It’s the little hole again…

The one I climb into when I feel like there’s nothing intelligent to say.

I’m full blown sick   I’ve been spending a few hours a week in homes with ill people, due to 50% of my caseload being sick or hospitalized.  Oops.  I guess it caught up to me too. One more day, then I’ll have the weekend…

Or not.  I’m actually really excited- we have a church thing Friday night…an old friend “Pajo” might be coming for dinner Saturday…my friend “E” may be coming Sunday night, and I’m meeting “Stripe” on Monday night.  Lovely…fellowship!  It’s been a while.  And, weekend plans are forming with the Pougets, JRT, and also possibly SGM.  I suppose I should spread all those weekends out.  Not to mention, Valentines Day is nearly around the corner, and the NASW conference is right ahead of that.  My life has suddenly become very busy.

I’m beginning to cook with turkey, ground.  It’s interesting.  It’s rather nasty when I start to cook it…I have to hurry up and get it browned before I throw it out.  But afterwards…it’s healthier and just makes me feel so much better about what I’m eating.  And it looks perfectly normal once its cooked.  I made turkey enchiladas last night with spinach, thanks to E-mealz and a bit of creativity.  We both liked it, which is a plus!  I think that’s what I enjoy about simple recipes…its easy to make them a little bit more my own.  I also used cumin for the first time in ages…and it made me miss Little Africa!!!!!  Oh dear.  I long for good, hearty meals like Loul makes.  Maybe I should start cooking some myself.  That would be an experiment.  Or, maybe it’s just time for a trip home.

Regardless, enough about food, it is far past time for me to go to bed.  Adieu

The message

“With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day.  God isn’t late with His promise as some measure lateness.  He is restraining Himself on account of you, holding back the End because He doesn’t want anyone lost.  He’s giving everyone space and time to change.”

- 2 Peter 3:8-9

Lord, help me to do the same…………..

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On another note, Bryan and I joined the local gym, Lifetime Fitness. I love it.  Swimming, weights, tons of cardio..and then spa tubs, saunas, and steam rooms…an excellent end to a long day.

I also made Swiss Chicken for dinner after subscribing to E-mealz.  It’s great…and I loved the dish.  Pretty simple…but easy for weeknights!

That’s about it that’s new.  I’m gonna keep trying to give people space and time to change…I think another word for that might be grace.

Quilting?

I decided to take up quilting.  I know, first cross stitching, now quilting…but I have a sewing machine and a lot of scraps.

I went to the store this evening to get starch…and started pressing.  It took forever.  I have my pretty blue fabrics all pressed and laid out (the spare bedroom’s pretty…messy).  I traced, cut, pieced my first quilt block.  It took a GOOD two hours.  I even have a simple pattern- an “easy” snowflake design!  It has three fabrics, with nine pieces per block, piecing triangles and squares and arrows together.  I guess I could have made my first quilt a little easier on myself…but we’ll see.I have a strong feeling this is not going to be a very large quilt!  But I’m sure I’ll get faster with time- this time I had rip and sew again a few times.  I had no idea matching was so difficult.

Rachael lied. Quilting is far from easy.  Sewing clothes was much easier.  (Not that I’d actually remember how to do that now anyways.  I enjoyed it…so I’ll keep working on it.  I think buying a $30 quilt at BB&B would be a far simpler way to create bedding in the guest room, though.

Inspiration

I feel oddly inspired at the moment, but my home looks like “inspired” never entered it.  The laundry’s on the drying rack (dry)…the mail’s opened and lying on the table…the dishwasher is open and half emptied of clean dishes, with a nice pile of dirty dishes all over the counter.  I should go pick up my clothes, throw away wilting flowers, and finish housework.  And maybe balance that checkbook…  However, I’ve accomplished some grocery shopping (30+ minutes in line at the deli for a few little things), a movie, a salad, ice cream, and potato chips.  It sounds like a case of January blues.   Wait—-didn’t I start out by saying I feel inspired???? (And, by the way, my husband has been doing most of the housework lately…I’ve been far too lazy…all the above mentioned chores are…mine.)

But I do.  I’ve had a challenging but good week of work so far.  Busier than I know what to do with sometimes….but, I feel like I’m doing what I’m created for.  My body aches, due to cushioning a fall…but I still feel encouraged and inspired to continue.  (Despite the kinks in my neck and the sore back, arm, and leg muscles…I might have gotten my BSW, but they didn’t teach me how much adults weighed and how to cushion their falls properly…)

Besides work, we started going to a church in Detroit.  It’s a bit of a drive, but we both love it.  It uses a liturgical worship style and the pastor seems so genuine.  It just feels real…and effective.  I love the formalized service, and the music is good too.  The people just seem to be normal.  No offense, metro-Detroit…but I haven’t met too many “real” people since we moved here.  However, that could be my interpretation of “real.”  I think this is where we’re supposed to be.

