New Developments

So, the Federal Government has been shut down for a week. 

How does the shut down specifically affect me you might ask?

Well, I am considered to be essential - the one thing that the Federal Government doesn't want is to ever have a lack of law enforcement presence, even if we are not getting paid. 

Nothing proved that more than the incident that happened on Capitol Hill this week where the young lady was gunned down by Secret Service Uniform Division after using her vehicle to pass through barricades and flee through the streets of D.C.

My office had an influx of foolishness as well... 

This explains the mindset right here: 

No Fools, We are NOT!

This week alone I sent away two guys - within one day and I am sure there would be more except unfortunately the Parole Commission is shut down, so my warrants are on delay. 

So I know what you are saying, but they voted to give you back pay!

That means nothing to me! If not anything it makes me more upset!

It just says that those that are HOME on furlough will also get a check, just like those of us who have still been getting up to go to work every single day thus far of the shutdown working for our "essential" IOUs. If anything I would've preferred the week vacation. 

Also, now that doesn't hurry along our funds or guarantee an on time pay check. 

After my pay check that comes on Saturday - by the way, its only a HALF check, we will not get another check nor be paid back until after the shutdown is over.

So each day that passes, morale goes down and we feel more and more like slaves. 

In other news, in the midst of the shutdown, I found out that I am getting transferred out of the S.E. Washington, DC area office. Can we say "AWESOME!" 

No longer in the "hood" and better food options because my new office is actually downtown closer to the U.S. Capitol and Courthouse. I am excited for the new experience but sad that I am leaving my coworkers whom I have created a great bond. 

Also, this weekend, I went to yet another concert at my husband's church that was hosted and produced by the local Gospel Radio Station. 

Kurt Carr, Donnie McClurkin and Isaac Carree were there to name a FEW!

Backstage, Uncle Donnie was so happy to see that me and my husband were expecting. He has been coming to my husbands church for so many productions over the years. He talked to the baby through my belly and told her "now when you come out, please don't hurt anything." I couldn't do anything but laugh! He loves children.. 

Case in point, our good friend brought his 6 month old son to the concert. He was fighting sleep the whole time because there were so many people coming in and out of the holding room. 

Uncle Donnie decided he wanted to tell him a bed time story. 

He decided that acting out Shakespeare was the best way to go.

While we DIED laughing, my friends son actually fell asleep. I think almost out of fear. 

It was so cute. 

At home, I finally got her bassinet up for our room! 

That's one small step because as of right now thats ALL we have complete for her arrival in about 9 weeks.  I keep giving Amos strong hints about what I want him to put together and he keeps dragging his feet... in a minute, I am going to really have to lay down the law to get him to get this nursery together. Even our doctor today laughed at how much we have not done. 

Speaking of Doctor's visit, all is well with Baby Girl. 

Heart rate is normal - I definitely only passed my glucose test by one point, but a pass is a pass. 

She also confirmed that thus far I have only gained 5 pounds this pregnancy. 

I swear it must all be in my FACE!

I feel so pregnant in the face even though at times I can easily conceal my belly. 

I am excited that we are finally in the single digits of counting down the days. 

Also, terrified!

Hope you have a wonderful week!

P.S. I am now experiencing Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel and can't wear any of my rings - who knows now when I can update my blog. But I will make a valiant effort as long as its not painful. 

I.O.U.

 

Yup! This is what an I.O.U. gets you -

As you know the Federal Government has been shut down. I am still perplexed as to why and can point a lot of fingers at the egos that are going back and forth while the American people who work for those "secure" Federal Government jobs (like myself) continue to get the short end of the stick. However, while I am pregnant, I am trying not to continuously stress about the fact that I have already been furloughed 9 days and not making a single dime each day the Government is shut down...

9 days may not seem like a lot - but when you factor how much we get paid per day, you are literally watching about 9 bills not get paid this pay period.

So to my fellow Federal Government Workers, those who are non-essential and won't even get the benefit of the I.O.U. and to those who are essential and are working without an I.O.U. guarenteed to you, just know that you aren't alone... I am praying for us and our Congress. Something has got to give!

I have never had this issue in any other career before and its so frustrating and very hard to stay on task when you really aren't even sure why you are doing something and when you will be compensated for it.

Sigh -

I hope you enjoy your week.

Outstretched!

My husband has been busy for the last solid six months, but roughly ten months, planning a major Worship Concert at his church. My husband and I presently go to two different churches because he is the Minister of Music at one church and I am on the Ministerial Staff of another church. From time to time, I get to support his church and love that they embrace me each time I come with open arms... and put me to work, which is something that I also love to do.   After seeing my husband stress out for several months, I am: 1. Relieved that it is all over and his stress level can come back to normal for a bit. 2. Glad to have him back because when he is planning mode nothing else can really get done. 3. SO PROUD OF HIM!  

Up until the night of, we were not sure how successful the event would be.

You kind of have a vision and soft gauge for what it could be like, but until it happens, you never really know. I think I was just as nervous for him as he was.

But then I knew once I was about to turn into the Church Campus that this was a night that we would always remember. 

Before the concert began, I came out on stage just to get a feel for the crowd, while I made sure that my husband was getting dressed and doing what he needed to do in order to be in the right spirit to minister that night as well as give him confidence in knowing that his staff are awesome at hospitality and that his guests artists were in good hands.

Me and one of the dancers Backstage before the show

Once the concert began and the praises went up!

It was a WRAP! The Holy Ghost moved and we set out what was planned for the evening : to be in pure Worship mode for the rest of the evening.

Here are few more pics from that evening -

 

Now, I can't wait until Outstretched Worshipper's Concert next year!