Catching up...

It seems like my occasions to blog are become fewer and fewer. I miss you, dear friends, and miss reading about what's going on in your lives! I try to check in every so often and "catch up" on your last few posts, but don't always have time to comment. Just know that you, my bloggy sistas, are in my thoughts---especially my "B Club" girls!

I'll try to update you on what's going on down here with us, without this become so lengthy that by the time you're done reading, you're ready to gouge your eyes out...or order a pizza (which sounds like a much more pleasant idea!)

In my world of real estate, I've been pretty busy lately. The new year has been off to a great start and in spite of what you may keep hearing in the media, I think the market hit rock bottom last year and now we are turning a corner---at least, I hope that is the case. That's the feeling I get here and also what I'm hearing from other Realtors and experts in our industry in this part of the country. I picked up a new listing two weeks ago, along with another buyer, both of which are former clients. So aside from the part-time stuff I do at the school, I've been super busy in the evenings and on weekends with clients too...which can be pretty tiring, but I love it! I really am passionate about real estate and love working with buyers and sellers and playing a part in the whole process!

School has kept me pretty busy too. I'm still working as the Guidance Assistant 4 days a week and inbetween achievement tests, college transcripts, and subbing for absent teachers, I'm juggling planning our Band's spring trip to Disney! Yes, Gary and I are still Band Booster Presidents until the end of the school year. Sometimes that can be a full-time job in itself! When I'm updating the band blog, emailing parents, talking with the travel company and figuring out a rooming list for 85+ students and 25 chaperones, sometimes I'll spy hubby with his feet propped up, kicked back in the recliner catching a re-run of Seinfeld, it's then that I realize I got the raw end of the deal! Yeah, yeah. I like to say he's the "pretty face" and Mr. Microphone of this partnership, but I'm the brains behind this operation!

Zack has had some pretty incredible opportunities lately! He has made me so proud that my cup runneth over! As many of you know, he's been volunteering in a local candidate for president's office for several months. Now I'm not going to get into a political debate here on who the better candidate is, I'm just so proud that my son is so involved and passionate about a worthy cause...even though he will not be old enough to vote in the Primary this next Tuesday. Anyway, back to my story! A team from the National Headquarters in Chicago came down to the local campaign office here two weeks ago and were so impressed with Zack that they've asked him to "head up" their student division in this area! They've also asked him to speak in the local schools here to students on the importance of voting. Oh! my! word! I would crawl up in the fetal position and die if I had to speak in front of a group! And when I asked him if he was nervous, he just replied with a simple "no". This past Sunday, his candidate was speaking at a rally at UAB and Zack was given a special delegate ticket and sat in the 2nd row! 2nd row people! His candidate shook his hand and also signed Zack's copy of said candidate's book! Zack has made some incredible contacts through his volunteerism and was introduced to a gentleman that will be running for Governor of our state in two years. The person who introduced Zack told this gentleman, "you need him working with you on your campaign!" My heart could just burst with pride! Zack is totally in his element in this crazy world of politics--he's passionate, driven, and determined to make a difference.

...which is why he's majoring in Political Science at the University of Central Florida! He's already begun picking out his classes and is very excited about one entitled "Presidential Campaigning". One day you'll see his name on a ballot, and I couldn't be more proud of his ambition and the goals he has set for himself. He starts classes in mid-June and that countdown is LOOMING over me! I have been "knee-deep" in housing applications, scholarship deadlines, registration and book deadlines...aaahhhh!!! I'm so stressed in that area, that I'm afraid I'm going to miss something that is vitally important in this whole college process! And those of you that have already been through this with your children, I have only one word...FAFSA. Holy cow at the length of that paperwork! I'm not sure I'm going to make it out on the other side, but if I don't, I hereby bequeath my precious little kitty, Zoe, to my friend Dianne, so "Sweet Kitty" will have a playmate and also because she's the only other person I know that loves her kitty as much as I love mine!

And finally, yes, I said "finally"...are you still with me? Is your pizza almost here? The Holy Spirit has been hammering away at my heart in an area that I have let harden. Several years ago, we went through a terrible experience at a former church and I've been using that as an excuse not to serve Him wholeheartidly. I've had the attitude of, "well if this is what I get for serving, then I'll just take a seat on the bench and watch from here!" I've been reading the book, "Get Out of that Pit" by Beth Moore. It's taken me a while because I have to read it with a box of tissue (literally!) and it's so emotionally overwhelming for me that I have to put it down for a few days (or more) and then pick it back up again. The Lord is bringing me to the outer ring of this den of fire that I've been in and for some reason, I'm just not ready to step out into the fresh air. Partly for fear of what I know HE will expect of me, and I'm not sure I'm ready to leave my "comfort zone" and partly for fear of disappointing Him again. But as the song "Through the Fire" says (which has been so powerful in ministering to me), He never promised that our cross wouldn't be heavy, just that HE has already provided the Victory! Go on now! Preach it! I better wrap this up cause I hear an altar call coming!

Well, "kuddos" to you if you stuck with me through this whole post! We have alot going on here in our "neck of the woods" and I just wanted to catch you up and let you know that I miss you! I'll try to check in a little more frequently so you don't have to take a nap while reading my latest post!