Howdy Neighbor

Never has the movie Fried Green Tomatoes more fully described my life until now. Brad and I recently noted our one year anniversary of moving to Illinois. We have experienced a pleasant time, especially at the student apartments.

When we had first moved in, we were the only people in our two-bedroom building that did not have children. I loved it! The evenings were peaceful and the days are filled with joyful sounds – even when the kids were not getting their way.

That is, until last week, when two girls moved over from the dorms. We have been harassed on a regular basis as they insist we are trying to be inconsiderate and rude by walking to and from the rooms in our home. Apparently, they expect us to float about the place, never touching the floors to make a peep, never dropping things by accident, and never living a normal life.

Well, yesterday I’d had it. I was helping Brad clean out his closet and a book slipped out of my hands (at 5 pm, mind you). After girl #1 yet again banged on our floor with her broom, I marched myself downstairs and made it clear to her that we are doing normal life activities in the privacy of our home, that she can submit her complaints to the apartment manager, and under no circumstances is banging on her ceiling acceptable. She informed me that we were not going to talk about it and proceeded to slam her door in my face.

So here is my question to the disruptive, passive aggressive souls of this world – Why on God’s green earth do you insist on behaving in such a way and then not expecting repercussions? Why, at 5 in the evening are you bullying me for cleaning my apartment or dropping a book when at 2 in the morning, you have your loud friends over without a care? Why would you think that you bother no one, but that the world is out to get you?

This fiery little Italian girl, daughter of the acclaimed, spicy Judy, simply wants to live in her apartment without being paranoid. Apparently that is too much to ask.

So, in the words of Kathy Bates, “Face it girls, I’m older and have more insurance! TOWANDA!”

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Tolerance Level: 0

I'm noticing that as I grow older and gain more experience in life and the workplace, my tolerance for individuals weakens. This particular week, I have been working amongst some of the most trivial, junior high behaving, immature men. Frankly, I dealt with this a number of times in NH as a volunteer in church and in my Christian-based office, but rather than dismissing it as human nature, I find myself making angry fists and groaning as the tension in my shoulders thickens. Guess this is why they encourage us to use our medical reimbursements. Chiropractor, here I come.

Twister

Wednesday, August 19th, Sangamon and Logan Counties were slammed with an EF3 tornado - wind speeds up to 140 mph and a diameter of 1/2 mile wide in some locations. Several families lost their homes and crops to the devastating forces. Needless to say, this was definitely one of the highlights to my interested, morbid mind. Brad got to see the 9 mile rotating cloud from our apartment balcony as the storm cell headed Northeast towards the small town of Beason. The tornado dissolved into the sky before taking any more homes.

The summer has swiftly passed and I am trying to reckon what I have to show for it. Brad and I were able to visit NH in July, I have assisted Michael Gowin in E-sessions and weddings, and Brad has registered for the Hargrove School at LCC where he will be studying Leadership and Management.

If the weather is nice, we'll be taking our first hot air balloon ride during the Logan County Art and Balloon Festival! I'd include the logo, but I think it looks dumb.

It's About Time... Update

The week has increased in loveliness, but only after random spurts of snow, which we have miraculously and quite nicely been without since the beginning of January.

Brad is wrapping up his first semester at Lincoln Christian College. His business classes have been enjoyable and the friends he has made are keeping his social tank full. In March, he joined a group of students on a mission’s trip to Knoxville, Tennessee where they framed homes for Habitat for Humanity. (During which time, my dear friend, Cara, kept me entertained and well fed.) He still works part time for Fastenal, but is seeking supplemental income for the summer. If you hear of anything opening, please let us know.

I have been working for Integrity Data just over three months. Angie, my coworker, teacher, and friend, has been doing a wonderful job teaching me new concepts in Accounting and training me on the procedures we use at the office. They have also dubbed me Photoshop Girl, Scully Building Photography Girl (a building my boss purchased off the Town Square), Donut Retriever, and just the other day I was presented with a miniature door…still not sure what that is all about. We have daily Foosball games, birthday sing-a-longs (which really should be outlawed), a never-ending candy dish, and lots of laughter to spread around. Needless to say, it is one of the best places I could have ever chosen to spend eight hours a day. (And we get real work done too!)

Brad and I have been enrolled in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. We are in Week 3 of the program and moving right along. There have been tears, laughter, and gnashing of teeth, but we wouldn’t trade the experience or the wisdom we have gained and will continue to cultivate.

My love of photography and the endless possibilities therein, continue to grow. This summer I will be spending some time assisting in weddings with my mentor. Brad continues to be a significant part of my business, surprising me with equipment and always being along for the ride. It really excites me to have him on board with my adventures.

The family has certainly been a blessing – near and far. We miss Brad’s family like crazy, but know that our time apart will soon be remedied with a visit of some nature. It has been wonderful being near my family again, watching the little ones grow up with a closer perspective.

And friends...where would we be without our friends? These are the people who have to deal with us on a regular basis and continue seeing us! These are the people who have held our hands through stressful situations and laughed with us through silly situations. They don't have to, but they do anyway. We appreciate you.

I have a yob!!

That's right folks, Lindy is finally employed for the long haul! I spent the past four weeks trying to woo my way into the hearts of people in Illinois. Starting Monday, I will be employed as a Whatever They Need at the Moment Assistant. The blessing lies in this... I will be averaging at least 30 hours (probably closer to 40 for awhile) which makes me eligible for the full time benefits of the company. Another blessing is that the work environment is one of the healthiest I have been a part of in five years. The commute may be what kills me in the long run as the company is located 3 1/2 minutes from our apartment!! I will need continued prayer as I set out on this journey of 8-5 life doing tasks that may not be my first love, but something I am trained well in, as I try to take on the burden as the financial means of the family, and attempt to support Brad in his studying efforts. Thank you for your encouragement! This is a gift at just the right time.

Quiet Times and Loud Moments

It seems a bit contradictory that our lives can be so still and peaceful when all signs are pointing towards chaos and busyness. Brad and I have settled into a nice routine in Lincoln. While we experience stress in small pieces we also know that where we are is where we were meant to be.

It's much like the quality of quietly falling snow which can be suddenly whipped by the violent wind. The snow remains calm in existence, it is merely the circumstances surrounding the snow that make it appear wild.