Money

It seems that when you don't have money, you have to find the money to have something replaced. My water heater started leaking bad yesterday. So bad that I had to put towels on the floor so that my hardwood floors wouldn't get ruined. As usual, I have been waiting on the plumber to get here. It seems that electricians, plumbers and any handymen take their time getting to you.
Another money pit is owning property in a condominium community. I went to the anual HOA meeting on Monday night and we were told that due to higher prices in water and sewer, our association fees may raise from 150.00 to 200.00 a month. YIKES!!!!
I quess I need to start buying lottery tickets. 

Lay off's

When I was volunteering this morning, two volunteers told me that they lost their jobs last week. I know first hand how they feel. It's unfortunate to invest a long time at a job, then loose it all due to a lay off. Some people say that the economy is bouncing back, but the national unemployment rate is still 9.6%. A year ago, the national unemployment rate was 10%. So that shows you that jobs are still so hard to come by. Even retail stores  everywhere are still hurting, due to people not affording to buy goods. We are still in a recession no matter what the news tells you..
Even though job advertisments update daily online, there is nothing that I could qualify for so far. It's like I've said before, some weeks I get two to three hits and other weeks I don't get any. I thought about joining another job placement agency, but that cost money. Most of the time, you go through an interview with these agencies and they don't send you out on any interviews. . I actually have worked with two agencies  in the past and both of them never found any jobs for me. It was a big waist of time.
At least I'm making alittle money cleaning and I have my volunteering too. With all of the applications I have filled out and interviews I've been on, I feel that the right job is going to find me. I always keep my options open and go out to any company who requests to meet with me. It's all in your attitude also. If you feel defeated, then you are defeated. Always seize opportunities.

Divine Intervention

Sometimes you hear stories about true miracles. Well, I heard one this morning. A friend was telling me of a story about one of her relatives. She said that this person was diagnosed with a mulignant tumor the size of a gratefruit. The doctors told her that the day after Thanksgiving [last year] they were going to try to cut it out.
When they went in, there was no sign of the tumor anywhere. Like it just disappeared.
She had been going to constant prayer at that time. And the months after this new diagnosis, there was still no sign of cancer.
I had heard of another story about this other woman whose cancer was past the point of any chemo therapy and the doctors had given her a few months to live. She started going to church and prayed diligently. When she went in to have a recheck, the cancer was gone.
I sometimes think that if I didn't start having eye troubles, I would have never known I had diabetes. In a way, I think that was a miracle. Because my doctor told me I could have had a diabetic coma. One might say that I was lucky. But as I learn more about God's grace, I feel that I was given a gift.
I've always believed in God, but I would only pray when something was wrong in my life. I never really understood that you must have a personal relationship with God. Now I am beginning too and  the funny thing about it is that I'm not so scared of things anymore. I feel that someone is watching over me. I don't feel alone anymore. Now I believe that things don't happen by pure chance; they happen for a reason.
I understand now. This has also given me a sense of hope. If you look around, the miracle of God is everywhere. I am truely blessed.

Time

Have you ever noticed that workmen seem to take all day when they are suppose to be at your house at a certain time? I was scheduled for 1pm yesterday for my heat and air conditioning man to come out and service my unit. He didn't show until 5:30pm. So , I had to sit home and wait 4 1/2 hours.
That is so frustrating. Oh well, I quess thats why they make the big bucks...
I went to my eye doctor for a post op. check after my surgery. With this doctor, you go 5/ mo. after. He said that I may have to have lazer surgery on my right eye in 6/mos. Augh.... The membrane under my new lens has become "rigid". I hope I don't have to have another proceedure done.
I'm seeing a friend today for lunch that I haven't seen in about a year. She's just passing through town. It amazes me that time just flies by until you see some people. Where does the time go? We always say to ourselves " oh I'll get that done tomorrow." Well then tomorrow turns into next week, month or even years. Or that time heals. How much is time anyway? Have you ever thought about that?
I must have gotten a good nights sleep, since I'm getting deep right now. "Time" to feed my cat. Talk later...

Surprise

I got a surprise yesterday. I got a call from Liberty National requesting that I meet with them this morning. They were responding to my online application and resume listed on Monster.com. So, at 10:00am I'll be meeting with them.
I also found  a few openings at Bellsouth. I had applied for a job there back in June. So when I called this week they told me to go ahead and apply again online. The positions this time are Customer Service positions.
At least I'm still getting nibbles after the disappointment of Buffalo Rock. I just have to continue to move on. Move towards a goal.
I have my lucky bracelet on, so hopefully it will go smoothly. Thats funny a lucky bracelet. Believe me I need all the help I can get.

What? Are they crazy?

I have a dear friend who is battling with kidney desease. She's been dialyzing for three years, on a special diet and is unable to go out in public due to germs. She's been on the transplant list for all three years.
Well yesterday she called and told me that she finally got a kidney available for her. But there's a hitch.
With her insurance and medicare she will have to come up with 20% of the cost. This 20% totals up to $500,000. This includes the surgery, hospital stay, tests, medications and doctors fees.
There is no way they can raise this. She also said that if they could raise the money, medicare will only pay for the first three years of seven medications she needs on a daily basis. And one of these medications,only one would be 2,000 a month.
She's just devestated. I feel so bad for her because I know how much she has sacrificed. She had to quit her job, quit getting her Ph.D and quit her livelihood. She has worked so hard in staying as healthly as she can. She has numerous blood tests each month and numerous doctors appointments.
She actually is hooked up to a machine daily. She's able to walk around while she is dialyzing everyday.
I just feel so helpless. There is nothing I can do or anyone. All I can do is be as supportive as I can and pray for her.
A situation like this really makes me feel grateful for my health and my life.

Air

The air was so crisp this morning when I walked. It's so beautiful outside. The leaves are changing colors and there is a sense of renewal with the seasonal change. I feel like being thankful for all of my blessings. My health is getting better, I have a wonderful family and my friends are supportive. I'm almost on the "top of the world."
I think my outlook has gotten better these last couple of days. I've made a point not to be so self absorbed. Even cleaning homes has been an adventure. I started cleaning two womens homes back in August so I would have money for Christmas. This whole time my pride overwhelmed me because I thought "I have a college degree; this is demeaning." I shouldn't be cleaning peoples homes. But as I pondered on it, I thought at least I'm "earning" my own money and not relying on my dad to give me Christmas money. "Who cares what I do."
My new found humility keeps me grounded. It also keeps me focused on my future.