Another Year Older

That would be, THIS dude is another year older!  Today he turns 31, the old fart! :0P

{I have no idea why this picture keeps disappearing. Hopefully it stays this time!}

He tells me that I'm older than dirt so what's that make him, huh?

He's spending his day on the couch, I think.  Watching the X Games.  I have to figure out what I'm going to do for him, for dinner, tonight.  Hmmm....Any ideas?  I'm kind of at a loss right now.  Tomorrow night we're going out to dinner with the Fam.  I need to make him a cake too.  Gluten-free, of course, so that I can eat it as well.

For his birthday I'm getting him concert tickets to see Chris Cornell, Acoustic.  How I'm paying for it, I haven't figured out yet but it's the ONLY thing he wants and it's pretty much a once in a lifetime experience.  So, I gotta make it happen.

Happy Birthday to my Older-Than-Dirt hubby!!!  

You're one in a million!

Things Are Looking Up

{Courtesy of Google Images}

Over the past couple of months I've been pretty down in the dumps.  Sometimes I can relate it to something and other times I have no idea why my moods are so low.

It's been no secret that I've been searching and searching and SEARCHING for a job.  It's pretty much what I spend my days doing but I'm also not really seeing anything *new* out there so I can't really continue to apply for the same jobs over and over, even though I have.  I just try to make sure that the one that I'm applying for has a different job number or is in a different location in the hospitals.

It's also been no secret that we've been struggling financially.  When my unemployment ended that was almost $2,000 a month less for us.  That money that we would normally use to pay our car payment or buy groceries or gas, was just...gone.  IS just gone.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are LUCKY.  There are so many people out there that are struggling WAY worse than us.  Even though Kyle doesn't get a regular paycheck because he's self-employed and only gets paid when the company gets paid, at least he IS STILL getting paid, just takes longer for the money to get to us sometimes.  Winter is always slower and then when you factor in that a couple of jobs got canceled for one reason or another, the money that they were planning on, is then just gone too.

But over the course of the past month or so, as I've read different blogs, and even as I revisited a particular post from my blog, something stood out to me.  I don't think it was just in my mind.  I think it was God telling me something.  Because I saw the same verse more times than I can remember:

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

That verse has become my mantra.  

When I started freaking out about money and where it was going to come from...Be still and know that I am God.

When I started freaking out that I was NEVER going to get a job...Be still and know that I am God.

I think sometimes it was just my mind speaking to me but I believe that at other times, it was Jesus reminding me that he's in control of the situation and I don't need to worry.  Everything is going to be all right and he's going to make sure that we're taken care of.

Right after I started remembering that verse, regularly, Kyle brought home a check.  It wasn't a lot.  But it was enough to get us by for a week or so.  Then he brought home some more money.  Again, it wasn't a lot, but it's been enough, for right now. {Granted, we still haven't paid our mortgage but that'll happen before too long.}

Be still and know that I am God.

I had an interview on Tuesday for a CNA position at the children's hospital in our area.  It's only per diem, 1-15 hours a week, but at least it would be something.  It would get my foot in the door.  And this hospital has a soft spot in my heart because they saved my nephew, Kingston's, life.  I told the lady that too because she asked why I would want to work there.  It would be an awesome experience to be working with children in that way.  I have no doubt it would change me, for the better.  I was the first to be interviewed for the position so it's going to be a few weeks before I hear anything.

Yesterday I got a call from the "big boss" at another hospital, the one that I did my phlebotomy and EKG exterships at.  He wants me to go and meet with him on Monday morning at 10.  That would be a full time position, with benefits, etc.  I think that this job would be great but I am really freaked out about having to deal with the morgue and potentially having to do CPR.  I, theoretically, know how to do it but I've never had to and I'm scared that everything I know is going to go out the window, ya know?  But that's nothing to worry about right now: Be still and know that I am God.  Please pray that this one works out because it IS a full time position which is really what I need.

On Monday I got my official test date for the State exam for my CNA license.  I'll be taking the written and skills test on February 6th.  Please be praying for me as I do this.  Please pray that I remember everything that I need to know for the written and please pray that I don't mess up more than 5 times {total} for the skills test.  If I do, then I fail and I believe I'd have to wait between 1 and 3 months to take it again.  I can't afford to wait.  I NEED my license to be able to get a job.  I'm going to be studying up, but it's all very nerve-wracking.  Be still and know that I am God.

