What I Have Learned in 30 Years

The Invasion Has Begun...

2008-07-17T11:31:00.004-06:00

Yes, my stuff is FINALLY here...and it's everywhere! I will be super busy for the rest of today, tomorrow, and into the weekend. Any volunteers? :) Yeah, because Michigan is 5 mintues away...

I know I should keep moving, but after 4 hours of this, I need a lunch...and maybe a nap! :) Procrastinators & Lazy people unite!

Two Weeks Later...

2008-07-14T15:11:00.000-06:00

And the movers have yet to arrive with my belongings. They were originally supposed to deliver it between 7/2-7/9. The 9th came and went with no delivery. Then I was informed that the first delivery date possible was Wednesday, 7/16. One problem there Tanto - I'm in Boston for the week, now what? They were to have my stuff delivered to a local mover & get it to my place on Saturday 7/19, my first day back in town. And then…

Boston trip got cancelled 2 days before I was due to fly out. So I called the movers again and let them know that whenever they could deliver, to please do so. They said Wednesday, 7/16 and that I could file a delay claim for inconvenience and I would get $125/day. Sweet! This would be an extra $875 in my pockets!! But…

This morning I checked the status on my delivery and it said that it was "delivered to customer at 6:30am 7/14, Rock Hill, SC". WOAH, wait a minute, that was this morning and I certainly did not see a big moving truck. My apartments aren't on google maps yet, being so new. I started panicking thinking they delivered it somewhere else and did I need to leave work for the day??! I left a vm at 8:30am and at 10:00am…

The moving office called from Colorado to say it was only dropped off with the local movers today and that the earliest they could bring my stuff to my home is on THURSDAY, JULY 17th! Good grief, I'm SOO ready for this to be done and over!!!

Left to do:

Open new bank acct with Wachovia- will do this week
Receive new chair & couch - not until mid August (custom made)
Get SC Drivers License, Plate, Title, & Registration - will handle when I have my payment for all this…I don't think I'm ready to give up my first unborn child yet! With all the documents & 5% sales tax they want, this could take 5 months…it's ridiculous!

ON THE UPSIDE….

I love South & North Carolina!! It's good to go to a church that's ALIVE and thriving, to meet new people, make new friends…to actually leave my house. Oh yeah, I haven't even slept in my bedroom yet, I think it's due to all the time I spent in my room in Colorado. :) Things may be annoying & frustrating with moving stuff, but I'm so glad I'm here!! The enemy can sit on a tack…I'm following Jesus!

Jenna & Art's new baby!

2008-07-09T08:31:00.001-06:00

For those of you that don't know, Jenna & Art welcomed their new son into the world Monday, July 7th at 4:30am. Caleb Michael Theusch is doing well, and so is Mom. I didn't get his weight & height, but Jenna said he has a full head of light brown hair and looks like a good mixture of both Jenna & Art. Big sister Isabella was happy to hold her new little brother several times, but has already asked Mom if the baby can go back into her belly. LOL!

Congrats Jenna, Art, & big sister Bella!

I'm here in the gorgeous Carolina's!

2008-07-01T12:21:00.001-06:00

I'm sure you're wondering if I got here safe & sound and so I have. :)

The movers came at 8:30am Friday and had me packed and loaded in 3 hrs. Then I ran to the bank, as I lost my debit card (grrr) to change my address and get a new card sent to me. I stopped into work to print off some documents and send something to my boss and then I was off to grab dinner and head home. The auto-transport guy came and got my car about 6:30pm. I went to bed around 12 midnight, just finishing last minute stuff (like dying my hair). That was a mistake as I had to get up at 3:45am to catch my 7:40am flight (SuperShuttle came at 4:45am).

I got into Charlotte on Saturday, no problems flying with AirTran (can you believe that?) My bags were even ready for me when I got down to baggage claim! I went to the Avis counter to get my $13/day economy car (from priceline) and they were out, BUT they got me a Mercury Mariner (fully loaded, leather) instead for no extra charge! Oh darn. Only downer is the gas portion. But my car should arrive Friday or Saturday.

