Friday, September 16, 2011

7 Quick Takes Friday: Things are Hard

(1)
Usually these are funny.  I don't think this one can be funny.

(2)
It just feels like nothing is working out right now.  Hubby still hasn't gotten a job offer.  The baby won't nap.  One of the projects I was working on got cancelled, so another portion of our (super tiny) income is gone.  AND...the 'm' key on our keyboard is actually broken.

(3)
"But how did you just type an 'm' if your 'm' is truly broken?" you ask.  "By using the handy-dandy copy/paste feature that this fancy computer has!" I reply.  That's right, folks.  Every time we need to type the letter m, we have to hit "ctrl+v" instead.  Unless we need to do a capital m, in which case we have to hunt all over the internet for an uppercase version and copy it instead.  It is probably just as much fun as you're imagining, which is, of course, "not at all".  UGH!

(4)
Do you know what is making me the most sad today though?  That Tommy has expanded his job search to include Grand Rapids and Lansing.  Because what else do you do when nothing is working out and you're running out of money and your kids need to eat?  Sometimes you just have to let go of what you wish were best.  For me, that's staying here, in this house, in this town, at this parish for ever and ever and ever, because I love it all so, so, so, so much.  I've never been heartbroken by the prospect of moving, but if he gets a job in downtown Lansing, he will NOT be able to commute from here to there for very long.  The price of gas.  His time away from us.  It wouldn't be worth it.  So we will probably have to consider moving.  I will cry my little broken heart out.  And so will my girls.  This whole situation has just gone from questionable to super suck-tastic in the span of 48 stressful hours.

(5)
But you guys don't come here to listen to me complain because you get enough  of that from your kids and co-workers.  Right about now you're looking at me and you're all "Wah, wah, wah....things aren't going the way you had hoped.  Join the freaking club, whiny pants!".  Which is true.  So I will say that I'm SUPER glad we decided to homeschool this year because we don't have to deal with the prospect of the girls changing schools if the terrible horrible no-good very bad moving scenario does eventually come to fruition.

(6)
You know what else I'm super glad about?  my...

See?  Now I have to go find a capital m somewhere...

Okay.  Back.   

My friend Amber from The Daily Doty is all sweet and awesome and stuff and ordered me a brand-spankin' new laundry basket when she found out that I've been using the same one for over 11 years.  She ordered herself one too, which means we are totally Basket Twins!  Strangely similar to Basket Cases, as it turns out.

I mean, just look at how stoked I was the day that little treasure appeared at my house!
Totally the face of stokedness.
(7)
And also my darling friend Nina from The Adventures of Artsy Nina, who gathered up all sorts of crafty goodness and sent it to my lucky brood as a sweet thank-you for me featuring her snazzy vintage etsy shop on this here blog.
 


So things are hard.  But we're still lucky.

Give us this day our daily bread...


post signature

55 comments :

  1. So sorry y'all are going through this. We are stuggling, too so I really feel the "running out of money and your kids need to eat" thing. I sure hope your hubs can find a job close so you won't have to move (will be praying!).

    and, isn't it awesome that a gift of a laundry basket or hair bows can make one so happy? (and having great friends helps!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Praying for you and your family, Dwija.

    And here, for easy reference (you can just bookmark the comment):

    M M M M M M M M

    m m m m m m m m

    ReplyDelete
  3. Best wishes and prayers for your family! We're facing an uncertain job situation as well - although fortunately my husband currently has one. But he won't at the end of the year and I still don't know what is going to happen - and it may mean the dreaded "m" word for us too. I hope not, but I just don't know.

    I only have the grace for today. I don't have the grace for tomorrow because tomorrow hasn't happened yet. God will give us all the grace for tomorrow when tomorrow comes.

    I have to remind myself of that a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you guys so much for the prayers. That's what we need now more than anything. And soon I will get out of this funk and get back to doing what I do best: USING CAPS LOCK AND LOTS OF EXCLAMATION POINTS!

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Claire- I was writing that quote from Matthew in an article right before you left your comment. It's a sign! A sign that I need to stop worrying, stat :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Praying for you Dwija! God has a plan for your life. Praying that you feel His immense love for you.

