Ale for the Soul

This entire year, thus far, has flown by with rapid speed.  Hard to believe tomorrow is October 1st already.  September has been a great month, with a visit from family at the tail end of August and a new second job which began on September 9th.  What a profound impact the second job has had on my overall psyche.  Finally, I can pay down debt, save money, and invest in my hobbies once again.  Almighty God answered the many petitions I spoke concerning additional income.  What I had to remember is even blessings call for sacrifice.  The personal adjustment was to vastly alter the sleeping pattern I had and to scale back in the employment I hold with TNG.  Einstein Bros. Bagels will work out if I remain diligent and persevere.  Over time, I may tweak both jobs again, but for now I am content working four days for Einstein's and three days for TNG.  Another positive stemming from the new job is a sense of worth and that I do have something to contribute if someone would provide the op

You know I never meant to see you again But I only passed by as a friend, yeah All this time I stayed out of sight I started wondering why Now I, I wish it would rain down, down on me Ooh yes I wish it would rain, rain down on me now Ooh yes I wish it would rain, down on me Ooh yes I wish it would rain on me You said you didn't need me in your life Oh I guess you were right, yeah Ooh I never meant to cause you no pain But it looks like I did it again Now I, now I know I wish it would rain down, down on me Ooh yes I wish it would rain, rain down on me now Ooh girl I wish it would rain, down on me Ooh yes I wish it would rain on me Though your hurt is gone, mines hanging on, inside And I know it's eating me through every night and day I'm just waiting on your sign 'Cause I know, I know I never meant to cause you no pain And I realize I let you down But I know in my heart of heart of hearts I know I'm never gonna hold you again Now I, now I know I wish

As I'm about to finish week number three with the new second job, I find myself with a day off from both jobs.  Hooray!  Normally I have to work for TNG as I have a store to service on Mondays; however, in speaking with the supervisor about the status of the new job, we talked about re-assigning The Home Depot to a recent new hire.  This leaves me working three days for TNG and four days with Einstein Bros. Bagels.  Also, I have just about adjusted my sleep schedule and personal routine around the rhythm of the two forms of employment.  I am feeling pretty good about life and the prospects for the future.  It's amazing what can happen when someone gives me a chance to show I am not a liability and have something of worth to contribute to life.  The day off today will be spent on chores around the apartment: cooking, laundry, and overall rest and relaxation.  I continue to pray God will continue to sustain and strengthen me as I persevere in this new endeavor in life.  This extr

President Donald Trump's statement to the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 19, 2017, as prepared for delivery. Mr. Secretary General, Mr. President, world leaders, and distinguished delegates: Welcome to New York. It is a profound honor to stand here in my home city, as a representative of the American people, to address the people of the world. As millions of our citizens continue to suffer the effects of the devastating hurricanes that have struck our country, I want to begin by expressing my appreciation to every leader in this room who has offered assistance and aid. The American people are strong and resilient, and they will emerge from these hardships more determined than ever before. Fortunately, the United States has done very well since Election Day last November 8th. The stock market is at an all-time high -- a record. Unemployment is at its lowest level in 16 years, and because of our regulatory and other reforms, we have more people working in the United

Scattered words and empty thoughts Seem to pour from my heart I've never felt so torn before Seems I don't know where to start But it's now that I feel Your grace falls like rain From every fingertip, washing away my pain I still believe in Your faithfulness I still believe in Your truth I still believe in Your holy word Even when I don't see, I still believe Though the questions still fog up my mind With promises I still seem to bear Even when answers slowly unwind It's my heart I see You prepare But its now that I feel Your grace fall like rain From every finger tip, washing away my pain I still believe in Your faithfulness I still believe in Your truth I still believe in Your holy word Even when I don't see, I still believe The only place I can go is into your arms Where I throw to you my feeble prayers In brokenness I can see that this was your will for me Help me to know Your near

As of 10:15 this morning, I completed my first full week working at Einstein Bros. Bagels.  What a crash course I was subjected to in throwing as much information at me as possible.  Hopefully my brain doesn't decide to take a dump and lose it all by Saturday when I report back to work.  In addition to the new job, this was my tough week at TNG when all the marketing material gets installed in all the Kroger's stores.  Probably not the best time to start a new job!  But, unfortunately, that was well-beyond my control.  And, on top of all that, I had to radically adjust my sleeping schedule and personal routine.  My body is probably in shock from all that it has been through these previous five days.  Thankfully, I am off from the bagel shop tomorrow and on Friday.  Then I am off from TNG on Saturday and Sunday.  During the next few days, maybe I can further solidify the routine I am presently forming.  Of course I pray for God's intervening hand to strengthen me.  Only His

Earlier this week, I had an interview with Einstein Bros. Bagels for a full-time baker position.  Since a background check wasn't discussed during the time talking with the manager, I didn't think twice about accepting in good faith the job offer he extended.  Of course I was elated at finally finding another job in addition to the one I'm already working with TNG.  The financial rope had broken a long time ago, and I was desperate.  If it weren't for the assistance of my mother, I would have been homeless and destitute already.  The very next morning I was in for a shock as the company asked for authorization to run a background check.  I immediately went from Cloud Nine to getting scraped up off the highway.  The manager called to ask if anything would show on the "criminal" history.  We talked about the scam that prevailed over me, setting up yours truly as an example for all the world to see.  Having had several job offers rescinded to situations similar t

This year is flying by!  Before I know it, 2018 will be upon me.  August was a fairly good month, even though I didn't post very many entries.  For starters, I had a wonderful visit from my mother and step-father.  Then I celebrated eleven years of sobriety on August 18th.  (My brother and I share a birthday.  He turned 30 on the same day.)  Now I can look forward to what the month of September has in store for me.  Of course I realize life is what I make of it, but circumstances and flat out bad luck do come in to play at some point.  (Both color life's perspective.)  What are my goals for this month?  Oh hell, I quit setting goals a long time ago.  There are certain activities and projects I would like to accomplish, but I don't want to miss out on anything else as the opportunity presents itself.  Tomorrow a friend and I will try a German restaurant near the TCU campus.  I believe it has been in business for a while, but this will be a new adventure for the both of us.