Sunday I went to Morningstar church with Gabe, ended up sitting with Steph & her mom. :) Service was great and God was there for sure! He spoke to me and I can feel JOY coming back into my life and a fire that has long been at a smoldering point, grow hotter & bigger!

I signed on my apartment yesterday & I'm staying there now. I love my little apartment (aside from hearing my neighbors upstairs last night)! I'm in the nesting mode now. I bought some energy efficient drapery to keep it cool & dark in my room and a vacuum. I'm still waiting for the movers to come with my stuff, so I'm sleeping on my air mattress. Normally it's fine, but I woke up in the middle of the night with major pain in my hip. Only me. :)

Just getting settled into my cube at work. I got THREE monitors now, it's awesome! Everyone's been so nice :) I love southern hospitality!

Well, that's enough for now, back to filling out forms and setting up my schedule. Have a good one!

My Heart Breaks...

2008-06-25T16:45:00.001-06:00

Here is more evidence that the sex trafficking of children exists EVERYWHERE, yes, even the US. I swear it's my life's mission to love these children, speak for them, help them heal!

345 arrested, kids rescued in prostitution busts
By LARA JAKES JORDAN, Associated Press Writer 44 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Hundreds of people have been arrested and 21 children rescued in what the FBI is calling a five-day roundup of networks of pimps who force children into prostitution.

The Justice Department says it targeted 16 cities as part of its "Operation Cross Country" that caps off five years of similar stings nationwide.

Many of the children forced into prostitution are either runaways or what authorities call "thrown-aways" — kids whose families have shunned them. Officials say they are preyed upon by organized networks of pimps who lure them in with shelter or drugs, then often beat, starve or otherwise abuse them until the children agree to work the streets.

"We together have no higher calling than to protect our children and to safeguard their innocence," FBI Director Robert Mueller said Wednesday. "Yet the sex trafficking of children remains one of the most violent and unforgivable crimes in this country."

In all, authorities arrested 345 people — including 290 adult prostitutes — during the operation that ended this week. Since 2003, 308 pimps and hookers have been convicted in state and federal courts of forcing youngsters into prostitution, and 433 child victims have been rescued, Mueller said.

The cities targeted in this week's sting are: Atlanta; Boston; Dallas; Detroit; Houston; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; Montgomery County, Md.; Oakland, Calif.; Phoenix; Reno, Nev.; Sacramento, Calif.; Tampa; Toledo, Ohio and Washington.

The problem of child prostitution has taken on a new urgency in recent years with the growth of online networks where pimps advertise the youngsters to clients. The FBI generally investigates child prostitution cases that cross state lines.

The cases aren't easy to convict.
In April 2006, for example, charges against a Nevada man resulted in a hung jury after his 14-year-old victim refused to testify against him. Months later, however, a second jury found Juan Rico Doss of Reno, Nev., guilty of forcing two girls — ages 14 and 16 — to sell sex in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco and Oakland.

A University of Pennsylvania study estimates nearly 300,000 children in the United States are at risk of being sexually exploited for commercial uses — "most of them runaways or thrown-aways," said Ernie Allen, president of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

"These kids are victims. This is 21st century slavery," Allen said. "They lack the ability to walk away."
___
On the Net:
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tipline: http://www.cybertipline.com/

Going Away Dinner at Old Chicago's

2008-06-24T14:34:00.006-06:00

Just a few pics from my going away dinner with friends from Colorado Community Church...

This is Lezlee, we went to Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday. It's gorgeous there. We saw Elk and Big Horn Sheep. Lezlee is a great woman of God, fun to hang out with - very easy going. We usually gather at each other's place to watch my Arrested Development DVD's and have a drink. :) Tomorrow we're doing happy hour at the Emerald Isle.

This is Ryan, as you all know, we're both from Michigan. Mindy, I know he's a cute red-head, but you already have a great husband. lol.

This is my girl Lindsey. We lived next to each other before she met and married Erik. We'd take long walks with her dog, talk, catch up, ya know. She's a lawyer, and a darn good one!

