Friday, July 25, 2008

Oh. My. Corncobs.

Lately, I've been really worried about money.

Okay, really worried might be strong. I'm not like those folks who can't afford their mortgage or whatever and thank God for that, you know? I mean, really. That is so sad that so many people are homeless and having to do things like leave their pets behind and lose everything they worked for.

But still. My expenses have gone up since I started paying back student loans and the children's afterschool program is more expensive than the one they were in before. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I have an education and wouldn't trade my degree for anything, and I'm ESPECIALLY glad that my children are in safe environment after school where they get to learn a really fun, cool skill and get a lot of exercise, even.

I'm glad about these things. I'm also anxious about these things. Because money? It's one of my triggers. One of the things that causes me the most anxiety.

I've been poor. Really poor. I don't ever want to be poor like that again.


I've been praying about my situation a lot and trying to figure out the things I could do to make it better. I'd thought about taking a second job and, you know, sleeping for like two hours a night or something. But I wasn't sure how exactly all that would work and frankly? I need my sleep. I really do. I love sleep almost as much as television and that is a LOT.

After several months of worry and concern, Jason found out just the other day he was getting a promotion. I'm excited about that and it's really going to help.

(Can I just say I'm also excited because it's a BIG validation that what happened at the last place was because those people were batpoop crazy? Because obviously if he's been promoted after only four months at this new place, then he's doing something right. And that I love him so much and I worry about his self-esteem and I can see him becoming more and more of his old self and it just makes me so happy? You know?)

Anyway, it's helped alleviate my fears somewhat. Not totally, but it's made it a bit better.

I got a call on my cell phone from my parent company. It was our human resources director.

She told me that the company was going to give me reimbursement for my cell phone. Because I've not had an office phone since May and I've had to use my personal cell phone for all work calls. Even though I'm back at the old office now, I don't have a phone or a desk even. I'm sitting at what amounts to a credenza.

I hadn't asked for this. I never even mentioned it. But they realized it and are trying to make it right.

Then she said, "We're also giving you a raise. Don't scream."

I said, "Um. Okay."

She said, "It's twenty percent."


I said, after a moment, "Can I go OUTSIDE and scream?"


Because, you guys? Seriously? About four years ago I wrote down a list of life goals. Among the hopes and dreams of being a good wife and mother and being a published author, another of the goals was to make a certain dollar amount on an annual basis.

My new salary? Is exactly that dollar amount.


I know that I don't get really preachy a lot. I make it clear that Jesus is my homeboy and I got nothing but love for him and all that, but I try not to come across as pushy about my faith. My faith is really personal to me. REALLY personal. I respect the fact that other people's faith is personal to them too.

But you guys? God is good.


Really, really good.

53 comments:

AndreAnna said...

I'm so happy for you.

I don't pray but I sure believe in karma and I'm so thrilled to hear you're finally getting yours.

Zephyr said...

God is pretty amazing. And I just love how sometimes, when you need that reminder the most, he just drops it in your lap. Plus a little

I'm really happy for you. Things are going better, and you SO deserve it. :)

Robyn said...

Holy eff. That is awesome -- couldn't have happened to a cooler Chick!

I am a firm believer that you get what you give. If you put good out there, you will get good things in return. Karma, baby!

Heather {Desperately Seeking Sanity} said...

God is good!!! And money is a trigger of mine too.. I think it was after I started tithing that my financial situation turned around. I didn't want to believe it at first, but sure enough, I've not worried... no, I have worried, but I haven't needed to since.

Now that the money issues are behind you for now, go work on the book... :D

Dawn~a~Bon said...

That is really cool! I am so pleased for you!!!!!!!

Madame Queen said...

I am SO happy for you. I also tend to get bogged down in money worries, and one of the biggest, hardest lessons that I've learned (that I'm STILL learning) is that God knows what he's doing and he will take care of me.

Yay you!!

Kelly said...

YEAH!! Congrats!! Now maybe you can get some needed sleep!

Kiki said...

Congratulations Chick! That is such great news and you so totally deserve it!

CPA Mom said...

WHOOT!!! A promotion, a raise, a book deal, it's all going well for you now!!! And? No one. NO ONE. Deserves it more.

Alpha Dude said...

Yay for you, Chick!

Yep, God is really good.

Blessings.

Karen said...

Wow!! Twenty percent?! Good for you!! I'm so glad things are looking up.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, that is wonderful. I'm so stinkin' happy for you guys. It's about time you caught a break!

Sabrina said...

Freakin awesome lady!

Coal Miner's Granddaughter said...

Congratulations, darlin'! You deserve it! Party at Chick's house! :)

Our Moments said...

THAT? Is totally AWESOME!!!

Congratulations!!! I've only gotten a raise that big once in my entire life!! 20% is HUGE!!

Karin's Korner said...

Amen ~ and that is all I have to say!

Tarasview said...

fabulous!!!

