Gosh, tomorrow is my last day at work. Everything seems kind of surreal right now. I can't believe that I've got to leave my family to work for three or four weeks. I think we are all prepared for it, but I have never been away for more than 5 days. We are surrounded by wonderful neighbors and friends who are going to help us through this transition because they love us. What more can you really ask for in life than to be surrounded by awesome, supportive people?

I am taking a very large financial risk right now that I hope doesn't end up the "bad" way. I am fine with risk, except when it involves my money. That is much more difficult for me. I am taking this risk because I have faith that this is the right thing to do, even though it doesn't make a whole lot of financial sense. I am an accountant and that makes this risk even harder. But, I feel at peace with the decision, as logic-defying as it may be. Like I told my Mom when I was first notified of my lay-off, I will rely on my faith until it fails me.

Oh, I just now recalled this: I can remember several years ago (right around Christmas) I was short on money, but I felt strongly that I should tithe at my church. Actually, I felt more like I was going to explode if I didn't tithe. I wrote a check for almost every penny I had left in my checking account and wondered how I was going to make it until the next paycheck. The next day I went to go see one of my clients that I had an awesome relationship with (that went to the same church I did, by the way) and he gave me a check for a "Christmas Bonus" that was five times what I had given the church the day before. God always provides. You would think I would "get it" by now and not get stressed out about this kind of thing. I also remember, after he had given me the check, I shared with him what I had done at church the day before and it almost brought us both to tears.

And I am still worried? Go figure. I'll "get it" some day...I promise I will.

Update: My size 20 slacks are really starting to feel quite nice. Not snug anymore and I can get my hand comfortably in the waist. I betcha I could go suck myself into 18's right about now. Even though they wouldn't be comfortable, at all. But I bet I could do it! And just having that knowledge makes me feel good. I have some 16's hanging in the closet. I'm not going to buy any 18's. These 20's will stay up long enough for me to get into the 16's.

Some good news on the financial front--my tenants need to stay EVEN LONGER than they thought, so that means even more money I wasn't expecting. They are paying me rent weekly, now. LOL. They are hoping their house will pass inspection on Monday and that they can close on Friday. Maybe they'll just give in and finish out the month there. That would be VERY good for us. Although I'm not sure their mental health could take that many more setbacks.