Out the Window

Currently, I am staring out the window from the drive-up at work. I probably should be doing my homework or looking over a new program manual that I am going to have to know or study all the materials I got from the seminar I just had to go to, but for now, I am just going to look out the window at the trees behind the bank because I don't think I can absorb any more information right at this moment.

Our daughter Carrie just stopped by on her way to help Drew fix up their first apartment. She is extremely excited about how it is looking which is so good to see. She thought she was going to have to work tonight, but due to over staffing was given the opportunity to take off and help move stuff. I am glad she made that choice when given the option. I am anxious for Dan and I to get to see their place. It is all still hard for me to believe - this time the move out will not be temporary but that is good and the way it is supposed to be.

Last night Dan and I got to learn the Tango and the Hustle (which our teacher described as not John Travolta style - bummer). The Tango was a little difficult for me, but Dan seemed to remember this morning when we practiced. We may try our first "dance party" tomorrow night. We have six to get in before the end of the year! I just hope everyone doesn't get too dressed up - but I'm not thinking anyone will kick us out or anything.

Still been thinking a lot about the Michael Card concert we attended Monday night. I really like listening to him as he is mellow both in demeanor and style. His lyrics are always powerful and I had forgotten about all of the songs I used to listen to so much. (Plus there was a cello - need I say more.) I think maybe it would be good to start listening to some of them again. I think what we fill ourselves with - especially from a musical standpoint - can make such a difference. Lyrics stick with you - positive or not so positive. I remember the song that says, "It's hard to imagine the freedom you find, from the things you leave behind." When we were getting ready to sell our house in Illinois and move to Ohio, I played that song a lot. To me it wasn't necessarily meaning "things" in the literal sense like a home, job, and all the stuff we had to sell. To me "things" can mean control of and security in the familiar. At least to the extent that we think we have control and security. I wasn't necessarily happy to leave our family and friends, but I definitely felt a sense of purpose for our family - like we were actually acting on our faith and totally depending on God like we never had before. I don't feel so purposeful now - suppose no one feels that way all of the time. Sometimes I don't feel like I'm really acting on my faith so much anymore either. Why is that? I don't know...

The trees sure do look pretty. I am looking forward to going home and sharing a frozen pizza with Dan...

Trying to Come Back

I have been thinking about trying to write a little bit again - I have no idea why, but it just seems that a lot of thoughts can be swimming around in one's head and then you that seemingly brilliant thought you had that never seems to return again.

We have a lot of stuff going on in our lives right now and maybe recording some of them would be of great benefit later or would at least be interesting to go back and look at. Probably one of the bigger "events" we have ever participated in as a family will be happening in a very short while. Carrie Jade Horwedel will be starting a new life with Drew in less than six weeks. It is amazing to me as a parent how this could be happening as it seems not that long ago that she was heading off to school with a bright pink lunchbox. The old cliche is so true - time flies. I suppose as her mother, there will be some tears shed - but not sad tears at all, just happy ones. I am so excited for her and for Drew and for the adventure they will be starting. I suppose I will worry some days about how they are doing, are they happy, are things turning out as they had hoped. However, I will do my best to trust them into His hands and know that they can get through those bad days and celebrate each good one. All I will say about this right now - emotions are pretty close to the surface. :)

Dan and I are taking dance lessons and are having a great time. Who would have thought? Not only is it fun, but it is at least one night a week where the concerns on my mind seem to melt away to somewhere else. I hope Dan gets that same benefit even though I let my feet get in the way sometimes.

Then there is work....not going there today.

Church seems to be going well. Our Sunday School Class has begun the NOOMA video series and have had some really good discussions. The topics aren't light - which I think is good. Most of the people there have had some sort of church exposure for quite awhile and I'm glad we seem to be going a little deeper and people seem to be sharing a little more. We are also still doing the Charis House suppers one evening a month, and that has turned out to be a good thing as well. I just wish I could do more - but see comment above and we'll move on...

Still going to school but am seeing a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Six more classes to go and I will be DONE! The class I am currently in is giving me some fits - mostly because I cannot concentrate on any of it and pretty much don't care right now. I know my next teacher as I have had her for a couple of classes and liked both of them really well. I have pretty much resigned myself to the fact that my "A" streak is about to come to a close and I need to just get over it and move on the next one. Such is life.

Well, it is time to go back to work as much lunch break is over and the tomato soup is gone. Maybe now that I have actually sat down and given this a little bit of a new look I can get back in gear.

Reminder to self: Write about the MC concert.