Answered Prayers and Updates

I realize its been a couple of weeks since I have been on here. Most of the big news has made it on Facebook, so none of this will probably be "new," but more detailed anyway.

My last post regarded the attitude I took towards the waiting period for my fate with school: trusting God that He knew what was best for me and that it would work out according to His will, not mine. Waiting ensued for another week, but I have to say I was much less stressed during that week than I had been in the previouis 2. Other things filled my time, including packing for a weekend at camp meeting, which we had planned as a bike trip (thats another part of the story). I was getting last minute things ready to put in the saddle bags Friday, when I got a call from Kaplan. I answered, and was told that the course substitution form had been accepted, and that I was done...a graduated student! Praise the Lord! Thats allI could say the rest of the night! I was prepared to accept a positive or a negative decision, and make the best of it, an God rewarded me with a huge blessing! Amazing.

The weekend continued as we made our way up Woodford mountain on the Harley, only to ride into mist that turned into rain. As we were only 45 minutes into our trip, we decided it best to turn around and opt for the car. Boy were we glad we did. It rained the whole way to Maine. We arrived at 10:35, 2 minutes earlier than the time I predicted we'd arrive (Adam was speeding because we made a bet between who would be right on that account). Saturday was a fun day. We went to church in the youth part, getting to visit with old friends and our Pastor, who was helping to lead out. In the afternoon we spent some time on Bailey Island and then Popum Beach (sorry to the Mainer's if I spelled that wrong). Saturday evening entailed a trip to Beans and a very late meal at a pizza place, Antonia's. My wrap was delicious! All in all, very traditional for us, and uneventful....until we got back to our hotel.

We opted for a hotel this year, as it was cheaper than having my parents haul the camper up for just one weekend. Night #1 was fine. Night #2, on the other had, was a different story. We got back from the excursions of the day to find water all over our bathroom floor. Looking up, we saw it was coming from the fan. I went out and talked to the guy at the front desk who informed me that the room just above us had a toilet overflow. Yuck. I promptly threw away our toothbrushes, put my now wet clothes in a bag, and Dad and I cleaned up the floor. The guy at the desk offered to do it, but since Dad and I deal with much worse things on a regular basis, it wasn't a big deal. He assured us the leak had stopped and all would be fine. We got new towels and went to bed, looking forward to showering in the morning and forgetting the whole thing.

2:30a.m.: Drip. Drip. Drip. What was that? Am I dreaming? Nope. A trip to the bathroom proved my fear. Water was again dripping from the vent. Worse yet, I had to pee. I went back to bed, trying to sleep, but still having to pee. I became evident that I wasn't going to be able to sleep again without going in that wet bathroom. So, I got suited up, and went it, trying to lean far enough away to avoid the drips. I then went to bed, put a pillow over my head, and tried to sleep.

5:00a.m.: Drip drip. Drip drip. Oh no. Now what? Water was also coming out of the sprinkler head in the room itself. The floor was soaked, and I was pissed. That was it for me. No more sleeping. Adam woke up too, and I started packing. My parents were leaving early anyway, so I figured I'd catch them on our way out. We did, and made out way to the front desk together. We explained the situation. The guy was apologetic, but said he couldn't do anything for us in a monetary way, but that another person would call us the next day. This part of the scenario is an ongoing battle. Rather than compensate us for a whole nigth, during which I got little sleep, could not take a shower, and had to throw away toothbrushes and bag nasty wet clothes, they only wanted to give us $25 back. Out of $100! Are you kidding me?! Adam flipped, resulting in a $50 offer. The saga continues today when Adam pulls out the big guns with the operations manager. I'll post the results after that conversation.

Our trip home was otherwise uneventful until we came into Bennington, and got a call from my parents saying that Mum (Dad's mom) had fallen and broken her hip. We altered our course for the hospital. A surgery and several days later finds Mum with a partial hip replacement, and slowing getting back to her normal self. Therapy starts more today and in days following, but she is finally started to get her sense of self back, which I'm happy to see. Mom has been there every day, helping and offering company, as has Ginny. Family comes in every night to be with her. If there's one thing that illnesses do for us is show us how much we are loved. There is always a silver lining.

Learning To Trust

Considering how irregular I've been lately, this is quite unusual to be on here again in the same day, but I had a break through this afternoon and evening that relates to my previous post. If you haven't read the previous post, I suggest you do before going on, as it will add perspective.

