Kelly: There's a lot of it. I was an observer of this very sad but true fact. Today Holly and I ventured to Richmond to ask for help. Government help. In one week we will be the owners of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. AKA Food stamps. This was a decision we did not make lightly that took months of planning and careful deciding. I am not ashamed of it though...asking for help.
Holly made a comment on her facebook earlier this morning about waiting at the food stamps office. I'll go into that later. Anyway, we walked into the office and the waiting area was full. It was 8:20 in the morning and the office opened at 8:00. And the waiting area was already full. Was I surprised? No, not really. The Berea/Richmond area is notoriously low-income in some areas. What I was surprised about was that the waiting area was full after the office had been open for 20 minutes. Anyway, the process itself was rather painless, but this brings me to another point. I mentioned that Holly made a comment on her facebook. There were some comments on there that really upset me to be quite honest. The comments were attacking the church I had been attending for almost four years while as a student. Holly deleted the comment and the post, but I was just upset by this. How could a former member put blame on my church family that these needs of ours were not taken care of? First off, the blame should go to us; Holly nor myself never mentioned any of our needs. And even if we did, I would not have a doubt in my mind that they would be taken care of and then some.
I guess I was just a bit shocked at this person's opinion of my church's lack of support. For me, my church has never been anything BUT supportive. Enough about that...my point is simple; there are needs. The people in the waiting area, as my roommate said, did not look like they were cheating the system. They looked desperate. A family was willing to wait for an hour and a half. Hard times, my friends. Extend a helping hand; don't slap it away.
Holly: My interview with the case worker took a total of 10 minutes and she got a phone call from the front desk saying that her 10:30 appointment had showed up. It was 9 o clock. She had nowhere else to go, so she said she was going to wait. Tomorrow I have to take a paper from the office to work; essentially it's proof that I'm employed. Which led me to wonder, out of how many people I saw in the PACKED office this morning, how many were employed? I'm willing to bet not a lot. Because of my job I'm not even sure if I'll receive benefits (which is totally fine, by the way). Isn't that messed up? No. No...I guess it isn't.
As I just mentioned I won't be disappointed if I discover I'm ineligible, because, to me, it means that someone else needed the benefits more than me. Contrary to what I can imagine to be an overwhelming majority of the people in the PACKED office, I know where my next meal is coming from. I don't have to worry about supporting children. I have a reliable source of transportation, a comfortable living situation, and a job that fits me to a T. My roommate told me earlier this morning as we were leaving that she was a little wary about asking for government assistance, because there's always those out there that try to "cheat" the system. Which is awful, by the way. But as we left the office she said the people in there didn't look like they were trying to cheat anything: they looked desperate, like they didn't want to be there either, but they had no other choice.
It's just SAD!!! Really, really, really sad. It breaks my heart to see so much need in our community, but I'm grateful for the organizations and churches that do their best to try and minister to those needs. I'm grateful that the process was painless, because it needs to be. Yes, the comment about my church did upset me, but I'm not going to get into that because what I wanted to say was already said. I'm definitely going to bed counting my blessings tonight, and I hope all of you do the same.
Just be aware and be a good steward. Be grateful and thankful for what you have, even if it's "not a lot". There's always someone out there who has it worse off than you do.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Change EVERYBODY can believe in!
Kelly: No, this has nothing to do with politics, I promise. It actually has to do with, well...us. Last night, Holly and I stayed up until the wee hours talking about everything. Everything on our minds, and our hearts. The conversation started with me, pondering over a very powerful sermon that was spoken. When I was about to go to sleep, I was thinking to myself about my walk in Christ. Ever since I re-affirmed my faith in Christ over three years ago, I as well as others have noticed a change in me. A positive change. But in the midst of yesterday's sermon, I realized that "a good change" isn't enough anymore. I have to be perfect. If we want to live a Christ-like life, then we ALL have to be perfect.