While things are still not "perfect" at least I'm getting something to smile about right now so things are looking up and I know that Jesus is right there beside us taking care of us.

Friday Fragging: A Buncha Random

It's been quite awhile since I've done this little Friday Fragging thang but I'm going to do it today because it's gross outside and I need to empty my brain.  So let's get to it!

It's gross outside.  Oh did I already say that?  Sorry.  It is.  Like, I don't know how many days of POURING DOWN RAIN we could possibly have.  I'm SO TIRED of the rain.  Seriously.  There is something outside my bedroom window that makes a Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. All. Night. Long.  Even when it's POURING out.  I thought I was going to jump out the window last night because it was making me so crazy!  Even though I hate the snow, I'd almost rather have IT then the rain right now!  UGH! Stoopid rain!

I want creme brulee.  I was looking at recipes last night and it takes over 6 hours to make.  Really?!  I so don't want to take the time to make it.  Although, it's not like I have a lot that I'm really doing.

I can't tell you how many stinkin jobs I've applied for.  I CAN tell you that I'm tired of applying for jobs.  Most places don't want to hire me, I'm assuming, because I don't have my CNA license yet.  I've sent in the paperwork to take the test but I'm still waiting to get my official test date.  I chose January 30th or February 6th to take it.  Guess I better start studying up so that I actually pass it, huh?  How much would that suck if I failed?  Um, hugely! 

I thought it was kind of funny that both my mom and dad, in separate conversations with them, a day apart, both told me that it takes 29 No's before you get a Yes.  I told them that I've had a hell of a lot of No's already so my Yes needs to show up ASAP!!

Kyle finally got paid!  Happy!  Now I need him to get more! :0P  {Isn't that always the case?}

We lost our cable and internet recently, but it's back now, THANKFULLY!  But while we were living without tv, Kyle and I played a lot of Yahtzee and some Scrabble.  I seriously suck at games, although I don't mind playing them.  I only beat Kyle at Yahztee three times.  That's it.  Three times!  And you better believe that I did a victory dance every time!  LOL

I'm sitting in the living room with the lights off, in my pj's, on the couch right now.  It's almost 12:30.  Chewy is sleeping next to me.  This is how you'll usually find us during the day.  We're so full of fun and energy, huh?

Did I mention that it's disgusting and rainy out?

Recently I've read a few books thanks to the easy access from my Kindle.  I've read:
Chosen
Beachcomers
Always the Baker, Never the Bride

All were good, easy reads although Chosen made me a bit uncomfortable to read.  It's about adoption and druggies and a kidnapped baby.  It was a dark and down but overall a pretty good book.

Right now I'm reading:
Stuck in the Middle
The Pioneer Woman: An Early Exerp

I have 207 books downloaded that are To Be Read.

Think I'm addicted.

I have not paid for one book yet.

My DVR is 15% full.  I can't remember the last time it was that low!  Can you guess what I've been doing lately {other than applying for a meelion jobs and reading}?

I made a delicious dinner for our Anniversary the other night.  I'll post about it soon.  I think tomorrow we're going to use a gift card that we got for Christmas and go out to dinner and my mom gave us free movie tickets so guess what tomorrow is?  Date night!!  Yay!  I NEED to get out of this damn house and do something FUN!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Half-Past Kissin' Time for Friday Fragments.

9 Years

Today is the anniversary of when I tied the knot with my hubba-hubba-hubby, Kyle.

9 Years!

Seems so crazy to me that it's already been 9 years.

It really doesn't feel that long ago that we were busying ourselves with hair and make up and pictures in preparation for saying "I Do" at the end of the night.

But it definitely has been that long!

We've had some busy years and some slower years.  We've had mostly good times but some not-so-great times, too.  And obviously right now, we're in a not-so-great time, financially.  But WE are still great and we're trudging along making it all work.

Kyle is my best friend and I'm so lucky to be his wife, even in the moments that he makes me want to pull my hair out.  That's how it is for most couples though, right?  ;0)  I can't imagine my life without him.  He makes me laugh and he makes me roll my eyes.  He says the most random things sometimes.  He loves me for who I am.  He doesn't care about the extra weight that I seem to carry around and care about.  My hubby still wants to touch me when he walks by.  He gives the best kisses and the best hugs.  While he's not the sugary-sweet romantic, he's romantic enough for me.  I love it when he surprises me because he does it so well {in the good way, not by jumping out from behind a door or something, lol}.  I worry about him while I'm not with him, even if he's just at work.  I love him so much and I never want to live a day without him.  He is truly my very best friend!

