Ups and Downs...

I just came back from a work retreat.... and here is an update:

• I still LOVE my job... more and more everyday
• My car cost 18.00 to fix (THANK YOU LORD!) such a weird thing.... 600 dollar transmission fix is a lot more stressful than an 18 dollar exhaust shield
• Things are very sad here today... we just unexpectedly had to put my mom's dog to sleep
• House update.... we are moving this weekend.... renting until the insurance people figure out their issues... it is temporary, but it will be ours for now (the lease has the option to buy)
• We still need several things to set up our new place, but we will work it out
• God is still is good

You must be kidding me!

For 2 weeks, I have been dealing with the loss of all of my worldly possessions... and I feel like I have managed well. After all, I have my family and friends, and it is just stuff after all. But, the reality is that it was MY stuff... and OUR stuff.... but I have held my head high and done my absolute best to keep a good outlook.

Well, today that changed. I AM SUPER IRRITATED! I have had enough. Today, while I was driving, I heard this very disturbing noise. Guess what? NOW I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS! Will someone please tell me how a car with less than 60,000 miles on it can have TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS? UGH!

No more good attitude from me- at least not for today- I would just like for something to be easy... just once!

UGH!

Many have asked...

Many of you have asked about what the house was like when we were able to return to see if there was anything left. Here are a few pics for you! The first picture shows what the basement looked like. As you can see, the air conditioning ducts have fallen and the washer, dryer and refrigerator found new places to rest after the water came down.

This picture was taken in the girl's room. This is the plastic storage container that they kept all of thier "getting ready stuff" in. Needless to say, everything was trash.

Finally, here is a family favorite. This picture is of the back of the washing machine. Isn't it funny how it is supposed to make things clean and yet it is so dirty? :) This picture was actually taken before we pumped out the last 6 inches or so of water.

What a MESS! We are surviving though... it could have been SO MUCH worse.

a much needed break

A good friend of mine had an extra ticket to the Eagles concert last night, and invited me to go. It was AWESOME. I have always liked the Eagles, but I absolutely love the new CD.

It was good to be out, and away from all of the current drama in my life! I am going back to work tomorrow. The Red Cross came to the house yesterday- still not sure what they will do for us... and FEMA won't help yet because we aren't a declared disaster area yet.

Thanks to all of your continued prayers.

Frustrating Friday

I am not sure why we are still trying to salvage things. It has been almost a week, everything that was still in our home is mud covered and mold covered. Honestly to me, it makes NO SENSE to clean up when we already know that we will never again live there... and very little if anything will be recovered at this point.

I know that we have to do what we are doing because we won't have a final word from the insurance for at LEAST 2 more weeks, and I suppose that if a miracle happens and they don't send the bull dozer to our house... the work we are doing now will make more sense.

Forgive me for being frustrated. I just want to get back to living again. Sigh...

On another note, I'd like to thank all of my YMCA family for all of your support. I have never felt as loved and supported by a group in my entire life! I am also thankful for the few from the church who have helped and although it is distant, I am thankful for elder Mike's encouragment and support.

This too shall pass..... I HOPE!

Thursday Update

Not much new to report- things are about the same. I've decided not to go back to work until next week. I am exhausted and emotional. I will download more pictures soon.

Thanks for your support and prayers.

We will be okay- God is good.

But... Can someone please tell me where Noah was on Sunday when we needed a very large boat? : )

Update

It has been a rough week. Here is an update:

• The house is uninhabitable
• We all need Hepatitis and Tetnus shots
• We have ripped out all of the carpet
• We have cut out pieces of dry wall
• We have tried to save as much as possible
• Insurance has no intention of paying for anything
• Our home will likely meet its end with a bull dozer