Sure, easier said than done, right? That was the first thing that popped into my head. Well gee, thanks for lowering my self-standards to the point of almost non-existence. HELLLLOOOOOO!!!!!! The flashers went off in my head. This life, that I am living, is NOT. ABOUT. ME. It never has been!!! People, readers, it's about choices. I by myself cannot be perfect, but with God I can. It says in His word: "With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Now please don't misunderstand me. I am in no way trying to preach. We are just sharing what is going on in our lives and what we are going to do about it. Anyway, while sitting in church, I realized that I do the "big things" as a Christian and I do them well, well...you know what I mean. But then I thought of the "little" things; in my opinion the things that should matter. Then, it hit me again; accountability. I've never really asked for it. Ever. Many times in the past I have gotten these ideas of how to be a "better" Christian and what I can do. Everything goes hunky-dory for about a week or two, then all of a sudden I can feel myself slipping back into my old ways. Nobody was there to keep tabs on me, so for me it was just really easy to forget about what I was wanting to change. Before I knew it, I let myself take over again.
This is where you (the readers) come in. The changes we are making, though are important, are between us and God. If you are interested in what they are, please feel free to ask and we will be happy to discuss them with you. However, our request is simple; every once in a while, however often you feel led to do so, if you wish to do so, just see how we're doing. Doesn't matter how you ask, but this is something we would really appreciate. Think about it, consider, and if not, well then, now you know what's going on in our world. :]
Holly: Something else that's been weighing on us for a bit, and this is especially for our Christian readers (but if you're not and still would like to contribute, by all means please feel free...any advice is sound and considered), is how we should read our Bibles. Is there a right way? Is there a wrong way? How often? How do you know what to read? The thing is, I've tried the lists, the devotionals, but to me, it encourages passivity and the act of merely "checking things off a list". aka TOTALLY missing the point of growing in the Word. I've also tried reading whatever is on my mind for the day, and it goes ok for a bit, but then 2, 3, 4 days pass with nothing. Are we making this more complicated than it needs to be?
Friends, please do not misunderstand us. I love that my faith is being challenged right now. I don't think you should EVER stop questioning what you believe in and why you do what you do. That's my advice to you all: never stop questioning!
I cannot emphasize with Kelly enough: GET ON US ABOUT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please. And pray for us. The change thing is going to take some time, and our lives are going in very different directions now. Thanks all. :)
Sure, easier said than done, right? That was the first thing that popped into my head. Well gee, thanks for lowering my self-standards to the point of almost non-existence. HELLLLOOOOOO!!!!!! The flashers went off in my head. This life, that I am living, is NOT. ABOUT. ME. It never has been!!! People, readers, it's about choices. I by myself cannot be perfect, but with God I can. It says in His word: "With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Now please don't misunderstand me. I am in no way trying to preach. We are just sharing what is going on in our lives and what we are going to do about it. Anyway, while sitting in church, I realized that I do the "big things" as a Christian and I do them well, well...you know what I mean. But then I thought of the "little" things; in my opinion the things that should matter. Then, it hit me again; accountability. I've never really asked for it. Ever. Many times in the past I have gotten these ideas of how to be a "better" Christian and what I can do. Everything goes hunky-dory for about a week or two, then all of a sudden I can feel myself slipping back into my old ways. Nobody was there to keep tabs on me, so for me it was just really easy to forget about what I was wanting to change. Before I knew it, I let myself take over again.
This is where you (the readers) come in. The changes we are making, though are important, are between us and God. If you are interested in what they are, please feel free to ask and we will be happy to discuss them with you. However, our request is simple; every once in a while, however often you feel led to do so, if you wish to do so, just see how we're doing. Doesn't matter how you ask, but this is something we would really appreciate. Think about it, consider, and if not, well then, now you know what's going on in our world. :]
Holly: Something else that's been weighing on us for a bit, and this is especially for our Christian readers (but if you're not and still would like to contribute, by all means please feel free...any advice is sound and considered), is how we should read our Bibles. Is there a right way? Is there a wrong way? How often? How do you know what to read? The thing is, I've tried the lists, the devotionals, but to me, it encourages passivity and the act of merely "checking things off a list". aka TOTALLY missing the point of growing in the Word. I've also tried reading whatever is on my mind for the day, and it goes ok for a bit, but then 2, 3, 4 days pass with nothing. Are we making this more complicated than it needs to be?
