October 17, 2014: Work Stress

The last few months were stressful for me as I had found out that 3 of us clerks were going to be laid off.   It was difficult for me, as I loved working at the Health Department.    I enjoyed working Immunizations and Food Sanitation.   I loved my coworkers, Dawn Benkert, Julie Henley, Ivi English-Benes, Kevin Green, Krista Latsch, Sarah Krehn, Linda Scott, Ann Kolopus, Joyce Rademacher, etc.  

There were times over the years that I got tired of covering for people who were constantly calling in sick, but overall, I really liked the job.  

Yesterday, I had an interview with District Court in front of 6 ladies.   It was stressful, but I did a good job.  I was going to get hired for the job.  A few hours later, I interviewed at the Prosecutor's Office which didn't go very well.      Someone whom I thought was a friend said some things about me which made me decide not to work there.   I was quite devastated that someone could say those things about me, especially when I am a good worker.   I spoke with my union representative, Kevin, who recommended me not taking either job and go to the Drain Commissioner's office, as originally planned.   Meanwhile, while I had gone on those interviews, Penny had sent an email to the head of Human Resources trying to get into the Drain Commissioner's office. At the time, she thought I was taking one of those those jobs, but I didn't.  

In the early morning, I thought I wouldn't have a job at all, as there was a mix up with which job I was going to take.    I had to contact the head union representative to get it straightened out.     By noon, it was confirmed I would be going to the Drain Commissioner's office.

Kevin Green, Max Bjorkman, Rob, Adam Rosema, and Terry took me to lunch at Bernie O's Pizza.    Max said he would work in my new department until he retired. He said that the clerk job is probably the easiest clerk job in the County of Muskegon.    He said the ladies there are very nice, which I have soon found out to be the case.    They love Ryke's too...another big plus.

My coworkers got both Penny and I a Ryke's cake which tasted so good.

I had worked in the Health Department since October 2003.    

September 13, 2014: Baptism at Harvest Bible Chapel

When I found out that this weekend was the Baptism service,  I started thinking about my own walk with God.   I have thought about getting Baptized as an adult...just between me and God.  I was baptized as a baby and again with my dog in Lake Michigan,  but this time was different.   I won't need to be baptized again as I have now done this for myself as an adult.

I mentioned it to my mom and she said why do you need to do that again.  She didn't understand it.  I was sad that she didn't come with me to church tonight for my baptism.  

Harvest Bible Chapel in Spring Lake has taught me so many good messages.   The pastor says "Work for God, not for man". This message is so true as we live in a world where companies do not care about their employees and at the drop of a hat will eliminate someone's job.  This has happened to me twice at the County of Muskegon.   The first time it was in Equalization when an appraiser tech position was eliminated which made the appraiser have to bump into a clerk position leaving me to bump into the health department.  Now, 11 years later,  I am back to having my job cut due to budgetary reasons.   This is why I have to remember the pastor's message about working for God and not for man.

Anyway,  I was a little nervous about getting baptized.  I listened to a video about a couple in church who were on the brink of divorce just after marriage.  They turned their lives to God and eventually got baptized.  It brought tears to my eyes.  As I walked on stage to the back of church, the pastor's wife, Kristen Wisen, smiled and gave me a hug.  

I walked down some flights of steps to another room where I was met by several people in the church involved in the baptismal process.   I was greeted with smiles and encouragement.   I was given a plastic bag with shorts, sports bra, underwear, and t-shirt for the baptismal water.   Once I had my new clothes on. I met with Randy Moeller whom I explained what brought me to this day.   He said although life isn't always smooth,  God would be with me through it all.  We said a prayer and then I walked up the steps to another room to give them my name.   I got instructions from another person on what would happen.

As I walked out on stage to the baptismal tub, I got a little nervous.   I got in the water which was nice and warm.  Pastor David Wisen said a joke to the congregation about the temperature of the water being nice and warm which made me laugh.   I spoke through the microphone in front of the congregation about being baptized as a baby but now wanted to as an adult.  I mentioned about my dad's suicide when I was 10 and my battles with depression and anxiety and how it has been very hard this year.  I mentioned I was losing my job and knew it was time to trust and follow the Lord with my future.  I then got immersed in the water and heard a loud cheer and clap.  What a wonderful feeling to now be baptized and continue to have God direct me in my path of life.

