At times Life is STRANGE

We didn't close on the house today. I'm told this happens 90% of the time. So I'm bummed about that. Then last week Dan and I went to get a place removed from under his eye. It was like a skin tag. Nothing big, even the doctor agreed. Well, yesterday they called to say it is cancerous. So now we are looking at outpatient surgery on Dec. 12. At this point it is categorized as a form of skin cancer. Now they will go in and take off the skin a layer at a time, until they get it all. A plastic surgeon is on standby in case they need a skin graph. Talk about a shock.

On a happier note all my paper work for my T-6 went to central office today. So hopefully within the next few weeks I will be paid as a T-6. Thank you Jesus!!!

Also, Dan and I have decided not to go overboard on decorating the new house, we will get by with what we have. However, I refuse to move the ratty couch, so you may need to bring lawn chairs to visit!

Life in the Fast Lane...

...surely makes you lose your mind! The song is coming true. Perhaps it is best for one not to move, at the same time they are working on a dissertation (I'm panicing about the computer and changing email addresses), and have red ribbon week at school! It is absolutely crazy around here!

Closing on house Friday! I think this is suppose to be a good crazy!!

Memoir Monday

We have lived at this house for five years now. In that time we've had a son graduate from college, a son graduate from high school, a wedding, the death of our little nephew Jackson, a son going off to college, me starting a doctorate program, Gabe going from elementary school to middle school, and Gabe making friends with Ryan who is like son #4.

Its funny I should be excited about owning my own house. I've waited 25 years for my cowboy husband to want to settle down, now at 50 he appears ready. Yet, I'm sad at leaving my little neighborhood. I love it over here. I love Mr. Phillip and Mrs. Martha, they are special neighbors. I love the convinence, I'm 5 minutes from work. I love the solitude out my bedroom window...

I know that soon we will make new memories. I told Dan the new house wasn't big enough for us. Where will I have my fondue party? Where will we put Grandma and Grandpa, Drew and Nicole at Christmas? He says it will all work out. He said we only have Gabe another 5 years, and the house would be big enough and there was room to grow. That we are investing in the future. We will be across the street from the lake, and there is a pool that can be repaired for the future.

So for the next few weeks as I cherish memories of the past, I look forward to the prospect of making new memories. The thought of knowing we've settled down, and that this area will be our home till Jesus calls us home gives me comfort.

Let the Party Begin

We should be closing next week. So now we are at the packing, selling and moving stage. I've got several antique pieces that need to find a new home. So I need to get pictures this week for that and post them.

Notice the room, we are going to glass this in for my serious office. The next year should be very busy!

Some Day

Some day I will understand the politics of school. I'm not sure when, but I will. I think that it is a waste of time. I've got things to do. I don't have time to play games. I'm sad to think that this is the way it is.

I'm also disappointed to think of all the budget cuts coming in the next year. F made the comment that those of us higher up on the pay scale will need to stay put, because who would want to take on our higher end salary.

On a happier note, I signed the loan papers on the house. The next few weeks will be exciting to say the least. More to come on that.

Back in the saddle again...

Yes, today was a good day. I've got two students that make me a bit crazy, but I've decided on new punishment for them! I'm teaching sentence fluency this week. I *heart* teaching the traits. We are working off the book "Black Cat". Today, we talked about the author's use of phrasing and I let them work in groups. They did a really good job, so far. I'm not sure how this assignment will work on paper, but so far we love it!!

Then I was just amazed today at how many standards I was covering while reading today. So today was a good day for my group and F's. We worked hard and got in some quality time. One of F's little guys has been struggling...I'm glad we now have our head out of our shirt! Anyway, I looked at him and said, "T, you've really been working hard. I noticed and wanted you to know how awesome you are doing." He looks at me and says, "That little pill in the morning is great. I can understand you now." I said, "Well is there something you'd like from the book fair?" He quickly replied, "The Speed Racer Book." So I bought it for him, like I've got money.

