Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Since my last few posts have been total downers, I need to back up and count my blessings.

1. I have an amazing husband who loves and supports me.


2. I have two adorable cats who are FINALLY getting along.


3. I have wonderful family who is always willing to help us out of a jam.


4. I at least have A job (or, rather... 7). While it may not be a full time job in education, it helps us pay the bills.

5. My church family is awesome. 'Nuff said.

6. My God loves me and while I may be frustrated and feel at my wit's end about this job thing, He does have His own timeline and will lead me to the right job in the right time (AKA HIS time).

And here is a song that I love to listen to and jam out. It's a reminder that we are God's and our life is His.

Holding My Head Up

Sorry about that last post. I have been having anxiety attacks and crying a lot the last couple of days, just because I'm freaking out about money. I'm beyond frustrated, but J and I are trying to make the best of it.

1. Our lease is up next month, so we're moving. We have a few options to choose from, one depends greatly on negotiating rent. Another involves buying a single-wide trailer from my brother... Meh. So many decisions.

2. We're changing car insurance companies. We're paying $60/mo. with Geico. I got a quote from progressive for the exact same coverage for $26. This is a no brainer.

3. We're probably completely getting rid of our cable. We'll keep our internet and watch shows online. The only show this is going to be a problem with me is American Idol because I don't think it's available online...

4. I'm expecting about $1200 back on our tax return and we're trying to decide which is more responsible: paying off $1200 in debt, using it as a down payment on a $2000/$3000 car, or a mixture of both. Any advice?

5. I'm asking for deferment on my student loan. In all reality, my loan payments are only $50/month, but I'm not working in my field, and I work less than full time, so I qualify for deferment, and that $50/mo will go very far.

I know there's a job out there for me. In the meantime, I'm subbing and sitting as much as possible and applying for all the jobs I can find.

Depressed.

I didn't get the job.

I feel really burnt out on this whole job hunt thing.

I would be a kickass teacher.

Why doesn't anybody see that??

Resolution #4

Resolution #4 involved paying down our debt. J and I took a budgeting class at church today and hope to start getting a handle on our spending. Here are the conclusions we've come to:

1. If I get this job (I really feel good about the interview) and our spending stays the same, we'll actually have an extra $500 per month. We'll probably put 1/2 into credit card debt and 1/2 into saving. With this plan, we really should have or smaller cards paid off BEFORE April, with all of our credit cards paid off by the beginning of next year, if not sooner.

2. If I don't get the job, we're royally screwed. Our expenses exceed our income if I stay at the bookstore, and since I don't see myself getting another job until I find a teaching job for the fall, I have NO idea what we're going to do. We've done fine with my sitting jobs and the occasional sub job, but I am soooo sick of just barely squeezing by. Grr.

3. Either way, the first thing we need to do is tithe. We aren't anywhere close to tithing 10%, but we try to give every week. The issue is, I only give what I think we can afford. Typically it's $10. If it's a payday weekend, we give $20. But the fact of the matter is, that HAS to be the first thing we do.

Resolution #3

Remember my New Year's post? #3 was to read at least 4 books on youth ministry/youth culture today.

Here is my list:

1. Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers
2. Deep Ministry in a Shallow World
3. Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry: From a Strategy of Influence to a Theology of Incarnation
4. Postmodern Youth Ministry

Please note that these are subject to change at will. (Meaning, if I find something interesting and want to read it.) To stay accountable on this one, I hope to make posts as I read each book, reflecting on what they each have to say, etc.

Lots of Snow

If you don't live in the area, you may not be aware that we got a good 3+ inches of snow over the last few days. Most of the districts are on their second snow day today, and our back deck has about 6 inches on it because the wind blew it all from the strip of grass between it and the street. My niece and nephew tried to make a snow man yesterday, but "it broke" because it's not packing snow. By the way, it's currently 9*, with a wind chill of -11*. SOOOOO COLD!!

Want an update on the cats? They're pretty much acclimated to each other. We've had the two out with each other nonstop for the last week and they get along pretty well. Occasionally, they'll have a big tiff, but for the most part they chase each other, and then just ignore each other. Although, I occasionally have gotten photos that look like this:


Right now they're both relaxing in the EXACT same position, Sebs in the living room and Paulie in the kitchen. They crack me up. I'm so glad Paulie has a play mate now, even if it did take a while for Sebs to warm up to him.

Many of you know this because of Facebook, but I have an interview today. I feel really really good about it but I don't want to get my hopes up because I really will be crushed if I don't get it. But think of me around 12:30!

Our Wedding Photos

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

New Years Resolutions

I don't usually do this because, frankly, how long do they usually last? But... here goes:

1. Start compiling my 101 in 1001 list.
2. Have at least one REAL date night with my husband a month.
3. Read at least four books on youth ministry.
4. Pay off small credit cards by April, then start reeeeeally cracking on the big ones.
5. Buy a car for J.
6. GET A JOB.