what he is worth, and once their work is finished, no matter how early or late, they go home! 

Now, I am ready to start thinking about where I would like to move.  All of those thoughts were at a standstill here for awhile, naturally, because of money issues.  We really, really need more space.  Nicolette needs her own room, and the kids just need more space, period.  We ALL need more space! LOL  I want to rent a nice place now, and by the time we are ready to buy a home, our debt should be totally, if not all, paid off.  I joke with my husband a lot, telling him that in a few years, after paying off these debts, the realtors will be knocking our door down trying to sell us a home!  I want to be in a position where we aren't limited in our choices in which to live.  And we want to find the perfect home, one that will meet all of our needs.  Well, hopefully, we will be moving to a bigger apartment by the summertime.

I was going to try and buy another car next year, but one of our neighbors, a mechanic, begged me not to get rid of my car, promising me that he could keep Nelly running!  So far, so good; Nelly is running fine!   I guess I will be holding on to my old car for a little while longer, which is good, because I really don't want a car note right now. I don't want ANY unnecessary debts, for that matter.   I am determined to pare down this debt, which isn't much, compared to most.  I can wait a few more years.       

Well, it's getting close to the time for me to clock out...........G'night, y'all!

Adrian

   

THE DEBT-FREE ROAD

I am happy to announce that I have three accounts paid off so far!  Yippee!

It isn't an easy road, though.  It was easy to get into debt, but very, very difficult to get out of.  And participating in a debt-management agency is no picnic; I still have to contact my creditors to obtain balance updates.  It is shameful that companies pay peope to be overly mean, rude and obnoxious for no reason at all.  

Regardless of the cruel creditors, I am determined to be debt-free by the age of 40.   And with three creditors paid off, my dream is slowly but surely becoming a reality.

Oh, I almost forgot...........

Finally, Matthew has a new job!  A STABLE job!!!  A PERMANENT job!!! A job with BENEFITS!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!

Matthew will be starting his new job as a Technical Hardware Analyst/Traffic Signal Maintenance Technician ("signal-light man," LOL) at the end of this month, for the city!!!  I am SO HAPPY for him, and I am really, really hoping that, besides a salary, that he will really enjoy his job as much as I enjoy mine!

Adrian

 

 

 

CHANGES

Wow.

AOL changed the people connection page, and now I cannot find my private journal! LOL 

I switched servers a long time ago, because my husband wanted DSL, but I still kept up with this journal because I have recorded so much about my life post-Katrina in it. 

What I fail to understand about AOL is that the administrators really seem to get a kick out of frustrating their customers.  This is ridiculous.

Luckily for me, I have copied and pasted a link to this journal to both servers I use (the one here at work, and at home).  I guess that I won't be updating my private journal anymore.  Oh, well.....time to create another private one somewhere else, I guess.........  

 

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

My dinner is a SUCCESS!  Ham, turkey roast, mustard greens, rice, baked macaroni, cornbread dressing, sweet potato, apple and pecan pies!!!  I won't have to cook for oh, at least a week....LOL  Everything came out perfectly, and the girls helped this year!  How is YOUR Thanksgiving? 

Adrian

JUVIE PAS DEUX

Today was Nicolette's day in court.  She pled guilty to the disruption charge.  Instead of paying the fine, she agreed to do community service.  Her assignment?  To attend a two-hour workshop on the first Wednesday in December.  Once she's completed that, we return to court, show proof that she attended and completed her assignment, and her "criminal record" will be wiped out.  I told her that she was blessed!  I reminded her to thank God for the favor that has been shown to her today.  The sentencing officer told us that he can tell when a kid is trouble at the first look, and he didn't feel that she was one of those kinds of kids.

I was ready today; I brought her report card, and I told them how far she has come along since we first arrived here in Houston.  Anything to help her; I mean, she was acting in self-defense!  But I, and the sentencing officer made it VERY CLEAR to Nicolette that we didn't want to see her in court EVER AGAIN.  She got the message!

I am really enjoying my week off!  I spent this weekend with my mom, watching movies with her and the kids, and managed to run some errands for her.  My mom lives in south Houston, and I live in north Houston.  A drive to her house can take from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic!  It's nice not to have to feel rushed, and to be able to enjoy her company without having to worry about going to work the next day!  Sunday, I was able to wear one of my nicer outfits to church, and caught the entire service!  I fixed dinner that evening, too!  Usually, I have to fix dinner on Saturday morning before going to work, fix the girls' hair Saturday night, go to church Sunday morning, and leave from church straight to work!  I didn't realize how much I have been burning the candle on both ends!

Oh, and we didn't go to New Orleans this weekend, which is fine.  Nobody had any money, anyway! LOL  My sister-in-law had to re-schedule the baby dedication because her husband had to work some overtime.  So that gives me plentyof time to either make or buy some cute little outfits for lil' niecie, and to save enough money for gas and fun while we are down there!  I don't like the idea of going to New Orleans without any money to spend; at the very least, I've got to get some beignets and cafe au-lait! LOL   

Well, now I'm going to finish my grocery list for this week.  I will be fixing the usual Thanksgiving fare: ham, a turkey roast (for my spoiled baby daughter who doesn't want ham, LOL), cornbread dressing, baked macaroni, mustard greens, sweet potato pies, pecan pie, and all of the sweet tea and fruit punch we can drink! Mmmmm, mmmmmm!!!! LOL

Adrian

P.S.  Hello, Tim! <3             

 

             

 

LATE NIGHT REFLECTIONS

My husband wanted meatloaf for dinner tonight.  I fixed meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans.  Everyone said that the food tasted fine; however, I thought that the meatloaf was a little too oily (I should have drained the drippings).  How the dinner will affect everyone's stomachs remains to be seen, LOL.  I will probably drain the oil from what's left over tomorrow; I am just too tired to do it now.