I don't know what our plans are for tonight.  Maybe I'll make something or maybe Kyle will pull a rabbit out of his hat and find some money for us to go out to dinner.  Whatever happens though, at least we'll be together and we'll have fun enjoying each other's company.

Happy 9th Anniversary, Honey!

I Love You, THE MOST!!

If you'd like to read about our wedding day, you can do so here.

Kindle Is The Bomb Diggity!

For Christmas I got some money from a few different family members so I decided to buy myself a Kindle.

{Courtesy of Google Images}

I LOVE IT!!

Don't get me wrong, I love my paper books still.  I have boxes and shelves full.  I love the smell and feel of a new book.  I love sitting cozy on the couch with a cup of coffee and my new book.  I didn't think I would like the Kindle because of those reasons but I was oh, so wrong.  When the Kindle came in the mail Kyle remarked that we could get rid of some of my paper books now.  I said, "Um no.  Nice try."

I stalk the Free book list on Amazon daily and so far I've downloaded probably close to 100.  Crazy, right?

What I'm wondering from all of you Kindle lovers: is there anything specifically I should know about it?  Any tips or tricks?  I've also found some websites for downloading other free books but am I missing any?

What are some of your MUST HAVE books?

Who are your FAVORITE AUTHORS?

{Actually, answer these questions even if you don't have a Kindle.  It's all the same in one form or the other!}

I want to read a lot this year so I need to stock up on lots of good ones.

Share your wealth of knowledge with me!

Here are the other websites that I've found to get free books {some are better than others, but I'll share them all in case you find one to be better than the other}:

Smashwords
Scribd
GetFreeBooks
FreeBookSpot
Pixel of Ink
FictionWise
ReadPrint
Bookyards
Feedbooks

Enlighten me, Peeps!!  Even you, Lurkers!  I know you're out there! ;0)

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Birthday, Ponchito!

How 'bout something happy for a change. ;0)

Kingston turned 3 on December 28th and to celebrate we all went out to dinner at Azteca.  He loved it when they sang Happy Birthday, Ponchito to him and he loved it even more when they gave him some "ice cream" {it was more like whipped cream, I guess}.

Opening his presents...Lots of Thomas stuff.  The boy is obsessed!

Singing to the Birthday Boy while he just *waits* to dig in!

Mmmmm....Some good stuff!

He was so funny.  Evan wanted a bite so Kingy pretended to give him a bite and before Evan could get it Kingy took it back.  Stinker!

There we go, now he's sharing. ;0)

Happy {belated} Birthday to the stinker that fills our lives with lots of laughter!!

{I just realized that I "featured" Kingy last week too.  I'll choose another character next time. Promise.}

For more Wordless Wednesday go to the WW HQ here.

For more Wordful Wednesday go to ParentingbyDummies.

Drama Queen

{Courtesy of Google Images}

Not exactly the phrase that I would ever use to describe myself and I'm pretty sure that those that know me wouldn't describe me as a drama queen either.

I'm a pretty strong, independent person.

Growing up, I was never the one that was having to be rescued by my dad because the car I was driving, that had been purchased at an auction, caused me to be pulled over because it had been reported stolen.  I wasn't the one that the cops almost arrested because of that mistake by the auction people {they never changed the status of the car with the police}.

I wasn't the one that got smacked in the mouth with a baseball and got her lip stuck in her braces.

I wasn't the one that had a broken down car on the side of the freeway.  {Ok, I take that back.  That happened to me one time but it was my husband that had to come rescue me, not my dad.}

I wasn't the one that has ended up in the hospital around Christmas for the past three years for one reason or another.

Not to say that these aren't "good" or valid reasons to be rescued or taken care of, but those aren't me {they're my sister}.  My point is that I'm independent and don't ask for help.

The one time in high school, when I was driving an '85 Chrysler Fifth Avenue {my land yacht, as I called it} that seemed to always have something wrong with it and I NEEDED my dad to come and be with me at the mechanics, he didn't.  That crushed me.  He either couldn't or wouldn't come.  I think he was trying to teach me to be more independent.  At the time I had wished that it had been at another time he was trying to teach me that lesson.