This is Lindsey's husband Erik, my brother I call "Boozer". He calls me "Boozer 2"....not as good as my name for him. He's cool, glad they got together. Ignore the fact that I look horrible.

This is Eve & Jennina (Nina). These two are such a blessing and fun to be with. I am going to miss them!! Nina is marrying Ryan (from MI) in August. I'm sad I'm missing their wedding. Eve is probably going to road trip to my place!!

Here's Pete & Jason. Jason's camera shy, but very outgoing. So's Pete. They are both great guys that I'm glad to be friends with!

Uh, yeah, these would be my brothers here. They really do feel like brothers I never had. Kinda like Micah!

This is Jessica. She is big into swing dancing and obviously, taking pictures for myspace & facebook.

This would be Mark Tin, born & raised in Germany. He's been in Colorado for a long time, though and he's married to our friend Amanda (below).

On the left is Amanda and on the right is Michelle. You can tell who's the ham! Michelle is an artist and sign language interpreter. Amanda works at an adoption agency and she & Mark train Guide Dogs for the blind!

And this is the gang (minus Lezlee and a couple others)!!

Almost There...

2008-06-24T11:39:00.011-06:00

This week, I'm moving THIS week. Woah. Seems so odd. It hasn't hit me, I keep trying to make it sink in, but I'm not there yet. I just keep checking things off my list...

Dinner with friends to say goodbye... CHECK
Lunch with coworkers " " " .... CHECK
Confirm movers... CHECK
Confirm Car Transport... CHECK
Book Flight for Saturday... CHECK
Book Rental Car... CHECK ($13/day on priceline!!)
Book Hotel room for the weekend... CHECK
Book a ride to the airport... CHECK
Pack suitcase & posessions needed until movers arrive... NEED TO DO

YUMMY Smoothie

2008-06-20T14:24:00.001-06:00

I just made the best smoothie at work… coconut flakes, pineapple & pineapple juice, raspberries and raspberry sherbet…oh, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla yogurt. Oh my WORD it's good!

Update from T-Race

2008-06-17T19:53:00.002-06:00

First of all, let me ask you to watch the video below on the Japanese game show if you haven't yet...Oh the many tears from laughter it caused Stephanie & I!! It's seriously ridiculous (like that one?)!

Well, helllloooo my friends! Long time no talk! :( SO much has happened it sounds like...our wonderful Mrs. Richmond is prego again...YEAH!! Stace should posted new pics of her beautiful new girlie, and Sarah's kiddos are growin' like weeds, doing marathons!

Obviously, you know that I am moving to South Carolina next week (work's 20 mins north in Charlotte, NC). It's been a VERY busy, hectic time so far. I'm still waiting on my moving quote to be approved by the company (ugh!), but in the meantime, I am moving forward on my housing situation. God has blessed me with a new 1 bdrm apartment in Rock Hill, SC. It's a brand new complex, right off the highway I need to take to work. There are new restaurants and shopping areas (may be good if I need a second job). The apartment is normally $650/month, HOWEVER, they have a 2 month free special right now that gets pro-rated over a 13 month lease. SOOO..my new rent is only $507/m!! Only $7 more than my current awesome deal in CO!!! Very cool how God worked that out.

I need to be there next weekend to sign the lease on 6/30. I am excited, but also very nervous and a little scared. Another big move within 5 years. I am trusting & talking to God each day that He will be with me in this all the way. I'm believing that I will not go through as much pain as I did when I came to Denver, that He made this opportunity for me for a reason. My company may have been the avenue God used to get me there, but He is the reason I'm going. I'm making time to say goodbye to my friends here properly. Something I did not do the first time and I very much regret it.

Anyway, that's what's going on. Keep ya posted on the latest in case you're lurking out there...

Japanese Game Show Marshmallow Eating

2008-06-10T18:14:00.001-06:00

This video CRACKS me up!!! It's hilarious...tell me what you think!