Angela is really trying hard to catch up in many of her school subjects.  Of course, this means extra homework, later nights, frustration headaches and strained brains for all of us.  But both of my older daughters had to go through this, so Angie is no exception.  I remember times when I felt like all that we were doing to help Nicolette was HOPELESS, because she never seemed to be "getting it."  Now I am able to look back and see that because I refused to give up on her, and we kept trying even though it seemed like we weren't getting anywhere, the effort was worth it.  She finally "got it."  Some kids just take more time to catch on than others do, but what matters is not WHEN, but that they finally do.

The holidays are approaching, and folks are using their vacation time, which means that more overtime is available.  Good for me, because I need as much extra money as I can possibly earn!  I am already shopping for the girls' and my family's Christmas gifts; that way, when the holidays arrive, I can just sit back, relax, and enjoy, because I'm done!  Did I mention that I am automatically off for Christmas AND New Year's?!?  (My off days fall on BOTH holidays!  Woo Hoo!!!) 

........I'll be home for Christmas.............LOL     

I started a savings account with ING Direct last month.  I am so excited!  It's not much, but every little bit helps.  I am also going to open up a savings account for little Maya Moneybags this month (she wants to save her report card money towards college; smart kid!), and I am thinking about starting a mutual funds account next year.  Not only does ING have many financial services available, but they also provide information on how all of the stuff works.  And unlike other banks, they don't charge you ANYTHING to sign up! All that they need is your initial deposit, and/or your minimal investment amount for your mutual fund.  There are other investment packages available, but unlike other banks that charge you different minimums for each account they offer, ING's minimum is the same for ALL of the accounts that they offer!  I am not limited to how or what kind of investments I want to make.  Pretty cool, huh?

This weekend, Nicolette and I are going to buy some holiday dresses for my little niece before all of the cute things are gone! LOL  We are going to New Orleans next weekend, so I'll update anyone who's still interested in this blog on what's happening down there.  I'm gonna get some sleep now; I can feel myself drifting off.

Adrian           

JUVIE

Nicolette had a fight with another girl at school last week.  She was given a three-day in-school suspension, while the other girl received a three-day  at-home suspension.

Problem solved, right?

This morning, after asking me if I had decided to register her in the system to start paying for her New York City trip (I already told her and her teacher that I was going to do it Friday, but my gut was telling me to wait until Monday to decide), Maya or Angela found Nicolette's SUMMONS to appear in COURT! 

Apparently, a school officer gave it to her when the fight took place, but she failed to tell me and her father. She was going to wait until I registered her for the trip, or probably wouldn't have given me the summons at all!  I am glad that the girls found it and gave it to me now, instead of never receiving it, missing the court date, and a warrant would have been issued for her ARREST!

Nicolette claims that she was acting in self-defense.  Whoever handled this apparently thought so, too,  that's why she got an in-school suspension.  But the fact of the matter is, she could have handled this better than she did.  Instead of letting the teachers know that the girl was harassing her, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

What is wrong with tweens and teens?  I ask her EVERY DAY "How was school?" and "Is anyone harassing you?" and her answer is always "Fine," and "No."  I asked her why she didn't tell me or her dad what was going on, she says, "I don't know." I have to ask her these questions, since she is still seeing the therapist for her ADD, and I have to report her behavior to him.  I told her that we cannot help her if she doesn't tell us anything!  And I feel that I have more than proven to her that I will be there for her, whatever happens!  She shouldn't  have to feel like she has to handle these things herself!

And guess how much the fine will be if she is charged?  $308 DOLLARS!!!!!!  Where in the heck am I going to get that kind of money from?!?  And I already put in off for that weekend (Saturday and Sunday, to go to New Orleans), so today I had to ask for another vacation day to go with her to court on Monday! WTH?!?  

Ironically, this is the same girl who made the HONOR ROLL this semester all by herself (she is going on a special school trip for honor roll students on Friday; I had to spot her about $20), and has been chosen as an "understudy" for the Christmas "Nutcracker" play. 

I chose not to register her for the trip to New York.  How the heck am I going to scratch together $308 only heaven knows.  But she did get her spending money, and a pair of boots that I promised her.  Rewards and punishment all in one stroke.  I have THREE girls, Lord.  Am I going to make it?!?

Adrian

 

OTC WONDER DRUG?

Last year, at about the same time, and before EV (emergency vacation) was available to me, I was out sick for two days because of severe sinus congestion.  Since then, I had been taking better care of myself by eating properly, dressing warmly in this freezing building, taking my allergy medicine faithfully, getting my flu shot, using a headset instead of the universal handsets in the office, washing my hands regularly, and using hand sanitizer.  But a cold virus is in the air, and I felt my sinuses succumbing to it. 

The local news already warned folks that there wasn't much the doctor could do for the people flocking into the clinics for a "cure" to this thing. 

 I saw a commercial for this product one evening, claiming that if you use it at the onset of sinus congestion,  it will help prevent it.  Rather than waste a co-pay and a parking fee for the doc to send me home empty-handed, I figure I'd try my luck with this stuff first.

It isn't cheap; a 1/2 ounce bottle cost me $13, plus tax!  And using it feels like you are spraying pepper mace up your nose, but it WORKS.

I am breathing freely.  This spray used along with the Claritin is keeping my nasal passages opened.  I can sleep at night, and I don't have to miss work!!!! Plus, it works for a full 12 HOURS.  You only have to use it once or twice a day, depending on the severity of your sinus congestion.

I HIGHLY recommend this product for the cold and flu season.  If nothing else is working, and if you can feel that sinus headache starting up, please try this.  Trust me, it's worth every penny!  What have you got to lose?

Adrian

 

Read more about this product HERE.

Matthew didn't get the job he wanted.  He told me this morning.  He says that after offering him the job and conducting a background check on him, the company finally decided to hire someone else. 

He looked so dejected today.  But I found it difficult to feel sorry for him.  Whenever he is having a rough time, my life becomes all the more tougher.  Like his not working is all my fault.  He takes his frustration out on me, even though I am the one who's trying to help him.  The situation he's in now happened to me MANY times!  But I am not bitter.  God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly all that we could ever ask or think!  I will just keep on helping and praying for my husband, encouraging him not to throw in the towel and keep trying, while continuing to rely on the Lord to care for this family in the meantime.

