The last day of unemployment

Tomorrow I begin my new job. I'm excited to begin a journey to be part of something bigger than myself--to join a staff at a university where students now number in the thousands.

Yet I'll be in an office with only five other people, so there will be an opportunity for intimacy of a sort as well. I'm hoping to get to know students and perhaps help them in their experience as they take steps in their transitions.

Our friend Jeremy, an IT whiz at Bethel, e-mailed me a map and a schedule--tomorrow is the day new students and their parents arrive. I appreciate the heads up: I should probably get there plenty early to find parking and weave through the masses.

It was 30 years ago that I was one of those students, arriving on campus with my parents. I'll never forget the feeling after Mom and Dad left--and me not knowing anyone well at all (my sister had a couple of friends who attended).

Now I know a few people and will come home to my family every day. It's a little scary, but 30 years of growth and gray hairs has given me a bit of security.

Till next time,


Suzi

August=Allergies

Poor Raven is really suffering from his allergies. I've been giving him vitamins and antihistamines, and when I was newly home from the hospital, Christina gave him a bath with his special shampoo and conditioner.

I start work in two days, Christina is babysitting today, and Mark is at work with Tim, so I decided to take this time to give Raven a bath myself. As soon as he saw the hose (we only do outdoor bathing with our pets) he tried to bolt, but I had already tethered him to the banister on the front steps.

Apparently he has forgiven me, because he's curled up right next to my chair, and he's not itching (at the moment).

It's always a little hard to say good-bye to summer, but it's nice to see the seasons change, the kids go back to school (the ones still in school anyway) and the cooler temperatures. And although I'm not real keen on the prospect of frozen temperatures and snow right now, I am looking forward to relief from sneezing and itching.

Oh, not only for Raven, cause it seems all of us are going through the Kleenex pretty quickly. At least Raven doesn't require me to blow his nose for him. (Not that anyone else has in a long time...)

Till next time,


Suzi

Church in the park

Yesterday we had a combined church service in a park with two other churches, followed by a bring-your-own picnic. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. After I got home I found that I had a pink v-shaped area on my neck and below to match my pink blouse. Oh well, at least it's not peeling or too painful. I did bring a hat and umbrella, but I lent these to Christina and a friend.

On our walk before church, we had an unusual occurrence. Raven and I were walking along, minding our own business, when all of a sudden I heard someone cry "Hey!" from across the street. I looked up and saw what looked to me like a pit bull dog racing towards us. All of a sudden a car appeared, and I heard that sickening thud of a living being getting hit by moving metal.

The dog, however, merely doubled back and ran back to the yard. The driver circled back to see if the dog was okay. Raven and I watched for awhile, while the dog's owner put his pet in the fenced-in yard and talked briefly to the driver, assuring her that the dog was fine. Feeling like we'd do more harm than good if we stayed, Raven and I continued on our way.

Perhaps nothing would have happened if the dog and Raven met--or maybe that dog would have tried to take a piece out of one of us. I guess I was grateful the dog hadn't completed his journey across the street, but sorry he got hurt.

At any rate, we made it home and to church on time to enjoy testimonies of others, seeing how God is at work in the church parent and daughter churches. It was good to gather with other believers and enjoy the Creator's handiwork on a beautiful Sunday morning.

Till next time,


Suzi

Another woo hoo!

I saw the name on caller ID: Bethel University. I had had five interviews for four different positions at Bethel. So far, nothing had panned out. I picked up the phone with more than a little anxiety, but kept my voice calm and pleasant.

It was the Human Resource administrator. Steeling myself for another "we've decided to explore other candidates at this time, but we will keep your resume and application on file for ...." I instead heard, "We'd like to offer you the position of Administrative Assistant for the Department of Anthropology and Sociology."

I was excited and eager to share my news. This is will be a part-time job, so it will still allow me to volunteer at church and possibly Christina's school. I'll be back at my alma mater, and I get a tour of the expanding campus on my first day on the job, next Thursday, August 31.

It was four months ago to the day that I lost my old job. Four months from now is Christmas. I consider this an early present--and not only for me, but for Tim, who is celebrating his birthday today.

