More Earth Conscious

With gas prices sky-rocketing, I've been more conscious of my driving habits and my personal use of natural resources. I realize that I'm a super consumer and I need to be more aware of how much I use and how I can cut back. My life isn't going to drastically change but I do want to lighten up the weight I put on the planet. I'm making small changes like turning off the water when I brush my teeth or being aware of how many lights are on in the house. I also have been unplugging appliances when they are not in use since even turned off electrical items still draw power. I'm trying to consolidate my trips to town to not only save me $$ but to use less gas.
I'm also super excited that my church is 'going green' (so cliche, huh?) this fall. I'm happy that I go to a church that is opened minded and willing to take its part in the keep the environment healthy.

Environment and God

Environment and God...don't they go hand in hand? Seems like these days sometimes those two words together can cause quite a stir. I was reading an issue of 'Light and Life' magazine about a year ago. (L&L is a publication of the Free Methodist denomination) Actually, I wasn't reading any articles but the editorials. Obviously there had been an article about the church and it's role in the environment in a previous month. And even more obvious there were some people who were not thrilled about it. In fact, L&L said the article had generated the most feedback ever..and most of it wasn't good. Now I didn't read the article but I know L&L is a 'conservative' publication. I can guarentee there was nothing 'liberal' about it. (I hate labels...but that's a whole other blog!) Reading the feedback I could tell people were outragaed, but what about? I was floored b/c in my nieve mind what was there to argue about. To me it's a cut and dry subject. God has given us authority over the earth and all that is in it. Maybe I'm missing something but aren't we responsible for it's well being? I guess those that replied to the article can't get past Christians even talking about environment. I guess that should be left up to left wingers, right? (Again, can I tell you how much I hate labels.) Left, right, and in-between set aside, are we not supposed to be conscious of the earth? Someone tell me! I'm about to start a sermon series about God being green. I can't wait! These are the thoughts that float through my head on a daily, no make that hour by hour, basis.

Starting Over

My blog focus has changed. Let's face it. I'm not very good at this blogging business. I just don't think about it. So what's filling up my brain space? Thoughts about church, God, relationships, and everything in between. That's why this blog is going to start to become my head scramblings played out for everyone to read (plus maybe some day to day news mixed in). I have a zillion thoughts that whiz in and out of my brain each day and I seem to have a hard time nailing them down, sorting them out, and keeping them straight. I've been wanting to begin writing them down, hoping it will help organize my internal discussions, and decided the blog will be the start. I'm going to use this blog as a sort of filing systems for my brain. If someone, no one, or everybody reads this, I don't care. I just need to get my crazy thoughts down on paper. If you want to reply and add more questions, thoughts, disagreements, or agreements, be my guest. Here we go...

Whoa! It's been a long time

Sorry for the LONG lapse in blog entries. I haven't been very good about keeping up, have I? Let me pull together some thoughts and pics and I'll be back on my blogging kick in no time.
Stay tuned...

Bye-Bye Brickley DeLong, Hello New Job!!

I'm flying the coop and leaving Brickley DeLong. After only 6 months at BD (a LONG 6 months, I might add) I have found a new job. One that I think will fit my personality better. I'll be starting at Challenge Machinery (http://www.challengemachinery.com/) on Monday, January 7th. I think my official title is Inside Sales but it doesn't adequately describe what I'll be doing. Though I'll be in the Sales and Marketing department, I won't be doing much selling. I'll mostly be helping customers place orders, answer questions, and help with basic marketing programs. So, Friday is my last day at Brickley DeLong and I couldn't be happier. I get a new job AND I'll have two weeks off before I have to start.

Today I Start Menopause

That title caught your attention, didn't it? Yup, today I'll be in menopause. Tim and I went to my post op appointment on Tuesday. My doctor, Dr. Cree, said that I'm not the worst case of endometriosis that he's seen but I am the most widespread. (You never really want to be on any doctor's top ten list.) He said that he found lesions on my stomach, bowels, appendix, etc... and suggested that we start trying for children right away. I think the look of shock and horror on our faces adequately communicated to him that we weren't ready. So he said that there were some drug options. First, I will be given a shot today that puts me into menopause for 6 months. This will help shrink what remaining lesions he didn't get rid of during surgery and will prevent new ones from forming. Then after the 6 months, I will be put on a birth control that only allows a few periods a year. I'll go off the birth control when we want to start having kids and we should be okay. If we don't get pregnant right away then it's surgery time again to clean me out one more time. It's a lot to take in and I just wish I could be in proper working order but I guess God has different plans. Wish me luck!

My Surgery is Over and Christmas is Almost Here!

I SURVIVED! My surgery is behind me and Tim and I are looking forward to Christmas. My surgery was, thankfully, uneventful and less scary than my imagination let me build it up to be. It's amazing where your mind will take you if you let it. But, praise God, He gave me such wonderful nurses and a caring husband that they really put my mind at ease. The nurses understood my fears and were able to give me something to stop my out of control mind from racing. Overall it was a good experience and I realized how cared for I am. I had more friends and family wish me well and take care of me than you could imagine. I have the best people around me and I'm so fortunate.
Now on to Christmas...If you didn't get to see the Hodgin's Christmas card, click the link below. It's a good laugh!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1266632262