Friends, please do not misunderstand us. I love that my faith is being challenged right now. I don't think you should EVER stop questioning what you believe in and why you do what you do. That's my advice to you all: never stop questioning!
I cannot emphasize with Kelly enough: GET ON US ABOUT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please. And pray for us. The change thing is going to take some time, and our lives are going in very different directions now. Thanks all. :)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Potpurri post #3
Kelly: Cut myself shaving seven times tonight. UGH!!! This is going to be a very...very long summer. I'm already 2 weeks into my summer class and it's been somewhat interesting so far. I'll just be happier when that class is over and all I have to do is work. I plan on doing lots of reading, so if there are any book suggestions please let me know. I have a few that I would like to read; My Utmost for His Highest, Heaven is for Real, The Reason for God and the Case for Christ just to name a few. In the meantime, I will FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS!
Yoda has been with us for a week yesterday. It's amazing to me how far she has come since last Friday. When we brought her home, she didn't leave her cat carrier for a few hours. We were getting pretty worried, until she came out and started exploring. Wiley wasn't too pleased; he hissed and tried to attack her on a few separate occasions. Poor Yoda was banished in the downstairs bathroom when we had to leave. Within two days she was wandering around like she owned the place, and she and Wiley are buddies now! They run around and play, lick each other, but still haven't slept together. As I write this she is sleeping beside me on the arm rest of the chair. She's become quite the cuddle bunny. Still trying to work on leaving us alone while we sleep. The both of them try to come in the room; we have blankets in front of our bedroom door. That reminds me...I'll have to post some apartment pictures later for those of you who haven't seen them yet. That's about all for now. Really not much has gone on...Holly and I have been struggling to find something to blog about. Thanks for sticking with us though!
Holly: Kelly and I have been on a bit of an ER kick for about a month now. Great show if you've never seen it before. I'm a big Dr. Carter fan...have been for ages. I just love his storylines and his character (next blog topic, sis???). Right now I'm on Stumbleupon. I still haven't "started" my job yet...silly HR still needs to get me into the system and make me a UK email address/web account so I can finish online orientation classes and thus start my job.
sldhfksjdflskdjflsasdkjfla
I'm currently reading from a new author: Patricia Briggs. Recommended by my adviser last semester, it's a fantasy type series, but some are set in modern times. Sort of like Harry Potter. Sort of. I've only read one book but I'm almost finished with it and I like it. We shall see how the rest go. Our neighbor's dogs are barking. Our other neighbor across the street has a bajillion-year-old Mustang that he insists upon starting up at about 5 in the morning every morning, only it takes about six or seven times to actually get the car started before it leaves. And it's not the quietest of cars either.
We're also working our way through the Harry Potter movies; just finished Prisoner of Azkaban tonight. My favorite, personally: I love Professor Lupin and I think it follows the book the best. I've also picked up knitting again for the first time in almost a year. Yay. :)
Back to stumbling. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend all!!!! <3
Yoda has been with us for a week yesterday. It's amazing to me how far she has come since last Friday. When we brought her home, she didn't leave her cat carrier for a few hours. We were getting pretty worried, until she came out and started exploring. Wiley wasn't too pleased; he hissed and tried to attack her on a few separate occasions. Poor Yoda was banished in the downstairs bathroom when we had to leave. Within two days she was wandering around like she owned the place, and she and Wiley are buddies now! They run around and play, lick each other, but still haven't slept together. As I write this she is sleeping beside me on the arm rest of the chair. She's become quite the cuddle bunny. Still trying to work on leaving us alone while we sleep. The both of them try to come in the room; we have blankets in front of our bedroom door. That reminds me...I'll have to post some apartment pictures later for those of you who haven't seen them yet. That's about all for now. Really not much has gone on...Holly and I have been struggling to find something to blog about. Thanks for sticking with us though!
