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. :~)

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. :~)

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!

Furlough Day Ten

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

Conversations With The G...

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!  

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.

Furlough Day Seven

Monday...I don't have to go to work. Well, I do have to work at home. This week started my shoebox cleaning. What is a shoebox? The loving name I call my two story townhouse with a 1,000 square feet that holds three people, two short hair domestics and a Beagle. 

Back to the cleaning thing...You know the type of cleaning where you wipe down and vacuum everything in a room? Spring cleaning that is Fall cleaning I never do in the Spring or Fall. Unless, I am furloughed! I have messy people who live with me in my shoebox. Yes, it's frustrating to be the only one who cares about cleanliness. I believe that is called being a Mom. Some times I just give up!

G's room was first. I hauled two bags of trash out of her room. What I consider trash was G's treasures, but I didn't throw away ALL of her treasures. My child is a mini-hoarder! G came home from school trying to make a big deal about stuff missing, but she couldn't even tell me what's missing. Thankfully, this lasted all of five minutes. My child gets locked on something, and she will not let it go.

Monday evening I had the pleasure of enjoying dinner at Facci with some ladies from South Columbia Baptist Church. It is always nice to spend some girl time together. Thank you Kathee Shoger for treating me. :~) 

Another day of furloughing complete! I'll talk more about the furlough and government shutdown tomorrow. I have my reasons as to why I don't say much.

Furlough Day Six

Sunday....I spent the morning with my favorite 2nd graders in KidZone. They are so much fun and full of life! I look foward to being with them each week.  I am suppose to be a small group leader every other month and have a partner who takes the other months. I don't have a partner yet, and I am not sure I want to share my kiddos with anyone.

 

The only other excitment for today was my cat pooping in our clothes. I divided the clothes in piles to do laundry. I didn't finish so I picked up the clothes to put them back in the basket. Well, I saw something fall from the pile. It was poop! The best we can figure is the dog wouldn't leave the cat alone downstairs so she showed her displeasure in my laudry pile. The worst part is some of it was in the basket too. I had to go on a terd hunt!   

Furlough Day Five

I have spent most of Furlough Day Five sitting in a chair under a tree at Grace's Fall Festival, and it was HOT. Oh, I did chunk a pumpkin! I ended the day with a group of adults and kids my family has grown to love in a very short time, our small group. If you are looking for a church or small group, I have a recommendation for you.

Grace had their Fall Festival today. This is not a yearly event, and it was our first time to attend. There was pumpkin chunkin', a candy hunt in hay, a corn box (sand box for kids), face painting, bouncy thingys, a popcorn bar, pumpkin painting, a corn hole game, worship and a baptism. Of course, there was food. Rick help cook over 650 hamburgers. The desserts alone were amazing. I have never seen so many desserts in my life, and I come from a Baptist upbringing! The Shoger family came with us so I needed to "visit" instead of help. How's that for an excuse?

I forgot to mention yesterday that I discovered I do not have to make a payment for swim club in October. My paycheck covers swim club. I paid swim club in September, and thought the next payment was due in October. But...it's not! Since September's payment was due on the 15th, it covers September and October. No payment is due until November 1st. Yippee!! 

Why is swim club important?  Because my G loves it. She may be cranky in the car on the way to practice, but as we walk into the building towards the pool her whole demeanor changes. I can literally see it! Is it always good, mostly. There are times that it is challenging. For instance, the coaches worked more on technique of the breaststroke this past week instead of speed. This frustrated G. Why? Because G loves to swim and wants to do it right.

All that to say, G loves swimming and basketball! We will do whatever we need to make sure this is not interrupted because of money. Speaking of money, I'm glad to see Capitol Hill is working on a bill to pay government workers for furlough time. However, I am enjoying not working far too much. I may have to see about putting more time into my Plan B to make that happen!

Furlough Day Four

I tried to stay in my jammies as much as possible today. I finally put a table at the end of my couch. Now, I have to move all the pictures on the wall and the rug on the floor because they are no longer centered. Yes, I am one of those people. I'll add that to my list and get to it next week.

 

I ordered three swim caps for G before I was furloughed. You should see the one she has been wearing for swim club.  It looks like a shower cap on her it is sagging so bad. G prefers the nylon caps for practice instead of silicone. I ordered a different brand for G to try. It was way too small. I went online to Amazon to send it back for a refund, and they told me to keep the cap. Amazon also refunded the cost of the cap AND the shipping cost.  I received all my money back.  How amazing is that?!

 

Here's G's two caps we did keep. 

I'll be glad to see G in these next week and not her "shower cap".