    About the whole M and m situation...
    Life is no fun without m's because then you wouldn't have m&m's. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I hope things turn around soon. Very soon. And it's okay to be a whiny pants sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am so sorry things are going down a difficult path. Have you done a novena to St. Josemaria Escriva? The guys writings are all about work and making it part of your vocation-- so maybe?

    Don't apologize for sharing the hard stuff because it really kicks people like me hard in the rear region and makes me remember to be grateful for what I have. I am one of those who need reminding to thank God that the roof mostly doesn't leak, the car runs, the computer is not on the fritz, and each month the bills manage to get paid. Your blog actually reminds me to thank God and reminds me that I really don't deserve the blessings and so I should REALLY be thankful!

    I'll be praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Be as whiny as you want, I will always listen! BTW, is that a Rubbermaid Hip Hugger? I have one of those, they make ALL the difference. Sending you some MMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm's!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes! Rubbermaid hip hugger! It makes me feel pretty stinkin' fancy, I tell ya what.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yes, I'm praying for you too, Dweej. So sorry things are so suck-tastic for you right now. I hope you don't have to move!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dwija, I'm covering you and your family in prayer. I know all too well how stressful life is when the hubby is unemployed and you're a stay at home mom doing your best to try to help out in some way. It's hard. Very hard. Hang in there and please let me know if you need to talk, vent, or just want more prayers. In the meantime, did you ever read my blog post about loving your husband when he's unemployed? If not, here's the link: http://christiansupermom.com/loving-husband-unemployed
    Maybe it will be helpful or encouraging in some way. I know how you feel about loving your new life right where you are and wanting to raise your kids there. I feel the same about where we are. We moved out of the big city life for that very reason. We wanted to raise our kids somewhere wholesome and safe. But at some point, if my hubby's business doesn't work out, we may have to open his job search to a nationwide search. I dread the thought of that...

    Blessings,
    Rosann

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm saying prayers for you all. That hallway will come to an end soon and God's great plan will reveal itself to you. I wish I.could do.more than pass on that useless sentiment... hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dwija, it is okay to complain now and then. Not everyone is going to go our way. Sometimes God has a higher plan for us. For some of us all it takes is a whisper for others, we need a full on thump on the head. Lucky for me I fall somewhere in between. It helps me to remember that all things happen for a reason. Even if I don't always understand the reason at the moment.

    ReplyDelete
  15. You have encouraged me so much in my move - we are in a similar situation - so I understand wholeheartedly! Praying for you! It will be cool to look back 3 months from now and see how God's plan was worked out in both of our lives! B/c he always promises to provide for us!

    ReplyDelete
  16. This kind of broke my heart. I will pray for something to work out in your hometown. I know you completely love, support, and believe in your husband. And speaking as a husband, that can go a long way toward mitigating even the shittiest of situations.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Mark, it means a lot to hear from another husband that support and love is enough. Because I feel a little lost right now. I just...want to do more. But I don't know what that more is, you know?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just remember Gods plan for you is better than your own... but I will remind him (gently) that you would prefer that plan not involve a Uhaul thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  19. You sure use a lot of m's too!!! My goodness! Really hoping things get better for you guys! You'll make it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Damnit Dweej, you are NOT moving. You don't have a mortgage! You'll never be in such a good situation again. Are you on WIC? Because I'm sure you'd qualify and that would help with food. I have a gateway laptop that I retired last winter. The charging port is busted. I was going to try and solder in a new one, but didn't have a soldering gun and my hubs surprised me with a new one for Christmas. Do you think your Tommy could fix something like that? I'd send it to you if you promised to delete all the personal information and naked pictures off of it. (PS, kidding about the naked pics) Other options -switch roles. Maybe you could find something and Tommy stay home? We've talked about that lots of times. Sure, it would suck but it wouldn't be forever. *hugs hon*

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm sorry that you're under so much stress. I'm kind of in a similar spot but I don't have the added stress of having children to take care of. I know it's a tough thing to do but have you looked into food stamps or WIC? I got food stamps when I was in college and they helped out so so much with my little tiny college budget. I'm going to email you some other things I know of that I use to help supplement our budget.

    ReplyDelete
  22. What kind of work is Mr. Dweej looking for? I know a few people in Ypsi and Grand Rapids that might know about something...?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Praying for you and your family.

    And by the way - totally digging the hip hugger laundry basket. I can't seem to find one in my area and my poor laundry basket has seen better days.