All week long I've been struggling with my feelings over the situation with Kaplan. I've been angry, frustrated, scared, upset, and overwhelmed. I also feel helpless to a degree, because if they choose not to accept the course substitution and tell me I have to take the class, they can withhold my diploma if I don't do it. And unfortunately, as many family members have pointed out, I don't have a written record of how my degree plan started out, a real loss. Amidst this feeling of helplessness, there was also stubbornness. I didn't want to let go, which is why it has been eating at me for the past couple of weeks.

All week long, God has been nudging me. Sometimes quietly, sometimes with more force, trying to get me to let it all go and leave it in His hands, trusting that He will work things out for the best. The trouble is, I was so scared that He would allow it to work out a way I didn't think I'd like, as if I knew better what was best for me, even though I can't see into the future. Seem silly? Look at your own walk with God. I know you know what I'm talking about.

This afternoon I had some time to bake at home. As per my habit, I turned on the tunes to one of the Christian stations I have on Pandora. Song after song, God was getting to me. Poking, prodding, reminding me that He has my best at heart. That He loves me too much to steer me wrong; that if I would let it all go to God and trust Him, I would be at peace, and the situation would work out. I had been asking Him this week to help me trust Him, as I knew I wasn't yet ready. He answered that prayer. I finally broke in the middle of making strawberry rhubarb pie. I laid it all down, and let His peace come in, and it was wonderful for my soul. I was rewarded even more through the agape supper at church tonight. It amazes me sometimes how I can seemingly forget God during the course of my day, week, until something strikes me and I remember. God must have known that would happen to us humans, because He kept saying, "Remember, remember, remember." And still we forget. I forget.

I guess I just wanted to share this, because unlike what we see on the outside, the character we see at church or in the grocery store, we're all fighting battles on the inside. I have my own battles with God, struggles to stay on track, and a journey that keeps taking turns, some that I don't expect. But that is what makes each of us who we are, and God is just ecstatic to be a part of our lives, if we will just let Him. Invite Him in tonight. He's waiting with a smile and outstretched arms.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Fate in the Balance

I've been holding off yet again on writing this post pending the outcome of a situation I am having with Kaplan, so that I could disclose the story with my fate. So far no luck in reaching kaplan's office, as they appear to be closed, which is odd for a Friday. At any rate, I am still overwhelmed and irritated with this whole situation, so for the sake of my own sanity, it's time to share.

On friday of our vacation, I received an email from my academic advisor, stating my need go contact him to register for the upcoming term. This was news to me, as I was quite sure I was done, and had widely celebrated my being "done with Kaplan," including making my last payment, with friends and family. I logged onto my online campus, took a look at my degree plan, and found a 2 credit class for career development that had never been there before. My first reaction was anger, followed by panic. I called the advising department, explained the situation, and was told that an audit form would be submitted for the registrar's office to check my degree plan again. I was to hear back the following week. I called at the beginning of the week after I got back from vacation. They said that the class was required for my degree plan. I told the advisor this was boloney since the class had not been on my degree plan until a week ago. She agreed with the strangeness, and since the class was very similar to the one I just finished for professionalism in healthcare, submitted a substitution form for that class. I am currently awaiting the outcome.

Let me just say that I am extremely upset. As my blog followers know, this is not the first problem I have had with Kaplan. It is the tip of the iceberg, and I am more than frustrated. I worked my tail off for what I thought was my last term at Kaplan, putting in more hours than I ever have before, only to be rewarded with, not a diploma, but more excuses and more frustration. I don't mean to be negative, but I am so sick of this. My degree program requires 180 credits, and I have completed 182. That in itself should tell them something, since the reason for that was a change in a required class from 4 credits to 6. I wish I had something to fight with, but the bottom line is, they can withhold my diploma if I refuse to take this class.

I end this ranting and raving with more solicitations for prayers, as it is out of my control. I beg of God to have mercy, but at this point i am just overwhelmed.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Life of Leisure

I've been putting off this post until i could find an app i really like for blogginig on the ipad. So far no luck. I'm giving up for now, as all of the ones with decent reviews cost money and still don't do everything i need them to. So I'm currently funtioning the old-fashioned way: using Safari. Aside from that, I've been enjoying this new thing called lesisure. Its amazing. I come home from work, and wonder of wonders, i don't have any school to do. :) I've rediscovered my love for fun projects, seen by Gail and my creation of unique herb pots which are sitting near my sunny wiindow. I also now have time to work outside. The garden is now planted, and i impatiently await the time when i can pick my ingredients for dinner instead of buy them. I have also been enjoying using my new toy, previously mentioned. Typing on it is a learning experience, which i am getting better at (working on it also held this post off until now).