Kinda-sorta good news for me, though.  I received a HEFTY raise yesterday.  I guess my experience, and my willingness to work hard and help management make this department run more smoothly, is paying off.  The big check couldn't have come at a better time.  Not enough for "extras", but enough to pay ALL of our bills and buy groceries, with a bit left over for gas money.  Can't complain about that.  Of course, I didn't tell my husband about this.  Probably would make him feel worse.  Not a good time for gloating.

I started a savings account today, too.  I will probably put my raise money into it so that I can build it up.  It's a good thing to try and save for emergencies.

Nicolette and I are preparing to start raising money for her trip to New York next year.  Fund raisers are being planned, but I sense that most of this money will have to come out of the parents' pockets. I told Nikki not to worry; a way will be made for her to go!  I am praying that I will be able to go, too!  The trip is expensive, but worth it.  If I cannot go, then I won't feel too bad.  But the trip will be a great learning experience for my maw-maw! LOL  Report card day is coming up soon, though, and if she knows like I know, I'd better be happy with the grades she is making..................

I don't know if I mentioned this earlier, but she has been selected as one of the dancers for The Nutcracker play.  I am SO excited!  I will try to get her aunts, and maybe even her grandmas, down here to see her.  I always wanted to do those kinds of things when I was a kid, but I knew that my mom couldn't afford it.  I vowed that once I had children, I wouldn't let ANYTHING stop my children from participating in activities that they are interested in.  She loves her dance and theater classes, just like I always knew that she would.  I am very proud of my little lady!

Update: She got her report card today, and Matthew says that her grades are VERY good; NO F's!!!!  YAAAAAAYYYY!!!!!!!

The air is getting cooler here, and fall is right around the corner.  I anticipate better things for the future.

Adrian

 

ARE THESE WOMEN HEROES?

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I was really considering closing this blog.  Sometimes, I feel like I am neglecting it, you know?  I spend most of my free time these days on MySpace, or playing free online games (LOL).  But then, I remember that here, I can write about things that I wouldn't feel comfortable sharing with the whole world.  AOL Journals is kinda like family to me, you know?  I can be me here.  The whole me, not just a piece of me.  It's good to keep things and places like that in your life. 

Matthew has been out of work for about a month and a half now.  The temp job that he had ended his contract out of the blue.  Naturally, I became upset and frustrated, because things were a little tight in here for awhile.  But it's times like these that I appreciate my husband's willingness to just wait patiently.  He was doing all of the right things---filing for unemployment, going to the work source agency, filling out applications online.  I even got in on it, helping him any way that I could.  This time, my husband would not settle for any job, like he did so many times before, selling himself short.  He wanted---and rightly so---to find a job in the field that he went, and is going, to school for.

This week, my husband went for his second interview for a job offer that appears to give him what he (and I) always wanted for him---stability.  The company has been in business for 55 years, he says.  The offer benefits, such as medical insurance, paid holidays and vacations.  What he likes best about it is that he gets paid every week, instead of biweekly! LOL  I am PRAYING that they will pay him what he asked them to, maybe even more.  If he gets this job, this will be the first time that Matthew will actually hold down what I would call a "real" job.  Yes, he worked at UPS for eight years, but that was mostly part time.  He worked there that long because he didn't have a choice.  Computer technicians weren't exactly in high demand in New Orleans' hospitality industry.  But there is plenty of work for him here.  I cannot express how happy I am that he will finally be able to work in the field that he is trained for.  We're just waiting for them to call him for a start date.

If they don't call him back, plenty of other companies have been calling him this week, too.  I don't know where Matthew will be working, all that I know is that he will be working soon, and that's a good thing.  I told Matt that I don't mind doing what I can to make ends meet for now, but I made it clear to him that this can only be a temporary arrangement.  Maybe if I were ballin' and making some major money, I wouldn't mind, but the reality is that the both of us need to work.  He and I both have bills to pay that have nothing to do with the family itself, such as school loans and debt management.  Let's not talk about the utilities, car insurance, and groceries to feed our growing daughters.  A second income is necessary.       

As I mentioned before, my girls are growing up.  Nicolette is thriving!  The school that she is attending just so happens to be an "arts" school (go figure!!!)  It's what I wanted for her, although I didn't even know that the school down the street was one!!!  She takes dance and theater, and is loving it!  Her theater arts class is planning to go to New York City in May, and I plan to send her.  I'd like to go with them myself, since I've always wanted to go to New York City, but I don't know how much the trip will cost us yet.  More details to follow............

Maya and Angela are struggling a bit.  That first semester always is the hardest, but they will improve.  I want to check up on Angie's new teacher, though.  At open house, she claimed that she was going to start tutorials that following week.  Two weeks have passed, and still no tutorials.  She's a new teacher, and has been out for quite a number of days (death in the family, she says) this year.  I want to be as helpful to her as possible, because my child's future depends on it!  This lady's got to get herself together!

We also may be moving soon.  More details on that as they come..............  

I am rambling, aren't I?  Well, I can ramble.......I am working some OT tonight.  The eyelids are getting a little heavy, though.  Some of the easiest money I ever made in my life!  Goodness, I LOVE my job!

Adrian

OPEN AND CLOSED DOORS

 

Opened And Closed Doors

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors just as much as we do for open doors. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us.

If he didn’t close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door. Even when we don’t realize it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes; it forces us to change our course yet again.

Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing.

But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we “judge by the appearances.” And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.

We have a very present help in the time of need who is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road and HE sets up road blocks and detours accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying “Lord how could this happen to me?”

We have got to realize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn’t He say that “No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him?”

If you get terminated from your job - don’t be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school. If that man or woman won’t return your call - it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).

I’m so grateful, for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” (Psalms 37:23)

The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!

Always Remember God gives you...

Enough Happiness to keep you Going Enough Trials to keep you Strong Enough Sorrows to keepyou Human Enough Hope to keep you Happy Enough Failure to keep you Humble Enough Success to keep you Eager Enough Friends to give you Comfort Enough Wealth to meet your Needs Enough Enthusiasm to make you look forward Enough Faith to banish depression Enough Determination to make each day a better day than the last.