    Remember, the God of peace and the peace of God will see you through ...

    ReplyDelete
  24. OK, now you know after reading all that, I'll be lighting a candle by my Blessed Mother - saying a prayer, I hope it will help. **hugs**

    ReplyDelete
  25. Prayers coming for you and your family. So many other commenters said it better than I could, but we are all here to lift you up and encourage you. God will provide!!! P.S. Can you please send me your mailing address, I have a little something I want to send you that I think your kids might like. Much love to you!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. A number of other posters mentioned food stamps and WIC. We also went through a period of extreme financial hardship and also live in Michigan and we went on both those programs as well as FIP and LIF program. Trust me I know how embarrassing it can be to have to go on public assistance, but for people like us this isn't a way to be lazy and mouch off others, it's just getting some help so we can get back on our feet. Food stamps and WIC will give you help with your grocery bill, FIP gives you cash each month to help with whatever bills you have and LIF will give you medical coverage so you don't have to pay those monthly insurance premiums (not to mention the medical bills that can rack up with four kids). Just go to Michigan's DHS website for all the information. Good luck and we'll be praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you so much, everyone, for your kind words and support. Everything always works out somehow. I'm just impatient to know when theis phase will finally be in the past. Soon, I hope :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh Dwija, I'm really sorry things are so tough right now. I really hope and pray that God opens some doors and that you can stay where you are. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Dwija, you and your family are in my thoughts always. Hang in there; things will turn around soon. I just know it.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Perhaps put up a temporary paypal donation button? I enjoy your blog enough to kick in a few bucks.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Loving prayers for you, my new bloggy friend. And to let you know, we manage just fine with a salary that qualifies us for the state's medical program. 40K UNDER, in fact. Which allows us to have our babies and raise them Catholic. So we do ~ our 7th is due in February. Besides, people who pay for their own college (like my kids will have to) are less likely to fritter away the time. And my husband is not lazy. Since his training was for the Protestant pastorhood, there's not many jobs eager for a man with theology and pastoral counseling degrees! You'll be fine. And I learned from your other post, reading much of it to my oldest kids. Thank you for sharing. You're on my Mama prayer list ~ Love, Allison

    ReplyDelete
  32. Praying for you and your family

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thinking of you, life's lessons are really tough but they always teach us something in the end and make us stronger! Keep thinking on what a beautiful, healthy family you have and remember a house is a house and only becomes a home with those who live inside it....saying all that I really hope your husband finds a job closer to home and you don't have to move and you get back to using those caps locks and exclamation marks very, very soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Dweej, is Tommy on LinkedIn? Can you possibly send me his resume? The Kelloggs connection w/ my bro didn't work out, but Kyle, my dad, and both of my brothers have connections all over the midwest (MI very much included!) and may know of something. At least, they can get his resume in the door and into the hands of the right people. If you send me specifics of what he's looking for, that would help narrow it down too. Also, he's probably already been down this road, but there are a few new factories and distributors opening in Three Rivers and Schoolcraft and they may be looking to hire. Those areas were laying people off a couple of years ago but, according to the some of the people at the parish at which we attend Mass when we are up there, the plants are all beginning to hire again. As always, praying like a crazy zealot for you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Novena to Our Lady of Good Remedy. And a daily prayer to the Infant of Prague. They answered my prayers and I'm sharing the devotions!

    ReplyDelete
  36. mk- he is not on linkedin yet. He's been spending so much time applying to different jobs that he hasn't really done the networking side as much. I will see about sending you his resume...and maybe put him on linkedin myself ;)

    renee- thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'll be praying for your husband's job hunt. I hope you can stay in your home as well. You have such a positive outlook on life, although you say you don't. I know you can get through this. You have many friends who care deeply for you.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Dweej, networking is HUGE. I know it's super-time-consuming, but that's how Kyle has gotten all of his best jobs and promotions. LinkedIn really makes it kind of easy, once you set it up; kinda does the work for you. Careerbuilder.com is another place to put his resume and let HR people and recruiters find it and hunt HIM down. The act of looking for work, is a job in and of itself, isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Ok, I'm sure you guys are already praying like crazy, but if you're interested in another prayer say the Holy Cloak Novena. It's to St. Joseph (patron of workers!)and it AMAZING! Seriously, he never lets me down when I pray that one. St. Teresa of Avila was such a believer in the efficacy of this prayer that she said "If you really want to believe in it, prove it to yourself by reciting the Novena and you will be finally convinced."
    Emily C

    ReplyDelete
  40. LOVE YOU DWEEJ!!!!

