Things Looking Up

So the primary elections have come and gone. Thankfully for us, the school sales tax was voted to remain for 2 more years and there will be some new faces in the local offices. That really means a sigh of relief for me. I know that the worst is still possible, but at this point doesn't look probable.

This has been a very stressful week for me at work. I guess you win some and loose some. Sometimes I just have to think, "what in the crap were they thinking?"! People do some stupid stuff.

All old memories are not necessarily pleasant

So this week I've been catching up with some high school friends of mine, talking about families, jobs, etc., and Old Times.  The last time I was hanging out with both of these girls is a time period that I have honestly tried to forget about. We have all been in situations that we wish we could take back or cover up, yeah, this is one of mine. Don't get me wrong, it has nothing to do with these gals! It has to do with the relationship I was in at the time and how our friendships intertwined with our relationships. Oh how I thought I was "in love"! Bahahahaha. I was "in" something alright! Anyway, it ended badly and I was totally and utterly crushed... for about 3 to 6 months. It's hard for me to look over the bad times, and find the good ones because all those memories are intermingled.


One of my struggles as of late is the fact that I feel like I need to interact with more people my age, aka, I feel like I'm not getting all the nutrition I need from my spiritual diet. I love love love my church family, but I am the only one over 18 and under 40 in attendance on a regular basis. I miss my class in my pre-marriage church where there were 4 or 5 people my age and we had discussions about our lessons! I miss talking with people my age about stuff people my age are going through, like kids and jobs!
The bad thing is I've been having these feelings for about 2 years. I really want to visit somewhere that meets at a different time than our church, so I can still attend and be able to fulfill my role as music leader.
But I also have a huge fear of going to places where I don't know anyone or know my way around. I can go to Talladega Superspeedway all by myself on race day and it not bother me, because I know my way around, but someplace I've never been, and I clam up big time!

Any suggestions?

Alabama Primary Elections... what it means for Kim's job

We've been under a lot of stress and riding the emotional roller coaster over the past 10 months. Although things have calmed down and smoothed out some since then, we are about to be taken on a ride yet again.

Next Tuesday is the Primary Elections in Alabama. It's a big deal in Cherokee County this time. There are many candidates running for office, which is totally awesome. My college American Government professor Ms. Cheryl Gorham would be proud at all the people that are taking an interest in the voting process!

But the main things that are weighing on my mind are:
     1) Who will get the nominations for Board of Education Superintendent?
     2) Will the Continuation of the 1cent Sales Tax for the schools get passed?

Are you wondering why I am concerned about these? Last July our world was turned upside down. The Board of Education voted to close the Career/Tech school where Kim worked and to close him program, basically fire him, and 2 others, as part of a cost cutting measure. Part of this was made possible by State legislation saying that 'BOE's had the right to dismiss teachers if they were "bad teachers" even if they were tenured.' That means that if they think you're not up to par, they can get rid of you.

Thankfully the citizens of this county were outraged, mainly because they were not informed of even the possibility of the school closing as a cost-cutting tool, and the County Commission came to the rescue with the emergency 1 cent sales tax to make up the revenue difference that the state budget cuts had caused, starting this whole process. The school was kept open, employees that were "fired" got their jobs back, BUT those who worked more than 9 months a year would have to be cut 1 month's pay. We personally took a several thousand dollar a year loss.

Around this time is also the time we found out about our infertility issues. Needless to say, last summer was not a fun time for the Nichols.  So, it is a very real possibility that this mess could rise up like the tail of a scorpion and strike again.  If worse comes to worst, Kim has a great Career/Tech background. He can go to work in any Body Shop immediately. He can find a job, unlike some of the core academics teachers out there. We are praying that God has His mighty hand on this county and these election, and will watch out for our little family. 

Sunday morning service about United Methodist Children's Home

This morning was a very special morning at our church. We had the PR rep from the United Methodist Children's Home come and speak with us about their ministries. Ms. Cherry Johnson was very informative as she told us about the Group Homes the UMCH sponsors. We learned that the UMCH works with DHR in efforts to do what is absolutely best for the children.

One thing that kept popping up in her presentation was how the UMCH encourages the kids to further their education, in either college or a Technical program. It seems so funny to me how everything can just intertwine like that. It seems that our weekend has been full of supporters for Career Tech Education. Thankfully!

I cannot wait until I have a child that Kim and I can show how to do stuff! Like how to play golf, how to work on cars, how to look after our animals, etc. I wish the day would come soon!

Ugh....really?

I feel really depressed right now. I want a child so much. It really hurts my soul every time I see the pictures my cousins or classmates post of their babies. Although I am happy for them, it still makes me envious.  Why has it been so easy for them?  My hairdresser said they were trying not to get pregnant when they did. Everyone says, "it will happen when it's supposed to". Hello people! We are not getting any younger!

Like I read in an article, I am going through the grieving process.  It's a looooong road for me.  Some days I'm fine. Some days it hits me like a tons of bricks.  So please be sensitive to my feelings when you are bragging on your bundle of joy, because I don't have one.

Home Study

It seems to me that this whole process is taking forever. We started this journey through DHR at the end of August 2011, and still do not have a completed Home Study.  Of course the first two months were spent in the GPS/Deciding Together class. But I am still frustrated that it's taking so long just to get the Home Study written and it still has to be sent to Montgomery for approval! Prayers are definately needed.

Diciembre 2011

Oh my. That's all I have to say about 2011 yet again. Since my last post not a lot has happened. Nothing of any real substance anyway.   I received a really nice gift, if you want to call it that, on my birthday... the annual employee Christmas lunch at my place of employment. We had a really good cook prepare the meal. It was awesome. Yep, I'm talking about it a week later. And no, I was definately not the cook!

My life as of late...

I have been put through so many ups and downs this year (2011). Seems like mostly downs. The April 27th tornadoes. My dad breaking his arm & hurting his back. Finding out about our fertility issues. Being volunteered for so much that I don't need on my plate. The feeling of just being lonely and having no friends.

I guess so good things that have happened is I've found out who my true friends are. That handful of people who will take me as I am. 

I've had many thoughts of jealousy this year... because of these fertility issues. It's hard to be happy for someone when they are getting what you want so much. And people keep telling me "It will happen for you"... yeah right. It ain't happened yet, sister!

My best friend has tried her best to keep me sane. She has had a rough time doing it! But we are as close as sisters now because of it. And that part I wouldn't trade for the world.

So has anyone ever been through adoption classes? OMG how hard is that stuff!

We have 11 new puppies!

They are super cute and mom & babies are all doing well. These little on Friday Sept 19th and are growing like weeds!

Bo vs. tree

Okay Bo decided on trimming the limbs himself, he was not shown how to "attack" it first. Now all I can say is, will someone get this dog a frisbee?!