 

I tried to pay our Verizon bill this week. When I signed in to pay, the balance was $0. I couldn't figure out what happened so I called customer service. Evidently, I paid the bill back in September as soon as it posted. I thought I was paying the September bill when it was the bill for October. Isn't that convenient?! No Verizon bill to pay while I am furloughed. 

 

Ms. Barbara lives a few houses down from us. She calls on Rick a lot for help since he works from home. Rick and I went over to her house Tuesday because she wanted to give me a cancer ribbon lapel pin. We discussed the furlough, and I joked with her we can always afford Campbell's soup for lunch or dinner.  Ms. Barbara did not like that! So, she cooked us dinner tonight.  Homemade lasagna, a recipe from her grandmother, was the main dish.  She also provided tea, water, salad, garlic bread and a made from scratch butter pound cake.  One less meal to think about while furloughed, and it was all delicious!

 

Even the little things are taken care of and none of it is a coincidence! :~)

Furlough Day Three

I have completed two things on my Furlough Checklist.

While going through my boxes I found tons of old pictures.  I have shared a few on FB. I may save the rest for blackmail purposes, LOL!  I also found this little item G is now enjoying.

 

It's been neat to see the way some things have been taken care of for my family.  I'll share those on Day Four.

Furlough Day Two

Well, it's day two.  I have boxes to finish today and will hopefully get them to the Salvation Army before picking up my G.  Rick took G to school today so the Soph and I are chillin' with Pumpkin Spice coffee. The house is open and the fresh air smells wonderful! Maybe Congress and POTUS could use some Pumpkin Spice coffee and fresh air. They can come to my house for some, I have few words for them while they are here. Anyway, the weather has been amazing in the evenings. It's nice to give the A/C a rest. We have hardly used it in the last month. Thank you, Lord!

I think this furlough will last through this week, if not longer. I asked Rick last night if I should feel a certain way about all of this furlough stuff. I'm not upset, but should I be? I'm not concerned about the lack of money, but should I be? I'm not worried about how long I'll be out of work, but should I be? I keep trying to make myself worry to see if that is where I need to go, but I can't. I literally reject it in my mind! It's like trying to go through a door, but being pushed back because the door closes on you. Does that make sense?

Let me tell you why I think this is the case. I come from excellent stock! I have parents who have taught me Biblical truths in all situations. How? I have watched them! My parents have always lived out the Word of God and their belief in front of us. It is the best gift a parent can ever give a child! I know G is watching her parents and taking notes on how we handle this. Plus, if you have never seen a Stevens taking a stand, you have missed out. We are a strong and stubborn lot!

Another reason I am not fretting is because these scriptures keep coming to mind:

For this reason I say unto you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will drink; not for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? Matthew 6:25-26

.....With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

And the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalms 84:11 

Lastly, I have experience in this area. I've been without a job before, and I've watched my parents go through it when I was a child. Whether it's no pay for a week or months, you buckle down and take it a step at a time. The battle begins in the mind!

Furlough Day One

Made it through 9 of my 17 boxes from the storage unit.

My Furlough Agenda.  I hope to get as much done 

as possible while I am furloughed.

This Nutball (G's nickname) a.k.a. Sophie ate and played
with the stink bugs today.  She was sooo smelly! 
At least she enjoyed herself.

Furlough

Today I was furloughed for the very first time in my government career.  I have mixed feelings about it.  I agree with the shutdown, but my heart is heavy for the government workers, our country, our rights, our Congress and even our POTUS.  Most people in the DC Area work for the government.  They will not receive a check until the furlough is over, if Congress agrees to pay them.  I am blessed, thankful and grateful that Rick does not work for the government.  We will not feel the pinch as hard as others.

Yes, there are things we will have to say "No" to, but that is okay.  I believe the Lord began to prepare us for this moment beginning with a Dave Ramsey class we went through in the Spring.  Going through this class opened our eyes in many ways.  The beginnings of an emergency fund was established, and we began to see which expenses could be cut out of our lives.  The gym account has been frozen.  The cable has been cut.  The extra storage unit is no longer being rented, and no more eating out as much as we like. Of course, paying the mortgage and the bills.  Will Rick's salary cover all this?  Nope, but that is why I believe and trust in a God who owns it all!  One of my favorite quotes from Beth Moore, "There is nothing over my head that's not under God's feet."

One thing we will not sacrifice is Georgia's school.  Sending her to public school is an option we will not entertain.  If push comes to shove, I will home school her.  Georgia is thriving in her school!  The other thing we will try to keep doing is swim club.  I LOVE to see G in the water!  This is her "thing" along with basketball.

Now that I have time on my hands, I have resurrected the old blog.  I decided I would have fun posting something on each day of my furlough.  Come along this journey with me and "Enjoy"!