Posts

A Move & A Need

Let’s begin at the beginning.

My husband, Erik, was relocated with his job in the summer of 2007. We moved into our new home in August and sent our three boys off to their new school 10 days later. I spent the next couple months unpacking, trying to find my way around this new town, and hoping I would somehow be able to get settled.

You see, this was my first big move. I had always lived in near my family. At our old address, my parents were four miles away and Erik’s parents were seven miles away. My mom and I used the same grocery store, we went to the same Bible study group every week, and she helped me out with the kids a lot. Both Erik’s family and mine went to the same church – the church where we met, married, and dedicated each of our children. Even my extended family all lived within a 20 mile radius of us.

So moving to a different state was a bit overwhelming for this little mama’s girl.


On another note…

Have you ever noticed that most people are not automatically friendly to a new person? They may look at you — but then again they may not. They may smile and say “hello” to you if you are introduced to them — but then the next time you see them they will probably not remember you. And if you were to go so far as to introduce yourself, then they look at you like there is something wrong with you.

Maybe not always – but often enough to make a person feel very alone. And I felt very alone.

At this time, my full-time job was as a stay-at-home mom. But I had always held a part-time job in order to help out with the household expenses and to give me a reason to get out of the house. So as I began to look for work, I found myself extremely prayerful. I was putting a lot of hope into this job – at this point in my life I was banking on a lot more than a paycheck.

sweetTea Media Video in Sizzor Shak – Collinsville Hair Salon

We’d like to send a special thank you out to Andrea & all of her bridesmaids for choosing Sizzor Shak Salon & Color Spa for her very special day! You ladies looked incredible!

Also, thanks to sweetTea Media for capturing such an amazing video! Please everyone make sure you check out there website; you won’t be disappointed!

Andrea & Alex {Collinsville IL} from sweetTea media on Vimeo.

Cheers! Everyone Knows Your Name!

Remember the TV sitcom Cheers? The show takes place in a historical tavern in Boston. It is lauded as the place where you want to go, because everybody knows your name and they are always glad you came.

As corny as it sounds, this is how I feel about the place where I work. I came in late today, feeling really tired from all of the hullabaloo that this season demands. And the first person I see is Nicole, who gives me a big hug. We spend a minute admiring her brand new engagement ring (so happy – she’ll be the best wife ever)! Then I give and receive hugs from Linda (I’ve never had a boss who I like to hug so much!). I check in with Kaci at the desk – her first baby is due soon. I know from experience how precious it is to experience Christmas while expecting a child; there is a kinship to Mary and the baby Jesus that makes this season so special.

Speaking of babies, Lisa is a new aunt to a chubby little 2 day old named Mabel, and we ooh and ahh over the photos. Charlotte brings a new flatbread snack for everyone to try, and Scott passes out samples of gourmet coffee.

All of a sudden, I realize that an hour has passed and I am feeling great! How many people can say that going into work has made their day better? As I write this, I feel completely and utterly blessed.

I may not be in a historical tavern in Boston drinking a beer; however, a historical salon in Collinsville that serves up coffee and love is a perfect place for me.

I’m glad I don’t need to change my name to “Norm!” to keep my Cheers this season!

Great Ideas Start With Your First Sip of Coffee

Getting up in the morning, starting the coffeemaker, making kids lunches, feeding the two noisy cats and the one whining dog – finally, the coffee was ready to drink and it tasted terrible. But of course I drank it. Caffeine is as necessary to me as my contact lenses – I simply can’t see without it.

Fortunately for me, I was heading into work at Sizzor Shak, so I knew I would soon encounter our new Java Shak line. It is simply incredible… so smooth and rich with a great aroma. I won’t share the brand I have in my cabinets at home, but it is soon to be replaced with the shiny gold bags of 100% Arabica coffee beans. I guess this is one time it’s good to take my work home with me!