Holly: Kelly and I have been on a bit of an ER kick for about a month now. Great show if you've never seen it before. I'm a big Dr. Carter fan...have been for ages. I just love his storylines and his character (next blog topic, sis???). Right now I'm on Stumbleupon. I still haven't "started" my job yet...silly HR still needs to get me into the system and make me a UK email address/web account so I can finish online orientation classes and thus start my job.
sldhfksjdflskdjflsasdkjfla
I'm currently reading from a new author: Patricia Briggs. Recommended by my adviser last semester, it's a fantasy type series, but some are set in modern times. Sort of like Harry Potter. Sort of. I've only read one book but I'm almost finished with it and I like it. We shall see how the rest go. Our neighbor's dogs are barking. Our other neighbor across the street has a bajillion-year-old Mustang that he insists upon starting up at about 5 in the morning every morning, only it takes about six or seven times to actually get the car started before it leaves. And it's not the quietest of cars either.
We're also working our way through the Harry Potter movies; just finished Prisoner of Azkaban tonight. My favorite, personally: I love Professor Lupin and I think it follows the book the best. I've also picked up knitting again for the first time in almost a year. Yay. :)
Back to stumbling. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend all!!!! <3
Friday, May 18, 2012
And Yoda makes five. With a job!
Holly: As I write this, Kelly, Catherine (apartment-mate) and I are observing our new addition get familiar with her surroundings. Yes, we brought home Yoda today. She's almost a year old and she's black and white. And an absolute doll! She likes to knead the carpet...and everything else, for that matter. Already purring and rubbing up on stuff. Considering she's been here for almost six hours and she just woke up from a "shock" nap not half an hour ago. By "shock" nap, I mean that she slept in her carrier for the majority of the afternoon. Kelly and I were worried for a bit. But all seems to be going ok now.
Wiley, on the other hand, is not pleased, as to be expected. He hasn't gone after her yet, but he hisses and meows every time he sees her. Hopefully he'll come around, but until then, we're supervising all felines very closely.
In other unrelated news, after many applications and countless prayers, I GOT A JOB!!!!!!! Yes, I received the phone call this morning at about 11 and I have been on cloud 9999999999 ever since! What I'll be doing is working with a lab group on Alzheimer's research: performing behavioral and cognition tests on aging Beagles. Beagles are being used as the model system because they share identical brain aging patterns with that of humans. I'll update more once I actually start...which is sometime next week, after bureaucratic paperwork doing on Monday. Weeee!!!
Kelly: And now she's behind the TV stand. Ok...yep. Typical cat. We're hoping that the hissy fits (no pun intended) will cease soon. Soon as in by the end of the weekend so we can go to class/work and not worry all day. Wiley is upstairs in my and Holly's room, sitting in the back corner. He's pouting. But every time I start petting him he purrs. He'll get over it.
Here comes Wiley...let the hissing continue. Or stop hopefully. As I often say, this too shall pass. In the meantime, I endured a pretty crazy day at work. Crazy as in long. As part of Berea's sealed deal, all students have to work. I looked and LOOKED for jobs, but could only find one in housekeeping. And my friend got the job for me. At first I was bitter about it because I was going to be working a crappy job with crappy hours doing stuff I already do at home. But really.......it's not that bad. In fact, even after only a week I have learned a lot about myself and what I can handle. Granted my achy joints are angry, but I'm hoping with more time my body will learn to adjust to being on my feet for a very VERY long time. Yoda is now fast asleep, wedged behind the TV stand. None of us have the heart to move her. It's her place now too. We will post pictures and such of her once she (and we) get more settled.
Wiley, on the other hand, is not pleased, as to be expected. He hasn't gone after her yet, but he hisses and meows every time he sees her. Hopefully he'll come around, but until then, we're supervising all felines very closely.