Anonymous said...

All the time Steph.
All the time.

:)

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I shouldn't be so flabbergasted, but my jaw dropped a bit there. Witnessing miracles tends to have that effect.

So freakin' happy for you I could scream myself!

Birth Sister Doula Services said...

Oh. My. Corncobs. is right.

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Yes, God IS good. But he also requires us to do a LOT of work on our own, which you have. And it's about time somoene noticed and did something about it. :)

You. Rock. Srsly.

Now go get yourself a massage so you can finally relax a little.

Allie said...

That's awesome, congrats on the raise, you deserve it. How awesome that you and your husband both get to share something, like a raise, together. Super cool.

Anonymous said...

That is. so. awesome! God is good! :)

Laura said...

That is SO SO SO cool! Congrats!!

Captain Steve said...

A 20% raise?! Can I scream? Because that is a scream-worthy number. That could also use some backflips, but I would prefer not to break my head.

Jana said...

AMEN!!!!
Jesus is my homeboy too and seriously, when you trust in him that he will provide he does! GOD IS GREAT!!!!
YEA FOR YOU!!!!!!!

Rachel (Crazy-Is) said...

See! I told you that you were somebody!!! AWESOME!!! Congratulations! Those douchewads definitely owe you a big fat raise!!

And, yeah, God is great!

Julie said...

SHut up!!! A 20% raise - hot damn! 3% is the going rate at my office these days.

Good things DO come to good people!

KrustyLynn said...

I am SO HAPPY for you! This is just the best news! I was sorta having a bad day, but now I feel great!

It is an encouraging reminder that God has not forgotten our problems! Thank you!

Ry said...

Amen to that! Congrats!

J said...

That's awesome, Chick. It's a great thing to accomplish things you set to do, and I bet it feels awesome!!

Did you go outside and scream? I would have!

Stephanie said...

SO Happy for you! When it rains it pours!

Daphne said...

Congrats!!! I'm so happy for you!!

Sarcasta-Mom said...

Holy crap-a-moly!!!!!

I worry about money all the time, and it's good to hear that every so often something good happens to a person who really deserves it. Rock on Chick!

kristi said...

I wish God would throw some extra $$ our way!

I got a 3% raise but they took away all overtime. So basically I am making LESS now after the raise than I was before.

If only my stimulus money would come, damnit!

Congrats!!! Didn't mean to rain on your parade.

Frannie said...

so, so happy for you!!!

Kim said...

I am so thankful for answered prayer! Congrats!

Suzy said...

Chick, when you wrote down that list and it came true that is called The Secret. Write down what you want in life and then LET IT GO. You prolly haven't obsessed about that amount as much as your daily woes so that is when The Secret works the best.

YOU got that raise.

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Whoo-hoo! And so, so deserved!

Angie said...

Wow--this is just the best news ever! We received some similar news in our house (yesterday). Maybe it was a good day for those kinds of things. . . ?

Oh, and now that I'm more aware of where your neighborhood is (drove through there today) I watch for you even more.

Girl....I'm stalking you!

Mikey said...

Rock ON girl!!! Ain't it the best to meet your goals!!!???
We're so happy for you!

Amy Bennett said...

Awesome. God cares about everything we care about doesn't He?

Anglophile Football Fanatic said...

How wonderful! A 20% raise? That's almost unheard of. Like as in I've NEVER heard of that before. WONDERFUL for you, dear.

Tricia said...

About damn time some good things came your way!

Jenski said...

What a great Friday! CONGRATULATIONS. I bet you'll sleep like a baby tonight. :-)

Anonymous said...

WAY TO GO!! I'm so happy for you and so damn proud of you!!

Awesome. Just fricken AWESOME!!

:)

Bethany said...

All the time!

I am so happy, I cried a little for you.

If you need an objective eye for your book, let me know, I am a much better reader than writer!

PaintedPromise said...

awesome Chick, and yes, God is GOOD!!!

i hear you talk about Jason - well, ok, i SEE you WRITE about Jason - and OMG it could be me talking about my husband... this one really got me there!

Nacho Lover said...

WOOHOOO!!!!

That is such fantastic news--huge congratulations! You so deserve it--so enjoy it!

Amy W said...

Belated congrats!!

Amy W said...

And I really, really wanted to see the number 50....

Anonymous said...

hey chick, I'm still on holiday, & I've been reading everyday, but commenting is tricky with an iPhone;)...but obviously I had to suck it up & peck out one for this post! I'm soooo pleased for you!! Word.

Anonymous said...

God IS good and generous and faithful and merciful.... Oh girl I could go on. And I'm super excited for you and this amazing gift! (sorry this comment is late, I've been non bloggin this weekend) Congratulations!!!!

Jill said...

wow just wow. you're so uplifting me at this point in time. we're doing fine but our life is kind of shifty shifty right now and hearing about someone else's good fortune is just what i needed. way to GO!