I Love My Family (like you didn't know)

2008-05-28T10:50:00.001-06:00

I had SUCH an amazing weekend just being with my family. It was a long-overdue visit (6 months) and lots of fun as we went camping…excuse me, 'RV-ing' in Durand, MI. I drove 5 hours from Cincinnati on Friday to be with them and it was worth every single minute. We went on walks around the grounds, rode in Bill & Char's golf cart (Jack LOVED that), went shopping at the Ben Franklin in town & got ice cream. There was grilling, a birthday celebration for my aunt, and my grandpa even made the drive up for dinner on Saturday. Campfire, s'mores, sunny naps, and laughter. Good times, good times!! As a first time aunt, I of course have tons of pictures of my nephew. Unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures of all of us (I kept asking for it). Maybe next time. Anyway, I am one 'happy camper' right now! :)

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Oh yeah...hehehe

2008-05-27T12:10:00.001-06:00

I didn’t post my new home yet. Well, it's warmer (and much more humid). Sorry, it's not Michigan…it's CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA! I'm getting moving quotes and looking at apartments as we speak. I'm going on a house-hunting/confirming trip June 6-13. I'm hoping to be there beginning of July. Almost time!!

Although it's not Michigan :( I will be…

3 hrs, 45 minutes from MICHELLE!!! We are both SOO excited about this! (Lawrenceville, GA)
3 hrs from where my aunt & uncle are building their new home (Jefferson City, TN)
3 hrs from where my parents are talking about retiring!! (Jefferson City, TN)
6 hrs from Roxanne & the Murray family (Waldorf, MD)

All in all, good move I think. I'm sure God knows what he's doing! :)

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I AM FINALLY MOVING!!!!

2008-05-16T14:57:00.000-06:00

I can't talk too much about details right now, but girls, my ship has FINALLY come in!

It's going to be in the next month - late June/early July…but they want me as soon as possible. They are paying for all my moving expenses and everything!!

So it's your turn…guess where I'm moving to?

I'm a VERY excited Tracy!!!

End of week one on new meal plan

2008-05-12T12:35:00.001-06:00

It's been a great week for me, health-wise. I am down a total of 8 LBS!!! Other benefits: never hungry, liking the meal plan, have good amounts of energy, and feel better overall! Woohoo, thanks Dr. Rouse for the plan, thank you Jesus for helping me to stick to it and not crave crap food!

Day Three of the Meal Plan

2008-05-07T14:36:00.001-06:00

I'm feeling great! I've lost about 3 lbs so far and am loving this new healthy plan. I'm eating stuff I would never even thought to like barley or brussel sprouts. Turns out that I love everything I've had so far…EVEN SALMON!! I used to HATE fish, majorly. I used to watch my dad gut fish in the fish house in Ludington every year. I still don't know why I did that, but nonetheless, I can't stand the smell of fish. This fresh salmon was cooked on the George Forman and my roomie took the skin off for me. (Ew). But once I melted a little Land o Lakes Light Butter with Canola Oil on it, it was good! And today I made a turkey burger with some red onion in it, a little soy sauce, and some McCormick Hamburger seasoning & Onion Salt. I sliced up some avocado, and put them on a whole wheat English muffin with hummus rather than mayo…it was REALLY good!

Dare we say that I am developing new food favorites that are actually good for me? As McDonald's says…"I'm LOVIN' it!"

New Diet Plan

2008-05-05T15:49:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited. Today I started a new 'diet', which really isn't a diet but a meal plan. Dr. James Rouse is a fabulous contact for healthy living here in Denver and has spoke several times in our office, always getting rave reviews. I wasn't able to go a couple weeks ago when he was in again (work), but one of the supervisors went and started this meal plan. She's lost at least 10 lbs so far in 2 wks. Here's where my competitive side comes in. This supervisor has always been heavier than me, but sometimes people would call me by her name. I can't tell you how that hurt me (I realize that sounds shallow, but in my mind, they think I'm bigger than I am or I AM bigger than I want to believe, I don't know). I've taken it as a challenge to lose weight, get healthy, compete with her on it. Whatever gets me to do what I should I guess.