Happy birthday honey! He has been my rock and support throughout this whole job search, as well as (of course) throughout our 23 years of married bliss. I'm grateful to have such a wonderful life partner and hope I can return in a small way what he has given to me for over two decades.

Till next time,


Suzi

Woo hoo!

Today I went to the doctor--hopefully the last doctor visit for awhile! It was to see my endocronologist for my diabetes check up. Actually we met in the elevator on the way to his office. Fortunately (for conversation purposes, that is) it had stormed the night before so we something to small talk about on the way up the elevator and down the hall.

Then, in his office, I got some good news! My A1c was 5.6! This number measures my blood sugar levels over the past three months--the months that I have been on my insulin pump. My numbers in the past have hovered around 7 or even above (last appointment it was 8.4!). The doctor likes to see it under 7. He was very pleased with my lab numbers. My triglycerides were the lowest I think they've ever been (201--so there is still room for improvement as 149 is the magic number). Another area for improvement is my good cholesterol could have a higher reading. My overall cholesterol reading was 123! (200 is the highest they like to see.)

So I'm definitely on the path to good health. Of course, we never know what may loom on the horizon, but I think I'll savor this good report for awhile.

Till next time,


Suzi

Back in the saddle

Now that my two-week recovery period is over, I guess it's back to work. This morning Tim and I were up early and I met him and Mark and Christina (yes, that's right, Christina) at a job. I was able to help for only about an hour, then on to meet with our pastor. I had promised him (our pastor) help with various publications/communications at church earlier in the summer, but had been sidetracked by my illness. Now I've got assignments: to work on a newsletter, get welcome cards, booklets and envelopes printed, and update the website.

Two job interviews are behind me now and I await their outcome. I'm excited about what the future holds. As I went to the bank yesterday, I read a famous quote by Chuck Swindoll on the banker's desk. It's a terrific reminder for me, especially in this transitional time when discouragement seems to come easily:

Attitude by Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

Ninety percent of life is up to us! I'm going to try to remember this every time I'm tempted to whine or complain about my circumstances. I'll be grateful for what I have, who I am, and try to pass this positive spirit to those around me.

Till next time,


Suzi

Two week check up

Today is my post-op visit at the doctor. Scars are healing, energy and strength are returning. Yesterday I went to the grocery store and carried in my usual shopping stuff.

I'm hoping to get a pronouncement of "resume all normal activities" with the possible exceptions of heavy housework, laundry and heavy duty drywall work :).

It sure has been a lot easier recovery than when I had emergency C-sections. But then, I was also recovering from hours of labor, toxemia (in the first birth), and adjusting to a newborn (plus a toddler after the second birth).

Now I'm coping with career issues, mid-life changes and questions for both Tim and me, teenage struggles and Raven's allergies.

So I'm grateful to have the strength to deal with these things--but to know my real strength is not my own, but comes from above.

Till next time,


Suzi

Whoopi Goldberg?

After reading Rodney's blog at The Journey, I decided to try, as he did, to see what celebrities' faces came closest to my own. You can have a look at this link. The funny thing is, when Tim tried it, we found we both matched Whoopi Goldberg! View Tim's matches here. What amazed us both is that Dick Cheney did not come up for Tim. And I was disappointed I didn't match Susan Dey or Ali McGraw. Oh well.

Still waiting to hear back about job opportunities. Tim's got plenty of work right now, so I may help him out a bit. Not sure I'm up for lifting 50 pound boxes of mud yet, but maybe I could push a broom or spot a couple of nails.


Till next time,


Suzi

A full weekend

On Saturday morning, Chi Yam borrowed a bicycle and headed out. Less than 2 hours later, he was back--having taken a bike path south to Minneapolis, across the Mississippi River and back north to the suburb of Fridley--about 9 miles round trip. Whew!

Tim called in the afternoon and invited us to meet him and the boys at Old Country Buffet. Finally Chi Yam was able to have some rice and other food resembling something from home. He rode back home with Mark, and then the two of them set off for another bike ride--ending up downtown at the sculpture gardens.