In other unrelated news, after many applications and countless prayers, I GOT A JOB!!!!!!! Yes, I received the phone call this morning at about 11 and I have been on cloud 9999999999 ever since! What I'll be doing is working with a lab group on Alzheimer's research: performing behavioral and cognition tests on aging Beagles. Beagles are being used as the model system because they share identical brain aging patterns with that of humans. I'll update more once I actually start...which is sometime next week, after bureaucratic paperwork doing on Monday. Weeee!!!
Kelly: And now she's behind the TV stand. Ok...yep. Typical cat. We're hoping that the hissy fits (no pun intended) will cease soon. Soon as in by the end of the weekend so we can go to class/work and not worry all day. Wiley is upstairs in my and Holly's room, sitting in the back corner. He's pouting. But every time I start petting him he purrs. He'll get over it.
Here comes Wiley...let the hissing continue. Or stop hopefully. As I often say, this too shall pass. In the meantime, I endured a pretty crazy day at work. Crazy as in long. As part of Berea's sealed deal, all students have to work. I looked and LOOKED for jobs, but could only find one in housekeeping. And my friend got the job for me. At first I was bitter about it because I was going to be working a crappy job with crappy hours doing stuff I already do at home. But really.......it's not that bad. In fact, even after only a week I have learned a lot about myself and what I can handle. Granted my achy joints are angry, but I'm hoping with more time my body will learn to adjust to being on my feet for a very VERY long time. Yoda is now fast asleep, wedged behind the TV stand. None of us have the heart to move her. It's her place now too. We will post pictures and such of her once she (and we) get more settled.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Internet, TV and Wiley; first apartment post!
Kelly: And at last, this small space is starting to feel like home. The three of us are on the newly installed internet, the TV is on and Wiley is running around playing. In case you don't know who Wiley is, he's our cat. And we all love him dearly. He loves to play...and wake me or Holly up at 2 in the morning to do so. He loves to cuddle too; there's nothing like coming home from a long day and seeing that furry gray face purring. It's as if he's saying "hello. I'm happy to see you. I hope you had a good day."
Yes, that picture is him. I love him. It's like having a child. Ok, enough about him for now. The remainder of this blog will most likely include something he did. You all have been warned. Anyway, I am really starting to get into the swing of being on our own. I'm actually enjoying it. I won't enjoy paying the bills that will soon be coming, but for now I'm choosing to enjoy it and focus on my summer class. Ew. Since the subject of my class is about humor, I'm thinking about doing my project about Whose Line is it Anyway. Thoughts? Let me know! :] Ok, now I've got to do some more homework. Life never ends for a student, doesn't it? And sis just popped me on google talk. Ahh, there's never a dull moment.
Holly: I just posted an album of pictures on Facebook titled "Post-Berea". I provided the disclaimer that the contents will include mostly Wiley and our second cat Yoda, who has not entered our home yet, but will perhaps by the end of the week (trying to settle into a routine still...).
As it stands life is pretty stagnant for me right now. I am still not employed, but I have my third interview for a job on Thursday. This involves a commute to Lexington, upon which I have never driven before but have been several times. Prayers/good vibes would be greatly appreciated as I would REALLY like to have this job. I'll post more about it later. Until I become employed I'm just trying to relax and rest and keep the apartment clean.
It's sort of strange being a Berea alumni. I graduated almost two weeks ago and it's so weird being in Berea and not having the student mindset. I don't have to worry about homework or tests or papers or any of that stuff, and I find myself growing bored and restless at times. Yesterday I was on campus trying to find a printer for Kelly and I was just walking around thinking "Wow, I'm done. I'm going to miss this place." Hopefully the internet and more campus visits will help. I need to visit people. I miss so many Berea College people, it's ridiculous.
I'm getting loved on by a fluffy gray purring mass. I hope all are well. <3
Yes, that picture is him. I love him. It's like having a child. Ok, enough about him for now. The remainder of this blog will most likely include something he did. You all have been warned. Anyway, I am really starting to get into the swing of being on our own. I'm actually enjoying it. I won't enjoy paying the bills that will soon be coming, but for now I'm choosing to enjoy it and focus on my summer class. Ew. Since the subject of my class is about humor, I'm thinking about doing my project about Whose Line is it Anyway. Thoughts? Let me know! :] Ok, now I've got to do some more homework. Life never ends for a student, doesn't it? And sis just popped me on google talk. Ahh, there's never a dull moment.