Here's Dr. Rouse's website/blog: http://agelessenergy.blogspot.com/

And he'll send daily quotes of inspiration on life, like today's:
Clearing the Clutter
"Three rules of work: Out of clutter find simplicity; from discord find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."~ Albert Einstein

He has healthy recipes, training as well as meal plans. Here's today's plan for me. (By the way, it feels already like I'm eating all the time! Maybe it's the 5 meals a day. No cravings so far, I'm full!)

Day 1

Breakfast:
1 cup of slow cooked, or steel cut oatmeal, measured after it has been cooked. Mix oatmeal with 1 tbsp chopped or ground walnuts and ½ cup blueberries.

½ cup 1% cottage cheese

Snack
½ cup cooked edamame (green soy beans) or ¼ cup roasted soy nuts

Lunch:
Large bowl of salad greens, such as romaine or baby spinach, topped with:

2 ounces turkey breast
½ cup kidney beans (or black or pinto beans)
1 hard boiled egg (look for Eggland’s best or other high omega-3 eggs)
½ of a sliced red or orange pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil with 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar

½ 6-inch toasted wheat pita pocket

Snack:
1 tbsp of almond butter or peanut butter with ½ of a sliced apple

Dinner:
4-5 ounces grilled or baked salmon (wild salmon is preferred over farmed salmon) served with:
1 cup steamed broccoli topped with lemon juice and 1 tsp olive oil
½ cup cooked barley, measure after cooking (cook according to package directions)

Nutrition Information
1393 calories
102 grams protein
134 grams carbohydrate
55 grams fat
30 grams fiber

Here's to better health & losing weight!!

I LOVE LOVE this song..."Dream Catch Me" by Newton Faulkner

2008-05-04T21:43:00.001-06:00

If you listen or read the lyrics through google, it's about falling in love. But somehow it makes me want to drive with the windows down, sunshine, warm, wind in my hair...in other words...FREEDOM!

Learning a Much Needed Lesson

2008-05-02T12:24:00.001-06:00

I'm realizing that so much of what holds me back from 1) making a decision, 2) eating right, 3) being debt free, and 4) keeps me bound to sadness and longing is tied to my emotions. I finally see that I ask myself almost every moment of the day, "how do I feel about that?", as an ENFP person would probably do. And although it's my automatic response as a Feeling person, to do this, it's killing me right now.

With making a decision to move or not, where to move to, I've only come up with 100 more questions about how, why, when, where, and such. I have finally made a decision that if an opportunity arises to move to Southern California that meets my criteria (money mostly), I'm going to take it. Or if Michigan turns into a real option, I'll take that. No overanalyzing. I'm not going to hold a conference with my emotions anymore…I've beat this horse dead!

So I'm going to Cincinnati for work the week of May 19th, and decided to rent a car (midsize- $14/day!) and drive up to Michigan and camp with the family over the weekend! Yes, it's a 5 hour drive on Friday and back on Monday, but I desparately want to be with them. This is a need for my health, not just being rash because my emotions are driving a decision. I've checked myself on it a few times, I'm confident with my decision. But my emotions are already begging my attention about what state I'll be in when I have to leave them after only a couple days. I'm not listening to them. I'm going to enjoy my time with the family and leave on Monday, that's the facts. Now, I'll probably cry, because we always do, but I'm not going to let this turn into a weep-a-thon. It doesn't help my mental or emotional state when I have to go 'home'.

I'm hoping that this new lesson will open doors into a better world, a new, positive phase. God knows how bad I need & want it!

Oh, and by the way……
WOOHOO!!!!!!!! Way to STOMP those Avs, Detroit!!!

Why I Love Kids...seriously!

2008-04-26T23:43:00.001-06:00

She's so innocent too, I just love her straight face answer, like, what? why are you laughing?

Good News from the Doctor

2008-04-24T14:04:00.001-06:00

I just got my endoscopy results from my 4/2/08 visit…

NO cancer
NO cell growth change
NO Barrett's esophagus (although he thought it was)
I do have gastroesophagitis - just means inflammed esophagus and stomach
Stay on Nexium
Repeat scope in THREE years

Great news, Amen!!

