California, here we come?

Today at work, we were informed that the week of Christmas, the whole company will be shut down for half the week, and hourly folks (like myself) will only be paid for 20 hours unless they can cover the rest of the week with vacation pay. Luckily, I think I’m ok in that regard. But it’s opening up a broader internal dialogue in my mind about the future of my place in my work environment. We were told not to worry, but when looking at it objectively… they always have to tell you to not worry until it’s time to worry.

I’m looking to God to give me peace in this. These are the times when the collision of my fears vs. my faith are felt the most. But on the other hand, this might give me a chance to go to California for Christmas! As it had stood, I wasn’t going to be able to go. But now, options are re-opening. Perhaps, this is a blessing in disguise.

But as an addendum to my news from last night, my dad also found my ORIGINAL Social Security card! That’s another document to prove my existence. I have to remember to send in my request to the California DMV to get my driving record sent to me, and then it’s license time! Ok, I say that as a “maybe”, because I’ve already been rejected twice for getting a license in this blessed state. Maybe the third time is the charm I need.

Look at all the optimism I’m showing. Be proud of this.

Whew!

I just got a message from my dad saying that he has my birth certificate in hand.  This is a relief of tremendous proportions.  For the longest time (2 weeks), I've had no documentation to prove that I exist since most of  my important documents were taken with my wallet that was stolen.  With news of this birth certificate, I can now go about the business of getting my identity back.

Bank of America forgot to send me a new check card so I'm struggling with how to get money without using a credit card that requires ID for purchases.  As you can see, this is a long and winding road.  For those of you who have seen my stress close-up, you can probably know that I've had enough stress for a while.

I know yesterday I talked about not caring as much about sports, but all day I've had an inkling to watch the Lakers' first game tonight.  I think I'll have my laptop, a book, and some NBA basketball to entertain me tonight.

The book of love has music in it... in fact that's where music comes from...

Highlights from the past several days...

Planned a bachelor party this past week that appears to have been a success.  I stressed quite a bit about having a boring and unmemorable event, but the night ended up being a great time.  The guys all went bowling, then played some Rock Band 2 in a rented out theater in Tacoma, and back to my friend Dan's house where we played some good old-fashioned No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em.  I was competitive throughout but fatigue took over and I gave up my chips.  I'm all about self-sacrifice.  We gave the money to Ben (the groom) so I hope him and his new wife (Rebekah) enjoy the tidy sum we got for them.

Saturday was the ceremony and I was honored to be one of two best men for the occasion.  I'll be honest, I was worried about the speech because with Ben, it's hard to really prepare because our whole friendship has been based on impromptu jokes and childish laughs at each other's expense.  But I think I did ok.  It was great to see those two tie the knot and get started on this crazy adventure together.  The whole process definitely gave me pause as to what that will look like for me.  It's hard to know (especially in those moments) how to give to God the future when I've felt like it was so uncertain.  That might be why I dislike weddings more and more, no matter how happy I am for the couple.  I don't feel like having that inner fight with my own selfishness.

The NBA season is coming up and I find myself caring very little about the first game this week.  It might be because I'm getting older or just more diverse in my interests, but I find I care about sports less and less.  Maybe it's the stress over the past week or two.  I'm not sure, but to see that passion fade is sad, but also a little exciting.  Perhaps there's a passion to take it's place around the corner.