Holly: I just posted an album of pictures on Facebook titled "Post-Berea". I provided the disclaimer that the contents will include mostly Wiley and our second cat Yoda, who has not entered our home yet, but will perhaps by the end of the week (trying to settle into a routine still...).
As it stands life is pretty stagnant for me right now. I am still not employed, but I have my third interview for a job on Thursday. This involves a commute to Lexington, upon which I have never driven before but have been several times. Prayers/good vibes would be greatly appreciated as I would REALLY like to have this job. I'll post more about it later. Until I become employed I'm just trying to relax and rest and keep the apartment clean.
It's sort of strange being a Berea alumni. I graduated almost two weeks ago and it's so weird being in Berea and not having the student mindset. I don't have to worry about homework or tests or papers or any of that stuff, and I find myself growing bored and restless at times. Yesterday I was on campus trying to find a printer for Kelly and I was just walking around thinking "Wow, I'm done. I'm going to miss this place." Hopefully the internet and more campus visits will help. I need to visit people. I miss so many Berea College people, it's ridiculous.
I'm getting loved on by a fluffy gray purring mass. I hope all are well. <3
Monday, May 7, 2012
The beginning of the end (aka Holly graduates from college)...IN PICTURES!
A truly perfect, amazing, wonderful day full of happiness, laughter, hugs, and memories. :)
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| I found my sign! lol |
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| Me and my lovely friend Grace :) |
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| sisters <3 |
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| 4 years of stress, sweat, prayers, tears, and memories= totally worth it for this! |
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| Roommates! |
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| We did it!!!! :D |
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| My hat! |
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| My awesome friend Tim!!! We met freshman year at Berea. He drove six hours to see me graduate! |
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| My parents and two of my wonderful Biology professors |
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| My lovely friend Ashley, a 2011 Berea grad |
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| My crazy friend Priscilla, another 2011 Berea grad |
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| The BEST academic adviser, Biology professor, labor supervisor, and go-to person anyone could have ever asked for! |
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| YAY! |
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| My unofficial cheering squad. Friend Ray caught all of them in a candid moment. I crack up every time! :D |
Friday, May 4, 2012
Today our life began...
Kelly: I will let Holly add to this once she gets out of the shower. Anyway, today was a super exciting day. We signed the first lease to our very own first apartment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just realized...this is incredibly hard to type after having nails done. Yeah...sis and I got some fancy acrylics today just because we could! But stay tuned; move in day is on the 12th! In the meantime, heading back home to get the rest of our stuff! Enjoy the pics :D
Holly: Yay, we're big kids now!!! Sort of. Is it too late to say "I don't want to grow up." lol. While we ran around and did big kid apartment stuff, this morning I worked my last hour as a Berea student. Sort of surreal to realize that I'll never have a job this easy again. Actually...I won't have a job this easy again. Sad but true. Life goes on. I have grown close to the biology department this year, and I will miss the people terribly. They're my second family, basically. Anyway...two more days until the big show! EEK! Folks coming down tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile, I have to have rehearsal...apparently 235 graduates-to-be need practice in walking in lines of two. We shall see. o__O
Holly: Yay, we're big kids now!!! Sort of. Is it too late to say "I don't want to grow up." lol. While we ran around and did big kid apartment stuff, this morning I worked my last hour as a Berea student. Sort of surreal to realize that I'll never have a job this easy again. Actually...I won't have a job this easy again. Sad but true. Life goes on. I have grown close to the biology department this year, and I will miss the people terribly. They're my second family, basically. Anyway...two more days until the big show! EEK! Folks coming down tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile, I have to have rehearsal...apparently 235 graduates-to-be need practice in walking in lines of two. We shall see. o__O
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| Yes! It's real!!! |
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| She couldn't resist! :D |
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