By the time Chi Yam got home he was wiped out and had a headache. He was in bed by 7 pm. About an hour later, Christina's boyfriend Pete called, saying Christina was over at Terry's new house, locked in the bathroom, sicker than a dog. We came over, armed with blankets, a pillow, a bucket, tums and Sprite. We managed to get Christina home and in bed. I spent an hour or so in her room till she settled down, then dragged myself to bed around midnight.

In the morning I went to check on Christina. Instead of my daughter, I found my dog sprawled across the bed up by the pillows. I said, "Raven, where is Christina?" To my surprise, a voice answered me, "She's sleeping on the couch." This voice sounded like Mark, so I looked up and saw him in the top bunk. So, the dog gets the big bottom bunk and the boy the top smaller bed.

Apparently Christina had gotten up and sacked out on the couch after I left her room. When Mark got home, he asked her to leave the place where he had been sleeping (since Chi Yam was in Mark's room) but she instead offered Mark the upper bunk since she had been laying on the bottom bunk with a bucket nearby.

Now everybody is back in their rightful spots--Chi Yam is back with his host family. Raven, poor puppy, is dealing with his own health issues--August allergies. We give him pills, oatmeal baths, and lotions, but he still suffers. Ah well, the first snow is just around the corner.

Christina was lots better by last night, back to giving orders and keeping food and drink down. Hopefully no one else will get sick this week.

Till next time,


Suzi

End of the Spear

Last night Tim, Chi-Yam and I watched The End of the Spear on DVD. It was the story of the five missionaries who were trying to make contact with the remote Waudoni (Auca) tribe back in 1955-56. After an initial friendly contact, they were speared to death. Later, Rachel Saint (sister of one of the martyrs who was the pilot Nate Saint) and Elisabeth Elliot (widow of Jim Elliot) met some Auca women and went back to live with them to share the love of God and faith and forgiveness.

It was quite a moving story and even though I'm very familiar with it and have actually been to some of the places where it was filmed, I was still moved. I remember in 1978 listening to Rachel Saint tell a group of us college students about her experiences with the Aucas. I was then a summer missionary at HCJB Radio Station in Quito, Ecuador.

At one point early on in the movie, little Steve Saint asks his father if he will defend himself if attacked by the Aucas. His father replies, "We can't kill the Waudoni. They aren't yet ready for heaven. We are."

Steve Saint goes back to the jungle as a boy and later as a man. The one who speared his father later comes to faith and becomes like a father to him and a grandfather to his children. Some of the out takes of the movie show the real Steve Saint and Mincayani (his Waudoni father) in the United States. Mincayani marvels at the stores filled with food, and how you can go to a line to take your food, and someone smiles at you and you take the food with no effort. Steve tries to explain that, "Well, I have to give them something for the food (a credit card)," but Mincayani retorts, "But they give it right back to you!"

It's worth a look if you get a chance. There is some violence, due to the nature of the story, so little children might not do well to watch. But it is such an amazing story of God's love and redemption and his power to work change in the human heart.

Till next time,


Suzi

A good day

Yesterday was a full day, from my interview at Bethel in the morning (it went very well I think!) to dinner with Cheri and clan last night. It was so fun to see them all--we brought Chi-Yam with us as well as Mark, Christina and Pete (Christina's boyfriend). Daniel was very happy that we had recovered his computer cord (the one used to download photos from his camera to his laptop). Apparently it was hiding out in our camper, but Tim had retrieved it since our Cornerstone trip and now it is back in the hands of its rightful owner.

I'll try to post some pictures of the Shields gang (I know, I promised other pictures earlier)--I'm just waiting for Tim to download them onto his computer.

I was a bit tired and sore at the end of the day, so I resorted to my pain meds and had a great night's sleep. This morning Chi-Yam and I inflated our basketball so maybe he can shoot some hoops across the street. Christina's home today, so if I can get her up maybe she can entertain Chi-Yam. He is really a very nice boy and shares our love of maps. Did you know you can travel to China from Hong Kong by train, bus or ferry, but not by car?

Perhaps I'll have learn some more interesting facts in the next couple of days.

