I got our airline tickets scheduled last night for our trip to the midwest in September. I finally heard from the nephew who is wanting me to officiate his wedding on the specific date they had chosen. Once I got it, I started looking onlline. I had credit from a couple years ago right when COVID hit and had to cancel our trip. It's been since 2013 that we have been back there. I got a bit carried away, I'm afriad, and we will be gone a bit longer than originally planned. With working from home, I wasn't worried about being away from the office. I can take my work computer with me and have a couple work days so that I don't come back to a couple hundred emails and save some hours of vacation time. I think I have about 107 hours built up but am not sure. We also have to subtract our holiday hours from that total so we have Labor Day I need to make sure I'm coverd for.
I wanted us to arrive a couple days prior to the wedding, although it is going to be at the brother-in-law's house (it's his grandson). Since they chose a Saturday, I know we will be spending that specific weekend with them. I also want to do an overnight to Brown County during the week with my sister - just the two of us - to get away. And, I want to spend a weekend at my older brother's place since his wife is also still working during the week. So that is two weekends we will be there.... and with the other days makes it 13 days we will be gone. In between the weekends I need to spend time with an older sister and a younger brother. Never have we gone for vacation that long! But, we haven't been back since 2013 and I have siblings not in the best of health. This may be the last time I will see them alive (or them me!) so I want to make sure I connect with all of them, even for just a short while.
I was able to grab non-stop flights - thank goodness - both ways and since then I have been going over and over in my mind what the scheduling may be. I told hubby last night that I want to write down all that I want us to do, then will sit down with him and discuss his wants before I contact the people to see if we can fit into their schedule. I wasn't going to rent a car because I know my brother has 'my' car that he has already said that I can use while there. BUT, I don't plan to get out to see them until the second weekend, so I'm thinking we may rent a car. I know, added expense, but it will be more convenient and less stress... cause my brother says that only I can drive my car... and hubby sure didn't like that when we were there last time!
So the time is set 'in stone' at this time as I purchased the airline tickets with the credit I had from 2020 when we were going to go back and do the mini marathon with the youngest son, I kept digging around for the cheapest rates - and finally ended up only having to pay $28 more to cover the tickets. THAT made me happy. BUT.... with adding extra days because of the extra weekend, means we will have to pay $$ for Sheeba to be at the doggie resort. Hubby was grumbling about that. I finally told him I'd help pay for it..... but he sure didn't offer to help with tickets when I bought them! Regardless, I'm glad that is off my mind for now. I'll let my boss know what I'm doing. I will identify a couple days that I'll work while there (even with the 3 hour difference, I can do that)... I don't have much to do personally, but will have three bosses by then, I'm sure. I can schedule their meetings and get things done and save the vacation time..... although I'm hoping that I have enough hours that I don't have to take my work computer with me. Let them miss me!
All that must have exhausted me for I slept deep last night and didn't wake up until my alarm went off. It is stressful planning a trip to make sure you include everyone! And throw in we need to make sure we go out and visit hubby's daughter(s). Yeah, I think I need to check on renting a car. This trip is going to be expensive - but, at least we won't have hotel bills for between us we have 3 families we can stay with.
Ugh. Just remembered we need to go get the travel icon put on our drivers license. We may be ok, I think it is October 15th we have to have it by and we will return October 4th. But, we will need it at some point so may as well go get it. Still waiting on a copy of hubby's birth certificate; it got lost in the move is all I can figure out.
AND... lastly, we got 'the' email yesterday, just as I suspected we would. The COVID 19 vaccine is now mandatory for my company and one must have proof of both vaccines by November 1 or it will be considered 'voluntary termination'. I'm glad I read between the lines of the emails that were going out and got mine done, but I really didn't want to! It was figured out that 50% of our company have NOT received the vaccine - imagine that - and the majority are nurses, I'm sure! We may be having a mass exodus of employees as there are other companies that do not require vaccinations - at least at this time. But since it is mandatory for the flu vaccine, I knew this wasn't far behind.
I was reading in my Bible this morning about the tribulations to come before Jesus returns. We've heard for some time that the 'tribulations have started'. They are right, I'm sure. But one thing remains true. Regardless of what is going on in the world, as Christians our position is that we are to be ready for Christ's return. We are not to be caught up in the politics of the world; we are not to be swayed by the world, but remain steadfast until His return. It sounds easy enough, right? But it isn't. What if we were not to get the vaccine? What if we aren't to be political about some things? What if?
One thing is certain, we are not to be afraid of the future as children of God. We have to stand firm on the promises of God, remain faithful in all things. We are to be watchful of the enemy's schemes. Oh but that devil is devious and sneaky, isn't he!
Keep your eyes on Jesus, for He alone is the author and perfector of our faith. The Bible says so, and I believe it. You should too.
Blessings!
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