So, I have decided not to be an Avon Independent Sales Representative anymore. (Wow, that was a mouthful.) It is really a lot of work and, as it turns out for me, a lot of trouble. I had a customer write me a hot check for twenty-four dollars. My bank charged me six dollars on top of that. It is so frustrating. Not only am I out that money, the customer is probably not going to pay, and if she pays at all it will not be in time for me to avoid a late fee on my payment. This job just did not turn out to be as great as I thought it would be. It turned out not to be great at all. I think in order to make any meaningful money it takes more time and energy than I have right now. Taking payments from people is awful for me as well. This is by far the worst case I have experienced but this particular customer is not the only one who has given me headaches when it comes to paying on time. I have merchandise here that people have ordered and not payed for. (If you are interested in discount product let me know.) As soon as I pay for this last campaign I'm out. Its a relief really. So, what did I learn from my foray into the world of cosmetic sales? Don't. Just don't.

Today was the first day of the Bible study I am teaching for the women of our church. I have been looking forward to this for the last two weeks. Teaching is what I love to do. It gives me and opportunity to do two of my favorite things, study and read, on my own terms. This is my element. It went well and everyone seems excited about the study. It feels good to teach adults. Don't get me wrong, I love my youth at church but I'm better with adults. The jail ministry is going well, too. I don't do a whole lot of teaching there; more than anything I listen and pray. It feels so satisfying to know that I get to do what I love. Life really is good. I have my two beautiful children, a great husband, good family and work I'm passionate about. It has taken a long time to arrive at this place and it feels good to finally be here.

So, early this morning hurricane Ike made its way onshore in Galveston. I have been praying for all my family that live in East Texas within the path of this storm. My aunt lives very near Houston and I was especially worried about her and my cousin, her daughter. As it turns out, they are fine. My parents, who live between Houston and Dallas, are okay as well. They are without power, but that is the worst that they experienced. My little brother, who is about 100 miles east of my parents is perfectly fine. He is taking pictures of the damage in his town, which is mainly downed trees. So, thank God my family members are fine. I do not want to fail to mention, however, that many people did lose their lives in this storm. Think about all those tiny islands that Ike just ran over before making its way to the Texas shore. Its hard to imagine the damage that these islands incur every time a hurricane or tropical storm passes over them. These are mainly small nations with poor people with substandard dwelling and no high ground. God be with them in their loss. I hope that we here in the States are mindful of these people, who receive very little media coverage, while we are following the news as the damage here is assessed.

So, yesterday it rained. It actually rained a lot. I took the baby out on the front porch to see the rain. He looked so shocked! What happened to the outside? Everything was dark and wet. There were new sounds and sights! I walked down the steps of the porch to let him feel the raindrops on his hands and face for a few seconds. He started looking up at the sky, with deep concern in his eyes. Where was this water coming from? Amazing. Everything is so new. Everything is appreciated for its uniqueness. Rain makes a wonderful sound. When is the last time I listened? Rain makes everything smell differently. When is the last time I noticed? Life is really full of wonder. I think it is easy to forget that. Who knew my baby boy had so much to teach me. Thank you God for giving me this opportunity to see the world through my infant son's eyes.

So, I'm beginning a blog. This is really a great idea, (thanks Melissa.) I'm brand new at this so bear with me. I'd like to be able to express what I'm feeling and what is going on in my life on this blog, (possibly even discuss books I'm reading?!) The idea of having some kind of forum in my life to have intelligent adult conversation. I'm with my children all day,(well, Ilana just half of the day since school resumed.) Raymond does not get home until late most nights, leaving little time for conversation. I'm not unhappy with the situation, just looking for an outlet for intellectual stimulation. So, here is this blog that I am attempting to establish. Welcome all readers.