Till next time,


Suzi

More fun stuff

This morning is my interview with the Department of World Languages, which is a 15-hour a week job. Yesterday I also got a call for an interview with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology for another 15-hour a week job at Bethel. If I qualify, I could work both, and still probably have a day off!

Another big piece of news: I got a call yesterday to see if we could host a boy from Hong Kong for the weekend. His name is Chai-Yam (pronounced chee yam) and he is very nice, quiet and polite. At first I wasn't sure it would work with my busy schedule today (interview and then dinner tonight with my sister and her family) but we decided to give it a go. His host family will be back on Sunday afternoon, so we'll have about 4 full days with him--fun!

Well, I better get ready for the interview...we'll keep you posted!

Till next time,


Suzi

One week later

It's been one week since my surgery. I'm healing up pretty well--bandaids are off, incisions are healing, and it was time to go in for my blood test for my diabetes appointment next week. I went to the lab at the hospital and hopefully had blood drawn for the last time in awhile.

So, I'm back to the job search. Monday night I decided to check Bethel's website and found two administrative positions, both set to expire the next day. I decided to fill out an application again and sent an e-mail to HR personnel with my resume (again).

I got a call yesterday from HR asking a few questions for a brief phone interview. Then today I got a call from the department asking for an interview. Tomorrow at 10 am I will interview for a position with the Department of World Languages.

I'm hoping my degree from Bethel in cross-cultural communications in addition to my experience with AFS (including hosting 5 exchange students) will be a plus.

We'll see!

Till next time,


Suzi

Another milestone

It's funny how you measure little things when your normal routine is interrupted. For me, the most recent hurdle in my recovery is sleeping through the night. Last night I had a complete uninterrupted night's sleep, and I feel great.

Yesterday I went out to lunch, made a trip to the grocery store (with Mark who hauled everything for me) and attended a 90 minute meeting at church. I was in bed before 10 and asleep before 10:30.

This morning is another glorious one and Raven and I completed one of our regular routes without stopping. We even encountered several dogs and we survived that (one actually came out of his yard and got within several feet of us).

Today Christina will be babysitting all day and the Tim and Mark are at work. I'll try to do some tasks around here, and maybe I'll revisit my DVD library. Perhaps today will be a Zorro day...

Till next time,


Suzi

A walk in the park

This morning is a beautiful summer morning. The sun is shining, there is a slight cooling breeze, and temperatures are around 70 degrees.

So, Raven and I decided to take our first full-fledged post-surgery walk. We took our time, but we did venture down to Crystal Lake to enjoy the view. We rested at a park bench for awhile, looking over the lake towards the hospital, which loomed above the trees on the opposite shore. I said a prayer for surgeons who, at that very hour, were doing life-saving work on patients. Im really grateful we live so close to such a competent, caring healing center.

I chatted with a friend I haven't seen in awhile--she was driving by the park and had a new exchange student--a girl from Japan--with her. It made me a little envious, but perhaps another year we'll take on an exchange student again.

I brought up a little laundry from downstairs (don't worry mom, it wasn't much!) and think now I'll take a little rest and have some breakfast. Recovering from surgery makes me appreciate the ability to go out and do simple things like walk around the neighborhood. There is such a feast for the senses on such a perfect day! I'm thankful for God's creation around me and the ability to enjoy it.

Till next time,


Suzi

A bit of a bump, but back on the road again

Yesterday was not as good a day as the days before, but today so far things are going pretty well. I suppose I'll have to expect that I may have some set backs along with my progress. Today I feel I have more mobility and less soreness, but am still a little tired.

Mom and Dad said good-bye last night, and just as they were leaving I had to run to the bathroom where I left supper's contents. (That wasn't too graphic, right?) But, I talked to them on the phone today and was able to tell them I'm doing lots better. They are on their way to my older sister's house in Wisconsin.

It was so wonderful to have my parents here. They've struggled with some health concerns in recent months, but they were both perky and healthy when they were here. I feel so blessed to have spent this quality time with them--only wish I had been able to wait on them instead of the other way around!

Have fun with the folks, Cheri! Hope they can take care of you as your hand continues to mend!