    And lots of hugs, too.

    Everything will work out perfectly. And you are NOT being whiny. Trust me. I know whiny. Quite possibly I INVENTED whiny!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Sending up lots of prayers for you guys, Dweej. Things will get better.

    ReplyDelete
  42. For I know the plans I have for you, plans for a future and a hope.

    Just reaching out like this, is TIMING, and we've shared with each other about timing.

    The job thing will fall into place. I am reading about all the wonderful people that are asking for his resume, it will work out how it is meant to! I know it will!

    And the foodbank, wic, and foodstamps are all there for when you need them. If you qualify, and could use the help, by all means use your resources! There is no shame in getting help when you need it. I just turn it into a positive, and return the favor when I'm in a better spot. So when we can afford, to the foodbank we donate. Your post the other day about what being poor has taught you rang so true to me. So much so in fact that even as we struggle daily, I am planning to serve and give to others with even less. And that in return will not only fill my soul, but others' too.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Whiny? I think not, my friend and don't ever, ever apologize for sharing what is going on in your life.

    Many of us find ourselves boxed into some corner while we try desperately to figure out the constant challenges life presents us with. Having the ability to vent our frustrations often helps bring support if not a solution.

    I'm not terribly religious but I respect and trust that He does listen. I'll tug on His sleeve and send daily prayers your way.

    Hugs and Love, Dweej!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thinking of you all and praying it gets easier. I hope hope hope hope that your hubby finds a job closer and soon. Take care and try to stay positive. And don't worry about complaining to us--that's what we're here for :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. I so love your story...buying that house, pulling up stakes and making a life in MI. That takes guts, stamina and faith. All the things that you need in this situation. Isn't it great that you have them at your fingertips already?!

    Several years ago my husband's job ended after 20 yrs. We were in shock really. I am not saying I would ever want to go back to that, but there was real good that came of it. We relied on each other. Our prayer life was richer and more active than it had ever been. These things strengthened our marriage in ways that smooth sailing could not have. This I hope for you as well.

    You have my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'm praying for you, friend! But especially for that menacing & mocking "m"! :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Crummy. I'm sorry things are hard. I was just talking to someone the other day about the need to always feel bright and sunshiny on their blog because that's what their readers have become accustomed to. I'm glad you are honest, regardless of the tone, and if I must say, you are still upbeat considering what you are going through. I hope you get the answers you are needing very soon! Keep your head up!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hey Dweej, I read this days ago, but I'm just getting around to commenting. I am so sorry that things are hard right now, but I hope that my token of friendship brought you some joy. You are such a wonderful person and I'm so glad to have met you and I just love reading about your family. You guys are such a good bunch of people. I wish we all lived closer together.

    I really believe things will come together in a good way for you.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Your job in life is NOT being peppy for your readers! Sometimes it's hard to cope. Not long ago I was telling my sister-in-law that I have faith in God that everything will turn out, I wish he would just SHOW ME HOW. It is strange to have rock solid faith but yet feel totally freaked out but yes, it can be done! Another friend told me that when you rely on God you get what you need but not a second before you need it or a cent more than you need. And lo and behold, a freelance project that I was counting on to help with tuition bills did not materialize when it was supposed to this summer (and thus filling up my bank account for a while) but was finally approved to begin when my tuition bank account is pretty much empty. THANKS GOD... really! I do mean it! Thanks! But I would have like those extra checks! Oh well, no one ever promised me everything I like. Hang in there!!!!!!!

    Gail F

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'll echo the WIC suggestion. You have at least one kid under 5 and I'm pretty sure you meet the income requirements. It's actually a program set up to help moms feed their families and it's empowering to women. I'm on it and it's been a blessing.

    I also want to tell you that you have serious mad faith skillz because I couldn't have bought a house sight unseen and moved cross-country. You are amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I've been on food stamps for over two years for no good reason. Had two positive interviews for simple jobs in the last two weeks but no feedback yet...

    ReplyDelete
  52. I want our laundry basket back!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...