Aging, Winter, and other Pains

So this morning I'm sitting at home with terrible muscle spasms in my lower back. I was so bad last night that I could barely move. It didn't feel too bad once I settled into a position, but moving was incredibly difficult. At one point, I was afraid that I would pee on myself because I couldn't get up from the couch to go to the bathroom. I'm not sure just what's going on here. I have a feeling that it has something to do with getting older and being out of shape. Might have something to do with the fact that I'm starting to get some exercise and the old body is in some serious rebellion!

I've been careful not to overdo it so that something like this wouldn't happen. C'est la vie.

I couldn't make it in to work today (barely made it out of bed) and had to cancel a dentist appointment. I did manage to make some coffee and am working on my second cup as I spend some time on my blog. I've updated my calendar of coming events as well as the calendar on my web page. I'm excited about how my calendar is shaping up for the year. I have a few ongoing conversations with pastors about upcoming revivals/events at their churches and still have the Associational Conferences in February and March. It should be another exciting year.

I've also updated the profile section to show that I've been an air traffic controller for seventeen years. That leaves just 2 yrs, 11 months and 22 days until I'm eligible to retire! Then I can sleep in until noon like Mike and search the internet for videos and obscure stories.

*****

Winter has arrived here in the Ozarks. The temp is up to 12 degrees f (that's -11 c) and it has been snowing. I think that yesterday's high was about 16 f, and don't know how cold it got last night. The snow is light and dry and it doesn't look like we'll have much accumulation. I know that I'm in no condition to have to shovel it! Hopefully I won't have to.

To brighten up the gloom of winter, here is some good news--in just four days we can say good riddance to the eight years of the Bush Administration and look forward to the coming Administration with some hope of getting things turned around. I hope that nobody is expecting that President Obama will have a quick fix and that everything will be hunky-dory by mid March. There is a lot of work and sacrifice ahead of us to overcome the incredible debt that we are now under.

*****

I'm sure that the economy has hit each of us in different ways. In our home, we are trying to be more aware of what we spend, what we waste and how we can save. Some things can result in larger savings and some things only a few dollars at a time. Recently we adjusted our cable TV, internet and home phone service for a savings of about $50 per month. Our cell phone contract is up next week with Alltel and we will probably make a change that better suits our needs and budget at this time.

All-in-all, we are doing quite well when considering the position that many find themselves in. I have a good paying job. Chris could go full-time if she needed to. Three of our four cars (four cars! That is a luxury on it's own) are paid for. We may get rid of Aaron's since he isn't using it at school. We don't have a lot of debt and we do have some security with our jobs. So even as we struggle to keep from losing ground, we have an obligation to keep our eyes open for those that need some help--a ride, a meal, a coat, some money, anything that may ease their burden and give them a moment's peace.

God is good! Share the love!

John