Our reality is that we will never again live on North Rock Hill. We are all emotional, and yet thankful that we got out with our health. Many of you have asked what we need. First and foremost, we need your prayers as we deal with our loss. We will likely need to replace nearly all of our furniture, so if you have any extra, please let me or Jason know. We seem to be okay on clothes for now, although most of our winter stuff was lost. We will cross that bridge when it gets cold. Of course all of our food was lost, but trust me, we are not going to starve! We lost a lot of "stuff" like electronics, appliances, and collectibles, but we are dealing with things pretty well. So, what do we need? Ummm....your prayers, a house (not near a creek or river please), and pretty much everything else needed to have a functional home. We will be ok no matter what happens or what gets replaced. Thank you all for your prayers, and if you want to contact us for any reason, please call Jason or me on our cells (house phone CLEARLY has been disconnected!), or email me at mrsharb@charter.net.

Love and Hugs.

A home with a view...

A home with a view…

Well, as many of you know, Hurricane Ike made it all the way to the mid-west as a tropical storm. Good old Ike was kind enough to create a beautiful waterfront view for the Harbison family.

Sunday morning the entire St. Louis area was under a flash flood warning. We didn’t think much of it. Bekah came in and woke me, and said, “Mom, the rain is awesome- come see it!” I got up and went out on the porch to experience the weather first hand. After all, we just had a sewer separation system put in, and that made it a pretty certain thing that our basement would NOT be getting any water. For the first time since we moved to Ladue, I was excited about the storm.

As dramatic as it sounds, my mood changed virtually in an instant. The water kept rising and rising. Within 5 minutes it seemed that leaving our home was going to be dangerous. I told Bekah to get the things that were important to her, and to be prepared to leave. I called Jen at work and told her she had 3 minutes to tell me what she wanted me to grab of hers… Jason hurried home, and brought a few friends with him.

Bekah and I left our house, (with Mikki in hand), and walked through waist deep water to get to drier land. It was scary as we could feel the current pulling at us while trying to fight the emotion of the likelihood that we were walking away from our home for the last time.

With the firemen, we stood up the road as our water became deeper and deeper. It was a helpless feeling, but we were thankful that we were safe. Jason and the gang moved as much as possible as high as possible, before it was no longer safe to stay.

This picture shows what our front yard looked like as we left our home. It was overwhelming.

The basement was COMPLETELY full and the water covered several inches of the first floor of our home. (Not exactly sure how much yet.)

Today, we returned to the house. WOW. Our Christmas ornaments (which were in the basement) were scattered in the yard. Shoes were wedged in between furniture. Appliances were knocked over. It looked like a HURRICANE hit our house.

We don’t know what the future holds, but we have started cleaning. We ripped up the carpet today, and washed every piece of clothing that we own. We were able to save some… some was ruined. We lost a lot of “things” but I am reminded that they are just “things.” My family and I are safe, and no one got hurt.

We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Love and hugs to all.

Not much time to blog...

Life is busy, busy, BUSY!!
There's not much time left for blogging when all of this is going on...

• Yet another show for Bekah
• Possible shoulder surgery for Jason
• Probably new job for Jen
• Lots of guitar playing for Jen, Bekah and me
• Lots of song writing for me
• Long hours at work for all
• Lots of volunteer hours at schools in Brentwood and Ladue for Bekah
• Board meetings, United Way Campaign Chair, and lots of changes at the YMCA
• Car problems (thats okay- its time to get a new one anyway!)
• Watching the Cardinals blow any chance they had at the playoffs
• Everyone except for Jen fighting sinus infections
• Super Sale at Kohls!
• Taking care of Mikki
• and.... ANTS IN THE KITCHEN! UGH! (i am getting ready to hire someone to get rid of the tiny little guys!)

So, that is what we are up to... how about you?

Research

So, I have taken a little time to do a little research on Reform Judaism. As it turns out, I actually do believe a lot of what this religion teaches... with one HUGE exception. WHERE DO JESUS AND THE RESURRECTION FIT INTO THIS PICTURE?

I went back and looked at the test again... as it turns out... Jesus and the Resurrection don't seem to be part of the equation. Mmmm. Interesting.

