This is the day

Couldn't think of a better title. I haven't blogged in awhile, guess I just lost motivation.

It has been a traumatic month for me. So many things have gone wrong along the way, I keep thinking there has to be an end in sight.

I am still looking for full time, permanent employment. I am piecing part time jobs together to meet the bills. It is a real lesson in humility.

It is so hot here every single day. I have a covered parking place at home, which at first I didn't see why I really needed it but this summer I have discovered that parking under cover helps to keep the car not so hot, AND you can touch the door handle or the steering wheel and not get third degree burns from it. I have to pay extra for a covered space, but it has been worth it for that reason alone. However, in my apt. complex there are only limited amount of covered places to park, those are all paid spaces. Many, many times I have come home late at night and some person has parked in my space. Supposedly, if that happens, you call the after hours telephone number and have the courtesy officer come out and have the car towed. I have never done that, I just leave a note on the windshield (I am sure that doesnt help but it makes me feel better). The management company put out a letter earlier this month and said they will be reinforcing covered parking use. Make sure you have your parking tag visible in the window. So, anyway, supposedly parking is being reinforced. I came home 2 nights ago around midnight, and someone was in my place. Keep in mind, there are several space in my parking area that aren;t being used or paid for..for some reason, mine is the popular place to pull in. So, I decided to check out the towing system. Called the after hours number, made a complaint. Went to check again around 2am to see if the space was clear. It was but I am not sure the tow truck did the job, I am thinking someone had a guest who left. So, at 2am I went to move my car into my space and thought about my priorities now that money is tight. Do I really need a covered space for extra money a month? Got rid of my cable, didn,t get a converter box for my tv so all I see now is snow, I use wireless internet I can pick up on for free, I plan my driving around town so I don't have to drive back and forth needlessly. Covered parking seems like it would be something small or stupid, but it pays off for me. (mainly because where I lived last year parking was a total free for all and I always came home and had to fend for myself, which usually meant parking a block away and walking home, it was usually midnight or after and I never felt comfortable doing that) Funny, how little things mean a lot.

Speaking of little things, isn't it funny that, at least in my world, things like a flower or a Starbucks coffee reign huge in value? I have been a giver all of my life, I would totally give you the shirt off of my back if I thought you needed it more than I did. I often give away my stuff just for the sake of it. Recently, I had to re-evaluate that. I can't be quite the giver I have always been because I just can't afford it. That makes me sad. I can still give away my time, effort, and heart, though.

Sometimes, a new day brings new perspective. Today I love my parking spot, am grateful I don't live on the street (and yes, it has come very close to that), appreciate my parents and friends, and love my church. I also refuse to totally give up on the giving myself away thing. It is my MO and I will find ways to do it.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Sara