In a previous post i revealed my happiness to have spending money again. I realize my need to reign this desire in, but before i do, i bought some much need, cooler summer bedding.





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A short interlude preceded the rest of this post as i discovered that Safari wasn't going to let me put pictures in. So i broke down and bought the blogging app with the best reviews. So far so good.

Well i guess that about wraps it up for now. I'll try not to be such a stranger on here now that i have an app to use. :)

Reasons For and Against Living in Florida

Being down here again has reminded me of a couple of things that I really like about here, and wish were different at home. One of the simplest things: clear and vast choices of radio stations. This feature is practically non-existant at home. The stations are never clear all the time, mostly because we live in the boonies, are there are no longer any choices for my favorite: contemporary christian. I love listening to the radio down here, because it fools be into thinking its XM, even though its only local. Another plus: pave roads without frost heaves and cracks. This is the first expanse of time I've been able to run on paved roads. It is quite different from what I'm used to. I want to actually say its less work, whether thats good or bad. My muscles probably get a better work out at home. Another plus: incredible selection of restaurants and places to shop, just down the road. Our family LOVES to eat, so close proximity to such places is both wonderful and dangerous, but I must also add, delicious! I've had more fish this week than I've had in the past couple of months. :) Oh, and my vegan diet has been the victim of a few delectable desserts, which I've paid for in gastrointestinal discomfort (could have been avoided if I remembered to keep Lactaid in my purse). Another plus: clean vehicles. I have next to no incentive to wash my car during certain times of the year due to living on dirt roads. It would be pointless. One more plus before I move on to the opposing side: cool indoors and hot outdoors. Yeah, most people complain about this, but at least when its hot, you can go inside where its cool. We don't have air conditioning at our house, so when its hot, its just plain hot.

On the flip side, there's traffic. At home we hardly know what this is. There's the endless increase of expenses from living down here: high electric bills, higher prices for food, etc, (the gas is currently cheaper though). Despite the wonderful entertainment of the nearby theme parks, there is a limited selection of outdoor activities, which is something I love about home, especially the close proximity, like outside our front door. Change of seasons; I love the cooler weather of fall, the colors, and even the snow, for a little bit anyway; Christmas just isn't the same without it. And even though Mom and I usually have to drive to Albany or nearby to get to the stores we like, its probably a good things, because it keeps me from spending money too often. I'm sure there are probably other downsides too, but they aren't coming to mind at the moment. I guess its easier to see the positives while on vacation than if we were living here. I do love where we living, but I am equally happy to vacation somewhere different from home. :)

What is your opinion? Is Florida a great place to live? What problems or benefits have you found, and where would your dream place be to live? 

Loving Vacationland

This is a little later than I expected to put an update on here, but I guess that is expected while on vacation, because I don't have to do anything. Isn't that wonderful? It really is for me. The last real vacation we took was our honeymoon, and that seems like forever ago. Its so nice to wake up just because we got enough sleep, not because the alarm is dictating its time to get up. I didn't realize how totally worn down my body had become over the last couple of months. I had seriously given up sleeping in at all, due to getting up early Sabbath for Sabbath School and playing for church at St. Peter's on Sundays. Sunday night we slept the best we have in a long time, at least I did (since Adam sleeps well no matter what), and didn't wake up until after 9 on Monday morning. It was wonderful to just take the time slow, soaking up all of the new surroundings, time with family and my new toy.....the iPad!!!!

I've wanted an iPad since before any of my family members wanted one, with the exception of maybe Andy, who is probably the biggest techi person in the family. As soon as Apple introduced them last year, I was in love, and convinced that I had to have one. Unfortunately, our slim budget created by my schooling wouldn't allow for such indulgences. Thus, it became part of my graduation present. It was shipped just in time to be waiting for me upon arrival at Uncle Jerry's house. Let me just say, its awesome! The only problem is that Adam thinks its about as awesome as I do, which means I may have to save for another one in the future, so that I can have complete access to mine. ;)

On other notes, we had an excellent time at Epcot yesterday. It was Adam's first Disney experience, and he really enjoyed it. I have a feeling he'll enjoy MGM even more, since Rockin' Roller Coaster awaits him there. ;) For now, this is all I will update. I was hoping to test out my iPad typing skills, but since I haven't found a great app for blogger yet, I am confined to the old Macbook for this pastime, which is why its taken me so long to put this up. I hope you all are having a great week, because I know I am!