Sunday, October 13, 2013

Furlough Day Thirteen

So far, the only depressing thing about this furlough is the six days straight of rain we've had! Go away, please! The bright spot today was lunch with one of our favorite families. We love spending time with the Shogers. :~)

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Furlough Day Twelve

It's been awhile since we've cooked a big family breakfast at home on a Saturday. So, I cooked bacon, eggs, and biscuits for the family this morning. G helped me cook this morning. I love hanging out with my family!
 
I met the ladies from my small group for lunch at Panera. I've enjoyed getting to know them. I miss the closeness with other women I had at my church in Mississippi. I really wish Grace had more events for women. I'm praying about what I should do or say in this area.  I want to make sure it is something I should do or say.
 
I ran to the Walmart in Columbia since it is next to Panera. Never again! I say this after every time I go in there. This is the first time I have been in this Walmart in over a year. I thought I would save myself the trouble of driving to Target. The Columbia Walmart is small and usually out of most everything I need. Today, it was only out of the cat food I needed.
 
My problem this time is when I checked out. I noticed the milk was leaking on the checkout stand. I told the cashier it was leaking, and I didn't want it. I didn't get another one because it was the last gallon of 1% milk. The cashier rung the milk up and put it in a bag. I told the man again I didn't want it. He passed it over the scanner again and put it next to the register. I could tell it didn't take the milk charge off my bill. I let him finish and kept my mouth shut. I looked at the receipt, and I had been charged twice for milk I was not taking home. What part of "I do not want the milk" is so hard to understand? Thankfully, the Customer Service desk refunded my milk money.
 
Rick took G for her Upwards Evaluation. At Evaluation Day, they measure the each player's height. G has grown another 2 inches. She is almost five feet tall. I really hope G continues to grow and is a tall young lady. 
 
Every Saturday night is small group time. The small groups at Grace are going through a study in Romans, Life in HD, to compliment what the pastors are teaching during the worship services. Tonight we had a birthday celebration, Happy Birthday Megan! We also had a full house. Everyone was in attendance. It was a fun having such a large group. G and I enjoyed making acorns for small group.

 
I'm still enjoying my furlough time! G doesn't want me to go back to work. :~)

Friday, October 11, 2013

Furlough Day Eleven

Today has been so much fun! I met Cathy, a friend from my small group, for a mile and a half walk and coffee. Too bad it had to be in the mall and not outside. Thanks for the convo and treating me! Then I met Becky, another lady from my small group, for lunch. Thank you for treating me to lunch and the convo! It may have been raining outside, but my heart was sunny! Too cheesy? Also, Rick helped with Pizza Friday at G's school today. There was extra pizza left so he brought it home for supper. Thanks Forcey for treating my family to dinner. I scored free meals all day, LOL!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Furlough Day Ten

WooHoo...it's day TEN! This is all I got for today. :~)

Conversations With The G...

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Furlough Day Nine

I have been a cleaning machine! It was the bathroom's turn for a scrub down on Tuesday. Today, I conquered our bedroom. Please understand I am not just dusting and vacuuming. I am cleaning everything from top to bottom. I am even washing mats, curtains and bedding. Plus, I am throwing out what we no longer need and trying to find a home for some items. A thorough cleaning of my house has been the goal for my furlough. It has taken longer than I thought it would, and I hope I get it done before going back to work.
 
While on furlough I have been picking G up from school. I surprised her today with a field trip for Sophie. We took her to Dogs and Company for a bath. You can use their tub, shampoo, conditioner, towels, and dryer for $15. It is worth the cost and a lot easier than tyring to do it at home. Sophie has so much fur, she was still wet last night when she went to bed. 
 
Since the weather has gotten colder, Soph has taken over my favorite blanket. We are going to need to talk about that one, LOL! Soph has become a sweet cuddle buddy. I am going to miss this sweet face when I go back to work.
 
 
As of yesterday, Soph has been with us for four months. It has been so much fun! There are still challenges as Soph continues to figure out her place. One thing is for sure, G is her kid and Soph is G's dog. I would not have it any other way, and I love seeing them together!  

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Furlough Day Eight

It's been a week! This furlough doesn't affect only government workers. Contractors cannot work because there is no money for the contract they are under. Some can't work because they are not allowed in a closed government building. Most contractors will have to use their vacation time in order to get paid, which can mess up travel plans for the holidays. Thankfully, I am a government worker who will eventually her money! 
 
I have wrestled with what to say and not say regarding the government shutdown. Most of the time, I keep my mouth shut. My Southern friends will be surprised I know how to do this. There is so much I want to say, but I don't feel it's right to say it! There are several reasons as to why I try to show restraint: 
  • I live in Maryland. Less arguments and high blood pressure when I keep my mouth shut.
  • I want to consider my words and posts before aimlessly posting because of my political affiliation.
  • Do I want others to see my political affiliation or loving kindness with a great sense of humor?
  • I am a government worker. Ultimately, Congress and POTUS are the bosses.
  • There is a time and place to take a stand.
  • Last, but not least...What would Jesus do?
On to other things...I finally got G's name up on the wall.  She picked out the letters at Hobby Lobby. You can't see it in the pic, but the letters have glitter all over them.

 
G received a room makeover for Christmas last year. This was one of the things I needed to get done in her room. I still have other pics and items to hang up. Maybe I'll get it done before she goes to college.