At faculty meeting, I got a surprise. I had helped Dr. B. with an assignment and she gave me a copy of "When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit". I was so suprised and excited!

Now that sounds like a big day, but there is more. The loan officer called and all is looking good to get the house. I still have the feeling that something could go wrong, but I'm moving forward! I still think I need a formal dining room, but I will work that out later!

I've got a couple of antique pieces I want to sell and perhaps have the money for a new couch. I'm going to be posting pics soon of an oak wardrobe and a 1940's red stenciled enamel table with pull out sides. Plus, I want Dan to pull together a huge yard sale for the weekend of the 1st. (Yes, I know we will be busy with the fall festival).

Three Dog Night Never Been To Spain

Oklahoma is voting on the official rock 'n roll song. This is my choice! Boy, can I remember belting this one out!!!!

Wouldn't you know!

I don't run into many people who are allergic to penicillian. (Lucky for them) So when I got the Strep Throat, the magic drug was not an option. So they put me on Baxitin (from the mycin family), now my sweet mother was allergic to mycins and usually I take something from the sulfa family. Unfortunately, for me sulpha medicines do not work against strep. So in true L fashion, after three doses of the Baxitin I had the most severe side effect you can imagine. I haven't slept all night, because of it feeling like someone was ripping my stomach and liver out of my body every few seconds. I started itching and having pains shoot through my head and my face is extremely red. At 4:00am I thought of the emergency room. Lasted to 9am and went into doctor's office. "Yes, Mrs. Hestad this is a terrible reaction to the Baxitin."

So now I am starting a "Z-pack" and have medicine to ease the pain of the side effects which could linger for several more days. My throat is actually getting worse instead of better at this point. And for our further information they haven't seen any strain of illness this season that is responding as should to medication. What is usually knocked out in 5 to 7 days is now taking 10 to 14 days. Which explains Matt's croopy cough.

Have I mentioned I love teaching!

Strep

I am just hoping to live past today! I've got strep. Got two shots in doctor's office and medicine to take. Can't come back till Monday.

Quilt Give Away

I love quilts! You can win this one.

Ranting and Raving

I'm raving about the goodness of God! Today, I got the biopsy back and there is no cancer, so that's not the problem. Dan sold a horse and we can put the money back to use for house expenses as needed. Things are moving forward for the business to end on Friday. They are also moving forward on the house. Our bid was accepted (now we are praying about the original loan still working).

I'm ranting about professional football players. It is hard to handle all the hype over someone who makes millions per year breaking their finger. Cowboy up!! I go to work everyday with a back that feels like it is breaking and don't make near that amount of money. Also, what's with letting all the lowlife like Pacman Jones play ball. Did we not learn a lesson with Odell Thurman? Money doesn't make you a respectable person, but when you are a professional athlete who has millions of young boys looking up to you have a duty. I once heard Carl Malone say young players didn't have any business doing the stuff they do today! NFL owners need to take a play from Stoopes playbook. If you compromise your integrity--your out. WE WILL MAKE DO WITHOUT YOU!

Now I will go put up the soapbox!

I'm So Excited

Below is a note that my current professor of qualitative research attached to my paper.

Lennye, This paper ROCKS! Other than a few grammatical and APA issues, which I highlighted, this paper is nothing short of exemplary. You followed directions to a "T"! You also did an outstanding job of incorporation the resources necessary to substantiate your statements. You have set the standard, and with your permission, in the future, I'd like to use sections of your paper to assist students who may be having difficulties with this assignmment! I've attached your paper with highlighed items! Great job, Lennye! Dr. J

Now that makes me feel pretty excited about life right now. Let's see what the rest of my week holds!

Rainy Days and houses

Well I had almost forgot what rain looked like. Hasn't today been wonderful! I am so thankful. I even went and picked Gabe up at lunch (well I was there delivering the computer). We ate lunch, then came home and watched a movie.