The fact that I titled my last post The Pits Of Despair is BUGGING ME.  It makes me sound like a total Drama Queen.

Yes.  Things are not good right now.

Yes.  I don't think we've EVER been in the financial position that we're in right now.

Yes.  Our cable / internet* were turned off and our power will be next if Kyle doesn't get paid very soon.

But I'm NOT a drama queen and I don't like to be seen as one.  I think {hope} I'm the only one that is seeing myself as such.  In any case, it's bothering me.

Just had to get that off my chest.

*I happen to have a HotSpot on my phone that allows me to get online, on my computer, from my phone.  God bless the HotSpot or else I'd be going even more crazy than I am!

The Pits Of Despair

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

Nahum 1:7 (NIV).

I don't know how many of you pay attention to the bible verses over there on the right, but whenever I look at my blog, it's one of the first things I look at.  It's different every time the page is loaded and I love seeing what is going to speak to me.

The above verse was the one that was just loaded for me and I think I really needed that reminder today.

I know I haven't really said anything all that worth while on here lately.  I've kind of been down in the dumps, in the "pits of despair" ala Anne of Anne of Green Gables {the movie was on tv recently and I LOVED watching it, twice! ... edited: actually, I think she calls it the depths of despair, but same meaning. ;0P}, feeling the blahs.

Christmas and New Year's have come and gone and I still haven't posted about our get together's.  I just haven't felt like blogging.

I've also been spending my days applying for every job I possibly can that has to do with health care.

I need a job and I need a job NOW.

Kyle hasn't been paid since Christmas Eve and even that wasn't very much.  Just enough to get us by, at that moment.  My unemployment is gone.  I've been on unemployment for almost two years and there's nothing left for me.

The other day my sister was in a pinch so I went to watch the boys for a few hours.  I wasn't sure if I was even going to make it there because I was driving on fumes, literally.  Her husband gave me $10 so I could make it home.

My mom came over the next day to see our Christmas lights and to give me a few things.  While she was here she gave me a few bucks to get us by this week.

I've been getting pretty inventive on our dinners and using what's in the cupboards because I don't have a choice.  I don't even have enough money right now to go and get gas to go places so I've been cooped up at home all week.

I don't say all of this for sympathy just to tell you the state of my mind right now.

There are so many worse things going on right now, for others, than me and I realize that.  I know that what we're going through at the moment is just a bump in the road.  But it still sucks.

I've scoured the internet for jobs and applied to all that I can.  Out of desperation I even applied at Starbucks although they're going to wonder why I want a job there when I should be looking for a job in health care.  I just really, really, REALLY need someone to call me about a job like, yesterday.

Anyway, as I'm sitting here fretting, I know that I need to lean on Jesus because he's the Ultimate Provider and I know that the perfect job is out there for me.  I just need to trust that he's got it all in his hands.  I need to remember the verse above and take comfort in knowing that Jesus is taking care of us and our needs.  He's not going to leave us or forsake us.

{Courtesy of Google Images}

Wordless Wednesday: Patient Kitty

"I petting her tummy!" - Kingston, age 3

{This is my sister's cat Somme' aka Mimi.  She is so patient with the kidlets.}

For more Wordless Wednesday go to the WW HQ here.

For more Wordful Wednesday go to ParentingbyDummies.

More Than Half A Lifetime Ago

{Courtesy of Google Images}

This is a partial re-post from two years ago.  It's always fun for me to look back at this day from when I was 15.

~~~~~

January 1, 1995

Dear New Diary,

I am SO, SO, SO VERY HAPPY! Today I finally called Kyle (I got brave) and we were talking and I was talking A LOT so I told Kyle to talk and he was thinking of what to say and then he said,

"Well, I didn't want to do this on the phone, but will you go out with me?"

and I said,

"Yaaah!"

Then when we were getting off the phone I said,

"Well you can call me ok?"

and he said,

"OK".

OOOHHH, I'm SOOOOOO happy!

Well, gotta go!

Love, Megan

And then I screamed at the top of my lungs, ran up the stairs, threw myself on the couch and started laughing and I screamed "KYLE ASKED ME OUT!!!" to my mom, sister, step brother and step dad.


If you'd like to read the rest of the original post, you can do so here.


Do you have any fun dating stories you want to share?  Please do!  I'd love to hear them!