OK, Here's the Deal...

2008-04-20T13:18:00.002-06:00

I'm applying to jobs in Michigan now. Through thinking things out, praying, dreams, friends, etc. I've decided to give Michigan a try. I have one job I found with the State of Michigan that sounds right up my alley, I totally qualify for it, and pay is good. The job's in Lansing with the Judicial branch, so I'd be downtown if I get it. Living situation would be that I would get a place either with Kylie & Jack if they are interested, or Angela. We were talking about a place in Okemos or Mason.

The plan, because there HAS to be a plan for me to come back, is to focus on paying off my debt & saving some money. After that is done, I'm FREE to go anywhere! I really want to go back to school, so that's the goal. I'm not sure what school and where yet (England, SoCal, and MSU are options), but I have time to think about that when I get back.

The other, BIGGER reason for coming back is relationships. I have struggled for over a year with lack of relationships and being lonely and I'm done with it. I think just being around people will make a HUGE difference. I want to see my family, see my nephew grow, hang out with friends, go to Lake Michigan in the summer, etc.

I think I will have to sell most of my possessions here and drive back. This means my bed, TV, beautiful TV stand, clothes, and other stuff. I don't have enough money to get a truck for that long of a drive. Really, what ever happens, happens.

SO whadda think?

How Do I...

2008-04-06T18:01:00.003-06:00

Re-engage myself in the job when I've already checked out? This feeling is familiar, I've been here before. When I finally say "OK God, I'm ready to go", but it doesn't happen overnight, I don't know what to do. I am frustrated and want to cry and scream because I know that tomorrow will come with the drama that was left on Friday. And all the excuses people will give for not being able to do their jobs will continue. I don't care, I honestly don't. I don't want to be out on the floor listening to their complaints over and over. If they don't do their jobs, we'll all be out of one soon. I just want to hide out in my office because I don't think I can handle another day of secrets from the top, complaining from the bottom, and being inbetween. Lord, please open that door SOON! Whatever you want me to do in order to move on, I'm more than willing and ready!!

Yes Folks, it's that time of year again...

2008-04-06T12:55:00.006-06:00

NHL PLAYOFFS!!! WOOHOO...GO RED WINGS!! You know what this means? I FINALLY get to watch the games! :)

Go Ozzy, my favorite Red Wing!

My Favorite Little Man

2008-03-31T20:29:00.002-06:00

Hope you all had a good Easter with the kiddies! Kylie has these new pictures of little man. She dressed him so cute at Easter...

But her husband may not forgive her for this one...

He here is pointing to the back door and saying, "outside??" It was so cute! He ended up looking like Randy from A Christmas Story...you know, the kid who couldn't put his arms down?

Higher Poppa, higher!

Being Me, Time to Move On

2008-03-31T13:46:00.001-06:00

I have this deep ache in me to be authentic to who I am. I feel so strongly that I have let the enemy win in many ways. I want to be so close to God that I can feel Him, hear Him. I want to speak into others lives like I used to, encourage them and equip them to be and do whatever God has put in their hearts. I want to feel ALIVE again!!!

I may be using this blog as my online journal here, but I discovered something yesterday. After my conversation with Michelle (so glad we talked!), I felt like hope had been rekindled in me again. I took a drive up I-225 to I-70 and had this overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness at this thought: What if all I owned was in this car and I was driving away from Denver for good? I can pay down my debt anywhere and I think some of these bad habits and closing myself off would be jolted by a move. It's proven extremely difficult in my present situation to overcome. If I can find a job that will pay relocation, I'm GONE baby! It's time to MOVE ON. I believe God has asked me what I want to do in this situation and after much wrestling, I want to leave now. :)

If you hear of any good job opportunities for me, I'm open to looking at almost anywhere. I don't prefer the midwest (Iowa, NE, Tennessee, Kentucky, etc), but my list of preferences can be influenced. I'm thinking Georgia :), North or South Carolina, Virgina, Maryland, California, Chicago. I really do want to live where I know people already and/or get involved in small groups at a great church.