***and Enough Honey to keep you Sweet

Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards. Commit to the Lord in whatever you do and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)

Share this and He will continue to open and close doors for you.



I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

ESPECIALLY FOR YOU; HAPPY LABOR DAY, Y'ALL!

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left. Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you." Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel, "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered. Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me go with you." "Oh...Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!" Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her! Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that Love even forgot to ask the elder her name. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Love, realizing how much Love owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder, " Who helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered. "Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?" Knowledge smiled with great Wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is." HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND Love, Adrian

                         

The Girls.......and Lil' Niecie!!!!

Maya, Nicolette, and Angela, with lil' niece, Rebecca, aka "Hollerin' Annie." LOL 

 

Adrian

 

HOW TO WORK IN ANY ENVIRONMENT

HOW TO WORK IN ANY ENVIRONMENT by TD JAKES


HOW TO WORK IN ANY ENVIRONMENT
(By: T.D. Jakes)

1. Don't expect to be appreciated. Your only expectation should be to get a paycheck. Don't come to work to have personal relationships. Don't allow what you do to affect who you are.

2. Do your job well, but remember your mission. God put you there to be a Light.

3. Seek opportunities to change the atmosphere without commenting on the problems. You have a God to talk to. You are on an assignment . Quietness and competence shall be your strength.

4. Don't let your environment get inside of you. You should influence it, not let it influence you. Stop going to work to be fed. You didn't come to receive, you came to give.

5. Increase your capacity to work with different personalities. God will often bless you through people you don't even like!

6. Remember, where you are does not define where you are going. This will deliver you from frustration. God has a plan for your life. Keep your eye on the prize. When Peter did this, he was able to walk in what other people sank in!

7. Get the optimum results with minimal confusion. Be effective without making the environment worse.

8. Don't be associated with one group or clique. Labels limit your usefulness. God wants you to work with everybody but be labeled by nobody. Use all your gifts.

9. Always keep your song near you. Keep a consecrated place in your soul. Hold on to your praise.

10. Understand that God anoints you for trouble. Put on the whole armor of God before going to work.

Points from T.D. Jakes

WOW!

What a day I had yesterday!

First, a tropical storm system swept through Houston, flooding most of the streets and major highways.  I couldn't bring Nelly (my 21 year-old car, which I love, LOL) to work, so my husband had to bring me in the Suburban.  I thank God that we weren't stuck in those floodwaters, and that none of our vehicles suffered any water damage.  Many people were stuck in rising floodwater for hours, and some had to be rescued.  The water rose around our little home, and a teeny bit of water seeped in, but dried up or seeped back out once the waters started to recede.  We thank God for that, too.  Some of our neighbors just around the corner and down the street from us received substantial floodwater into their homes.  You know those beautiful Honda Odyssey vans?  We saw two people pushing one of those through the flood waters on our way to work!  There was also some college kids whose brand-new BMW was stuck in the waters on the news.  I hope those people can get those cars running again!

Got to work about 25 minutes late (I had already called my sups and let them know the situation.  I was fine, of course; I used emergency vacation (EV) to make up the time), and folks were hopping mad, as usual, because many, if not all, inbound and outbound flights were delayed due to the weather.  I managed to calm most of my callers, though, with my Southern charm (LOL). 

I knew that my co-workers were planning to celebrate my birthday since last week; they had already asked me what kind of cake I liked and all.  However, with all that was happening today, I didn't think that they'd go through with it.  Sure enough, one of the co-workers who was planning the bash (and who was OFF today) came with a delicious Taco salad (made from scratch), 2 cakes (devil's food, my favorite, and pineapple upside-down), and plenty of sodas and teas.  I was SO taken aback at how generous these people were to me!  And I thank God for that, because I know all too well that my co-workers DIDN'T have to care, or go through the trouble. 

After we shared my birthday meal, I received a surprise.  Remember a while back, I had mentioned that one of my co-workers was going to mornings, and her Sunday-Monday slot would be opened.  I didn't expect to get it, though God knew that I WANTED it, because even though I work evenings, I still go to church every Sunday morning.  Plus, I am dead last on the seniority list.  One of the sups handed me a paper asking if I was interested in the off days.  I signed my name, but I made a specification that if I didn't receive them, to keep my off days at Tuesday-Wednesday.  Well, my co-workers told me that they "talked it over," and all decided on my behalf that I was going to get those days!  Well, words cannot express how happy I am.  Getting my girls ready for church Sunday mornings can be such a drain, then I am almost always late because after hubby and girls leave, I have to prepare Sunday dinner, then get ready for church AND work.  Now, I have ALL DAY to do those things!  God is SO GOOD!!!!

I remember when I worked for the police department in New Orleans.  They had this system set up where every co-worker's birthday was supposed to be recognized, too.  Everyone was required to participate when the birthdays came around, meaning that we either had to contribute money or bring potluck for the celebrations.  I participated for EVERY party.  But when my turn came, lo and behold, there was no celebration.  No plans.  No potluck.  No money contributed.  I was the only one who had a birthday in August.  Words cannot describe how hurt I was.  It was obvious that I was snubbed.  I wasn't well-liked.  I had told a trusted friend about what happened, and he told me that from then on, NEVER expect or wait on someone else to celebrate my birthday for or with me.  He told me to celebrate my birthday whether anyone else, that goes for my husband, relatives, or friends, remembers.  And I have done that ever since.  Needless to say, I was taken aback by the kindness.  I had worked for the NOPD for several years, and hadn't been here a year yet! LOL  I am humbled,and so very grateful.  

It's nice to know when God is smiling on you.  Sometimes, I work so hard, and in return, sometimes life just kicks me in my gut.  I wonder what the point is many times.  But the Lord loves me so much, that He shows me, in His way, that He sees me, and that He is pleased with me.  I am grateful that He can trust me to live a kind of life that influences others in a positive way.  All that happened yesterday is just a reminder, and encouragement from Him, to keep on keeping on!  Hallelujah!   