I think I will stick with "a child who is loved by the one and only God!"

Interesting site...

A good friend of mine and I were talking about religion tonight, and they told me about this web-site: www.beliefnet.com There is a section called Faith and Practices, and under that heading there is a quiz called "Belief-o-Matic." Despite the crazy name, the quiz asks you a series of 20 questions, and then tells you which religion fits most closely with your beliefs. It was fun to see how it linked beliefs to "religions." According to this site, my top 3 religions are:

• Reform Judaism
• Liberal Christian Protestant
• Orthodox Quaker

So, I am a Jewish, Christian, Quaker! LOL! I like to simply call myself a child loved by the one and only God!

Feel free to share your Belief-o-Matic results if you'd like!

I learned an important lesson...

... it is MUCH easier to play a guitar that fits your body instead of trying to play one that is too big!

So, I ventured to the guitar store this week, and I was so lucky to be able to work with a salesman that really wanted to help! I kept picking up new guitars- primarily based on looks (to be honest) and he kept saying, "nope- too big... nope... that one is too big too!" Apparently, I am not quite as big as I think I am. He said, "You need a smaller guitar." So, he handed me the first "smaller" one, and just like that.... I was an amazing guitar player! LOL.... okay, well, not quite... but... I could play Bm and F with NO PROBLEMS. I told him that I had never been able to do that before, and he said, "Then you have never played the right size guitar!" I wanted to buy the dark brown one (thinking of how cute it would look with a PINK strap), but guess what? TOO BIG! I was thankful that he was most concerned about the best guitar to help me want to continue my hobby instead of making a buck! The one I wanted was almost twice as expensive as the smaller one that I wound up buying.... but it fit, and it is comfortable. So, I have been practicing a lot... and I am loving my new guitar!

(I didn't even know there were different sizes before my visit to Guitar Center! GEESH! I feel silly!)

Crazy Week

Well it has been a pretty crazy week! Probably the highlight of the week was our Trivia Night for the YMCA. We had over 400 people and raised a lot of money for the Mid-County Family YMCA. Although it was very tiring... it was a great night. Thanks to all of you who came out and supported us!

In other "important" news... Bekah got 8 inches of her hair cut off this week! It is so cute. It really suits her well. She looks "sassy." We will be doing new head shots soon, so I will post pictures when I can.

On another topic....WHEN DID GROCERIES GET SO HIGH? I couldn't believe it today at Dierbergs. It was unreal. Do you really think that things cost that much, or do you think people are taking advantage of us because they think that they can?

I still have not made a decision on a new guitar. I am still looking though. Does anyone out there know any good reasons NOT to buy a used guitar?

Finally, I am so sad about the hurricane situation. How much can one city take? I pray that more people got out this time, and more help will be available. I guess all we can do now is pray.

I want...

I want to buy a new a guitar. But I just can't justify it...

Should I.... or shouldn't I- that is the question.

I'd like to register a complaint!

Bm (aka B minor) is WAY TOO HARD to play on the guitar.

There surely must be an easy way to play that chord!!

I am going to keep trying until I get it right!

Am I the only guitar palyer who finds this chord so hard??

Unfortunate Circumstances

In the past week, I have oddly received 5 emails asking me about what “happened” at the church that made me as upset and angry as I have been for some time now. Over this period of time, many of you have asked, and I have not been willing to share anything at all. I have felt that it is best that I simply shut up and let people think what they want to think. I still uphold the idea of letting people think what they want to think, but I have decided that “shutting up” about this only isolates me more from many people that I love and care about very much.

It’s really not all that dramatic, nor is it all that complicated. The long and short of it is this:

Since shortly before Brian’s “resignation” something didn’t feel quite right but I was pretty clueless about what was happening. This time was filled and surrounded by miscommunications, unwillingness to communicate openly, predetermined “beliefs,” assumptions, and a great deal of difficulty. These difficulties ultimately led to my “resignation” as well. The assumptions and unwillingness to communicate openly were very hurtful to me, and despite my efforts for resolution, I found myself ousted (for lack of a better word).