Till next time,


Suzi

The day after the day after

Well, Raven and I ventured out for a little walk today. We went done to the woods by our house and enjoyed a cool summer morning with a wonderful breeze. He was pretty good, accommodating my slower steps--until we saw a couple of little dogs. But I was able to rein him in and there were no mishaps.

Mom and Dad spent the day yesterday cleaning my living room. I mean, moving furniture, dusting everything, getting on your hands and knees kind of stuff. Mom organized my linen closet and even climbed up on a chair (she is 5'2"). I was amazed and grateful.

My friend Judy brought over fried chicken, cantaloupe and grapes, corn on the cob, chips, and cookies with cookie dough ice cream cake. Luke stopped over, as well as Christina's friend Pete, so we had enough for the eight of us. After dinner, I asked Pete to take a picture of the seven of us. He took about a dozen so I'll have to look to find the best one of me and post it here soon.

Thanks again for continued prayers!

Till next time,


Suzi

Takin' it easy, takin' it easy...

Well, I'm back at my computer. As I said yesterday, the surgery went well. The doctor did find something funky on an ovary, so he had a quick test done and found it to be benign, so he still took it out laproscopically. I don't know how he got the results back so quickly, but if it had been malignant, he would have had to remove it with a larger incision and I'd be sitting in the hospital instead of at my computer, facing a six-week recovery and a 3-5 day hospital stay!

My parents arrived late afternoon, and they've been taking good care of me. Actually, I've been feeling pretty good--last night we met the other grandparents over at Luke's house. I was a little tired this morning, though, and as I reviewed my discharge orders I read that I was supposed to stay home for the first 24 hours. Oh well. At least I haven't walked Raven yet--Tim, Grandpa and the kids have been taking care of that.

This morning Mom brought in a little bell to me and set to cleaning and straightening the kitchen. Dad wanted to vacuum, but Mom made him wait till I was awake. He found a vacuum bag and emptied the old one, and is vacuuming as I blog.

It sure is nice to be cared for so sweetly. Makes me wonder why I ever decided to grow up...

(Note to husband and kids--I know you care for me too and thank you!)

Till next time,


Suzi

Home sweet home

Well, I'm home after a successful surgery. I'm on pain meds, but really am doing pretty well--a little sore and fuzzy from the pills and anesthesia, but otherwise good and thankful. I'll write more tomorrow!

Thank you all for prayers and concern!

Till next time,


Suzi

Tomorrow is the big day!

I don't think I'll blog tomorrow, the day of my surgery... Today I'm working on getting the house shaped up and taking care of details like making jello for supper (and buying beef broth). I suppose it's better than going to the hospital the night before to eat whatever is set before me there, and also it will be good to be cleaned out rather than risking a nicked intestine spilling out. Okay, enough said.

It's a beautiful day today, so I'm going out to enjoy it. Yesterday I went to a taste test and got a little bit of money so I'll put that in the bank to cover all but three dollars of what Raven's vet bill came to. Christina is babysitting today, Mark got home last night but is working with Tim today, so Raven and I have the house to ourselves.

I'm going to hit the grocery store to buy a couple of bags of salt for the water softener. (I won't be able to lift for awhile after tomorrow.) Then some food for the family that will be easy to prepare but healthy too.

I'll blog as soon as I can after surgery to let you know how things went (promise I won't be too graphic!).

Till next time,


Suzi

Parents are coming...

I tried calling my folks at home today, but didn't reach them so I resorted to their cell phone. They answered, which meant only one thing--they are on the road.

Mom hinted that they might be leaving this morning to head north. Dad only said today that they would be at our house "post-op."

I'll just be glad to see them. Today I take Rave to the vet for a minor problem and then go to a taste test to try to make a little money to cover part of the vet bill. Then work on the house to get it ready for my time at home recovering and for my parents' arrival.

Heads up sisters: they are hitting Chicago first and then Wisconsin. Depending on their reception at those two locales, they will be arriving in Minnesota shortly or longly after that.

Till next time,


Suzi

Off to the county fair

Mark left this morning with his guitar and backpack. He is going to western Illinois to play at the County Fair in Quincy, IL.