Other cool things happened yesterday, but I think this blog is long enough, LOL.  Who knew that such an ugly day could turn out so nice?

Adrian  

WHEW! AUGUST!!!

Well, we're back from vacation in Chicago!  We had a great time, but that ride going there and coming back was a killer!  We did all of our bookings online, so we were pleasantly surprised at how nice our hotel room, and the location (smack-dab in the middle of a shopping mecca!) was.

The reunion was nice; these were people from my husband's grandmother's side of the family.  It was fun finding out where my husband's mom, sisters, and my little one got their noses from! LOL  It was so cool and breezy up there; nothing like the parching heat here in Houston.  The next reunion will be held in Dallas, Texas!  A hop, skip, and a jump from us.  One of our great uncles, the one we stayed with when we arrived here in Houston, hopes to probably make it to that one.  He's very old, however, and has failing health.  We are hoping that he will still be around in 2009.

We are back to the daily grind, working, taking care of the girls, and getting ready for school.  Matthew is getting ready to receive his MCSE (Microsoft Systems Engineering Certification) in just a few weeks.  Nikki is starting middle school, and Maya and Angie are going to fourth and second grade.  Angie and I are hoping that she will have Maya's second grade teacher this year!

I had put Matt's name in the system to try and get him a city job.  They called him this morning to schedule him for an  interview.  I sure hope that he goes, and I am hoping that he gets the job.  Matthew is working, but his job offers him no medical benefits, no vacation time, and no paid holidays.  The job that they are calling him for offers all of that, plus the hours that he wants to work and weekends off.  It would be a good opportunity for him.  I cannot make him take advantage of it, I can only hope that he does.  We'll see what happens.

As far as the car accident goes, both insurance companies denied both claims.  He wants to pay something so bad, let him pay for the damages to his own vehicle, IF that was his to begin with!  I'm done with him, and the entire incident.  Moving on..............

Adrian    

P.S.  My birthday was August 5, and Angie's was August 11th!!!   

AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE.........

Last night, my husband picked me up from work.  He was trying to make small talk, but I really wasn't interested in talking to him.  I was still sore about the accident, and from staying up all night crying and being upset with him.  I had a full day,, and was very, very tired.  I just wanted to get home.

I was quietly looking at the cars passing us on the way home, envious because they were driving and I wasn't. 

When Matthew pulled into the driveway, I saw that he HAD MY CAR FIXED!!!!

And not in a half-stepping way, either!  He went to a Pick-A-Part yard and had the entire left-side rear tail light replaced!  He also fixed my back tire, which was always losing air!  I couldn't believe it!  My car looks better than it did before the accident, because there already was a small crack in the rear tail light glass before that idiot smashed it out entirely!

Naturally, I had to do some SERIOUS damage control on the home front.  I apologized profusely for all the horrible things that I said to him.  But by not being able to expect him to come through for me so many years before, how was I supposed to expect to count on him NOW?!?  I ain't lyin' y'all; I still am shocked.  But very, very, VERY appreciative, and grateful.  I love my dear, sweet, meek, humble, PATIENT husband.........LOL

He was "compensated" in ways that we women are known for..........~*LOL*~

I fixed him dinner today, and a movie that I purchased from Amazon.com that we wanted to see arrived in the mail yesterday.  We will probably watch it tonight or tomorrow night, because he is off on weekends. 

I am SO GLAD that things worked out between us so quickly.  I really didn't want to waste our time together being angry and hurt.  I'll keep you posted on what's going on with the insurance process.

Adrian       

ACCIDENT

I was involved in a car accident yesterday.  All I wanted to do was go around the corner to the laundromat to dry my clothes.  At the light, a car was stalled ahead of me, in the right lane.  That meant that I had to go around it to make my right turn.  I wasn't going to drive into incoming traffic, so I waited while the cars in the left lane passed before attempting to move.  Before I even had a chance to move or turn my steering wheel, the driver behind me rammed into the back  of my car.  He was on the cell phone, not paying attention, and didn't notice that I hadn't moved yet.

None of us were injured, but I was deeply hurt, because he smashed my entire left-side taillight out.  I cannot legally drive my car without risking a ticket.  Worse, the driver of the car that hit mine and the women who were stalled in front of my car started arguing with me because instead of exchanging information, I decided to call the police.  The driver of the car behind me didn't have any proof of insurance, so the police had to come out.  Then, he comes up with this story that I backed up, and that's how he hit me.  I was FURIOUS.  I NEVER moved my car.  He and I, and the two busybodies were going at it for about two hours until the police arrived.  By that time, I was reduced to tears.  I didn't receive a citation, because the officer couldn't determine that I was at fault.  However, the driver of the vehicle behind me received a citation for not having valid proof of insurance. 

What made me so angry was, for one, the driver started singing his song, talking about he was going to pay me for the damages done to my car.  Then he changed his story around several times.  First, he said he offered me $200.  Then, he told his cronies that he wasn't going to give me anything!  Then, the two busybodies kept on butting their nose in the incident, and they weren't even involved in the accident!  Then, I overheard him telling them that I should have been glad that he offered me $200 for the damages to my car.  Then, he said that he was only going to give me $150!  I didn't believe that this man had any money,  just as I knew that he didn't have any insurance.  I told those women that since they were worried about the money so much, I give them full authority to it; take it if they want it, because I don't want his money!  Of course, he was bluffing; he ain't had no $200!  I wasn't born yesterday..............  

This isn't HIS car; it may be old, but it is MINE.  It got me where I needed to go.  He just got some minor scratches on his nice, newer truck.  I cannot drive my car until it is repaired.  That will take money and time, both to which I do not have.  He was so arrogant and cocky about it; constantly making up stories and telling lies.  But I stood my ground.  I always believe that the truth will stand, no matter what happens.  He tried to talk those ladies (who probably thought that he was "cute," NOT) to be his witnesses.  But when the officer arrived, they, and their "testimonies," got lost.

