We’re over the hump for now.  So grateful.  I hope we get a few moments of stability.  *sigh*

I’m looking forward to our trip to Niagara Falls in late April.  Meeting one of my cyber friends for the first time and reuniting with others, all revolving around music.  My favorite scenario.  We sent off for passports on Monday and I hope they arrive in time.

Big challenges for my work coming soon.  We’re going to VR (voice recognition) and that means learning a whole new platform and way of doing things.  It’s a big worry for me, as my pay will also be changing once I get up to speed…and not for the better, unfortunately.  I don’t know where this road will lead me.

I always thought by this age I’d feel steadier, stronger, more secure.  Seems the opposite is happening.  What a crazy world.

Taking it one day at a time with help from above.

So…this year, you must have at least a passport card to drive across the border to Canada or Mexico.  Thanks to the generosity of a friend, Randy and I have the opportunity to go to Fallsview again April 22 and 23.  The last time I checked about a month ago, the wait for passport processing was 2 weeks.  When I looked again yesterday, it said 4-6 weeks.  Yikes.  Guess where we’re going today?  That’s right, the main post office downtown, Ye Olde Passport Office.  Wheeeee.

Work is still really slow right now, so I’ve been having to flex my hours as it is, so this throws a larger wrench into the works…but it will all be worth it once I see the smiling faces of my friends again.  Something to really look forward to.

We’ve decided to go ahead and pay our taxes and get it off our heads so we can breathe again.  I know…we should wait ’til the last minute…but we’re really stressed over it.  I don’t want to think about it anymore.  Time to put this negative behind us where it belongs.

Hope your week is in the positive column!

I read the news today, oh boy.

Mrs. Baird’s is closing after 61 years, laying off 127 people. I always loved driving by, inhaling the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread. I’m so sad that we’re losing yet another Abilene institution. I’m also heartbroken for those who lost their jobs. When will this horrible economy ever recover? It really makes me wonder if it will. I don’t remember it ever being this bad, not with the 70s gas crisis, not with the 80s oil bust.

While doing our mall-walk yesterday, Randy counted 8 empty spaces where businesses have closed. All the signs of our struggle locally have become evident just about everywhere you look.

Must hold onto family, friends, and the non-material things we love while we can.

Yesterday’s mail brought yet another little surprise. Citibank wants to charge their customers an “annual membership dues” of $60. You have to call them and “opt out,” which then closes your account. That’s hilarious, especially considering I forgot I had that card at all and it was in a kitchen drawer with nothing on it. I think we had taken it so I could have a card for emergencies. What are these idiots thinking? Wasn’t it enough that they were bailed out, undeservedly so, not long ago? Hey! I know! Let’s rip off our customers even more! THAT’s a good idea. I really believe I could take them all out and summarily shoot them. Credit cards in general are evil. Unfortunately, I’ve been caught up into their schemes before, but never again. If I can’t pay for it, I’m doing without.

Anyway, I finally got through on the phone this morning at OMG-It’s-Early and closed that account. That’ll be enough of that. Next?

I’m starting to remember how important it is to have God in your heart. Not just from church, but just from everyday life where He’s found in the most unlikely places. I like that. I always feel re-centered when I focus more on what He does through us and for us. All those “little things,” not just the big stuff.

I have to grasp this concept and hold on tight. It’s a bumpy ride. :o)