I just posted my last paper. I might go back and redo paper 1 this time, but otherwise I am ABD (all but dissertation). Money should be forthcoming.

Then we put a bid on the lake house at Bear Creek Marina. That is a lot of house for the money! So we will see, who knows.

Dan had good news today, we got some money from one of our partner horses. Matt will get to keep his horse and the man who partnered with Matt on that horse will keep him till Matt is ready. Dan now has to get out of some other deals, but things are moving forward.

Let's see what tomorrow holds!

Updates

The volcano is made and it worked. Pictures will follow!

Bubba is going to work on my computer and try diligently to save the data. I need to take it over to him today.

The majority of the house is clean.

We have two properties that we looked at first The house is wonderful, small living area. Huge master with porch, jetted tub, two headed shower, marble counter tops. However the land will take major work, but already has a barn. It is about 20 miles to work. However, the lake is across the street.

Next, we have a house over in Flovilla. Again, beautiful house. Land needs a lot of work. This land is not as wide as the other land. However, it is cheaper.

Apparently Wednesday is the day new foreclosures are listed.

Whoa is me!

The computer has died. All the research files are on that computer. I thought Dan had it backed up, but it does not appear that the backup worked. I do have a hard copy of the dissertation. However, all my work for other classes is not backed up. I know it is my own fault!!!! Why me!!!!

The house looking continues. Along with the volcano project. First, we followed the directions that were sent home to make salt dough (very expensive). Unfortunately, the salt dough has become like THE BLOB and it is continueing to grow! Yesterday, I picked up modeling clay. Now it looks like a Christmas tree. I swear photos are coming...Oh my photos that are saved on that computer!!!!!!!

Wonder if we could find any horse pasture for lease. Just a place for the horses to live for a while would be nice. If not they are going to vacation in Burke County.

Dan still needs a job. I need to work on his resume'. So many things. At least he has a good paying judging job in November. But has to go to another clinic this month. Somebody reassure me that things will be better when he is making money and not spending so much.

Sad, but Glad

Well I'm sad, but glad at the same time. Seems that our offer was rejected. The owner does not want to come off the $165,000 and refuses to provide a termite free letter. However, the major breakdown occured when she wasn't willing to meet us at the appraisal price. I really don't think it is good to pay more for a house than it is worth. So the quest will continue. God has something out there for us.

Keep praying for a house with land for horses. Also, pray that Dan will have a job. It looks like closing down the business is going to take longer than I originally hoped. It is very hard right now on both of us. Plus this week Gabe has a major project due (that will get its on blog) and Dan needs to come home more to help. So we will face the gas monster!

Commitment

Well tonight we made an offer on the house. I don't know what the owner will counter, but time will tell. We are asking a lot. The agent said that if she took the offer it was from God and we should take it and run. Then there is the stuff about the economy and it is a buyers market, so we will not go to far with negotiations. Pray for God's will.

The Power of Prayer

Remember a few post back when Dan and I had finally decided we needed a change. Well little did we know all that God had in store for us. It seems that God needed us to stop trying so hard and just follow Him!

Last Thursday, I took a wrong turn. Kind of odd since I've driven those rodes a million times and know them like the back of my hand. Any way I noticed this...

You can see further pictures here. Most of you don't know my passion for old homes, with porches, plus a little plot of land 3.5 acres. Well I came home looked it up, and last night we went and looked at it. I'm in love!! Today, we got preapproved for the loan. We are praying now on what to offer the woman. We are hoping to put down a contract this week.

Just when you think it can't get any better, Dan has a job interview tomorrow. Harold's propane needs a full time employee. God is moving fast! Dan goes tomorrow afternoon for an interview. I am so excited I could jump up and down!

I just got off the phone with BB, my spiritual mother. She's on vacation in the mountains and she said that she had and would be praying.

I need someone to pinch me!!!