He's joining our former worship leader, Steve, who will be traveling with his wife, Kristen. They're headed toward the land of Cornerstone, only a bit west and I think a little south of there. Quincy is right on the Mississippi River.

This time last year Mark was in Moldova, exploring that former Soviet Republic. This year the only trips he's made are to central Illinois and back.

But he's looking forward to his time away, and we'll be anxious to hear how it went. The little band is auditioning for some possible future gigs, so we'll see if it leads to bigger and better venues.

Possibly a concert tour in eastern Europe?

Till next time,

Suzi

PS I just remembered that Mark also traveled to Wisconsin (Madison area) with his high school band in the spring. Join a band, see the world!

A good kind of tired

By the end of the day yesterday, I was exhausted. But it was the good kind of tired--the kind from working physically and in other ways. It wasn't the kind of exhaustion that can't really be defined immediately (like from anemia or low/high blood sugar).

Yesterday after my walk I started preparing supper for my family (roast in the crock pot) and for some friends who just had a baby. (I fixed Swedish meatballs for them.) Tim called and asked if I could help him do some clean up at work. I moaned and complained that I had too much going on at home, but then called him back to say I would help him.

So, I swept and vacuumed for almost three hours at the jobsite. This time Luke and Mark were there working, too, so it was nice to be with all my boys. I did get some spray on myself when I walked under the stairs where Tim was spraying the ceiling, but I had the foresight to wear a hat this time.

When I left I made deposits at two banks (small deposits) and went to get license tabs for two vehicles. I came home and wrapped up dinner for our friends with the new baby. It was fun meeting little Benjamin--he is a welcome addition to the household with two big sisters (ages 2 and 4, I think)--they are both very proud to be mom's big helpers with their new brother.

When I got home, everyone had arrived, so we sat down to eat. Then Tim gave me a progress report on our friends who are in a transitional point with their housing. We decided to let them stay in our camper, plugged into another friend's house that is for sale. We went to pick them up, and they were very grateful. They had to have everything out of their apartment this morning and really had nowhere to go, as all leads had been exhausted. They were not looking forward to spending the night with their dog in the garage where they had been allowed to store things until they found something more permanent.

So, we helped them move some things and picked up the trailer to take to our friend Nate's house. Nate met us there and helped get our friends settled.

I'm hoping this couple will find permanent housing and jobs soon--and they have a few leads. If you think of it, please pray for them.

BTW, my pre-op went well on Wednesday. My hemoglobin has soared to 11.7--which is considered normal! I had an EKG which was also normal and other tests which turned out well. God is good!

Till next time,


Suzi

Busy busy day...

Been running from morning till night. Sooooo tired. Will blog again tomorrow.

Till next time,


Suzi

One week countdown...

This morning I have my pre-operative exam with my family doc. I'm supposed to bring the bottles of all my medications and I suppose I'll have some blood drawn as well as other check-up type stuff.

It rained almost all last night--which is really good, because I think we're still below where we should be for this time of year. Tim and I were up late because the kids didn't get home as early as we thought they would--rain/storm related delays. Raven came in our room--he's sort of a chicken when it comes to storms.

Finally all were home safe and sound. We were especially concerned about Mark as he was riding his motor scooter.

I guess I'm still a bit of a mother hen. I don't mind a night-time storm, but I like to know all my chicks are safe and sound while the wind blows and the lightning flashes.

Next Wednesday, I'll have to relinquish my hen title and allow others to take care of me. It can rain all it wants that day. But hopefully I'll be up and about the next day and good as new in a week or so!

Till next time,


Suzi

Humid

Early this morning storms came rumbling through town, bringing needed rain and relief from the 100 degree temperatures. This morning's walk was in about 78 degree weather, but the dewpoint is still way up there at 70.

However, I'm not complaining too much. The air conditioner can keep up much better with cooler temps outside and overcast conditions. Yesterday it was 84 degrees inside, even with the air running full blast. This morning it's much better at 75 degrees upstairs--and actually 70 in the office here where I have a wall a/c unit.

I'm going to try to remember these days when January comes and the cold winds and snow are blowing and temperatures struggle to reach above zero...

Ah, Minnesota.......

Till next time,


Suzi