Thursday, November 25, 2010

thanksgiving {why I like it}

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  This time of year reminds me of all the things I'm thankful for.  Obviously the biggies, like family, home, enough clothing, the faithfulness of God, etc.  But all the other things, too.


    things I'm thankful for:  
    my musical children
    pumpkin recipes
    the car we inherited from my grandma
    allrecipes.com
    a son that REALLY can cook [we're not talking just boxed mac & cheese, friends]
    a hilarious beagle named CJ
    a summer time veggie garden in my backyard 
    AND participating in a community garden
    the magnolia tree Chip gave me one anniversary
    my daughter's very accurate Russian accent
    books by Lisa Samson
    my Starbucks card
    my Kitchenaid mixer and the sentimental story that goes with it
    the piano in our living room that was old when my folks bought it in the '70s
    hearing my son play jazz on said piano
    the strong will of my daughter
    free summer concerts at Ecton Park
    Vineyard Community Church
    a husband that makes me laugh
    a son that enjoys Mexican food as much as I do
    the Bryan Station HS Fine Arts Academy
    wood floors
    libraries
    the internet
    a husband that likes grocery shopping
    brownies
    Goodwill and thrift stores
    parents that love me
    the tv program Friday Night Lights 
    discount theaters
    Blue Bell ice cream [okay, ALL ice cream]
    my mom's peach jelly and peach cobbler and cherry pie
    my 1978 World Series tee shirt [MY dad was there!]
    happy hour at Sonic
    Allie's artwork
    non-chain restaurants 
    a sister [Catherine Ann] to name my daughter [Catherine Alexis] after
     







    Friday, November 12, 2010

    I am pleased to announce


    I begin a new job next week!  Yes, it's been a long time coming.  In January, I received this news:  "The FY 2010 annual Federal appropriations law does not include a provision for the Community Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) program.  Therefore, there is no funding for the CBAE program. . . blah blah blah."  Basically, the grant I worked under was taken away.  Meaning, if my workplace didn't access other funding sources, we'd close down, sometime after 9/30/10.  Well, that day is here.  We're closing down.

    But, back to my opening statement:  I begin a new job next week!  

    So, while I will no longer be able to tell my children I work in the sex industry [yes, that's a bit of a stretch, but hey, sex ed is what we teach, or rather, taught!], I will continue to have an income.  And, I'll be working at Lexington Leadership Foundation, which is an organization that impacts our community in a positive way.   My new title is Program Assistant, and for the most part I'll work with Amachi and Urban Impact [check out the above link for details].  

    This new opportunity will be a full time venture.  Something I've not done for about 14 years.  And that makes me a tad bit nervous.  But I picked up this tidbit from a woman I look up to, just today:  When she returned to work full time, she was hesitant, questioning God as to why this was happening.  Her kids were still young.  His response, "Why wouldn't you trust Me with them {her kids}?"  So, that's what I'll remind myself to do.  Realize God has provided, and trust. 

    Psalm 121 {read it, it's good}