I came down the back steps back to the first room and heard cheers and congratulations.  I got to keep the t-shirt and put the wet clothing into the laundry basket.  The church thought of everything for a baptism from the baptismal clothes, to the hair dryer, makeup, and brushes.  There was no excuse for someone to not get baptized. I came back upstairs and was greeted with a hug from a lady in my new bible study.   Thank you Lord for this great church.   It hasn't always been an easy ride, but I am glad I have stuck with it and continue to learn good messages to help me in this crazy life.  

August 24, 2014: My 40th Birthday

I still can't believe I am 40 years old.  I woke up a little anxious.  Mom gave me a birthday card and a cute book about what has happened in the world in the last 40 years.

We had a wonderful brunch at Buddy V's at the Venetian Hotel.   This is the Cake Boss's Italian restaurant that just opened in Fall 2013.   All of the dishes were family recipes.   Looked at the photos of the family on the walls.   Talked with a manager who said that Buddy was in town, but at meetings, but would be coming into the restaurant later.

After brunch, we took the gondola ride inside the Venetian.  It was $18 each for a 15 minute ride.  I bought a cute wallet at Michael Kor's store.    Mom found a Coach wallet she liked.   Both wallets fit our I-phones.

I had make the mistake of wearing new sandals so one of was rubbing against my foot causing me great pain.   I hobbled along the Strip to the Mirage Hotel and got a bandaid.  I wanted to see the famous tigers there, but they no longer have them on display, unless you want to pay.  

Went to Mandalay Bay to see the Cirque de Soleil --Michael Jackson show.  I enjoyed the show and music.   Mom fell asleep during parts of it.  I can't understand how she could fall asleep with the loud music.

We came back to the hotel for a nap.  Then, we went to the Brittany Spears concert at Planet Hollywood Casino.   Brittany sure put on a good show, with many changes in costume.  
I would have to say that this was the most awesome 40th birthday.

August 23, 2014: Las Vegas

We had a nice breakfast at our hotel. It was about $23 per person.  We started talking about how we should rearrange some furniture at home.  My friends on Facebook said we shouldn't be doing that and should be walking down the Strip and exploring the area.    I got a laugh out of the comments.
We had to get our tickets to the Cirque de Soleil-Michael Jackson at the Mandalay Bay Casino.   We went through the casinos and shops on our way to the hotel.   We walked about 26,000 steps that day.

We had tickets to "Legends in Concert" as mom wanted to see that show.   It was a good show.  We also went to the Divas Show which was a female impersonator show.

I wanted to see if we could get tickets to the Brittanie Spears's concert at the Planet Hollywood Casino.  I was happy she added some shows, as the other ones were sold out.   I was thrilled to get us tickets to her show.  

We had pizza for dinner and then went to the top of the Eiffel Tower to see the night view of the Vegas Strip.   It was gorgeous up there.  We could see the waterfall show across the street at the Bellagio Hotel.   We did some more walking along the Strip.

August 22, 2014: Las Vegas

On Friday, August 22, Mom and I left for Las Vegas in order to celebrate my 40th birthday.   I sent a text to Kelsey on her birthday saying "Happy Birthday and that I was still in my 30's".  She sent me a picture of she and Charlene hiking at Cannonsburg.  She wanted to see the sunrise, but it was cloudy.

Our plane went from Grand Rapids to Denver to Las Vegas.  We stayed at the Hotel Paris.  The line to check-in to the hotel was ridiculously long.  I think we stood in line for about 45 minutes.  When we got to the room, my anxiety was quite high. I was in tears and thought I was going to die.   I had read in People Magazine about Robin William's suicide which was the worst thing I could have read. He was a great actor and comedian.   I took an aspirin and rested.

We went for dinner at the restaurant at the Eiffel Tower.  We ended up at a table by the window.   We were at the corner so we could see out both windows.  It was gorgeous.  The food was fantastic.   I would highly recommend this restaurant.  

Mom wanted to get tickets to see "Jersey Boys" as she heard it was so good, so we went to that show. It was a good show.   It was playing at our hotel.   Then, we walked down the strip towards the Venetian Hotel and got cannoli and lobster tail desserts from Carlo's Bakery.  I am in love with the Cake Boss so wanted to see his bakery and restaurant inside the Venetian Hotel.  We were surprised with how the women were dressed walking around the strip.   They wore super short sweater dresses that barely covered their booty and held alcoholic drinks.    This must be a sign of my aging attitude.  

We thoroughly enjoyed our treats from Carlo's Bakery.