I also read a book by someone I deeply respect this weekend.  I was moved to desire God again (really and truly) for the first time in years.  After all those years at the school I chose to earn my BSW at…I really felt/feel very disillusioned.  I’m sure I’ve written about all that somewhere in here.  However, the book was very encouraging [The Year of Living Like Jesus, Ed Dobson].  I felt somewhat validated for confusion and frustrations I felt…that maybe God could have been speaking to me all along, even though my thoughts disagree with the organized institution often.  So here goes…I continue to study and read and grow and we see where God leads.

Update on my wonderful husband- truly the greatest blessing in the world (You know I’m only writing that because he reads it…right?   Seriously though…marriage has been wonderful.  God has blessed us greatly…me, greatly.

He is working 3-11’s…so he’s home all day, I’m home all evening.  It’s a little sad, but I think we’re getting used to it?  As much as one can get used to not seeing your spouse very often!  He’s enjoying work here more than in Grand Rapids, which is nice.  An advantage to him working evenings is that I don’t cook as often (although that really is categorized as a disadvantage, its really just an excuse for me to be lazy.)  We enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas at my parents’ and they enjoyed New Year’s at our home.  We got a web cam for Christmas- so any of you far away friends with Skype…find us!   It was a very enjoyable holiday season, although I cannot believe it is over already.  Jeremy wasn’t able to come home, but despite that it was very nice.

Oh- despite the potato chips and ice cream…my dinner consisted of mixed greens salad with feta, turkey pepperoni, toasted pine nuts, and a pomegranate raspberry vinaigrette…pretty good!  I love the mix of feta and greens and pine nuts…and turkey pepperoni- 75% less fat than regular pepperoni!

And now my head hurts too much to continue writing…so off to finish the chores and to bed I go!  I’m sorry I was so lapse in writing…there is probably no one left;-)  But I’ll keep trying!

I miss people.
Mainly Sarah E at the moment. I would love a good long breakfast.
Ah well. I had a great dinner and alone time tonight…white beans with garlic, then cooked again with sausage and tomatoes. SO good with a chilled Pinot Grigio.

I can’t believe its already Monday. It was one of those weekends where I got nothing done. I’ve been so tired…I didn’t do anything this weekend! We went grocery shopping and organized the office Saturday, and last night we hung out with Zach and Rachael. We went to Depot Town last night…walked a long time, which was nice. We found a cafe that Zach and Rachael really like…and they have the best ice cream! I was really impressed. Other than that…pretty boring weekend.

This week starts October… I’m a little nervous- there is still so much I don’t know. They say its takes at least a year to feel comfortable there…so questions are completely normal. It’s weird to have so much “influence” over/with an individual’s life. I’m not sure how comfortable I am with that. I suppose that means I tread lightly and listen well. So, here goes. Monday morning….and off to a new week of work. Financial Peace tonight- I’m working late, so it’ll be a run from my consumer’s home to financial peace. I think it’ll be a good class though.

A week completed!

Here we are, 2 weeks into marriage and 1 week into our jobs.  I think all is going well!  Bryan is at work now…I think this might become my Sunday ritual!  The apartment is still great- it still sounds like its storming outside 90% of the time.  I think the sounds come from a neighbor’s surround sound.  But who knows which neighbor it is???

Work is going well for both of us.  I think Bryan is well adjusted, and I’m getting there.  He doesn’t have a set schedule yet, which would be really awesome.  Mine should be pretty regularly 8-4:30.  That sounds really incredible to me!  There will be times in the future where I will have to work later…but oh well.  I really enjoyed the week of training.  I feel pretty comfortable, and I’ve gotten to know quite a few people.  One girl in particular is interesting to talk to.  And I really do think I’ve been blessed with a good supervisor and team to work with.  I went on a few home visits, which were very informative.  Hopefully I’ll have many more this week.  It’s nice to finally put my social work education into practice!

We went to Life Church in Canton today.  We both enjoyed it- tremendously more than last week’s choice.  The positives outweighed the negatives, at least.  I think we’re going to start doing the financial peace classes there- they start tomorrow.  Perfect timing.  I’ve been wanting to do them together for quite a while now.  I did enjoy the service, though.

So there you go.  Honestly…I’m really excited to get paid and become stable again!  I know it’ll happen…sometimes its just hard to wait!  God is good, though, and his provision is ever-present.

Here we are, starting off as two… (or is it one?)

I thought it would be helpful to take my old blog and make it “our” blog.  So many people have asked me to keep them updated…to start a blog, to share pictures…so, this is probably the easiest way.

We’re married…a week yesterday.  It still feels odd, like we’re not actually married…I just don’t think its really sunken in yet.  It feels too normal.  The much-too-short honeymoon was great…1 night in GR and 2 nights in Bellaire/touring the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas.  It was very nice, and we came home with a lot of wine!

