I realized that I've neglected to post any updates regarding our employment situations. Unfortunately Ray didn't end up getting the job he was hoping for :(. He's back to step 1. What he'd really like to do is have his own business where he can be creative and build things for people. He has many ideas, but figuring out how to turn them into a successful business is going to take some time (and probably money).
As for me, I did finish all of the cover letters I needed to get done and I applied for the reading teacher position at my school. I even approached my principal as to letting me have an opportunity to interview. She was noncommital about it and since she's not a fan of change, it is most likely that she'll keep me in my current position. I also recently submitted my resume to HeadStart - at a different location that where I used to work. Even if God has me stay in the same position as I'm in now my job would still be changing because the teacher I'm working with going to be teaching the current kindergarten class, so I definitely won't be bored! :) It'll be interesting to see where God has me this September and how God will be guiding Ray over the next few months.
We both appreciate your continued prayers!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Story of How I Ate Slugs
Yes....it's really true. No, I don't have any pictures. I was told my face was priceless though.
We invited two of our friends over to dinner at my place so that they could visit and see the counter Ray built me. Since Ray also loves to cook he was in charge of planning the meal. Letting Ray cook dinner goes something like this:
We go to the store and I help Ray gather his ingredients. This could take anywhere from an hour to maybe 2 or 3 depending on whether or not he has an idea already in mind and how bizarre the ingredients for the meal are. Let me tell you, if you want to find roasted onion garlic jam you better be prepared to go to several different stores.
Then we come home and put groceries away and prep the kitchen. I may ask what we're having for dinner, but the answer is usually "you'll see".
Usually I know all the ingredients needed ahead of time. On this particular night, however, Ray managed to sneak the can labeled "Snails" into the grocery cart. He sent me on an errand while we were checking out so that by the time I got back everything was in bags. He also found some time to remove the can BEFORE I got to putting the groceries away. I did manage to see the can on the counter during food prep and made a comment about it. I don't really remember what he said, but I honestly didn't think too much about the can because I was preoccupied with cleaning.
One would think that if you're having dinner guests that the food you serve would be something they'd like to eat. Upon entering the living room Ray told us all that he's going to try the appetizer first since he's never made it before and has never eaten it before. That's when I remembered the can...of snails. Being the hostess I couldn't exactly react how I wanted to react - which was gagging. It didn't help that in my bowl was three things that looked exactly like snails. Ray was so proud of himself for making them and after tasting them he said it was like eating shrimp scampi. I was highly doubtful. After much hesitation, our guests ate theirs and declared them chewy and somewhat salty, but otherwise good. I was still less than enthusiastic. I had to close my eyes as I put one in my mouth. It did have the consistency of shrimp, I'll give him that much. Unfortunately I kept picturing a living snail in my mind. It didn't help that I was told I was eating slugs since the snails didn't have their shells attached. Good grief. I thought eating one slug would be okay. Then Ray looked at me and said something to the effect of whether I was going to eat the other two. And so I ate the other two - with my eyes closed of course.
Thankfully this was the hardest part of the meal for me. Ray then brought out a wonderful salad, meat, and baked potatoes. We had a moose chocolate cake for dessert. Overall it was a very nice night and I think I can honestly say that I'm getting better at trying new foods. Although should I ever happen to eat in a restuarant serving escargot, I will probably opt for a different appetizer.
Although I don't have a picture, I did find one on google images which most closely resembled what I ate:
We invited two of our friends over to dinner at my place so that they could visit and see the counter Ray built me. Since Ray also loves to cook he was in charge of planning the meal. Letting Ray cook dinner goes something like this:
We go to the store and I help Ray gather his ingredients. This could take anywhere from an hour to maybe 2 or 3 depending on whether or not he has an idea already in mind and how bizarre the ingredients for the meal are. Let me tell you, if you want to find roasted onion garlic jam you better be prepared to go to several different stores.