What made my bad experience ten times worse, is that when I finally wound down well enough to get some sleep, my husband, who called himself "comforting" me (I was, and still am, crying), wants to turn his gesture of "comfort" into an opportunity to lecture me on my behavior.

According to him, I should have kept a "cool head."  I "kept talking," and didn't "shut up."  First of all, He arrived after the commotion started.  And although Matthew was "there" with me, he didn't say a word in my defense.  He just sat there watching everything unfold.  Furthermore, he isn't in any position to be of any help to me. I was angry; I was upset; this man tried to screw me, and I wasn't letting him get away with it.  Then, he tells me that "that's how I got myself in that situation, by running my mouth."  WHAT situation?!?  You mean, it's MY fault that this man ran into me and wrecked my car?!?  Is he NUTS?!?

I don't know what I am feeling right now.  I am feeling so many things.  I'm not surprised that Matthew tried to condemn me and be condescending; it's part of his passive nature.  He does that all the time.  Self-righteous.  But I am so tired of being made to feel like some big failure or a sinner because when I have feelings or emotions, I don't always reign them in as well as I should.  I mean, this was a situation where, in my opinion, my actions were justified.   I wasn't vulgar, but I was very upset, and I stood my ground, no matter what devices those people were trying to conjure up.  Even my mother seemed to side with Matt (even though she tried to cheer me up by having me help her purchase my birthday-present early; I was THAT upset.  Gotta love Mom! LOL). 

I am not perfect.  Only Jesus is perfect.  But I AM human.  Am I wrong for being human?  I mean, it isn't like I behave like that EVERY DAY, and I know it.  And I wasn't the only one aggravated out there; the two busybodies, and the driver of the other car was just as bad, if not worse, than I was.  But my husband.......sweet, quiet, "meek," "perfect" Matthew, would NEVER behave like that....tsk, tsk, tsk. For shame!  He was appalled!  He was embarrassed!  Gasp!!! 

Sometimes, I just tire of men.  They always manage to make messes that someone else has to fix.  They don't support where they need to.  They always make promises that they cannot keep.  They have this uncanny ability to be critical and find fault, when obviously blind to their own.  They NEVER see the whole picture, they always have tunnel vision. Most of all, they always look out for number one.  Numero Uno.  No matter WHAT happens, they'll make sure that their asses are in the clear, and leave a woman out hanging to dry.  Leave us hanging, leave us responsible for cleaning up the messes, righting things, shouldering the burden, and caring for everything and everyone else but ourselves.

For anyone reading this blog, please excuse the tone.  I love my family.  I just don't think that acting like everything that happens in my life is hunky-dory is genuine.  In a few days, everything will boil over.  I just needed to vent.  Now, my husband and I are down to one car, and we don't know what we are going to do.  I loved my old car.  It was MY car.  I was very, very grateful for it.  Now, I am without my own transportation again.  I am very, very hurt.  I did all that I could to keep it running.  I am tired of putting money on it.  I am just tired, period.

Adrian                

IT'S BEEN AWHILE........

So much has happened since I last posted.

The girls are in Mississippi, having a ball.  Matthew and I are taking advantage of every solitary moment we have with each other.  We're talking to each other, watching (and going) to movies, eating out, eating dinner at home together, you name it, we are doing it! LOL  I wish that every married couple could have the opportunity to have some carefree time alone.  We are blessed, and I am so grateful to have this time with him.  Believe it or not, this time together really helps our relationship.  So often, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of family life, and it's easy to forget why we married each other in the first place!  Quality time together helps us remember.  I still love my husband, and he still loves me.  It's good to know that the love between us is still very much alive.

The new supervisors that are here in the Comm center will be taking over our present supervisor's duties.  He told us that he has been promoted to better job, but most of my co-workers believe that he will be DEMOTED, or let go altogether, LOL.  Let's face it; he's a VERY nice guy and all, but being "nice" doesn't always make you a good supervisor.  You have to balance some sternness and an ability to get things done in there somewhere, you know?  Anyway, this will be his last week here with us, then he is going on an extended road trip, and he will not be with us when he returns.  So far, so good with the new guys; they seem to be able to keep things under control in here.  I also notice that they are hiring other people from other departments, so the slots are filling up really quickly.  That is always a good thing.

I have mentioned before that there is a morning position available. One of the ladies who worked  on the morning shift received a promotion, and is now working in the Admin building.  There are three people fighting over that morning spot.  One is a lady who already works mornings, but has "crappy" off days (two weekdays off).  She has her eyes set on the Sun-Mon time slot.  Then, there is another one of my co-workers who is on this shift that wants that slot.  She already works Sun-Mon on this shift, but wants the same days off on mornings, should they decide to give her that time slot.  Then there is a guy who works mid-day, 10 AM-6AM, who wants that morning shift, too.  Seniority doesn't matter in the selection; whoever turned in their shift request slip first gets the slot.  So far, that lady has been gone two weeks, and we STILL don't know who is getting that time slot.  Plus, when I went online to check my husband's job application status, I found out that ONE of these positions is up for grabs, meaning that they are looking for a replacement.  It may go to someone who already works here in the airport; no one knows at this point.  I'll keep y'all posted.

I am reading "The Smartest Guys In The Room," the story of Enron.  I bought it from the discount books table at Wal-Mart.  This is a very shocking read, to say the least.  I watched the movie on PBS, but the book goes into more detail, revealing the backgrounds of all the players involved in the scandal.  Most, if not all of these folks came from hardworking, impoverished or rural families, went to college, got those MBA's and Ph.D.'s, and lost their minds!  You would think that coming from backgrounds like those would instill values and ethics.  But these people were so determined not to return to those hard-working, lacking days of their youth that they did ANYTHING to make money.  I really feel sorry for those people. 

New Orleans is the #1 murder capital in the country again.  Tragic shame. :-(

Adrian

Another Wrestler Dies Young

My family are pro-wrestling fans, so naturally we have been following the Chris Benoit tragedy.  I can imagine how much stress these men are under in order to be "on top."  But for the sake of entertainment, I don't think that it's right for lives to end so shortly, or painfully.  Here is a link to one of the stories, as well as a pretty good explanation of how these drugs (in this article, pain killers) affect the body, why they are so addictive, and why they wreak so much havoc. 

