Prayers for my dad, please. He's not doing well at all. Today was not a good day.

"You may have fallen down, but, don't STAY down. Get back up..."

I'm trying. I'm trying really hard to get back up. It's taking me longer than I'd expected, but, I am getting there. Sometimes people say things without even realizing what they've told you. Sometimes you get answers in the silence. Sometimes, no, most of the time, I can read between the lines.

I've been watching Joel Osteen a lot lately. It's amazing how everything he says seems to fit, perfectly. What a way to look at life. I LOVE listening to him.

God is an amazing God. He is good. ALWAYS.

Why?

Oh, CRUD!!!! I forgot to turn in my letter of intent!!! Today was the deadline!!! I think, or is it next Friday??? (must check on that Tuesday!) Darn, guess I'll have to go to Alaska now!!! or Texas? or Australia? Somewhere, anywhere....I seriously think Alaska is sounding pretty good though. I don't think I've ever lived anywhere as long as I've lived here. In my whole life. I'm a nomad, or is it "nomad-ess"? Ha!! Got the itch to move. Soon. Maybe I just need to take a road trip. Maybe the cabin fever from all the snow last week and the week before is JUST NOW catching up with me!! I just want to go. I want to walk, drive, fly, or cruise. I don't care, I just want to go. Get the heck out of Dodge. But, I can't. At least not until Spring Break or the end of May. Maybe not even then, who knows? I just want to run, well, maybe not run....drive. Get in my truck and just drive, forever.

TGIF!!!!! I'm SO glad the world's longest week is over!!!! After being out for most of the last two weeks for snow, this week seemed to drag on forever.
Did the workshop thing yesterday, then, got a wonderful massage. Have missed my weekly massage the last two or three weeks. I slept REALLY well last night. It was SO hard to get up and go to work this morning. Now, exactly three weeks until Spring Break!!! Yay!!

I found a gift certificate to Two Sisters in my mailbox at school today. I thought everyone received one, however, it turns out I won a door prize!! On Wednesday, the Parent Support Group fed us a wonderful lasagna/salad meal, and I won one of the door prizes that they gave out!! Can't wait to go use my certificate!!

Hump day! I think I might be able to survive the rest of the week now. Only two more days. Tomorrow, I go to ANOTHER workshop, then, yet another on Monday. I'm so ready to be done with all the workshops scheduled for this year. I'd much rather be in class, with my kiddos.

Counting the days until Spring Break!! Can't wait!!

God is good.

Normally, they give us until April 10th to decide if we are returning to teach the following year. This year, we have to let them know by this Friday, or at least sign the letter of intent. What's up with that? I don't understand why they're making us decide so early this year. I need more time to decide. Seriously thinking about moving to Alaska. Why not? I need to get back on the website and finish the application I started and just see where it takes me. Fairbanks has already e-mailed me (even though the application is only partially completed), and notified me of the interviews/job fair in March. The application stays online for 25 or 30(?) days, and anyone in the school system in Alaska is able to view it. I can even do my interview by Skype, instead of having to go in person.

What to do? What to do?? Some days, I just want to run away.

Thanks, and Happy Valentine's Day to you too.

For some reason the following keeps popping up in my path, in various places:

"When the time was right,
the sea parted,
the walls fell down,
the lions went hungry,
the sun stood still,
the waves were calm,
the stone was rolled away,
the clouds were parted,
the Lord ascended...
And when the time is right,
the King of Kings will return.

God is never early and He's never late --
He's always right on time and His plan for you is good."

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I can't count how many times I've encountered these words in the last few months. I guess God is trying to tell me something. What a comfort this verse has been to me over and over the last several months. What is really ironic is that this verse was the verse chosen by Morgan's Senior class as their verse.

On a different note, while in B'ville, a young girl ran up to me, in the store, and gave me a hug. She was one of my middle school students that just moved away right after Christmas. She was absolutely one of my favorites. She was a very, very sweet girl, who had the most infectious laughter. Every day she laughed and always had a smile, such a happy kiddo. Yet, I learned later that this was one of many homeless children in our building. I would've taken her home in a heartbeat. She was just one of those good, good kids that you couldn't help but love to pieces. God knew I needed a hug today, and He sent an angel to give me a great big 'ol hug. Thank you, Lord. I love you. Please take care of that precious little angel, watch over her, and make sure she has a warm home, food, and warm clothes.

God is good.

48 degrees for the high today in B'ville. What a difference a day makes!! 70 degrees difference from yesterday!! Felt nice outside today. I got a huge portion of my driveway shoveled this morning. My dad came over and tried to help me, with me begging him to stop. I'm so scared he's going to overdo it and pass out or have another stroke or seizure. I finally convinced him that I wasn't going anywhere and that I was stopping. After he drove off, I finished up as much as I could do for today. I'm so tired of shoveling snow.

I went to B'ville later with Jake, Amanda, and the baby. We went to eat at one of the Chinese restaurants. Then, we went to the store and bought a few supplies. We had a good time. It was good to get out of the house.

I guess the cabin fever finally hit today. Not having such a good day, but, actually, I don't really think it's related to being stuck inside. That really hasn't bothered me. I'm a homebody, I guess. Just not doing too great today.

Morgan is coming home later tonight. She's been gone since last Sunday.