We’ve settled in…if you’re following facebook, you’ve seen all the pictures.  It is nice here- we have a great view.  The apartment is really quiet, and I’m thoroughly enjoying air conditioning.  My plants have a place to call home (on the balcony) and our home is a lot more…put together…than I expected.  We realized once we moved in that there aren’t any lights…other than a few necessary ones.  After a few trips to Ikea, we can see now   We have our wall hangings up,the rooms organized.  The only thing left are our many book shelves that need reorganizing.  Bryan and I are both really particular about the order our shelved books are in;-)  We have 7 bookshelves right now, I think, so…the process can get a little interesting.

It is really nice to have time…I’ve been able to cook!  I made meatloaf and baked potatoes and corn last night…Bryan made dinner last night (Spaghetti)..and I made lemon bars…it’s really nice.  I’m looking forward to having weekends off.  I might have to work then, but I’m not sure.  I don’t think I’m supposed to work more than 40 hours a week, but we’ll see how it works out.  Tonight we had bean soup…pretty normal food.  Someday we’ll have time/money to get more adventurous!

Speaking of work, Bryan is working too now.  We both started today…his is just under full time, mine is full time.  You can pray that he gets really good hours and that mine goes well!  We enjoyed our first days.  Mine will be a LOT of training, a LOT to learn.  I can’t believe how many trainings I have to go through!  I think it’ll be a lot of fun, though.  My team secretary is awesome- my desk was the only “new hire’s” desk with balloons and a banner and then a TON of stuff- like highlighters and office supplies and two calendars and filing folders, etc.  My drawers are so nice!  She also copied off helpful info for me.  She’s so sweet!  I think my manager is going to be really neat too.  I am so quiet initially…I’m sure I’ll settle in sometime.  Bryan’s transition is a lot easier- just switching stores, and his new store is a lot less stressful and better organized than the one in Grand Rapids.  I think our schedules should be okay together…I’m working approximately 8-4:30 everyday, and he’ll have 2 day shifts and 3 night shifts, probably.  A little sad…with him working 3 nights…but I guess that means I’ll just keep busy around the house!

That’s about all..I’m not sure what you all wanted to hear about, but that’s all I can think of.  It’s nice to see the sunset every night out our balcony. I have an hour or so to do scrapbooking or whatever else I want to do…Bryan took his bike to the library for the evening.

God is so very gracious, and good.

I have been so emotional lately- so emotional, yet so lacking in emotion.

I’ve been feeling better- after getting off the first dose of prednisone, it all came back…so I was given more.  All drugged up and ready to be married now, that I am…  Tea tree oil, coconut oil…both some of my good friends these days.  Oatmeal baths too… :-0

Besides that…I got a job, praise the Lord!  We’re moving to Belleville, Michigan 3 weeks from today, Lord willing.  We’re waiting on everything to come through with the apartment…as long as that goes through, we’re there.  Although I suppose my job starts the 14th, so we’ll be there regardless!  I’m working for a nonprofit agency doing person-centered-planning with developmentally disabled individuals.  It’s a really neat job- I’m very excited.  So, no military…but…God has provided a job.

Speaking of the military…my heart is so burdened.  There’s a procession from the airport to my old church today…a friend’s brother was killed in Afghanistan this past weekend.  It’s times like these my heart cries, “Oh Jesus…come quickly.”  He was just a kid..always saw him like Jeremy.  So, pray for Nicky’s family.  Bobby, Mary Elaine, Kyle, and his parents.  I can’t imagine the heartbreak.    I hate war so deeply.  Although pacifist…I am incredibly grateful for those in the military.  So thank you, Nicky….and thank you Faith, and Andrew, for what you’re doing now.

And come home quickly, Andrew…there’s only 2 weeks until my wedding!

Yes…two weeks.  It’s exciting, but I think I’m more nervous about details than I should be! So, I’m off to run errands on this rainy Friday.  Please keep the Roush family in your prayers, today, and especially over the next few weeks.  Pray that the Lord’s name would be honored and people who come to know him through Nicky’s life.

So I finally went to the Doctor to get better…

She said she didn’t know what was wrong with me, and gave me a high dosage of prednisone for a week that “might work, hopefully.” She also gave me Zyrtec, drops for artificial tears, and a nasal spray.

So, I now can’t sleep at night, but am exhausted, nauseated, but hungry…irritable, all my joints ache…I’m an emotional wreck…My muscles feel like they don’t work, everything takes longer than normal and I’m easily confused, my vision is all blurry at random times, and I’m super thirsty.

And, we pray this works. Although it never fixes a problem, just symptoms, so who KNOWS what’s going on. She wants me to go to my regular Doctor and an opthalmologist.

My original symptoms? Painful itching and hive-type things all over my legs, spreading to my chest, arms, hips, and back. Watery, red eyes with nasty sleepers continually, sore throat, minor body aches, and stuffy allergy filled nasal passages.

My legs aren’t as itchy…my eyes aren’t as sleeper filled..and my throat doesn’t hurt anymore. But who knows what caused all this:-/

So, pray we resolve this nasty stuff before the wedding! Yikes!