Then we come home and put groceries away and prep the kitchen. I may ask what we're having for dinner, but the answer is usually "you'll see".
Usually I know all the ingredients needed ahead of time. On this particular night, however, Ray managed to sneak the can labeled "Snails" into the grocery cart. He sent me on an errand while we were checking out so that by the time I got back everything was in bags. He also found some time to remove the can BEFORE I got to putting the groceries away. I did manage to see the can on the counter during food prep and made a comment about it. I don't really remember what he said, but I honestly didn't think too much about the can because I was preoccupied with cleaning.
One would think that if you're having dinner guests that the food you serve would be something they'd like to eat. Upon entering the living room Ray told us all that he's going to try the appetizer first since he's never made it before and has never eaten it before. That's when I remembered the can...of snails. Being the hostess I couldn't exactly react how I wanted to react - which was gagging. It didn't help that in my bowl was three things that looked exactly like snails. Ray was so proud of himself for making them and after tasting them he said it was like eating shrimp scampi. I was highly doubtful. After much hesitation, our guests ate theirs and declared them chewy and somewhat salty, but otherwise good. I was still less than enthusiastic. I had to close my eyes as I put one in my mouth. It did have the consistency of shrimp, I'll give him that much. Unfortunately I kept picturing a living snail in my mind. It didn't help that I was told I was eating slugs since the snails didn't have their shells attached. Good grief. I thought eating one slug would be okay. Then Ray looked at me and said something to the effect of whether I was going to eat the other two. And so I ate the other two - with my eyes closed of course.
Thankfully this was the hardest part of the meal for me. Ray then brought out a wonderful salad, meat, and baked potatoes. We had a moose chocolate cake for dessert. Overall it was a very nice night and I think I can honestly say that I'm getting better at trying new foods. Although should I ever happen to eat in a restuarant serving escargot, I will probably opt for a different appetizer.
Although I don't have a picture, I did find one on google images which most closely resembled what I ate:
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Why I Don't Follow a Budget
If I had a nickle for everytime someone told me the value of creating and sticking to a budget I'd be rich....ok, well maybe it hasn't been that often. :) I've heard wonderful stories of people who started using a budget and after a few years they were able to get out of debt. I'm not doubting the sincerety of their stories or the value of a budget. I'm just not quite sure that budgets and I get along.
My bank has a webpage that actually shows me exactly how I am spending my money. When I look at it I have two options. I can either get depressed about my situation or rejoice because God is faithful and provides for me. I'm choosing the latter. This is what the past month and a half have looked like so far.
April: money in $1,663.49
money out $2,862.15
deficit: -$1,198.66
May (to date) money in $1,060.84
money out $1,193.39
deficit: -$132.55
On paper/computer screen this looks really bad and you might be tempted to judge me as spending my money in frivolous ways. I'm sure I could justify my spending habits because I honestly believe that I mostly have good habits when it comes to spending money. However this post isn't about that. It is about showing how God provides. You see, despite the negative numbers God has provided money for rent, car insurance, the car payment, and my credit card payment. I don't understand how He does it, but I don't have to. All I'm required to do is trust that He will continue to provide for my monthly needs.
My bank has a webpage that actually shows me exactly how I am spending my money. When I look at it I have two options. I can either get depressed about my situation or rejoice because God is faithful and provides for me. I'm choosing the latter. This is what the past month and a half have looked like so far.
April: money in $1,663.49
money out $2,862.15
deficit: -$1,198.66
May (to date) money in $1,060.84
money out $1,193.39
deficit: -$132.55
On paper/computer screen this looks really bad and you might be tempted to judge me as spending my money in frivolous ways. I'm sure I could justify my spending habits because I honestly believe that I mostly have good habits when it comes to spending money. However this post isn't about that. It is about showing how God provides. You see, despite the negative numbers God has provided money for rent, car insurance, the car payment, and my credit card payment. I don't understand how He does it, but I don't have to. All I'm required to do is trust that He will continue to provide for my monthly needs.
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