Down to the wire

Well, it's been a while since my last post. Everything's been a whirlwind. I'm not really even sure what's been happening. I know that I'm all sworn in, and ready to go. Yeah, I have a few things left to get done, but really, I'm just ready to go.

The cool thing was, my uncle-in-law was able to swear me in. It was awesome seeing the reaction from the guys in the building when a general walked in. They suddenly became happy, did everything efficiently, and were eager to do what they could. I was impressed that someone could receive so much respect without having to do anything. Interesting....

However, it was great to have family there. I got to spend some final times with my grandparents, mother, in-laws, and aunt and uncle. I saw final, but I just mean last time for a long time. Not really the final.

I got to see Chris' new baby, and watch his other kids for a while. It was nice to have him and Liz be able to get some things done that they needed to get done. I feel for them. He's been busy with everything else in the home while Liz was having a baby, and now he has to get ready to leave.

I hope that they don't feel too stressed out. I feel better, just don't like now knowing what's coming. However, at the end, Feb. 24th, I know that good things are in store. I just need to make it that far. And, with the help I've been praying for, I know it's possible.

So, I leave you with this. Happy Halloween, All Saints Day, etc. I hope everyone was safe. I'm going to go spend some quality time with my wife and child (dog) and will talk to you all more later.

Wednesday

Today was interesting. Kate got a call this morning for a job from 11:15-3. Those are interesting and unusual times, so it made some things difficult. Since we're down to one car, I had to take her and pick her up. However, my old job was having a lunch for me, so I needed to be there. It all ended up working out, and I got more stuff checked off my list.

Kate went to work, I got my lunch. Then, I cleaned out my office, and took the stuff to my garage. Then, Cooper and I went to the post office and mailed kate and my ballots, as well as a birthday card for my brother, finally. Sorry it took so long. Then, I went and signed forms at my insurance agent's office, which was interesting because it was my first time going to the new agent's office.

I picked Kate up, we went home, changed, and cleaned out the back seat. Then, we drove to church, because tonight was Vala's night for the youth group. There ended up being 23 kids that went. That was tough, because I had only had 12 sign up previously, and set up enough rides for 14. So, I found two other drivers, and we went. God is awesome. That is the most kids that have gone to an event for youth group ever!

We had fun, and I hope that the kids will continue to bond in the future. It was amazing, tonight, to see the kids together, compared to three years ago. I never would've thought this could happen. I'm so amazed at how God has worked in our church to bring these kids from different backgrounds together! Yay God!

God blesses us is so many different ways that we never expect. It's so amazing. I can never show enough gratitude for the people that He's put in my life, and the things that He's done through them and/or inspired them to do for me. I only hope that I can show His love through everything that I do, more and more every day. I will strive to do that. I also pray that He will show me how to act, and give me the virtues needed to succeed in the next few months. Only through Him, and by His grace will that happen.

Well, it's off to bed...Got more stuff to clean, organize and get ready tomorrow, and then I EAD on Friday, so yeah. We'll see how it goes. Take care and God bless.

3 to go

Today was a busy day. I got a lot of running around, purchased most of the rest of the things that I need for Alabama. Unfortunately, that took more money away from the car, but I need to remember to trust God, and then I will be okay.

I got the programs installed at church, transferred the website to that computer, updated it, and got the things ready for the next guy. I visited my grandparents, got another pair of shoes for training, took a load to the garage, sorted summer and winter clothes, got a wedding present, used some gift certificates, and sorted some more photos.

Tomorrow looks to be much of the same, finishing off with a night at Vala's with the youth group. Regardless of the day, that should be lots of fun. I will also clean out my office at work (my old work), and they are buying me lunch, so that's always a plus! All that should be left after that is cleaning out my stuff at church, organizing a room or two, and cleaning more of the apt. Then, I should be ready to go.

I've started setting out the things I need to take with me so I can visualize what is there and what is still needed. Since I'm not really sure about what all to take or not take, it's a whirlwind. Luckily, we're taking a car, so we can take whatever we want, and leave the unsed items in the car.

I need to go to bed now, because I still don't feel good. This week's posts will probably be short, but everything's got to be done, so I'm doing it. Until later...

Beginning of my week off

Well, I started my week of no work and getting ready to leave. It was okay. I feel a tiny bit better today, so that made the day better. I worked out, got a bunch of arrands run, and sold my car.

I didn't get what I wanted for the car, but it will have to do. It's the best I could do, and I need to make sure that I have it gone before I leave, so yeah. I feel comfortable with everything today, and am just excited to leave.

I'm trying to get some of the apartment cleaned and organized so that Kate has a nice, organized, clean place to be. Everything's been so hectic that I haven't been able to do a whole bunch of that....so, this is my week.

Kate's phone broke, but, I had my old one. Then, that one broke. I thought I was going to have to buy another phone, but luckily, a friend had an extra. So, that was accomplished today as well. There's much more to do over the rest of the week, but overall, it was not a wasted day. I got a lot done.

Chris had his baby boy today, and Kate and I are excited for them. Keep their family in your prayers.

Crud

So, I finally get over being sick before. Then, I back off of my meds and get sick with something else. This really sucks. I've got a bad cold or something that's killing my sinuses. Therefore, I've decided that we, as humans, take breathing for granted. You never know how awesome breathing is until you can't do it. It's amazing what you can't do when you are unable to breathe.

That being said, I've got 5 days until I EAD, and then 8 until I leave. Chris is having his baby on Monday, and Kate and I are excited for them. People at church are asking us now how long before we have a baby. That's a bit frustrating. Oh well.

I was able to hang out with one of my best friends on Saturday. We went and looked at tuxes and played some golf. I will miss Zac as much as anyone when we leave. He's been such a great friend, and it's been fun becoming greater friends over the last few years.

It'll be nice not working this week at my job. I can actually get some stuff done at home. Kate will be excited to have a clean apartment when I leave. I also need to get some more stuff before I leave. That will get me out shopping, so I will have to go to Dick's when I'm done to make myself feel more manly! ;-)

Lastly, I have until Tuesday to sell my car before I have to take it to Carmax. They are giving me way less than I wanted for it, but I don't have much of a choice. I need to get it out of here before I leave. Unfortunately, that will make it harder to get my stuff in Alabama and on the way there, but there's nothing I can do about it. Maybe God will bless us by having us find a million dollars in the mailbox.....Well, maybe not, but a thousand would be nice. That would help with the next few months.

Other than that, I'm trying not to get blown away by the wind. So, pray that I don'tget blown out of Kansas, Toto......