Thankful
Okay, I've been terrible about writing in my blog since college has been done. But in my defense, I haven't had internet at the apartment for the last 2 months (yes, we chose to not have internet.. shocker).
However, currently at my in-laws on Thanksgiving, I felt now is as good a time as any to reflect on all of the things of this past year or so and think of the things to be thankful for, or even not-so-thankful, but appreciating knowing that the situations could've been worse.
To start off our year, there were a few things that happened. Karl did not get into graduate school, which was quite devastating for us, as that was our plan for our future and careers in the area. He did get a job working as a driver for SW which was awesome to have an additional source of income. Shortly after he started working there, Karl's car was stolen. That really shook us up, but some family friends were able to get us a great deal on a car that was a newer model than the other one and had GPS and even seat warmers!! We were also blessed with tax refunds, insurance money and since Karl had recently been blessed with a job, we were able to afford it and what we needed to take out in a loan, Karl's parents offered to lend us interest free. (We're also close to paying that off which will be nice!)
We were also very blessed to go on a lovely anniversary cruise given to us by my lovely Aunt Heather. We felt so spoiled! It was the trip of a lifetime and we felt so lucky that we got to go on the cruise and explore these tropical islands and also explore downtown Miami! It felt like such a dream! (I realize I didn't do a blog post for any of the trip, but if you are friends with me on facebook I made albums for each day of the trip with photos and summary of the happenings). I am very thankful for the trip to my Aunt and for my wonderful Husband who kept his cool when I was flustered and nervous about traveling across the nation or working together to understand public transportation in downtown Miami. There is no one else I would rather have traveled with and explored with.
These last few weeks we've had a bit of car issues. I accidentally backed up into a car in our tiny new parking lot at our new apartment. We moved apartments due to rent increasing too much, having crummy loud neighbors, and people banging on our door one night trying to get in, we were just tired of it. We successfully moved, but now have a very very small parking lot and I backed into a car and we dealt with that. We also were recently hit while at a streetlight near Winco in Gresham and a truck scratched the passenger side of our 'new' car that we had gotten earlier this year.
However, in all of this, we always have enough money to pay our bills, tithe, make more than the minimum payment on our student loans, afford enough food for us to eat and have it be healthy, can still go out to eat occasionally, and afford Christmas presents for friends and family. We have a well furnished apartment and can entertain guests and have people stay over and share the blessing that have been poured out on us from support of friends and family. We are proud of our marriage and our relationship, and we know we are not perfect, but we certainly love one another and will stand by each other always. (I truly believe that the lack of internet these last few months has been FANTASTIC for our relationship as we interact so much more now and work together better on chores and cooking).
Life always has its ups and downs, but if there weren't downs, you wouldn't really be grateful for all of the ups. I have been blessed with a wonderful family and second family as I've been more integrated to Karl's family for the last few years. I have awesome friends who keep me in the loop after we've gone separate ways, and they make the effort to keep in touch and tell me of important life events as well as all of the little things that are happening. I've been blessed with amazing co-workers who I can invite over to craft with me or get together for dinners and drinks or have girl's night out. The Lord has provided for me in every need, and though I still have my Christmas Wish List, I will never skip the chance to thank and praise Him for all of the blessings he has poured out on my life and I hope to share my blessings with others.
I pray God blesses you and your family this holiday season. I'm thankful for you taking the time to read my blog and hope that you are encouraged to be a good steward of your blessings.
-M.E.
However, currently at my in-laws on Thanksgiving, I felt now is as good a time as any to reflect on all of the things of this past year or so and think of the things to be thankful for, or even not-so-thankful, but appreciating knowing that the situations could've been worse.
To start off our year, there were a few things that happened. Karl did not get into graduate school, which was quite devastating for us, as that was our plan for our future and careers in the area. He did get a job working as a driver for SW which was awesome to have an additional source of income. Shortly after he started working there, Karl's car was stolen. That really shook us up, but some family friends were able to get us a great deal on a car that was a newer model than the other one and had GPS and even seat warmers!! We were also blessed with tax refunds, insurance money and since Karl had recently been blessed with a job, we were able to afford it and what we needed to take out in a loan, Karl's parents offered to lend us interest free. (We're also close to paying that off which will be nice!)
We were also very blessed to go on a lovely anniversary cruise given to us by my lovely Aunt Heather. We felt so spoiled! It was the trip of a lifetime and we felt so lucky that we got to go on the cruise and explore these tropical islands and also explore downtown Miami! It felt like such a dream! (I realize I didn't do a blog post for any of the trip, but if you are friends with me on facebook I made albums for each day of the trip with photos and summary of the happenings). I am very thankful for the trip to my Aunt and for my wonderful Husband who kept his cool when I was flustered and nervous about traveling across the nation or working together to understand public transportation in downtown Miami. There is no one else I would rather have traveled with and explored with.
These last few weeks we've had a bit of car issues. I accidentally backed up into a car in our tiny new parking lot at our new apartment. We moved apartments due to rent increasing too much, having crummy loud neighbors, and people banging on our door one night trying to get in, we were just tired of it. We successfully moved, but now have a very very small parking lot and I backed into a car and we dealt with that. We also were recently hit while at a streetlight near Winco in Gresham and a truck scratched the passenger side of our 'new' car that we had gotten earlier this year.
However, in all of this, we always have enough money to pay our bills, tithe, make more than the minimum payment on our student loans, afford enough food for us to eat and have it be healthy, can still go out to eat occasionally, and afford Christmas presents for friends and family. We have a well furnished apartment and can entertain guests and have people stay over and share the blessing that have been poured out on us from support of friends and family. We are proud of our marriage and our relationship, and we know we are not perfect, but we certainly love one another and will stand by each other always. (I truly believe that the lack of internet these last few months has been FANTASTIC for our relationship as we interact so much more now and work together better on chores and cooking).
Life always has its ups and downs, but if there weren't downs, you wouldn't really be grateful for all of the ups. I have been blessed with a wonderful family and second family as I've been more integrated to Karl's family for the last few years. I have awesome friends who keep me in the loop after we've gone separate ways, and they make the effort to keep in touch and tell me of important life events as well as all of the little things that are happening. I've been blessed with amazing co-workers who I can invite over to craft with me or get together for dinners and drinks or have girl's night out. The Lord has provided for me in every need, and though I still have my Christmas Wish List, I will never skip the chance to thank and praise Him for all of the blessings he has poured out on my life and I hope to share my blessings with others.
I pray God blesses you and your family this holiday season. I'm thankful for you taking the time to read my blog and hope that you are encouraged to be a good steward of your blessings.
-M.E.
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