Hurry Up and Wait

The Lord knows that I must need to work on my patience because we're playing the "Hurry Up and Wait Game" - which personally drives me nuts! Twenty-eight days to go, things to do around the house - pack, sell, pack, make lists of what to take and what not to take, awaiting a yes or no from a potential room mate, saving money to purchase our tickets, as well as money to ship items to Alaska. Sometimes it just makes you want to throw your hands in the air and scream. But...God is still in control, not me - sometimes I just don't understand His timing. I am a planner and like things to run smoothly and in order, so, when it does not, I get a wee bit stressed. Needless to say, I have been one stressed woman lately or as my family would say, "A donkey on the edge" (from the movie Shrek). I guess writing about it today has been my way of venting.

Until next time...Pamela

Sorry - Forgot to Post Our Disney Trip!

I was reminded that I forgot to post about my trip to Orlando with my sister, Lolly. We had a great time at Disney's Magic Kingdom - which is my favorite of the Disney resorts. We basically pretended we were kids - hey, who can't help but be a kid there???

After a long day of fun and excitement we checked in to our hotel, freshened up a bit, and headed out to the most amazing restaurant I have ever had the pleasure of eating at. It was a Texas-Brazilian Steak House. OH MY GOODNESS....was it good - the service was impeccable, the food was fantastic, and the bill was, well, expensive! But well worth it - every morsel! One day I will return with Rennie. He would really enjoy the enormous amount of food available!

Until next time...Pamela

30 Days and Counting!

Today marks thirty days until we leave for Alaska. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!! We're still working on finding a place to live but have a great prospect in mind, and this one comes with the use of a vehicle. I will post more once I know more information.

Until next time...Pamela

The Next Leg

Wow, the days seem to be going by faster and faster as each week whizzes by, however, April 25 will not get here soon enough! We now have 35 days remaining before we leave Jacksonville. Thirty five more days to get our act together.

The next leg is finding a place to live in Anchorage. My friend, Kim, has connected us with a wonderful lady named Donna, that is looking for roommates. She is a seasonal employee who is planning her third year in Anchorage. The great thing about her as a roommate, is that she knows the "ropes," as well as, what to do and not do. Her companionship will be a blessing for us and I will be picking her brain a lot!

Donna has inquired about a two bedroom, newly renovated, basement apartment located approximately 1.5 miles from the rail yard - which would be a wonderful walk for us (we MUST get in some exercise!). She is gathering the details regarding the deposit, etc., and we should know something soon.

In the meantime, Holland America and Princess have merged companies which presents more opportunities to us as travel guides. Our days on and off the train have changed some, but for the better. We will work two days on, one day off, two days on, then three days off. The three days off affords us more time to experience some excursions (like riding an ATV, snowmobiling, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, etc.), or allows us to pick up another shift if we want to work more. We did take a slight cut in pay, but it was not enough to hinder us from going. The one "bummer" factor is that Kim will not be our boss, but, we will adjust I'm sure.

This weekend I'm spending time with my sister, Lolly, in Orlando - visiting the "Mouse". We always have tons of fun with each other and get sore cheeks from laughing so much. I'm sure I will write about our adventures and post goofy photos next week.

Until next time...Pamela

Yard Sale Success

Whew...the first yard sale is over and I feel as though we had success. We still need to raise more money for the trip, but we will have another yard sale toward the end of March. A huge "Thank You" goes to my daughter, Stephanie, who helped us tremendously. We really appreciated her assistance.

Spring Break has come to an end. Next week, it is back to the classroom. However, there are only 40 more days until we leave for Alaska. Yippee!

Until next time...Pamela

The Time Is Near

We are believing that tomorrow and Saturday will be very prosperous for us with our first yard sale. It is strange how people need to spend money to make money, like, purchasing Yard Sale signs that look professional and stand out. But, we are doing what we feel must be done. Now I will need an abundance of energy to carry this yard sale out.

Thank the Lord I have help from Rennie, Stephanie, and my adorable grandchildren. People should stop by and make large purchases just because I have such cute grandchildren!!! Julia can give them the sad face and plead with people to help her grandparents, ha, ha. "Please Sir, buy something from my grandparents, they need to go to Alaska." Sounds like alms for the poor with a British accent...

I will post more tomorrow.

Until next time...Pamela

Happy Birthday Adam!

Today is our son, Adam's, 25th birthday. Rennie and I were remembering the activities surrounding Adam's birth and how humorous it was. I was in labor for about nine hours, but spent the majority of my labor walking around the hospital with about six of my friends following close behind me - stopping each time I had a contraction, praying and some taking turns rubbing my lower back with a base ball (thank you Ray Schmidt for the use of your baseball). Each time someone would walk by us they would chuckle as to how many "helpers" I had. My labor coach, Sharon, was also extremely pregnant - the nurses kept asking her if she was ok or in labor too. Where was Rennie? He was socializing with approximately fifteen friends and family members who were packed into the labor and delivery waiting room. I was in no mood for him to be following me around at that time. Only mothers who have experienced natural childbirth without the assistance of any drugs would really appreciate that thought! At 6:13pm, Adam, made his arrival - all 9lbs., 6oz., of him. Today he is 6'1" and towers over me!

I pray that this birthday is special for Adam, and I am believing that this year he will be blessed with a lot of good, good, things. You are loved by many, Adam! Happy, Happy, Birthday!!!

In the meantime....I'm still furiously working on packing and pricing items for our garage sale this weekend. Even if we were not going to Alaska, I still need to get rid of this stuff, just to
unclutter my life a bit. Now it is back to the stacks!

Until next time...Pamela