Benoit Tragedy Not The Only One (Deaths of several wrestlers from steroid use)

Who Feels No Pain? (Painkillers)

 

Adrian

SATTIDY

That's how the "old school" grannies and older women used to say "Saturday!" LOL 

My babies are going to grandma's today.  She cooked some smothered pork chops, has a chilled watermelon in the refrigerator, and ice cream.  She also has central air conditioning, and a cabinet full of Christian and family-type movies that my daughters absolutely LOVE watching!!!!  Thank God for a godly grandma! LOL

They also have to get packed up this week, for Matt is getting ready to bring them to Mississippi next weekend.  I had already washed their clothes, and they are going to get their hair done this week.. Nicolette is going to the beauty parlor again, and Mom and I are going to do the younger two's hair.  They are going to stay in Mississippi for a month, then we are all going to Chicago in August.  Everyone's getting a vacation this year!

Matt and I are both off on the Fourth, and he has several things he'd like to do that day.  We have to watch how the weather is looking, though.  It has been raining cats and dogs here for at least several weeks!  The Transformers movie is coming out, and he was also talking about going to some bowling alley that's like a family entertainment center.  They have my favorite game, laser-tag, there!  That ought to be fun!

There are a lot of things going on here at work.  People have issues, and when they bring them on the job, it doesn't make for a very relaxed environment.  I of all people know that it can't be helped sometimes, but it's like I said before......when you behave as if you cannot handle freedom, and abuse or take advantage of it, then you force management, who seemed as if they didn't notice you before, to start cracking down.  What's happening in here could have been avoided.  But I am confident that once the changes they are trying to implement start taking place, things will get back to normal again.  

BRIEF!

It's almost time for me to get off, so I have to make this entry VERY brief. 

I did sit in with Angela the following week.  Angie has improved tremendously since then.  I believe that kids must learn how to conduct themselves in a classroom setting, and the only way that they can learn that is to be taught that.  Unfortunately, teachers today don't teach this, but somehow expect the child to know through osmosis or something.  I helped Angela learn what was expected of her, while getting the message through to her teacher that she hasn't seen or heard the last of me!

I wound up getting a refund anyway!  And I worked some overtime last week, so my account looks pretty nice.  I am going to need all of that extra money for the trip.

Our new supervisors are here.   Whatever............no real changes at all.......next........... 

Today has been a mixed-bag sort of day.  This morning went well; the girls had gotten to school on time, I did the laundry, I fixed two days' worth of lunch, and managed to do a bit of cleaning that made the house look a lot neater and more comfortable.  Then, Matt called and said that he wanted me to pick the girls up early because he didn't know what time he was getting home today.  An assignment that his group was hired to do wasn't finished by the deadline, so they couldn't leave until the work was completed.  I was glad that I started my day out early, but then it RAINED HARD.  By the time I left to pick the girls up, the rain was falling so heavy that the streets flooded.  Then, always the dutiful, protective mother, I drove as close to the porch as possible so that my precious cargo wouldn't get too wet.  Backing the car away from the porch, I hit the wall with my bumper AGAIN (this time, the car jack-knifed), and pulled my front bumper further away from the front of my car.  Great.  The blow to the wall only loosened a few bricks, so thatwas a good thing.  When I made it to work today, the rain finally stopped.  I was dressed in all of my "don't wanna get wet" clothes."  LOL  Oh, and I forgot to mention that my babies were home by themselves until late in the evening.  Matt didn't arrive home until nine-ish.  I called the house every thirty minutes to check on them.  They were fine; I had food prepared for them already, and plenty of snacks.  They ate dinner on time, took their baths, and went to bed on time.  I am SO proud of my babies.  I hope that this will not happen again.  What a day!

Did I mention that my "friend" arrived today?   GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR...........

Adrian

JUST AS I FEARED.........

Today, in briefing, we learned that there will be some new supervisors assigned to our section.  I guess freedom as we know it will be somehow limited now.  These folks in here acted like such asses these past few months;  so now we will be watched constantly like little children.  This is ridiculous.

They are also interviewing for several new senior operators.  All of the people being interviewed are from other sections of the airport, or from other places altogether.  There are some people in here who wanted the position, but for some reason or another are being overlooked, and they are obviously not happy about it. 

I am not interested in applying for several reasons.  First, when they are short-handed, they MAKE you stay over.  I have seen this happen too many times.  I promised myself that this time around, my family will come first.  I will not work overtime unless it's absolutely necessary.  Secondly, the ladies don't get along with one another.  There always seems to be some contention or strife going on, and I don't like that.  Thirdly, they aren't willing to train the new people that are coming in.  What they fail to realize is that they will work less if they train the new ones properly enough to fill the open positions.  Finally, the people on the radios speak very nasty to the dispatchers.  If I don't need to pile any unnecessary stress on myself, I won't do it.  At least here, when it's time for me to go, it's time for me to go.  I can take my days off when I want to.  I have a lot of freedom as an operator, which I will lose if I become a dispatcher.  I need that freedom for my family.  If they want to promote me, they can promote me right on outta here!!! LOL     

Angie is still getting into trouble at school.  Today, however, the teacher says that she gave Angela an hour to finish lines, and she didn'tdo them.  Lines?  What for?  I thought Angie was supposed to be doing schoolwork.  I think I am going to have to spend the morning there tomorrow to see what is going on.  There isn't many days left in summer school, and Angie does need to pass.  At the same token, Angie, as well as the other girls, are TIRED; they were in school nine months already! LOL  However.......I also told Angie that the reason why she is in summer school is because she goofed off those nine months!  If she doesn't want to go to summer school next year, she needs to do her work during the school year! LOL   

I thought that I was getting a hefty return from the IRS for the 2003 tax year.  Turns out that I miscalculated my tax, so I should have been receiving a lesser amount than expected.  Then, the lady informs me that the rest of the money is going to "another government agency" that I owe.  That's probably the State of Louisiana.  I had owed them some taxes, and they are taking what's left of my return.  That's okay; better to let them do that and be done with it, then to keep owing them, let the taxes pile on interest, and then they try to take it out of my year-end refund!   