As time progressed, the bitterness and anger that I have felt have increased a great deal. In many ways, I have felt like it didn’t matter if I was part of that family or not, so it was easy to stay away.

I have sought the help of church leaders who were not involved with the situation. Unfortunately, my request has been met with a counter offer of an original meeting that would include those whom I feel purposely set out to not only hurt me, but to tear me down, judge my character, and bully me. I have felt the need to meet with those whom I believe can help to mend fences and clear the air. At this point, that has not been an option of possibility. So, I have worked hard to let go, and although I continue to struggle, I have come a LONG way in my part of healing this situation and learning to forgive those who have hurt me.

So, I appreciate all of your emails, and your questions. Please understand that it would not be appropriate for me to say any more than I already have. Also, please understand that just because of this “fall out” I remain committed to my walk with God, as I have never left Him (contrary to popular belief).

I miss many of you, but still pray for you, think about you, read your blogs (hehehe) and wonder how you are. I will continue to pray about all of this, and I would appreciate your prayers as well. God is good, and if it is supposed to work out, it will.

Love, Hugs, and Prayers to all.

Dead Beat Dads

I have heard a lot of things in my life, and I am rarely shocked, but today, I was not only shocked, I was shocked to the point of anger. I just don't get some people.

I've written several times here about being an Olympic junkie. Michael Phelps is among my favorites. As I have watched him make history, I have been touched by his mother's presence and support. At the same time, like many other viewers, I have wondered.... WHERE IS DAD?

Today, I read an article about dear old Daddy Phelps. Here is what I learned...

• mom and dad divorced when Michael was about 9
• dad wouldn't support Michael's desire to swim because swimming is a "girl" sport
• he has chosen not to be active in his son's life
• although he is aware of his son making history in the pool- HE HAS NOT EVEN CALLED TO CONGRATULATE HIM!

WHAT? I just don't get it. Even he and mom hate each other with a passion- He should have been there for his son. He should have been there when he made history, and he should have been there to apologize for not supporting him.

Maybe Daddy Phelps couldn't afford to go, or maybe he has health problems that kept him from traveling... okay.... would it have been so hard to pick up the phone or send an email, and say the words that surely Michael would want to hear? "I am proud of you son."

Here is what I think:

Michael is better off without Dear Old Daddy Phelps.

Parents (mothers AND fathers) should support their kids... it doesn't matter if YOU think swimming is a "girl" sport! It matters what your CHILD wants to do with HIS LIFE-

OH- I just HATE dead beat dads... (and moms too.... but that is another story for another day)

ramblings 2...

• going to sleep at 8:45 p.m. and sleeping until 8:45 a.m. feels SO GOOD!

ramblings....

• too many late nights of olympic gymnastics makes for a very tired mommy!
• bekah is going to be teaching a theatre program in public schools!!!
• i am really missing a few people who are obviously missing in my life right now
• i am glad i am blogging again
• it is almost time for trivia night at the Kemp Auto Museum- wanna come?
• i need a haircut
• i am hoping to hire a membership director soon
• arrogant people bother me..... even if they ARE olympians
• things are very rarely what they seem
• i may take a day off of work soon, and sleep ALL DAY
• bekah's knee is still not better
• i am too tired to combine all of these sentences into a paragraph
• i hope you are having a good day...evening... night.
• early to bed for me tonight... goodnight.

"Ursula" steals the show!

The stage is dark, school is back in session, and Bekah is already in theatre withdrawl! Here is a picture of the screaming, Byrdie obsessed teenager from the 50's who stole the show! I am so proud of you Bekah!

If you missed it, you missed one of the best performances in Saint Louis this summer! Congratulations to Bekah and the rest of the cast and crew of Bye Bye Byrdie!