Today I fell down the stairs...

I realize the title of this blog sounds like the beginning of some silly song but alas it is not. I really did fall down the stairs, actually a few minutes ago. First thing, I am absolutely fine. Sophie did laugh at me but other than that and my pride I am doing just great. The reason I have decided to come out of blog world hibernation is because I thought, hmm. Life is funny. Falling down the stairs describes exactly how my life has been of late. Back in April I lost my job of 2 years. I was absolutely devastated because I really worked hard at that job, so much that I wouldn't even be able to go home and just leave work at work. I took it home with me constantly. When I lost my job I was sort of numb. What had just happened to me? How did this happen? I think after anything rough goes on in our life, we have a period of mourning we must do. Then we pick up the pieces and move on. Unfortunately that wasn't the only bump in the road I was to encounter. I had been complaining of a tooth ache for several months while still at my job but I just kept putting it off because I was too busy and didn't have insurance. After I lost my job, well, I suddenly had all the time in the world and decided I couldn't put if off any longer, despite the lack of insurance. Class, do any of you know how much a ROOT CANAL costs without insurance? (Let alone with insurance) Let's just say, I rather be driving a scooter that I could've bought with the money it takes to fix a tiny, stupid (yes stupid) tooth. Although getting a root canal was a pain I could've done without, I am so grateful for the skilled hands of my amazing Dentist. I will tell you this, I felt literally only 2 seconds of minor pain throughout the whole procedure. He was very thorough and explained everything that he was doing. Moving on... I was heading down to my parent's one lazy afternoon and my car MIL came on(We American's call that the check engine light, In the VW world, we call that the Malfunction indicator light, I have come to know it well.) I took it in...
Quick Readers Digest version of the next few months. I got my car fixed, money was indeed running low. Couple of months later, same problem and my car was in the shop again. It took be 4 months before I finally have now found a great job with amazing people. Yesterday however, my car has broken down again and this time it's a very large problem and will cost significant amounts of money before it's drivable again.
Before you think, "Wow, Liz is the most depressing person I have ever met and why would you dedicate an entire blog to say nothing but left and right mishaps?" I must continue with the things I have learned. First, I have to thank Sophie for laughing at me today when I fell down the stairs. When life keeps throwing you really hard curveballs, honestly, the best remedy is laughter. Along with laughter is prayer, friends, and family. I wouldn't have been able to make it through these months without all of these factors. I have an amazing family that I can call day or night if I need help. I have great roommates who have let me have my moping days but have dragged me out to do things and keep me happy. I have anonymous friends who have left me $50 in the mailbox one day with a note that simply read "Hope this helps" the thing is, yes it all helps! I am so grateful for the opportunity to pay tithing. I know not everyone reading this understands that concept but I pay 10% of all my financial increase and I give it to my church. Through that small step I have never been in want of money or food or anything I've needed. Even though the numbers scream "It's impossible" or the situation screams "You are in trouble" I was always taken care of. For example, I lived without a job for an entire summer. I lived off of BBQs and a gallon of milk. I always had someone inviting me over to eat. Besides the basic necessities of life I had a great summer as well. I went boating this summer more than I ever have in my life. I am so grateful for the people who invited me to do things. I had amazing times with my family and hours of talking and storytelling. I have an amazing great Aunt Claudia who drove up to take me out to lunch one day. I have a best friend, Rachel who talked me through countless hours of crying and trying to figure out what to do. Finally, I have another best friend Betsy and her husband Richard who introduced me to and got my foot in the door of the place I work now. I know there is so many people I could go on and on about but just know how much I love and respect you and know I couldn't have made it through these rough patches without you. I know I'm not completely out of the dark yet but I'm doing great. I know trials make you stronger and I'm getting stronger everyday. So yes, I fell down the stairs, but I picked myself up and I feel fine. Love you all!