The girls will be going to Mississippi in July, and then we're all off to Chicago in August.  That gives Matt and I a month to thoroughly clean the house! LOL  I washed my hair last night.  Goodness, the longer my hair grows, the heavier it is!  I had gotten a serious neck cramp! LOL But it's so clean and soft and flowing.  Still hadn't worked on the girls yet, but I am getting to it.

Adrian  

RAMBLING

Yes, it's that quiet today.

We were busy earlier, which helped the time pass faster, but now, it's almost that time, and I'm ready to GO ! LOL

I had to spank my baby yesterday.  She was cutting up in class.  Worse, I found out that the hubby and my middle daughter knew that she was getting in trouble. The teacher even spoke to Matthew about it!  Nothing was done until a week later, when the teacher had Nikki call me at work to tell me what was going on, and requested a parent conference Friday morning. 

I HATE being given second-hand information.  I also feel that since Matthew knew that Angela was causing trouble, he should have dealt with her then.  I hate having the reputation that if anything is going on with the girls, call the momma and she will get to the bottom of it.  I mean, I KNOW that I care about my children's future and all, but shouldn't he, too? 

Most of all, I hate having to spank my "toodle-bug", LOL.  It broke my heart, but she asked for it.  I had a talk with her today. I told her that she will always be my baby, but it is time for her to begin pulling her own weight in the world.  She asked me what that meant, and I told her that she is going to have to learn how to cooperate and work together with others to reach goals and "get the job done."  For instance, when they are getting ready for school in the morning, she needs to get ready so that everyone can leave on time, instead of playing around and making everyone late.  At six years old, it is time for Angie to begin to  learn some responsibility and accountability.  Many people might think that waiting that long is late, but I beg to differ.  She's a good, helpful kid, but now she needs to learn how be good and helpful INDEPENDENT of her parents or big sisters telling her to do so.  And besides, she's still SO little and cute.......LOL

 

I've gotta wash my hair soon.  It is such a chore! LOL  I also have to do the girls' hair again before we go to Austin next weekend.  We're still getting ready for Chicago in August.  I spoke to one of the reunion coordinators this morning. She sounds like a very nice lady!  She says that she is very excited that we are coming.  They have plans for the girls and everything.  This will be my third time going to Chicago.  It will definitely be interesting.  Matthew hasn't seen this side of his family before (his grandmother's side).  I hope they're going to have barbecue at the picnic! LOL 

Adrian

FRENCH PEDICURES AND BABY NEWS..........

I went to the salon yesterday and got the "full spa" treatment-my eyebrows waxed and tweezed, a seat in the "massage chair," a manicure and a french pedicure.  I even had the hair on my toes removed! LOL  My tootsies are so cute! 

Why do we have hair growing on our toes, anyway? LOL

I think I'll try a french manicure the next time.  I don't bother with it because with all that I do with my hands, the tips don't last long.  But the girl at the salon did SUCH a wonderful job on my feet that I am curious as to what my hands will look like!

It has taken me almost a year to find that salon.  I did some serious shopping around, but the time spent doing so was worth it.  The customer service is decent, and the facilities are reasonably clean.  Plus, they have all of the nail colors that the salons in New Orleans had, and they do nail designs.  Can you believe that some of the "nail shops" here (including the "professional" shops in WAL-MART) didn't do nail designs?!?  WTH?   Anyway, this salon has just acquired another devoted customer.

I know, I know.............Y'all read my title, and are wondering.......is it ME?!? LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

Put down the brown bags and shut off the oxygen tanks......LOL.  It isn't me, it's my hubby's friend, the one who suffered the bite from his significant other.  I kinda sensed that she was pregnant; I remember how bad my temper was!  My kids, as much as I love them, really put me, my body, my families and my husband through a lot emotionally!  My hormones were out of control, and at that time I was too young to understand what was happening and how to deal with it.  The beauty of all of this now is that since Matt and I have been through (and are still going through some things, but lovingly, LOL), we have become kind of a big brother and sister for our newly married family members and friends.  We are living proof that marriage is possible if you want it to work. After 15 years together and we both are in our thirties, I think that's kinda neat.       

Hubby's friend has some other issues plaguing him though, such as an imposing MIL, but.....we have been through that kind of stuff, too.  They're gonna make it, and we will do everything that we can to help them, if they want us to.  Sometimes, the best kind of friend we can be is a listening one!

GOOD MORNING!

I don't know WHY I am up this early in the morning..........I am really trying to make the most of my off days! LOL

I have been doing lots of reading, and watching some TV.......I am so busy during the week that I don't have much time to indulge in my favorite activities.  I take advantage of the opportunity to do so as soon as the time is available.

I have a lot of phone calls to make today, and I plan to tackle the girls' hair (GOD HELP ME, LOL).  Thursday is their first day of summer school, and I want them to look cute! 

My hubby's friend, who just married recently, sent us a disturbing photograph; it's a HUGE bite mark on one of his (?) limbs, taken next to some prescription medication, and the title of the photo message reads "Please pray for my marriage.....it's failing."  I don't yet know if it is him, or someone he knows.  I do know that Matt was looking for a message from him earlier this week.  I didn't have the heart to show Matt the pictures this morning on his way to work.  He and the guy are like brothers.  I will be praying.

Those first few years of marriage are the toughest, because the man and woman are learning how to live with one another.  We truly learn who and what we are in those first years, and what we are made of.  The early years determine whether we are willing to sink or swim.  Matt and I had a very rough time, but I am grateful for the fact that he decided to stick it out with me, and I with him.  No one says that being married is always easy, or fascinating, or even fulfilling.  But the benefits of being married and in a mutually committed relationship, I believe, far outweigh the drawbacks.  I shall pray for him, and hope that whatever the problem is will be resolved, and soon.

Adrian